What a privilege it is to join you for the Women in Leadership Summit 2025 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, a gathering that brings together bold leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to creating a more equitable world. 
 
This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Leading with Resilience”, couldn’t be more timely. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, it is the strength of our collective leadership, grounded in empathy and courage, that enables us to move forward. True resilience is not about standing alone; it’s about rising together. 
 
Last year’s summit left a lasting impact. We were inspired by the wisdom of both emerging and established women leaders. Just as importantly, the proceeds 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 in emergencies to supporting economic empowerment and safety initiatives, UN Women’s work is powered by solidarity and sustained by events like this. 
 
As we gather in Wellington, we do so with renewed purpose. 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.