Damascus, May 2005. Eligo International, which Mr Anthony Bailey is chairman, co-hosted and organised the first global Women in Business Forum to be held outside London. The three day event was held in Damascus, Syria, and was attended by over 2000 delegates from 40 countries. Eligo International was one of the three principal organisers alongside the British Syrian Society and Syrian NGO – Mawred – Modernising and Activating Women’s Role in Economic Development.
The Women in Business Forum is unique not just because it is a premier business networking opportunity but also because it recognises women as strategically important partners for development of their national economies. The Forum also seeks to involve professional women working with large companies as well as those owning and managing their own businesses.
A not-for profit company, Women in Business is dedicated to supporting women’s economic development issues through its training programme, international forums and networks.
The Women in Business International Forum in Syria featured key note speakers from prominent political and business leaders including HE Mrs Asma al-Assad, First Lady of Syria, HE Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt, HE Mrs Emine Erdogan, wife of the Prime Minister of Turkey, HE Mrs Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, HE Dr Buthaina Shaaban, Syrian Minister of Expatriates, HE Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Minister of Public Services and Administration of South Africa, and Christine McCafferty, British MP.
The specialist business panels featured world renown experts, including: HE Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, HH Sheikha Hussa Sa’d Al-Sabah of Kuwait, President of the Arab Businesswomen Council, HH Sheikha Hanadi Al-Thani of Qatar, HE Mrs Margarita Papandreou, wife of late Prime Minister of Greece, Lord Bell of Belgravia, Chairman of Bell Pottinger Communications and former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, Lord Alli of Norbury, Chairman of Chorion Plc, Lady Brennan of Bibury, Mr Anthony Bailey, Chairman, Eligo International, Mr Richard Street, Director, Youth Business International of The Prince’s Trust, UK, Dr Amani Kandil, Chief Executive of the Arab NGO Network, Dr Fawaz Akhras, renown Consultant Cardiologist, Oonagh Blackman, Political Editor of The Mirror newspaper, UK, Nicolas De Santis, Chief Executive of Twelve Stars Communications, and Johanna Crotty, Head of Marketing for BBC TV.
The conference took place at the Omayyad Conference Palace situated in the heart of the Syrian capital and additional events were also held at the People’s Palace, Damascene Hall and the British Embassy in Damascus.
HE Mrs Asma al-Assad, First Lady of Syria speaking of the event says, “We are very pleased that Syria has been chosen to host this year’s conference. Damascus is a city with a rich trade and mercantile heritage that is finding its way again on a long and challenging road. I have no doubt the conference will continue to act as a strong platform for the exchange of views on the important issues facing women around the world today. I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Women in Business, the Bri tish Syrian Society, Mawred and Eligo International for ensuring that the Forum was such a tremendous national and international success”.
According to the founder of Women in Business International, Mr Ahmed Suleiman, MBE, “Misconceptions and stereotypes abound in the media about Arab women and the value given to them in society. We have endeavoured for over 8 years to open the world’s eyes to the reality of the situation. The Women in Business International event in Syria will bury many of these prejudices as delegates can see a vibrant dedicated business and professional community of women in Syria that have over the years had the equality of opportunity to participate in society. We have been overwhelmed by the interest that we have received from those invited to speak and attend the Forum. This confirms unequivocally the level of respect and esteem given to the event in Damascus.”
Eligo International chairman Anthony Bailey said “It’s been a true delight and honour to play such a significant role in ensuring the success of the Women in Business Forum in Syria. The event surpassed even our own expectations and I look forward to ensuring that the key messages agreed upon are expanded and built upon”.
For more information about the Women in Business Forum, please click here.
