India scripts breakthrough at Davos on global gender equality; Minister Irani stitches mega alliance

Some of the other partners who have been onboarded to support the alliance include Stride Ventures, Industree Foundation, SAP, AWE Foundation, Bankers Without Borders, AVPN, Women in Global Health, Frontier Markets, Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, European Investment Bank, Zoom, Bayer, Novartis, and IMD Laussane.

Announcing the establishment of the alliance on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, the Indian statement said, "This initiative marks a significant stride toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality and empowerment, and global partnerships for development... We hope to reinforce India's position as a proactive force in the pursuit of a more inclusive and sustainable world."

The alliance will also be supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with the World Economic Forum serving as a ‘Network Partner’ and Invest India playing the role of ‘Institutional Partner’.

Archna Vyas, Director of Policy and Communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, "The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is thrilled to partner with India, the Center for Women Leadership at CII and many public, private, development partners and WEF at the launch of the Alliance for Global Good on Gender Equity and Equality, led by India. It is a very timely and commendable initiative that has successfully focused attention on the issue of gender empowerment and women-led development on the world stage, to inspire all to take action for ensuring gender equity and equality faster."

The alliance is the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and efforts to stitch the alliance together were spearheaded by Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani. The breakthrough came on the sidelines of the WEF at Davos.

Commenting on the alliance, Irani said: "An India that is propelled towards a greater future will leave no one behind is what this alliance that is dedicated to global good and particularly focuses on gender, health, education and enterprise resolutely says, in the footsteps of the Prime Minister, that when we grow, that growth is incomplete till every citizen is taken on that path of success. So, to all those industry partners, who said they will help only when India called and gave so in terms of their support in writing our gratitude, because that one phone call and your ‘Yes’ is an indication of your belief in India, that today India will lead not only in the growth story, but in the inclusive growth story is what this alliance is all about."