The 2024 BRICS Women's Leadership Forum was held in Beijing on Tuesday, diving into discussions on women's leadership and responsibility, as well as ways to empower women and foster global cooperation.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, speakers delved into a range of topics under the theme of "Value Diversity, Shared Prosperity", including supply chains, digital transformation, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), and cultural exchanges.
Notably, the term "She power" was championed throughout the forum, underscoring women's active engagement in crucial sectors such as economy, industry and culture among BRICS nations and their potential to further expand related cooperation on a global scale.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, put forth proposals to enhance cooperation among women in the business community of BRICS countries, while highlighting the significance of empowering women.
"Today, in addition to outstanding female entrepreneurs from China, we also have distinguished female entrepreneurs from diverse industries in BRICS and 'BRICS Plus' countries present here," Ren said at the opening ceremony.
"I would like to propose three suggestions for further advancing and enhancing cooperation among women in the business community of BRICS countries. First, opportunities should be created for women to demonstrate their sense of responsibility in promoting the stability and development of global supply and industrial chains. Second, efforts should be made in enabling women to play a greater role in promoting practical cooperation within BRICS and driving sustainable global economic development. Third, we should contribute more to the advancement of women's causes," he said.
Ren also promoted the upcoming second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) scheduled for Nov 26-30 in Beijing, urging greater female participation in this key event for a stable global supply chain.
BRICS is the acronym for an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially featured Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. On Jan 1, 2024, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia joined the bloc, doubling its membership from 5 to 10.
Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, highlighted the growing authority and international role of the expanded bloc. As Russia holds the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Nesterova emphasized their commitment to facilitating the harmonious integration of new participants.
"Since January 1, Russia for the first time is chairing the BRICS, which from this year officially includes ten states. Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joined BRICS as new full members. The expansion of the BRICS speaks of the growing authority of the association and its role in the international affairs. Russian presidency in the BRICS under the motto "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security" focuses on positive and constructive corporation with all countries concerned, facilitating harmonious integration of new participants in all formats of its activities," Nesterova said.
Following the opening ceremony, high-end panel talks were held, addressing women's leadership and responsibility in tackling global economic challenges, providing innovative solutions in the hi-tech era, and promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning.
A report on BRICS women's development was also released at the event, highlighting women's capabilities to play a much greater role in trade, science, education and entrepreneurship.
BRICS women leaders convene in Beijing to champion "She Power" on global stage
