Anticipation Builds for the 2026 Global Summit
The upcoming
2026 Global Summit hosted by
50/50 Women on Boards™ promises to be a pivotal event for corporate governance, focusing on the importance of diversity in boardrooms. Set to occur on
September 17, 2026, in
New York City at
48 Wall Street, this summit aims to spearhead discussions that engage corporate directors, executives, and investors on emerging trends and challenges.
Celebrating Diverse Leadership
The summit will commence with the
Breakfast of Corporate Champions, where over
290 SP 500 and Fortune 1000 companies will be honored for achieving at least
40% women directors on their boards. This celebration not only recognizes achievements but also highlights the importance of diversity in corporate decision-making processes.
CEO
Heather Spilsbury emphasizes the necessity for boards to adapt to complex risks and opportunities. 'The Global Summit brings together today's most respected public company directors and governance leaders to share practical insights that help directors prepare for what comes next,' she stated.
Focus on Current Governance Issues
This year's theme,
The Future Board Agenda: Reforming Corporate Governance, signals an urgent need for discussion about contemporary governance priorities. The topics slated for discussion encompass critical issues such as
artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and navigating
geopolitical uncertainties. Such discussions aim to equip board members and executives with the insights necessary to ensure robust governance structures.
Keynote Speakers
Among the featured speakers is
Baroness Dambisa Moyo, a prominent member of the House of Lords and principal at
Versaca Investments, who will present on the topic 'Governing What Comes Next.' With her vast experience on boards including
Chevron,
Starbucks, and others, her insights will be invaluable to attendees looking to navigate the future landscape of corporate governance.
Panel Discussions and Breakout Sessions
- - The Global Reality Check: A panel aimed at evaluating how effectively boards have adapted to the changing global landscape, moderated by Hema Widhani, the Chief Brand and Experience Marketing Officer at Edward Jones.
- - Risk, Resilience & Reputation: This session will address new oversight standards concerning AI and cybersecurity, featuring leaders such as Sonita Lontoh and Steven Wolfe Pereira.
- - Leadership Succession: A breakout discussion on power transfers in public companies guided by Gloria Lin, Senior Managing Director at Evercore.
- - Board Composition and Succession Strategy: Another breakout session aiming at effective succession planning in line with corporate growth strategies.
Sponsors and Support
The event receives support from significant corporate sponsors including
Mastercard,
United Airlines, and
Edward Jones, affirming the industry's commitment to reform and progress in corporate governance.
For those wishing to attend, registration and sponsorship opportunities are currently available through the
50/50 Women on Boards website, which outlines all necessary details for interested parties.
About 50/50 Women on Boards
50/50 Women on Boards™ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting gender diversity on corporate boards. Since its inception, it has aimed to foster a pipeline of board-ready candidates and advance the business case for diverse boards through research, education, and advocacy. For more information about their initiatives and resources, visit their official website.
With an exciting agenda planned, the
2026 Global Summit is poised to deliver impactful dialogue and foster collaboration amongst key players in corporate governance, further promoting the critical need for gender and ethnic diversity in boardrooms globally.