PWN Global

PWN Global Summit: Your Voice Belongs Here

Published on April 16, 2026 by Sharon Schön

In June, our global community gathers in person to shape the next decade of leadership. Your voice belongs here.

For thirty years the PWN community has been a powerful force of connection, support, and empowerment, uniting 40,000 remarkable leaders across 26 vibrant city networks worldwide. This June, in Lisbon, we come together in person, turning three decades of shared purpose into a single, unforgettable gathering. In the historic Centro Cultural de Belém, we will feel the warmth of familiar faces and new friendships, the spark of genuine conversation, and the collective energy that only our community can create.

Monica Santiago and Yolanda Gutierrez our co- Presidents will deliver the opening address, warmly welcoming us as we begin this shared journey. 

The founder of PWN Global Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, globally recognised thought leader on gender balance and generations; advisor to CEOs and boards on leadership, longevity, and building more inclusive, high-performing organisations worldwide has always believed that real progress happens when insight, courage, and community combine. That spirit lives at the heart of the PWN Global Summit 2026 and the theme that will guide every moment: Collaborative Intelligence.  Collaborative Intelligence is the leadership capability our world now needs: the shift from control and siloed authority to shared purpose, mutual respect, and collective wisdom. It is how we turn complexity into opportunity, build organisations that adapt and thrive, and create workplaces where every voice truly adds value.  Over two days we will explore this theme through three interconnected streams: POWER, PROGRESS, and PEOPLE – each brought to life by exceptional speakers who bring deep expertise and lived insight. We share more detail on each of these streams below, with information on the speakers confirmed to date.

POWER – Geopolitics and Geoeconomics

In today’s interconnected world, traditional power structures are shifting. This stream connects the macro events to leadership realities and examines how we redefine influence, so it serves broader goals of stability and fairness.

We open with the plenary “Moving from Control to Collaborative Intelligence”, exploring why old command-and-control models no longer work and why collaborative intelligence has become an essential leadership capability.

The keynote “From Authority to Legitimacy: Redefining Power in the Age of Complexity” – reframing power from positional authority to earned legitimacy and trust – will be delivered by Dr Munirah Looi. Munirah is a Board member of Malaysia’s MyDigital and MDEC initiatives; former banking C-suite leader and founder of PWN Kuala Lumpur. Her career is a case study in the shift from positional authority to legitimate power.  Amy Kellogg International broadcaster and foreign affairs correspondent; experienced geopolitical moderator; brings deep global insight into power, influence, and responsible leadership across complex, fast-evolving international political and economic landscapes. Amy will moderate the panel “How can power be exercised responsibly?” She will guide a conversation on anchoring power in purpose while distributing agency – a vital discussion for anyone navigating global systems today. We will be sharing more information on the esteemed panellists once they are finally confirmed.

PROGRESS – Corporate Transformation: Technology as an Amplifier

Technology is only as powerful as the intelligence guiding it. Collaborative Intelligence ensures AI amplifies people, not inequality. We examine the key factors driving corporate transformation and how technology creates adaptive, intelligence-driven organisations.

Araceli Canedo is CEO and Founder of Power of Change; over 25 years leading global transformations; advisor to senior executives; expert in aligning AI, leadership, and organisational strategy to drive sustainable performance. Araceli will deliver the keynote “Leading Change in the Age of AI”. She will share how thoughtful leadership makes AI an equitable accelerator that strengthens both performance and people. The panel session for the Progress element of our Agenda is “Tackling Algorithmic Bias: How Can Women Thrive?”. In this session we explore how we ensure algorithms do not deepen inequality by balancing speed of development with oversight and promoting adaptability for career transformations. The panel features:  Dr Audrey-Flore Ngomsik Vice-President, Brussels Climate Experts Committee; CEO, Trianon Scientific Communication; TED speaker; expert in sustainability, climate strategy, and science-based leadership enabling organisations to drive measurable environmental and societal transformation. Dorothy Dalton Founder of 3Plus International; global DEI strategist; expert in inclusive talent systems; designs frameworks addressing algorithmic bias, leadership development, and psychological safety across diverse, complex organisational and industry environments. Dorothy is a renowned expert in talent management and inclusive recruitment who designs frameworks to combat algorithmic bias and create psychosocially safe workplaces across tech, energy, manufacturing and finance. Nadia Aime Cybersecurity Cloud Solutions Architect at Microsoft (EMEA); specialist in secure digital ecosystems; advocates inclusive technology adoption; brings non-traditional career perspective to designing accessible, resilient, and human-centric digital transformation strategies; helps organisations secure digital ecosystems and adopt cloud solutions with an inclusive lens.    Martyn Redstone Head of Responsible AI and Industry Engagement at Warden AI; expert in AI ethics, bias auditing, and governance; advises organisations on transparent, accountable, and responsible AI deployment across sectors globally. Their combined expertise highlights the importance of responsible innovation that supports inclusion and career resilience.

