#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Fortune Women #Business Summit

Fortune's Inaugural Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh

In a groundbreaking move, Fortune is set to host its first international Most Powerful Women Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 20-21, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the event, reinforcing the critical role women leaders play in shaping global business landscapes. The invitation-only summit aims to convene the world's most influential women leaders across various industries and governments to engage in pivotal discussions about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

A Platform for Global Leaders

The upcoming summit will feature a diverse agenda focusing on vital themes affecting the global business arena. Participants will examine the public and private sectors' collaboration to drive innovation and economic growth. Prominent topics include global leadership during crises, adapting to economic changes, leveraging emerging technologies, and identifying new opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, investing, sports, and entertainment.

Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, CEO of Fortune, expressed enthusiasm about bringing this prestigious event to Saudi Arabia, stating, "It’s an opportune time to convene, in Riyadh, some of the world’s most influential and innovative women to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful progress across global businesses and global governments." This sentiment is echoed by Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, who highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing significance in the global economy as a catalyst for change and innovation.

Saudi Arabia's Commitment to Women

The decision to host the summit in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes women's advancement in society and business. Over the years, the participation of women in the workforce has dramatically increased, reaching 36% from just 17% in 2017. Furthermore, women now own 45% of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, illustrating their vital role in the economy.

As the summit unfolds, it will provide global leaders access to this burgeoning market, fostering collaboration and partnership opportunities aimed at driving prosperity and progress.

Unveiling the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business List

Coinciding with the summit, Fortune will unveil its prestigious list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business. This annual tradition, now entering its 28th year, honors trailblazing women who are reshaping industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and retail. The list aims to highlight these leaders’ contributions and inspire the next generation of businesswomen.

The significance of the summit and the list cannot be overstated. It sets the tone for the future of female leadership in business and offers a platform for sharing insights and experiences that can foster further growth and innovation.

Conclusion

The Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh promises to be an extraordinary event, enhancing the dialogue surrounding women in business and encouraging global partnerships. As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a hub for innovation and growth, this summit serves as a pivotal moment to celebrate women leaders and their contributions to the global economy. With a focus on the future, participants can expect rich discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to effect real change in the world of business.