Group seeks cross-cultural engagement, holds 107th Women Economic Forum in Nigeria

The President of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) West Africa, Dr. Alex Okoroji, has said the 107th edition, scheduled to hold in Nigeria would bring together women leaders and men allies from across the world to discuss issues around global solutions for women in business and provide a platform for conversations, connections and collaborations.

Addressing journalists in Lagos recently, Okoroji disclosed that WEF West Africa would also foster cross-cultural engagement and understanding.

Okoroji, who is also the G100 Global Chair for Media Arts and Communication and the President of the Nigeria-India Business Council for Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), added the event would provide an opportunity to connect with influential women leaders, learn from their experiences, share ideas, build networks, and create opportunities for economic growth.

Founded by global thought leader, philanthropist and champion for women, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai and headquartered in India, she revealed for the first time in history, WEF is held in West Africa to mark its 107th edition.

Specifically, she recalled WEF West Africa kicked off its two-part event with a digital conference in March to mark International Women’s Day with participants and attendees from many countries and featured keynotes from former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia and EU Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, CNN Commentator, Dr. Linda Pereira and Chief Executive Officer of System Logic Group, Dr. Audrey Mothupi.

“The second part will feature three days of cross-cultural engagement, which will take place at the Oriental Hotel, on December 13 to 15 after the G100 West Africa Meetings happening December 11 to 12 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Lagos.

The conference will feature powerful keynotes and panel discussions with over 250 speakers in eighteen VIP plenary sessions and fireside chats across the three days.

“As president of this edition, I’m excited to welcome a powerful international and regional delegation to Lagos, as we honour the convergence of many eminent, inspiring and empowering women and men from across the world led by the Founder and Global Chairperson, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, as well as our Special Guest of Honour, the Vice President, Republic of Liberia, Chief (Dr.) Jewel Howard-Taylor, the former First Lady Republic of Kenya, Magaret Gakuo Kenyatta, our keynote speakers, Dr. Neerja Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), India, Dr. Rosalia Arteaga, former President of Ecuador, Dr. Violeta Bulc, Special Adviser to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Chantal Yelu Mulop, Honourable Charity Ngilu, former Governor, Kitui County Kenya, Honourable Grace Akumu; Climate Change Nobel Laureate, Alwazna Falah – UAE Chamber of Commerce, and other VIP speakers, business leaders, policymakers, institution leaders and celebrities joining us from Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, Senegal and other countries – as we strengthen women’s global impact and celebrate our sisterhood in the West Africa region and beyond,” she said.

Speaking further, Okoroji added that WEF is organised with support from the WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council in partnership with G100.

Specifically, Okoroji also disclosed that G100 is an influential group of 100 global women leaders from across the world, in 100 diverse sector wings, supported by eminent ‘He for She’ champions, and 100 country clubs for powerful advocacy, awareness and impact across governments and global organisations.

Continuing, she noted the WEF West Africa event will be preceded by a closed-door high-level G100 West Africa Meeting from December 11 to 12, 2023 and a VIP Meet & Greet with policymakers.

WEF-West Africa will also celebrate 100 Women on 13 December 2023 with a Medal of Honour at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with the Nigeria-India Business Council of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI) and G100. and award 107 leaders (women, men and companies) at the WEF Award Gala on Friday, 15 December 2023.

The Women Economic Forum West Africa will kickstart on Day 1, December 13, 2023 with a focus on: “Amplifying Women’s Influence for a Resilient Future…” with keynote address and VIP plenary sessions featuring presentations and panel discussions on: Leadership and Management, education, health and wellness, art, media and entertainment, fashion beauty, culture and tourism.

Okoroji said the final day of the conference will focus on ‘Amplifying Women’s Income for a Sustainable Future…’ which will feature presentations and panel discussions on Business and Entrepreneurship; Banking & Finance; Agriculture & Farming; Real Estate and Investment; Energy, Oil and Gas; Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Web3 and Metaverse.

“The evening will be crowned with the WEF Awards Gala; during which 107 women, men (He-for-She champions) and organisations will be awarded for their impact on December 15.

Previously, the forum has been addressed and attended by global thought leaders worldwide including Heads of State, Nobel Laureates, royalties, ministers, mayors, ambassadors, business leaders, celebrities, and many more.

The event has been held in India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Slovenia, Egypt, Peru, Colombia, Portugal, Spain, Ecuador, Singapore, Malaysia, Netherlands, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina among other countries.

Powered by The BRAG Media Company and supported by G100 and WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council, the 107th edition is expected to gather leading personalities from varied sectors in Africa and across the world.

Okoroji also acknowledged sponsors such as: FirstBank of Nigeria, NPF Microfinance Bank, APON, GWM, including partners, volunteers, and the G100 & WICCI leaders.