Overview

The International Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 will convene women heads of delegation, parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders and representatives of civil society across two principal venues: Washington, D.C. and the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Summit will begin in Washington, D.C. from 5–7 October 2026, followed by sessions at the United Nations Headquarters from 7–9 October 2026 during the high-level diplomatic season. Together, these two settings provide a dual-track platform for advancing women’s leadership in global agenda-setting, international negotiations and economic governance, linking U.S. policy engagement with the multilateral system.

Guided by the principles of dignity, equity, voice, opportunity and peace, the Summit will prioritise strategic dialogue and cross-regional coalition-building among decision-makers operating at the highest political level. It will aim to strengthen transnational networks capable of influencing global policy discourse and advancing measurable progress in women’s political representation, diplomatic leadership and economic participation. By bridging high-level U.S. policy engagement in Washington, D.C. with the central forum of the United Nations in New York, the Summit will underscore the role of women’s leadership in shaping international peace, security and inclusive development.

Summit Locations

The Summit will be hosted in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. House of Representatives and in New York City at United Nations Headquarters, and across a number of significant political, historic and cultural venues throughout the cities.

Participants »

Participation in the Summit is open to government and diplomatic officials, academics, artists, representatives of civil society, members of the private sector, and young professionals.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the forum, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:

Participant Papers »

The summit Committee encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Conference. The Committee would therefore like to welcome the participants of the event to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the event  as well as being included in the proposal document that will be issued following the event and will be sent to all governments and leaders of the international community.