Manama (June 8 – BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was presented the International President’s Gold Award by a high-level delegation representing The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) at the Gudhaibiya Palace.
The delegation comprised of jurors from the award’s Nomination Committee and BPW International Goodwill Ambassadors, including Dr. Dong-Sung Cho, Professor of Strategy at Beijing’s Chueng Kong Graduate School of Business and head of the committee, Lu Hsiu-lien Annette, Princess Fay Jahan Ara and Dr. Insil Lee, National President of BPW Korea Federation.
HRH the Prime Minister welcomed the delegation in the presence of the Board of Bahrain Businesswomen Society, and other dignitaries and senior officials.
In a speech on the special occasion, HRH Prince Khalifa welcomed the delegation, saying that their visit to Bahrain was an opportunity for its members to witness the comprehensive developments in all sectors in Bahrain and to gain invaluable insights into the deep-rooted culture and history of the kingdom.
He added that the successes of the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving development and the capabilities of Bahrainis to build a development model were also attributed to Bahraini women who have a long history of active participation through their contributions to various aspects of public work and service to the country.
HRH the Premier pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has offered ample opportunities for women to contribute and excel in the nation-building process and progress, resulting in winning considerable appreciation and respect.
Prince Khalifa expressed thanks and appreciation to the International Federation of Business and Professional Women for their great efforts in promoting the status of women and highlighting their issues in various fields.
HRH the Prime Minister said that he was pleased to accept the Gold Award, stressing that it was a subject of pride and a tribute to the achievements of Bahraini women.
He added that he looked forward to increased cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the International Federation of Business and Professional Women to elevate the status of women and support their advancement participation in various fields.
During a speech at Sunday’s ceremony, Dr. Dong-Sung Cho, Professor of Strategy at Beijing’s Chueng Kong Graduate School of Business and head of the committee, said that the selection of HRH Prince Khalifa as the winner was in recognition and appreciation of the Federation of his efforts and endeavours to empower Bahraini women to assume their roles and responsibilities as equal to men, a fact that turned Bahrain into an example to be emulated by other countries.
He added that the endeavours by HRH the Premier in elevating the status of women would make the empowerment of women more significant in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the future as the Kingdom turns into an advanced country in the near future.
In her remarks, Lu Hsiu-lien Annette said: “it is a privilege for me personally, and for all the members of the jury, to award this honour to HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa for his work to empower the women of Bahrain… It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman, but furthermore I have observed that behind a group of successful and cheerful women there is a great and wise leader.”
In a statement on its website, BPW International’s President Freda Miriklis commended HRH Prince Khalifa for his instrumental part in increasing the prominence and role of women in Bahrain at all levels and in all fields.
“The BPW International President’s Gold Award acknowledges that to achieve a just and equal status for women, decisions need to be made in true partnership with men, and based on mutual respect,” she said.
DD