Welcoming Remarks Framing the Future of Finance

Thank you. U welcome everybody. Uh it's a privilege to be here. Um my name is Kala Dazim and I have the privilege of being the uh leading the Mina Futures Lab at the Atlantic Council. The MINA Futures Lab is a new initiative dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across this vibrant region.

At the heart of our mission is human capital development. At the very core of that mission is our commitment to upskilling and uplifting female talent. The work could not be more timely. As the region uh accelerates this transformation from hydrocarbon sector economies to knowledgebased economies, success will hinge on the capability and the capacity of our entire population. Women must be at the center of this transition.

Already the Middle East is home to some of the world's most dynamic and creative female entrepreneurs. In fact, on a per capita basis, the region has among the highest rates of female entrepreneurship globally. We need women in finance. We need women for finance. Only then can we unlock the full capabilities and imaginations of the people of this region.

Only then can we succeed. I want to express uh my gratitude to Abu Dhabi Finance Week for partnering with us for the past three years to championing this vital topic of women in finance. On behalf of the Atlantic Council, thank you all for being here and thank you for supporting this important work.