International Business Magazine has been putting the spotlight on some of the biggest business personalities from across the globe since 2018. It has always been the mission of the online news portal to highlight the most influential and the most reputed business personalities in our online magazine and web pages.
This year, we had shortlisted several interesting names for the award title Most Inspiring Woman in Entrepreneurship, UAE 2023. Without any second thoughts, our jury members from several industries across the globe unanimously elected our winner for this year’s title to Her Excellency Dr Sania A Ansari, Chairperson for the Ansari Group Ltd.
Incorporated in Canada, Pakistan and the UAE, Ansari Group is a holding company and a global boutique consulting firm that provides clients with elite strategy for business expansion and globalisation, business consulting, fundraising and venture capital services.
Hailing from one of the oldest and the most revered families in Islam, the ‘Ansari’ family from Medina, Saudi Arabia, Her Excellency is involved in several humanitarian efforts with many NGOs for human rights, women, youth and refugees. She is also the Chairperson for the Ansari Foundation, Director of Women Empowerment Global. Dr. Ansari is also the Senior Consultancy Advisor for Cornerstone Holdings which currently manage US$710 Billion worth of infrastructure projects around the world.
Through our exclusive interaction we learn more about this inspiring business woman from the Middle East.
1. What is the role of Ansari Group in UN Habitat SDG Cities?
The objective of the UN Habitat SDG Cities initiative is to harness the potential of cities to advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program aims to collaborate with cities, various levels of government, communities, the business sector, and development partners to create a seamless flow of data, evidence-based policy, governance capacity, urban planning, financing, and impact investments to expedite SDG progress in urban areas.
The expected outcomes of this Flagship Programme are:
Strengthened capacities of cities: This involves generating reliable & comparable evidence to identify strategic actions for expediting urban SDG achievement.
Reinforced value chain: Ensuring a strong connection between knowledge, policies, planning, financing, and implementation to achieve effective impact.
Strategic urban SDG investments: Focusing on reviewing the potential and bankability of planned interventions and identifying investment opportunities to support SDG targets.
Established local and national performance monitoring and certification: Setting criteria for excellence in projects, processes, and initiatives, guiding cities in their role as SDG drivers.
Each of these outcomes has a range of specific initiatives associated with its implementation. UN Habitat’s comparative advantage lies in its global focal point role for sustainable urban development, enabling it to coordinate the UN system in creating shared city monitoring tools and Urban SDG indicators. UNHabitat’s core strengths in urban and housing policy, urban planning, municipal financing, and urban legislation make it well-suited for this role. The agency also leverages platforms like the World Urban Forum and the Capital Advisory Platform to support urban development and investment opportunities.
Ansari Group is collaborating with and consulting UN Habitat to launch the SDG Cities Initiative in 1000 cities by 2030 through our network and to impact 1 billion lives. Ansari Group also introduces the governmental and private sector projects to the City Investment Facility which is part of the SDG cities initiative and facilitates funding for these projects.
2. What are your thoughts on the rapid infrastructure development in new cities across the globe?
Rapid infrastructure development is a global phenomenon that is transforming the landscape of new cities worldwide. This dynamic process involves the rapid construction and expansion of critical urban infrastructure, driven by the need to accommodate growing populations, stimulate economic growth, and improve overall quality of life. New cities are emerging as hubs of innovation & investment, and infrastructure development is central to their success.
This transformation encompasses various aspects, including the construction of transportation networks, housing, utilities, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and more. These developments are often guided by sustainable and smart city principles, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, efficient resource management, & cutting-edge technology integration.
In addition to public sector initiatives, private investments play a significant role in financing and implementing these projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become a prominent model for achieving rapid infrastructure development, ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources and expertise.
However, it’s crucial to address sustainability and environmental considerations while fostering this development. Striking a balance between fast-paced growth and responsible urban planning is vital to create livable, resilient, and inclusive cities. As new cities continue to rise across the globe, the pace of infrastructure development will remain a defining characteristic of the 21st century urban landscape, with far-reaching implications for economies, societies, and the environment.
3. How have several Women Empowerment initiatives inspired you towards Equality across industries?
Numerous Women Empowerment initiatives have been inspirational in advancing gender equality across various industries. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and promoting women’s participation and leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Some of these initiatives have left a significant impact include:
HeForShe: HeForShe, launched by UN Women, encourages men to stand in solidarity with women to create a more equal world. It underscores the importance of engaging men as allies in the fight for gender equality across all industries.
Women in Tech & STEM Initiatives: Numerous programs aim to close the gender gap in technology and science-related fields, such as Girls Who Code, Women Who Code, and initiatives by tech companies like Google’s Women Techmakers. These initiatives provide education, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Lean In Circles: Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In,” these circles provide a supportive network for women in the workplace. They focus on encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and support one another.
Women on Boards Initiatives: These initiatives strive to increase women’s representation on corporate boards, emphasizing diversity in corporate leadership roles. Legal mandates and public pressure have pushed companies to make changes.
Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Many organizations have implemented diversity and inclusion programs to address gender bias and promote a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
Global Women’s Empowerment Programs: International organizations and NGOs like UN Women, CARE, and Women’s World Banking work to uplift women’s status globally by addressing economic, social, and political inequalities.
Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Various mentorship and sponsorship initiatives connect experienced professionals with women seeking to advance in their careers, helping them navigate the complexities of their respective industries.
These initiatives, among others, have played a vital role in promoting women’s empowerment and fostering greater gender equality across industries. They have provided opportunities, broken down stereotypes, and empowered women to take on leadership roles, making a positive and lasting impact on the professional world.
4. As one of the most influential businesswomen in the GCC region, what are the three sacred learnings that you could share with your fellow entrepreneurs across the globe?
As a woman entrepreneur, there are several key learnings I can share with fellow entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender. Here are three sacred pieces of advice:
Resilience is Your Greatest Asset: Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster journey filled with highs and lows. It’s crucial to develop a strong sense of resilience. Expect setbacks, learn from failures, and keep moving forward. Your ability to adapt, pivot, and persist in the face of challenges is what will ultimately drive your success.
Create a vision for your personal and Professional life: It’s imperative to have a 5 years compelling vision and plan. Once you achieve a goal, revise your vision and amply it by increasing the bar higher each time so you may achieve the greatest heights in life.
Open your mind & heart to Learning: The business landscape is constantly evolving. To stay competitive and innovative, you must commit to lifelong learning. Invest in your own education and skill development. Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. Be open to new ideas and approaches, and don’t hesitate to adapt and embrace change.
These learnings transcend gender and are applicable to entrepreneurs around the world. They underscore the importance of perseverance, support, and continuous growth in the entrepreneurial journey.
