Conference Highlights

May 2026

Our 2026 Cornerstone Conference, Tradition to Transformation, convened nearly 750 global women leaders from 41 countries in London, United Kingdom. Attendees explored global issues through the local context of London, engaging in conversations designed to inform, inspire, and advance women’s leadership.

Set against the backdrop of a city defined by both rich traditions and ongoing transformation, the conference brought members together to examine some of the most critical issues shaping leadership today, from geopolitical shifts and technological transformation to mental health, justice reform, fintech, higher education, beauty, creativity, and collective leadership.

WEDNESDAY: MAY 13, 2026

Members from around the world gathered in London to open the conference, which began in grand style at the iconic Natural History Museum. The evening offered a joyful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, setting the tone for a week where the power of IWF’s global community was on full display.

THURSDAY: MAY 14, 2026

Programming began with a showstopping performance from the first woman to win Britain’s Got Talent, Sydnie Christmas, followed by inspiring remarks from IWF Global Board Chair Kimberly Cooper Jaqua and IWF United Kingdom members and Cornerstone Conference Co-Chairs Julie Goldstein and Susan Young. They welcomed attendees to London and encouraged them to leave transformed not only by what they heard, but by who they met over the coming days. As Julie and Susan shared, “The real magic of this conference is when the women in the room begin talking to each other.”

The first plenary, a lively discussion on global realignment, featured Alice Albright, Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Global Politics, Columbia University; María Solanas, Director of Programmes, Elcano Royal Institute; and Sir Peter Westmacott, Former UK Ambassador to the US, France, and Turkey.

IWF’s own thought leaders were then on display in Ideas Remaking the World. Laura Ellsworth of IWF Pittsburgh, Jeanne Saunders of IWF Colorado, and Suvi Uski of IWF Finland spotlighted powerful ideas to transform their communities and create change across the globe, including eradicating hate, improving fetal brain development, and showing why online safety can help save the world.

The following plenary discussed effective strategies for supporting mental health with speakers Rebekah Cresswell, Chief Executive Officer, Priory; Dr. Mary Docherty, National Clinical Director Adult Mental Health, NHS England; and Dr. Mina Fazel, Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Oxford.

In the final plenary of the day, Tricia L. Everest, Secretary of Public Safety, State of Oklahoma (IWF Oklahoma); Olivia Rope, Executive Director, Penal Reform International; and Lady Unchained, Award-winning Broadcaster, Poet, TEDx Speaker, and Creative Facilitator, discussed how to ensure safety and compassion in the justice system.

That afternoon, attendees journeyed across London as part of behind-the-scenes tours, experiencing London’s tradition and transformation firsthand. Experiences included exploring the Bell Tower at St. Paul’s Cathedral, touring the David Hockney and Cecily Brown exhibitions in Kensington Gardens, and venturing onto the Thames to learn from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.

As the day came to a close, attendees continued the conversation over dinner, including a special gathering at the House of Lords, and the IWF’s beloved Dine Arounds, hosted by members of IWF UK in venues across the city. These intimate gatherings offered another meaningful opportunity to connect with people from around the globe in small groups.

FRIDAY: MAY 15, 2026

Day two opened with renewed energy and a continued focus on transformation. Dr. Sharmla Chetty, Chief Executive Officer, Duke Corporate Education, Duke University (IWF South Africa, IWF United Kingdom) moderated a discussion on collective intelligence and the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of leadership.

We also explored technological transformation in Next-Gen Finance: The Evolution of Fintech, examining the rapidly changing financial services landscape. As Margarete McGrath, Advisory and Strategy Partner Lead, Global Alliances, Dell Technologies (IWF UK and IWF Ireland) shared: “Fintech is no longer a category within financial services; it is financial services.”

In The Global Look, Millie Kendall OBE, CEO, British Beauty Council and Jung Saem Mool, Creative Director, JUNGSAEMMOOL Beauty (IWF Korea) examined the evolution of beauty as a reflection of identity, culture, and economic power. The day also featured breakout sessions on the future of higher education, the enduring influence of women in British literature, and the role of creativity as a tool for health and wellbeing.

The conference concluded with a comedic musical performance and conversation from the sister duo Flo & Joan on their creative process and the art of comedy, followed by a discussion on moving from health and wellness to wellbeing with members Dr. Vivien Brown, IWF Canada; Silvia Dávila Kreimerman, IWF Mexico; and Anne Marie Reidy, IWF Florida Suncoast.

The day ended with a closing celebration, where attendees came together to experience the magic of IWF, enjoying dinner, dancing, and celebrating the connections forged throughout the conference with their IWF sisters.