Fortune to Host First International Summit of Influential Women in Riyadh

Fortune's International Summit of Influential Women 2025

In a remarkable move towards empowering women in leadership roles, Fortune has announced that it will host the first-ever International Summit of Influential Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 20-21, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in uniting female leaders from around the world to discuss vital partnerships that can lead to global prosperity.

The Influential Women community, curated by Fortune over nearly three decades, comprises leading figures from diverse sectors and governments worldwide. The summit aims to cover pressing topics that shape the business landscape, particularly the intersection of public and private sector collaborations aimed at fostering innovation and growth. Critical discussions will also delve into global leadership in crisis situations, navigating economic shifts, and the deployment of new technologies, alongside exploring investment opportunities in health, sports, entertainment, and design sectors.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing transformative changes as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes growth, innovation, and the advancement of women in both business and society. Since the introduction of this roadmap, female workforce participation has escalated to 36%, marking a remarkable increase from just 17% in 2017. Currently, Saudi women own 45% of the country’s small and medium enterprises, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the region.

The summit in Riyadh promises to provide global leaders with insight into this burgeoning market, facilitating opportunities for partnerships and expanding the global community of women leaders.

Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, pointed out in a recent publication the significant impact that Saudi Arabia has had on the global economy, a factor central to Fortune's decision to host crucial events there. She emphasized, "At Fortune, our goal is to enhance business practices and serve as a powerful voice advocating for progress. Given Saudi Arabia's recent acceleration of reforms, particularly for women, we are eager to act and document this progress."

On May 20, the event will also celebrate the cornerstone of Fortune's initiatives: the unveiling of the iconic list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Business. For 28 years, this list has recognized trailblazing women driving innovation and shaping the future across various sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare, retail, and energy. The 2024 edition will feature leaders from 19 countries across 14 industries, with over half holding positions as CEOs, primarily from Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies.

The summit is organized in partnership with the Saudi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (SCEGA), further solidifying the cooperative spirit between the region and international entities.

Fortune is globally recognized as a platform providing comprehensive insights into the world's leading companies and their leaders, fostering the narratives of the next generation of innovators advancing business forward. Offensively positioned at the heart of global business dynamics, Fortune continuously strives to fulfill its legacy of reporting and accountabilities. With iconic rankings such as the Fortune 500, Global 500, and Most Powerful Women, the company also orchestrates world-class gatherings for industry leaders, including the Fortune Global Forum and Brainstorm Tech.

As the date draws closer, excitement builds around this monumental event that not only brings together influential women from various fields but also highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to elevating women's roles in the workforce and society at large.

For more information or to stay updated regarding this historic summit, visit fortune.com.