Businesswoman Buthania Al Ansari speaks at a conference in Qatar A major two day conference will be held in central London between 26 and 27 June 2013 under the auspices of the G8 Deauville Partnership for Arab Countries in Transition. The Conference aims to support partnership between G8 and Arab Business women to enhance economic cooperation between regions and strengthen the role that women play in global trade. Arab women are leading businesses that are central to connecting Arab economies with global markets.  Over 1 billion women are expected to join the global labour force over the next decade, changing the way the world does business.  Arab women and their business networks will therefore play an increasing role in trade promotion and creating jobs, for men as well as for women in the Middle East and in partner regions. However, shifts of economic power and activity in recent years have not always had a positive effect on the global economic climate. While many areas have benefitted others are experiencing high levels of job losses and unemployment. This is as true for the countries of the G8 as it is for those of the Middle East region.  In this context the G8 aims to support the role that women play in Arab and global supply chains by identifying opportunities for shared growth that can be achieved through partnership.  The conference will consider the way in which these changes are affecting women in the region while also celebrating the achievements that women have made in contributing to their economies.  The event sessions aim to; strengthen the role of women in International Trade. Enhance women’s economic contribution through reform, entrepreneurship and financing business growth. And Support conditions within the workplace and public life which enable women to sustain an active economic role. On day two, prominent business women will lead workshops to develop partnerships in key sectors: financial services, creative industries, health and education, technology, retail and tourism, infrastructure and environmental services. On the evening of the first day, we will also hold a Business Award evening event to celebrate the achievements in the Arab world of women engaged in business and economic growth. One of the British Government priorities is to boost business growth and help rebuild the UK economy through the support to innovative sectors trading into the Arab world - from energy to retail and from IT to fashion. As well as encouraging increased entrepreneurship by women in the region and their participation in the economic growth of their countries, this event will also promote the UK as a vibrant centre for modern manufacturing and services and a dynamic place for doing business.