On June 17th and 18th, Malta hosted the SIGEF Women Summit 2024.
SIGEF special edition echoed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together a distinguished assembly of thought leaders, experts, and change-makers from around the world.
The summit, hosted at The Phoenicia Malta, featured an impressive lineup of speakers including:
H.E. Hedva Ser, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Culture Diplomacy
Dr. Cristina Lunghi, President and Founder of the NGO Arborus, International Expert on Gender Equality
Josianne Cutajar, Member of EU Parliament
Rebeca Riofrio, Chairperson for UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports
Rachid Bensahnoune, International HR Director of Inditex Europe on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Carla Ortiz, Goodwill Ambassador, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist
Mirjana Pajkovic, Director General in Montenegro for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Miou, Japanese Singer & Songwriter
Omar Triki, Program Director Fondation Tunisie pour le Développement
Yolanda Martinez, Former National Digital Strategy Coordinator for Mexico
Valentina Nessi, Président Vita Association
Gabriel Amiel, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Capital Group
Ernestine Viehauser, DEI Executive for Group Danone
Delphine Lescarcelle-Evin, Director at the DGSI (Directorate General of the Information System), Banque de France
Noureddine Hajji, CEO of EY Tunisia
Nicolas Brochet, Entrepreneur
Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma, Entrepreneur & Lawyer
Yijun Chen (Flavia), Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Association Chamber of Commerce Director
Caroline Denes, Real Estate Digital Transformation Advisor
Larissa Bonaci, Producer and Actress
Henry Peyret, CEO of Wassati, IT Engineer
Alexandra Benoliel, Chief Marketing Officer Invest Capital Group
Grazielle Camilleri, Real Estate Sales Specialist & Motivational Influencer
Caroline Brummelhuis, Founder of TheNextWomenTunisie
Claire Azzopardi, Athlete, 3 times Gold Medalist GSSE organized by the European Olympic Committee, Entrepreneur, and Founder
Paul-Helie Magdelenat, Vice President of Business Development Alphaverse – CBI
Robyn Pratt, General Manager The Phoenicia Malta
Elizabeth de Moraes, CEO of E.L.I. Productions
Mamta Shahani, Entrepreneur, Investor & Philanthropist
Maria Cristina Madriaga, Entrepreneur and Founder of RC Manpower
Teuta Oruci, Founder Cleantech360.
These influential figures shared their insights and experiences, inspiring the global audience with their commitment to social good and sustainable development. Through insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and valuable networking opportunities, the summit enabled attendees to reflect on the importance of women empowerment in shaping a better world.
Key takeaways included the recognition that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a catalyst for social and economic progress. Studies have shown that increasing women’s participation in the workforce could boost global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025. Additionally, companies with greater gender diversity on executive teams are outperforming their peers in profitability. When women thrive, communities prosper, economies grow, and societies become more inclusive and resilient.
A focus on the actions taken by GEEIS-accredited companies worldwide demonstrated the extent to which equality and inclusion are critical for overall corporate performance. Attention was given to the new International Guide on Parenthood, a significant macroeconomic issue, and the inclusive AI issues covered by the international Arborus-orange charter (arborus.org).
SIGEF Women Award Recipients:
A highlight of the summit was the presentation of the SIGEF Women Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to social innovation and gender equality. This year’s awardees included:
Josianne Cutajar, Member of EU Parliament
Carla Ortiz, Goodwill Ambassador, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist
Rebeca Riofrio, Chairperson for UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports
Fatima Abbach, Founder of WYDE Laureates
Trudy Kerr, Founder, Producer, and Presenter of The SHE Word
Maria Cristina Madriaga, Entrepreneur and Founder of RC Manpower
These laureates were honored for their outstanding work in advancing gender equality and their dedication to creating a more inclusive world. Their relentless efforts have significantly impacted policies and practices, promoting the empowerment of women globally.
Since its inception, SIGEF has hosted speakers from key international organizations such as the United Nations, OECD, UNESCO, UNDP, and ITU. It has also welcomed government officials and leading stakeholders from Forbes 500 companies, along with disruptive innovators from across the globe. The summit has garnered extensive international media coverage, reaching over 100 million world citizens.
The SIGEF Women Summit continues to be a leading force in promoting social good, sustainability, and the UN 2030 Agenda, driving forward the advocacy for gender equality and inclusive development.