Reykjavik to host more than 500 women leaders

More than 500 leaders from nearly 90 countries will gather in Reykjavik for the ninth Reykjavík Global Forum from November 15 to 17, mbl.is reports. This year’s theme is “Power, Together for Community,” with discussions planned on democracy, equality, peace, economic security and international cooperation. The forum will give particular attention to peace and security in light of the global situation.

A parliamentary women’s workshop will take place at Harpa on Sunday, November 15, focusing on digital violence against women and the role of artificial intelligence in it. Participants will also discuss the economic effects of equality and the future of the labour market. The forum will present the 2026–2027 Reykjavík Index, which measures public attitudes in G7 countries towards men and women in leadership roles.

Participants include Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir, Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams. The parents of Malala Yousafzai will also take part.

“It is especially important at times like these for leaders to come together, share experience and knowledge, and seek common solutions,” Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, the forum’s founder and chair, said in a statement. She said women have generally been greatly underrepresented among world leaders and that they must be ensured full participation in decision-making across society.