Reykjavík: SiltaNews – News Desk
Over 500 women leaders from around the world have gathered at Harpa Concert Hall today for the opening of the Reykjavík Global Forum. The two-day event, held in one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, will be focused on democracy, equality, and women’s leadership in a time of global change.
Founded in 2018, the forum brings together presidents, ministers, business executives, and academics to exchange ideas and advance women’s influence across sectors. The event is co-hosted by the Government and Parliament of Iceland, in collaboration with Women Political Leaders (WPL).
Leadership Without Borders
Among this year’s internationally renowned guests are Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland; Dalia Grybauskaitė, former President of Lithuania; Mari Kiviniemi, former Prime Minister of Finland; and Catherine De Bolle, Director General of Europol.
Prominent Icelandic participants include President Halla Tómasdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister of Justice Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Speaker of Parliament Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, and Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, Chair of the Forum’s Board.
Discussions on the opening day focus on democracy, freedom, gender equality, and the evolving role of men and boys in advancing equality, a topic explored in a conversation between the President of Iceland and Gary Barker, CEO of Equimundo.