Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a global icon, urged for unity to uplift women and drive global progress during her speech at the Global Women Forum in Dubai on Wednesday.
The renowned Indian actress stressed the importance of “coming together and taking joint actions to create meaningful change for women across the world.” She praised the forum as a space where “diverse voices unite to inspire change, promote equality, and open doors for women’s advancement.”
Reflecting on the forum’s impact over the years, Aishwarya highlighted its role in “starting important conversations and fostering powerful collaborations.” She described the event as a platform showcasing “partnerships, innovation, determination, and resilience.”
Inspiring Collective Action
Delivering a strong message, she said, “When people from different cultures, industries, and walks of life join hands, we amplify each other’s knowledge and create an unstoppable force for change. This is the true power of unity.”
Giving Back to Society
Aishwarya also shared her belief in the importance of giving back. She said, “Life is a blessing meant to be shared. True success is not just personal. It’s about helping others, giving a voice to the voiceless, and making meaningful contributions to those in need.”
She reflected on her own philanthropic efforts, stating that real giving starts with empathy, a willingness to listen, and the courage to act. She added, “Every small effort can make a big difference.”
A cause close to her heart is the Eye Bank Association of India, where she has long advocated for organ donation. She explained, “Choosing to donate your eyes can transform another’s life. It’s a simple yet life-changing act.”
Her association with Smile Train, a global organisation offering free cleft surgeries to children, also stands out as a significant part of her journey. Additionally, as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Aishwarya has actively promoted the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
“As a mother, this cause resonates deeply with me,” she shared. “Every child has the right to be born free of HIV. The UNAIDS vision of zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths by 2030 inspires hope and action worldwide.”
Optimism for the Future
Despite global challenges like climate change, healthcare crises, and social inequality, Aishwarya remains optimistic. She said, “Our children must understand that compassion and empathy are key to a fulfilling life.
The world may face difficulties, but challenges bring opportunities. We all have the power to create change, we just need to believe it, embrace it, and act on it.”
