ME from Spain has participated in the most important international leading women event: Madrid was thrilled to welcome over 1,000 women from around the world!
The Global Summit of Women 2024 was held in Madrid from May 9th to 11th. María Benita Cantos, our CEO, has participated representing our company and actively networking with professionals.
President Irene Natividad and the Spanish Host Committee led by Margarita de Cos have really organized an outstanding 34th edition!
The Global Summit of Women 2024 concluded successfully in Madrid, after bringing together over 1,000 women leaders from 70 countries.
This globally impactful summit, presided over by Irene Natividad, has been held for the first time in Madrid. Organized under the patronage of H.R.H. Queen Letizia, has been led by the president of the Spanish host committee, Margarita de Cos.
Themed “Women: Energizing Economies of the Future,” this international event, held from May 9th to 12th, brought together government representatives, executives, and businesswomen to tackle key challenges and opportunities in today’s economic and social landscape.
The ‘Davos of Women’
The Global Summit of Women (GSW) collaborates with the public, private, and non-profit sectors to expand women’s opportunities for economic growth, accelerate their access to leadership positions, promote opportunities research, and the exchange of best practices. This global summit, known as the ‘Davos of Women,’ serves as an annual meeting point for female leaders from both the public and private spheres, fostering development in economic, political, and social realms.
Opening at the Madrid Stock Exchange
The summit kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Madrid Stock Exchange on May 8th, where over 50 international business leaders rang the bell to mark the beginning of the event. This historic initiative underscored the importance of female presence in the global business arena and highlighted the commitment to empower women across all sectors.
Welcome Dinner from Spain at Hippodrome de la Zarzuela
It was a fun and different experience. Located in the outskirts of Madrid, in a strategic enclave with a beautiful view from a high point. During the summer, the Saturday nights at the Hippodrome offer the most exclusive nightlife plan in the capital. An event with the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable night: the adrenaline of thoroughbred horse races right by the track, the best of 80s pop and rock with live music bands, and an extraordinary gastronomic offer to make your Saturday nights the best of the summer.
Young Businesswomen
One of the standout features of the Global Summit of Women was the active participation of young businesswomen in the Youth Forum. Over 400 local university students had the opportunity to participate in the event for free, while 25 outstanding university students received complimentary registrations for the entire summit. This initiative reflects the summit’s commitment to the development and empowerment of the next generation of female leaders.
Recognition of Female Leadership at Gala Dinner
During the summit, prominent awards were presented in recognition of female leadership. At Friday’s gala dinner, the summit awarded its 2024 Global Women’s Leadership Award to France, in recognition of the inclusion of women’s reproductive rights in the country’s Constitution, making it the only one of its kind globally. This marks the first time this award has been granted to a country.
Cristina Alberdi, former Minister of Social Affairs in Spain, received the Spanish Women’s Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to improving the lives of women and girls in the country. This recognition underscores the importance of highlighting and celebrating the achievements of women in advancing gender equality.
Boosting International Collaboration
The Global Summit of Women provided a unique platform for fostering international collaboration and exchanging best practices. Government leaders, CEOs of major companies, and entrepreneurs came together to share experiences, explore investment opportunities, and promote female leadership at all levels. This global collaboration is essential for driving economic and social progress in an increasingly interconnected world.
Delegations of women leaders from all corners of the globe.
In addition to the Spanish group, which was the largest, the delegations with the most representatives included: the United States with 89 women, Vietnam with 72 women, Kazakhstan with 70 women, Mexico with 68 women, China with 30 women, Congo with 28 women…
Perspectives for the Future
The success of the Global Summit of Women 2024 in Madrid demonstrates the power and influence of women leaders in shaping the future economic and social landscape. As we enter an era of rapid change and unprecedented challenges, the role of women in decision-making and innovation becomes increasingly crucial. This event has laid the groundwork for further progress and collaboration in the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
The Global Summit of Women 2024 in Madrid has been more than an event; it has been a catalyst for change and action in promoting female leadership and gender equality worldwide.
The 34th edition in Madrid of an event that has been held since 1990.
Previous editions of the Global Summit of Women have taken place in Dubai, Bangkok, and Lisbon. The inaugural summit was held in 1990 in Montreal (Canada), and since 1992, it has been held annually, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next year’s event will be held in Berlin. See you there!
