“Do not fear failure – you will learn better from it”

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is the United Arab Emirates’ Minister for Tolerance. She was previously Minister of International Cooperation and Development and was the first woman in the UAE to hold a ministerial position.

Sheikha Lubna is a member of the Education Commission that investigated the funding of global learning and has been a passionate advocate of women’s rights and girls’ education.

Who inspired you when you were younger? And who inspires you now?

As a young girl my mother and father inspired me the most. They both encouraged me to excel in my school. 

My mother is very disciplined and my late father was creative and adventurous and he travelled a lot. I have my mother’s discipline and my father’s love for travel and to see the world.

Two legendary women inspire me, for their power, charisma, wisdom and influence on the world: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

What challenges did you have to overcome to get where you are today?

I had many challenges in my life as the first female computer engineer and first female government minister. 

I managed well by committing to hard work and showing results. This made it easy to be accepted and trusted.

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you? And what advice do you have for younger girls and women?

Be true to yourself. Respect others if you want to be respected and do not fear failure, you will learn better from it. I would advise all young girls and women the same.

What has been your biggest achievement in life so far?

My biggest achievement in life has been opening doors for women in the UAE. Being an agent of change for young girls and women in the UAE and Arab world.

What skills or attributes do you think women bring to the workplace?

I think women bring a lot to the workplace. Positive energy and optimism, good communication and a culture of diversity and creativity.