On July 4, 2026, Ms. Zhao Meiling, President of the Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia and Africa (WEDS.AA), was invited to attend the Women's Forum hosted by The Education University of Hong Kong (EduHK). The forum, themed "She Leads Hong Kong's Tide, Co-Creating Diversity," brought together over 100 distinguished women and experts from various sectors of Hong Kong.

The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Lee Chi-Kin, President of EduHK and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). More than ten guest speakers delivered speeches.

President Zhao Meiling delivered a keynote speech on how women's leadership can shape a more inclusive society. She pointed out that women's leadership is the gentlest, most enduring, and most resilient force for bridging divides, reconciling differences, and fostering a pluralistic and integrated society. True social integration, she emphasized, is not about eliminating differences or pursuing uniformity, but about respecting diversity, seeing each other, supporting one another, and achieving shared growth and coexistence.

Drawing on years of experience in international public welfare work, she shared her insights on how women's leadership promotes social inclusion from three perspectives: First, consolidate through education – to achieve cultural inclusiveness and intergenerational harmony.

Second, empower as a safety net – to narrow development gaps and strengthen the foundation of social tolerance.

Third, build bridges through dialogue – to break down civilizational barriers with the soft power of women.

She stressed that genuine women's leadership does not lie in control or assertiveness, but in connection and symbiosis; not in momentary clamor, but in lasting nourishment. Integration, she said, is never the work of one person or one day; it is the spirit of an era built by countless glimmers of light, countless acts of kindness, and countless persistent efforts.

She expressed firm confidence that, in the face of new opportunities and challenges brought by a changing world, women will stand at the forefront. With gentleness, they will break down barriers; with resilience, they will build diverse and inclusive communities; with vision, they will co-create a shared civilization of harmony.

zerenbianji:lichuanjun