PEOPLE – Leadership across Cultures: New Careers, New Identities

Collaborative Intelligence becomes real through People, across generations, identities, and career transitions. This stream reminds us that diverse perspectives and human connection remain our greatest advantage.

We start with a Keynote from Dr Anthony Giannoumis, CEO of Inclusive Creation on The Human Advantage: How People Need to be at the Centre. Anthony addresses the importance of leading diverse and multi-cultural workforces and creating the environment for people to thrive so that they become a competitive advantage. The panel “Intergenerational Leadership: Bridging Experience and Emergence” features prominent voices of: Wendy Moree Founder and CEO of Moreequality, TechTogether.ai, and Sapphire League; former Salesforce Regional VP; expert in digital growth, AI strategy, and empowering leaders to drive innovation through inclusive technological transformation. Samira Rafaela Executive Reward and Equal Pay at PwC; former Member of European Parliament; led EU Pay Transparency Directive; recognised leader in gender equality, human rights, and inclusive economic and social policy development. Dr Jonathan Collie Founder of The Common Room and Lifework Lab; systems thinker on ageing and multi-stage careers; integrates medicine, technology, and economics to redesign lifelong participation, work, and intergenerational collaboration in modern societies. They will explore how five generations can learn from one another through mentorship and mutual respect. In the breakout groups “Collaborative Intelligence: the Leadership Capability for the Next Decade” our network presidents, board members, and the wider PWN community will work side by side. This is where we bring POWERPROGRESS, and PEOPLE together to position PWN as a catalyst for change and make personal commitments that matter.

Avivah Wittenberg-Cox closes the summit with the keynote “The Power and Potential of Longer Lives”, offering practical wisdom on reimagining careers, identities, and transitions in an era of greater longevity.

Robert Baker will moderate the entire programme, ensuring rich dialogue throughout. Global thought leader on inclusive leadership; expert facilitator and moderator, Robert brings decades of experience guiding executive dialogue, enabling meaningful exchange, and ensuring depth, connection, and actionable outcomes across complex leadership environments.

This Summit is a rare opportunity to feel the energy of our global community in one room, to exchange ideas, form lasting connections, and leave with fresh clarity and confidence. This is where leadership is not only discussed, but redefined, together.

Only 300 places are available. We warmly encourage you to register, bring your city network, invite colleagues, and join the reunion. Together we will celebrate 30 years of impact and help shape what comes next.

Register today and secure your place: Register for the PWN Global Summit 2026 →

We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon, where Collaborative Intelligence will come to life.

Agenda Curation

The Summit agenda has been curated to reflect the evolving demands of leadership in a complex world, bringing together global perspectives, diverse expertise, and actionable insight under the theme of Collaborative Intelligence.

Sharon Schön and Robert Baker, as Co-Agenda Curators, have intentionally designed a programme that integrates geopolitical awareness, technological transformation, and human leadership to create a cohesive, future-focused experience.

Sharon Schon is Co-Agenda Curator, PWN Global Summit; President, PWN Frankfurt; CEO and board leader; drives strategic partnerships, communications, and global community building; recognised for connecting ecosystems and translating relationships into scalable impact.

Robert Baker is Co-Agenda Curator, PWN Global Summit; Global thought leader on inclusive leadership; expert facilitator and moderator; founder and CEO of Potentia Talent Consulting Ltd; Allyship & Inclusive Leadership Partner, PWN Dublin; Former VP Engaging Men and Co-President of PWN Global.

Co-Presidents, PWN Global

Monica Santiago Co-President, PWN Global; global executive and growth strategist; leads international expansion across 26 city networks; recognised for advancing inclusive leadership, cross-border collaboration, and elevating women into influential leadership roles worldwide.

Yolanda Gutierrez Co-President, PWN Global; international executive and transformation leader; drives organisational performance and engagement across global networks; recognised for fostering inclusive cultures, innovation, and empowering women through collaborative leadership models worldwide.

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