What a privilege it is to join you for the Women in Leadership Summit 2026 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, a gathering that brings together bold leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to creating a more equitable world. 
 
The 2026 theme, “Stronger Together: Leading with Resilience,” couldn’t be more timely. In a time of global uncertainty, our collective strength, grounded in empathy and courage, enables us to rise together and lead forward.
 
The last edition left a lasting impact. We were inspired by the wisdom of both emerging and established women leaders. The proceeds also helped fund UN Women’s life-saving work across 102 countries, including the 40 most crisis-affected regions, home to over 500 million women and girls. From delivering dignity kits to advancing safety and economic empowerment, this work is powered by solidarity and sustained by events like this. 
 
As we gather in Wellington, we do so with renewed purpose. We’re also proud to host the IWD Impact & Progress Evening on 24 February, bringing together diverse voices from government, business, and community to reflect and lead forward with purpose for women and girls in Aotearoa and beyond. 

Diverse and inclusive leadership is essential to dismantling the systemic barriers that still exist in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the globe. In a climate where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are increasingly debated, we must continue to champion their undeniable value because inclusion is not a trend but a cornerstone of resilient, high-performing workplaces, marketplaces, and communities. 
 
UN Women Aotearoa NZ is proud to stand in partnership with the Women in Leadership Summit, united in our mission to ensure all women and girls have the opportunity to lead, thrive, and shape the future. 
 
We look forward to welcoming you to this special event and to continuing the journey toward lasting, inclusive leadership.