Spotlight Put On Empowering Women Through Design At UN Headquarters

NEW YORK, July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowering women was on the agenda at the United Nations Headquarters as the 2014 'Empowering Women through Design' symposium made its first stop in New York City before moving on to Paris and Moscow next year.  

On July 18^th, the 2014 symposium and charity gala dinner was hosted by the China Women's Development Foundation (CWDF), the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) and the Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF), at the United Nations Headquarters.

The international list of distinguished speakers, panelists, and attendees included Ann De La Roche, Chief of Operation UNOP; Qin, GuoYing, Vice Chairwoman & Secretary General of China Women's Development Foundation; Kristin Hetle, Director of Strategic Partnerships Division UN Women; Zhang, MeiFang, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in NY; Yao, ShaoJun, Chief of the Social Affairs of the Permanent Mission of China to UN; Stewart J. Greenleaf, State Senator of Pennsylvania; Peter Zhang, President of Sino-American Friendship Association; Li, Li,  President of Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation; Cindy Ye, President of ANL Express and other special guests.

The event started with a leadership symposium between leaders in business, fashion, and international affairs. "In the context of globalization, this exchange between cultures and countries has benefitted women greatly and has expanded and given them more rights," said Qin, GuoYing, Vice Chairwoman & Secretary General of the CWDF. The symposium not only allowed leaders to meet and discuss important societal issues, but also helped to connect China with other organizations and promote development, philanthropy and future projects. The role of women was certainly made clear and their role is now more important than ever.

The symposium was followed by a charity dinner supported by Tiffany & Co., ANL Express, Frallain Inc., CREALAB Studios LLC, MODU, and RABLABS to benefit the "Water Cellar for Mothers" Project, which supports poverty stricken women and families in both China and Kenya.  More than 40 exquisite works from well-known artists from Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa were auctioned off. All proceeds from the auction were donated to the charities. Speeches were given by industry leaders and officials, highlighting the importance of the event and congratulating organizers on the success of the day. The evening was a memorable night as guests dined together and shared ideas with each other to show their support of empowering women everywhere.

SOURCE Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA)