Bangkok, 14 January, 2020 – Preparations are being finalised for the prestigious 2020 Global Summit of Women (2020 GSW) that is scheduled to take place at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld in Bangkok, from 23 to 25 April, 2020.
The opening ceremony will be presided over by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who will also deliver the keynote speech. The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by key women ministers from several countries from around ASEAN, plus from as far away as Africa and South America.
“We look forward to bringing a global gathering of women to Thailand, world-renowned for its beauty, but not yet as well-known for its dynamic economy, where many women lead enterprises of all sizes,” Ms. Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women said. “That Thailand rank high in women’s economic participation, both regionally and globally, making it an ideal venue under the 2020 Summit theme: ‘Women: Revolutionise Economies’. This reflects women’s roles in raising national GDP globally, as they entering the workforce as managers and altering business models and practices now and in the future.”
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, former Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chair of the Thai Host Committee, agreed. “We are confident that the 2020 GSW has made the right decision to host its 30th anniversary in Thailand, the country where Thai women play a pivotal role in creating and impacting development in all sectors – agricultural, community, industry, banking and finance, technology, transportation, energy, tourism and hospitality, as well as meetings and events. Thailand can be another notable case study and inspire global women leaders to move forward together, using their capabilities to help develop nations. More importantly, Thai women leaders will continue to move forward in developing a strong Thailand.”
Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, Tourism Authority of Thailand, which supports the hosting of the 2020 GSW in Bangkok, said, “Thailand’s positive image as a preferred destination will be strengthened with the hosting of the 2020 GSW. The event will showcase the kingdom as a female-friendly destination, spotlighting TAT’s ongoing marketing activities for this particular tourist segment. Women not only have more purchasing power, but are often the primary decision-makers for destinations, length of stay and budgets.”
Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said, “TCEB is pleased to support the hosting of the 2020 GSW in Bangkok and welcome over 1,000 female leaders from all over the world. The event, which is estimated to generate 80 million Baht revenue to the Thai economy, is in line with TCEB’s strategy to help drive the Thai economy through providing support to the hosting of global events in Thailand. We hope that delegates attending the 2020 GSW will realise the important role of Thai women leaders in developing the nation, as well as the capabilities of Thailand as a leading destination for international events.”
At the same time, the Thai host committee believes that the 2020 GSW will help Thai women leaders learn and enhance their strengths from other global women leaders while building and expanding personal networks based on a foundation of passion, understanding and friendship. All endeavours have been done to make this meeting a very special one to mark its 30th anniversary by placing focus on making it a ‘carbon neutral’ event with all participants from around the world having a hand in environmental conservation. The event will also invite local communities from around Thailand to present their products, thus creating new business opportunities for local communities to expand internationally.
“As in past years, women leaders ranging from cabinet ministers to CEOs of major companies, entrepreneurs, along with senior executives of multinational corporations, are all expected to participate in the three-day summit. Large delegations of businesswomen are also expected from China, South Africa, Vietnam, France, Spain, Mexico, Germany and Kazakhstan, to name a just few. Given the global momentum behind creating a level playing field for women triggered by #MeToo, global women’s marches, the public support for the US Women’s soccer team’s fight for equal pay, we expect a dynamic, fact-filled and engaging conference showcasing what can be done to move the needle on economic equity for women,” Ms. Natividad, concluded.
In Group Photo, from left: Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, former Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chair of the Thai Host Committee (2nd left); Ms. Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women (3rd left) and Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (right).
