FORUM '26 programme

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Introductory remarks and conversation from our Icelandic Co-Hosts

What does authority look like in today's leadership landscape on the global stage? This session explores the transition of today´s geopolitics, beyond personality, focusing on impact, economic power, clarity, and strategic influence. Leaders will discuss how to shape decisions, and shift narratives. We will focus on visible and invisible power dynamics at global, national and senior levels and explore how to lead with strength, authenticity, and results.

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Breaking barriers is no longer enough; redesigning systems is the real work. The discussion centers on structural change inside institutions and industries. How do leaders embed equity into policy, governance, and succession? What does sustainable inclusion actually require, and what is the roadmap for influence that endures beyond individual careers?

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Parallel impact sessions, hosted by partners
Individual session registration required (opens in Sept'26)

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Women remain underrepresented in clinical trials, medical research, and leadership in health care. They are diagnosed later and treated differently. Facts, figures and reliable statistics reflect that. This panel offers conversation about strategies to address systemic gaps associated with women’s healthcare and how leaders can make sure to prioritise around that.

Digital technologies are reshaping civic life, political discourse, and institutional credibility. As innovation accelerates, so does the responsibility to protect fundamental rights and public trust. This session addresses the balance between enabling technological progress and safeguarding democratic values, whether innovation can strengthen democratic resilience or whether it risks deepening polarization and instability.

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Since 2018, the Reykjavík Index for Leadership has tracked public perceptions of women and men as leaders, revealing both progress and persistent bias across societies. This session will feature the official presentation of the 2026 Index, identifying powerful opportunities to shift norms, break down barriers, and build inclusive leadership for the future.
Conversation starter: Michelle Harrison, Global President, Verian Group

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Shared responsibility means men engaging beyond token support. As progress toward gender equality accelerates, it is often accompanied by resistance and perceptions of loss for men. This session explores why some men feel left behind, and how leaders can address these concerns constructively. The conversation will focus on building shared understanding, reframing equality as a collective gain, and fostering a culture where progress benefits everyone

Economic power shapes societal outcomes. This dialogue looks at women as investors, founders, and financial decision-makers. How do we close capital gaps and increase ownership? What mindset shifts are required to lead financial conversation with authority? A strategic look at influence through economic control.

Laws shape power, and power determines whose rights are protected. While many commitments to gender equality exist, gaps in implementation, enforcement, and political will remain. This session brings together leaders to examine how legal reform can move beyond intention to impact. What must change in legislation, institutions, and accountability mechanisms to deliver real equality? And how can diverse voices not only inform the law, but drive it?

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The initiative is designed to bring established and emerging women leaders into a shared space of learning, reflections, and empowerment. Participants explore leadership values, decision-making, resilience, influence, purpose, and responsibilities of power. Fostering a dialogue that is equal, respectful, and future-oriented, the aim is to strengthen women's leadership . Our panelists will emphasise that shared wisdom across generations is essential to building stronger, more inclusive forms of leadership.

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