India launches women leadership 'We Lead' lounge in World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos

Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Hardeep Singh Puri launched women leadership lounge in WEF 2024. Pic/ X @smritiirani

Union Minister Smriti Irani along with union minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Tuesday that India has launched a pioneering women leadership lounge at the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos. During the launching announcement Irani posted on X, "This pioneering initiative, India's first Women Leadership Lounge, aligns with the vision of Women-Led Development championed by PM Narendra Modi." The lounge reflects India's steadfast commitment to fostering growth propelled by women.

The World Economic Forum's 54th Annual Meeting is been held in Davos, Switzerland starting from January 15. The lounge has been set up by her Women and Child Development Ministry in association with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and industry chamber CII. The WE-LEAD Lounge's inauguration is a testament to India's progressive stance on gender inclusivity and the active role women can and should play in shaping economic and societal landscapes.

"Throughout the five-day event at World Economic Forum, WE-LEAD Lounge will host insightful sessions where global leaders, politicians, development institutions, industry magnates, think tanks, and media luminaries will engage in impactful discussions, envisioning a future where women lead, inspire, and propel global economic advancement", she added.

We Lead Lounge - set up to showcase women leadership in India Engagement Centre, pavilions are expected to set up by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka, and IT majors like Wipro, Infosys, TCS and HCL Tech showcasing power of AI and technology. About a dozen Indian lounges have dominated the main Promenade street of Davos since the WEF annual meet begun on Monday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will attend the WEF at Davos. He stressed that Maharashtra will get a chance for branding and showcasing at the international level at the World Economic Forum. Shinde recalled that Maharashtra has signed MoUs worth Rs 1,37,000 crores during WEF 2023 and there was a 76 per cent conversion and execution took place.

Meanwhile, the Telangana government launched the Invest in Telangana campaign at the World Economic Forum, said an official statement by CMO on Tuesday. The delegation of Telangana held key discussions with many prominent people on the first day, intending to attract huge investments to showcase the strengths of Telangana, which has developed as a major centre for IT and biomedical sciences.

(With ANI inputs)