AISHWARYA RAI INTERNATIONAL STAR @ THE GLOBAL WOMEN’S FORUM DUBAI 2024

Where talent and opportunity is equal for everybody irrespective of being man or woman. For me as a college kid overnight I had the opportunity to represent India and the Indian woman internationally. That was my one time to go out there and experience beauty with a purpose. To help take the message ahead, to give voice to these ideas where we want to collaborate, come together and give a strong platform for the women in cinema. Namaste, good afternoon your excellencies, distinguished guests, all you beautiful ladies and our gentlemen who are here with us today. Oh it is an honor and absolute privilege to be here at the Global Women's Forum in Dubai 2024. A platform that since its inception has consistently championed the empowerment of women across all spheres of life. This summit is a shining example of what can be achieved when voices from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared purpose to inspire change, foster equality and create opportunities for women worldwide. Let us begin by applauding the commendable work that the summit has accomplished over the years. From driving critical conversations to initiating impactful collaborations, the Global Summit for Women has been instrumental in reshaping narratives and amplifying the voices of women in leadership, entrepreneurship and community development. This gathering is more than just an event, it is a legacy of empowerment. One that continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Allow me to take a moment to acknowledge and applaud the distinguished panel of speakers that you all have had the privilege of giving audience to. Their insights and experiences have reminded us of the power of partnerships, innovations, determination and resilience. Whether you're leading multinational organizations, driving policy changes or innovating in your respective fields, each one of you is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. To everyone listening, you too serve a source of inspiration, representing the change makers of today and tomorrow, transforming discussions into meaningful action. When individuals from diverse cultures, industries and walks of life come together, we not only amplify each other's insights but also create a force of change, that which is unstoppable. A testament to the power of collective action. Today, I have been requested to speak on my advocacy for social causes and the transformative power of philanthropy. Life is a blessing, one that is meant to be shared. That is something that I've always tried to live by, the essence of my journey, both personally and professionally. And it is this belief that transcends individual success, to give back to society, to advocate for those without a voice and to make meaningful, significant differences for people in need. From the earliest days of my career, I recognized the infinite potential of belonging to a global platform, a blessing that I have had the privilege of experiencing, all thanks to the unconditional love, support, encouragement and blessings of my audience. And it is that very audience that has given me the conviction to recognize that this platform could contribute and potentially bring meaningful change, inspiring to lend voice to causes that needed further acceleration for the incredible ongoing work. The encouraging response to my giving voice to the dedicated work done by the Eye Bank Association of India showed how one could transform the lives in the simplest effective way, an individual's decision to give the gift of eyesight once they have passed on could illuminate another's life forever. Simple, effective, transformative. Another deadly disease becoming too common for comfort, cancer, remains an ongoing battle for an alarming number of human beings at this point in time in the world. My commitment to working with the Cancer Patients Aid Association spans many years and I continue working with them to spread awareness, provide support, raise aid, donations, funds and bring hope to countless individuals and families battling this devastating disease. Cancer became deeply personal too and personal experiences strengthened resolve with greater impetus and determination. Cancer is a growing global health crisis and the numbers are staggering. In the last five years alone, the incidence of cancer has risen alarmingly with reports indicating a 20 to 30 percent increase globally. As recently as 2022, nearly 20 million new cases were diagnosed and cancer now accounts for almost 10 million deaths annually. Closer to home in India, over 1.4 million new cases are reported every year and projections suggest that even a sharper rise is expected by 2030. A stark reminder of how colossal this battle is. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent real lives, families and stories of struggle. They remind us of how much more needs to be done. I remain committed to this cause, joining hands with organizations like CBAA and many others who tirelessly work to bring light into the lives of those fighting cancer. Together I believe we can bring aid, hope and healing. Another cause extremely close to my heart is my association with Smile Train, a global organization that provides free cleft surgeries for children. The work Smile Train does is transformative not just for the children who undergo surgery but also for their families. For a child born with a cleft lip or palate, it can mean the difference between a life filled with stigma or one filled with opportunities. I am deeply grateful to Smile Train for honoring my late father by celebrating his birthday on the 20th of November every year as the day of smiles and knowing that his legacy now lives through the smiles of children all over the world is truly a blessing. Thank you so much. The statistics behind Smile Train's impact is nothing short of inspiring. Since its inception the organization has provided 1.5 million cleft surgeries globally and more than 120,000 surgeries are being performed each year. In India alone, Smile Train has partnered with over a hundred