The Power of Influence Day 2

Today felt much more relaxed at the We-Fi/GWFD conference; mainly because I was dressed more like my normal self and we were very focused on which sessions we wanted to attend. There were fewer delegates too. I guess Ivanka Trump was a bigger pull than I realised. We, however, were there to see/listen to Theresa May and we got to do that and more.

Firstly, we had great seats... the third row, right in front of the platform. We listened to some very interesting panel discussions and Game Changers, the most amazing of whom had to be Hillary Yip, a now fourteen-year-old entrepreneur who became CEO of her own company at age 10. Yes. True story. She created a fun education app for kids that is changing everything!

Other highlights of the day was me meeting an AI robot. He didn't answer any of my questions but I loved the way he looked at me when I talked to it!! Too cute.

I can't believe how many Ambassadors, Ministers and ex-heads of states have been part of this event. It's been great to get to hear some of our local ones. They have been very articulate, highly educated and passionate about bringing real change in a much-needed part of the world. There are so many good things being done at the grass-roots level to be hopeful that things will improve. A scary statistic thrown out today was that if things continue at their present rate, we won't see gender parity for another 50 years. Realistically, in some parts of the world, it's double that. :(  Here in the UAE, they are making great strides in this area, with events like this backed and organised by the Ruler himself.

We had our friend Farzan with us today so had company walking from the car to the venue. G identified a spot closer than yesterday so there was no need for a taxi.

And in the evening, I got together things I want to send to SweetArt. Friends of hers are in Dubai and they are willing to carry things back. Facemasks and hand sanitiser are top of the list!