ID :
180387
Fri, 05/06/2011 - 12:44
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/180387
The shortlink copeid
COLOURFUL OPENING FOR GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2011
From Zuriati Zulmi
ISTANBUL, Turkey, May 6 (Bernama) -- The opening of the Global Summit of Women 2011 here Friday was a colourful affair, with most of the 1,000 delegates from 81 countries opting for costumes of various hues and styles.
The summit may well be an arena where substantive issues are discussed but with women from across the globe present, it is also a stage for cultural exchange, according to some observers.
The 69 delegates from China, the country with the largest delegation, walked in wearing variations of the traditional "cheongsam".
Led by the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, the 65 participants from Malaysia charmed the crowd with their "baju kurung", "kebaya" and outfits with Islamic influence.
Vietnam did not disappoint either as its 52 delegates opted for colourful "Ao Dai" while all 32 participants from Bangladesh looked demure in their traditional sarees.
Also in attendance were delegates from the United States (60), Spain (50), Mongolia (45), South Korea (41) and South Africa (32).
Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have sent smaller delegations, perhaps a reflection of the current social and political turmoil affecting some of these nations.
In her opening remarks, summit president Irene Natividad said the Istanbul conference was being held against the backdrop of economic challenges faced by the global community.
She pointed out that several European countries may go bankrupt while the Arab region was grappling with uprisings which had resulted in negative economic consequences.
Natividad also said that the recent deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the world's third largest economy, had also affected neighbouring countries as well as its trading partners.
Against this background, she said, women had the opportunity to lead and contribute to efforts to rebuild the world.
"Women should count on their ability to exchange ideas, talent and skills to create a new business environment," said Natividad.
"This is the time for women to help shape the economy of their respective countries," she added.
Besides Rosmah, the opening ceremony was attended by Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkish prime minister, and Namibia's First Lady Penexupifo Pohamba.
ISTANBUL, Turkey, May 6 (Bernama) -- The opening of the Global Summit of Women 2011 here Friday was a colourful affair, with most of the 1,000 delegates from 81 countries opting for costumes of various hues and styles.
The summit may well be an arena where substantive issues are discussed but with women from across the globe present, it is also a stage for cultural exchange, according to some observers.
The 69 delegates from China, the country with the largest delegation, walked in wearing variations of the traditional "cheongsam".
Led by the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, the 65 participants from Malaysia charmed the crowd with their "baju kurung", "kebaya" and outfits with Islamic influence.
Vietnam did not disappoint either as its 52 delegates opted for colourful "Ao Dai" while all 32 participants from Bangladesh looked demure in their traditional sarees.
Also in attendance were delegates from the United States (60), Spain (50), Mongolia (45), South Korea (41) and South Africa (32).
Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have sent smaller delegations, perhaps a reflection of the current social and political turmoil affecting some of these nations.
In her opening remarks, summit president Irene Natividad said the Istanbul conference was being held against the backdrop of economic challenges faced by the global community.
She pointed out that several European countries may go bankrupt while the Arab region was grappling with uprisings which had resulted in negative economic consequences.
Natividad also said that the recent deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the world's third largest economy, had also affected neighbouring countries as well as its trading partners.
Against this background, she said, women had the opportunity to lead and contribute to efforts to rebuild the world.
"Women should count on their ability to exchange ideas, talent and skills to create a new business environment," said Natividad.
"This is the time for women to help shape the economy of their respective countries," she added.
Besides Rosmah, the opening ceremony was attended by Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkish prime minister, and Namibia's First Lady Penexupifo Pohamba.
