International Women’s Forum to Convene Global Women Leaders in London for 2026 Cornerstone Conference

International Women’s Forum to Convene Global Women Leaders
in London for 2026 Cornerstone Conference

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, May 4, 2026 — The International Women’s Forum (IWF) will convene women leaders from over 40 countries in London for its 2026 Cornerstone Conference, taking place May 13–15. The conference will bring together over 750 leaders from IWF’s global network, spanning business, government, science, media, and the nonprofit sector, to address the most pressing issues shaping leadership today. 

“Geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and social change are rewriting the rules of leadership,” said Kimberly Cooper Jaqua, IWF Global Board Chair. “IWF’s members are uniquely positioned to meet these dynamic times with clarity, purpose, and agility, and the Cornerstone Conference in London will bring together extraordinary leaders to exchange ideas and drive meaningful progress across industries and communities worldwide.” 

This year’s theme, “Tradition to Transformation,” draws on London’s historic roots while reflecting its modern momentum. Programming will examine the pressing issues facing women leaders worldwide, including geopolitical uncertainty, the role of mental health in individual and societal wellbeing, the implications of a rapidly evolving fintech sector, an international perspective on justice reform’s impact on women, the future of higher education, the evolving definition of beauty, and leadership as a collective act. 

“London offers a powerful backdrop for this year’s theme, bringing together a deep sense of history with the energy of change we see across the world today,” said Julie Goldstein, IWF Global Board Member and Cornerstone Conference Co-Chair. “Through these conversations, we aim to create space for honest dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders, while equipping our community with the perspectives and connections needed to lead with confidence and impact.” 

Reflecting a diverse group of leaders shaping policy, business, and global affairs, speakers will include Dr. Mary Docherty, National Clinical Director Adult Mental Health, NHS England; Millie Kendall OBE, CEO, British Beauty Council; Jessica Colvin, Head of Cyber Operations, Citi; Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House; and Dr. Donna E. Shalala, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. 

The conference will also feature Ideas Remaking the World, where IWF members will share ideas transforming their communities through collaboration, science, and technology. Presenters are IWF Pittsburgh’s Laura Ellsworth, presenting a global call to action against hate; IWF Colorado’s Jeanne Saunders, discussing strategies to improve fetal brain development; and IWF Finland’s Suvi Uski, exploring why online safety is essential for the future. 

“What makes this conference unique is the way it brings global issues to life in the local context of London through a women’s lens,” said Stephanie O’Keefe, IWF Global CEO. “From plenaries to interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the program is designed to foster meaningful connections and offer practical perspectives that leaders can take back into their organizations and communities.” 

For more information and to view the full agenda, visit the 2026 Cornerstone Conference agenda. 

The International Women’s Forum (IWF) unites our global community of women leaders to advance women’s leadership today and tomorrow. IWF connects more than 8,400 preeminent women leaders in 78 Forums in 37 countries around the world. For more information, please visit: https://iwforum.org/.  

Press Contact:
Laine Funkhouser, Global Head of Communications, International Women’s Forum
communications@iwforum.org