Fortune to Host First International Summit for Most Powerful Women in Riyadh in May 2025

Fortune Summit 2025: An Empowering Gathering in Riyadh

Fortune has officially announced the upcoming Most Powerful Women International Summit, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark event is set to be the first international gathering of its type in the region, focusing on influential women leaders from diverse sectors and industries, and aims to foster discussions that pave the way for global business advancements.

The summit will see the unveiling of Fortune’s prestigious 100 Most Powerful Women list, shining a light on women who are redefining industries and driving innovation worldwide. The event will create a platform for these leaders to connect, share insights, and collaborate on strategies crucial for navigating today’s business landscape.

This year’s theme, "New Era of Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity," emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to boost innovation and spur economic growth. Key discussions will address pressing topics such as global leadership during crises, navigating economic shifts, embracing technology adoption, and seeking fresh investment and healthcare opportunities. The summit will also delve into developments in domains such as sports, entertainment, and design.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy aims to enhance economic participation, especially for women. Since its inception, there has been a significant increase in women’s participation in the workforce, rising from just 17% in 2017 to 36% today. This transformation has also seen women owning 45% of small and medium enterprises within the country, contributing substantially to the overall economic development and creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This international summit is a unique opportunity for women leaders globally to tap into this rapidly evolving market, forge new alliances, and broaden their professional horizons within an international community of fellow innovators.

Fortune's CEO, Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, emphasizes the importance of this summit: "We are thrilled to convene some of the most influential and innovative women globally in Riyadh, where they can inspire one another and collectively advance the frontiers of true progress in the global business landscape."

Similarly, Alyson Shontell, editor-in-chief of Fortune, recently highlighted the significant role Saudi Arabia plays in the global economy in her article titled "Why Fortune MPW is Going Global." She expressed excitement for the opportunity to engage closely with the rapid transformation occurring in the region, especially regarding women's empowerment.

The 2024 edition of the 100 Most Powerful Women list will feature trailblazers from 19 countries and regions across 14 sectors, with more than half holding CEO positions in Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies. The summit will also partner with the Saudi General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences (SCEGA), ensuring a robust collaborative framework throughout the event.

As Fortune expands its outreach into pivotal global regions, they continue to uphold their commitment to empowering women in every facet of business, aiming to amplify their voices, and build strong networks. The summit underscores Fortune’s long-standing history of elevating innovative leaders and catalyzing meaningful conversations that drive systemic change.

For further information about the event and future updates, keep an eye on the official Fortune website. Join leaders from around the world as they shape the future of business together. Don't miss out on this significant gathering that promises to uplift and inspire women leaders at all levels.