Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the Dubai Women Establishment, Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier welcomed esteemed guests to Al Wasl Plaza to celebrate the official opening of the Women’s Pavilion at the global event.
Womens Pavillon Cartier opening Ceremony 2021 by Saï - Stéphane Aït Ouarab 2021 - Luxury Makers-24
The impressive pavilion is dedicated to celebrating women’s significant contributions to society and recognising the incredible achievements and capabilities of women from around the world.
The event was inaugurated by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council; and Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International.
HE Reem Al Hashimy © Saï – Stéphane Aït Ouarab 2021
French politician Christine Lagarde addressed the audience, reminding them of the impact women can make when they are put in positions of power and influence. Inaugurating the event, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy said: “The UAE has placed gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of its ethos since its founding, recognising the immense potential of women to contribute to the nation’s rapid advancement – a belief that is echoed globally as crucial for sustainable development.”
“We will soon mark the beginning of another 50 years of prosperity for the UAE, and we are emboldened by the stories of Arab and Muslim female trail-blazers from centuries past and present, brought to life in Expo 2020’s Women’s Pavilion. Challenging misconceptions and stereotypes, Expo 2020 reinforces the critical role of gender equality and women’s empowerment in safeguarding the future of humanity and our planet – and we welcome the world to engage with the Women’s Pavilion, reminding us all that every person has a role to play in the journey ahead.”
Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International added: “The path to gender equality is a long path and the worst thing we could do is regress. All countries are moving in their own way but we also see regression when it comes to gender equality. We have to move forward from wherever we start, and that’s a place to rejoice and celebrate.”
Womens Pavillon Cartier Ceremony 2021 by Saï – Stéphane Aït Ouarab 2021 – Luxury Makers-57
The four artists commissioned to curate and design the Pavilion, Laura Gonzalez, eL Seed, Nadine Labaki and Mélanie Laurent along with ‘Friends of the Maison’ Monica Belluci, Vanessa Kirby, Ramla Ali, and Amira Casar, Yasmine Sabry, Fatima Albanawi, Dhafer L’Abidine, Fouz Al Fahad, Farida Khelfa and Elisa Sednaoui were also among the guests in attendance.
The Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will remain open for the duration of the event.
