Cambridge, United Kingdom | 9 June 2026 – Her Excellency Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania, has been honoured with the Global Power Impact & Legacy Award at the Global Power Women Forum (GPWF) Cambridge 2026 in recognition of her outstanding leadership, commitment to human capital development, responsible innovation and Lithuania’s remarkable progress in building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.
The two-day Global Power Women Forum was convened by the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD) in strategic collaboration with Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, and hosted by Dr. Ibifuro Ken-Giami, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CELD and Publisher of Amazons Watch Magazine. Held under the theme, “Women-Powered Economies: Capital, Trade & the Future of Economic Governance,” the Forum brought together influential women leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, business executives and development partners from across the globe to advance dialogue, strengthen partnerships and promote innovative approaches to inclusive economic growth.
The Forum commenced on Day One with the GPWF Private Networking Mixer & Partnerships Dinner, while Day Two featured the Opening Plenary, Insight-to-Action Roundtable, National Showcase – Women-Powered Economies in Action, Market Access, Trade & Capital Pathways, and concluded with the presentation of the Global Power Impact & Legacy Honours, reinforcing the vital role of women in shaping inclusive and sustainable economies.
Speaking during the Forum, First Lady Nausėdienė emphasised that human capital remains the world’s greatest asset, urging governments to ensure that technological advancement is guided by ethical leadership and responsible governance. “We must not forget that it was human beings who created artificial intelligence and not vice versa,” she said, adding that societies must preserve critical thinking, invest in education and prepare future generations for an increasingly digital world.
She also highlighted Lithuania’s achievements in energy independence, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, life sciences and advanced laser technologies, noting that sustained investments in innovation, education and scientific research have positioned the country among Europe’s leading knowledge economies. She further stressed the important role women continue to play in Lithuania’s development, particularly in science, technology and leadership.
Presenting the Global Power Impact & Legacy Award, the organisers recognised First Lady Diana Nausėdienė as a visionary leader whose commitment to responsible governance, innovation, education and human-centred development continues to strengthen Lithuania’s global standing. The honour celebrates leaders whose work shapes public policy, strengthens institutions and inspires future generations.
The Forum welcomed an exceptional assembly of global leaders, including Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria; Hon. Dr. Emma Kantema (MP), Namibia’s Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare; Baroness Sandy Verma, Member of the UK House of Lords; Her Excellency Mrs. Sara Amani, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Kingdom; Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, Co-Founder of the Christopher Oghogho Foundation; Ann Cotton OBE, Founder and Chair Emerita of CAMFED; Rachel Blackburn MBE; Dr. Renuka Thakore; Mrs. Nanna Sylla Coulibaly; Mrs. Zeinabou Sidibé; Professor Tolullah Oni; Joan Asante; Professor Ronita Bardhan; Professor Fawzia Rasheed; Tililenji Phiri; Professor Elizabeth Garnsey, alongside numerous distinguished representatives from government, academia, business and civil society.
The Global Power Women Forum Cambridge 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening international partnerships that advance women’s leadership, expand economic opportunities and foster more inclusive, resilient and prosperous societies across the world.
About the Global Power Women Forum (GPWF)
The Global Power Women Forum (GPWF) is a premier international leadership platform convened by the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD) in strategic collaboration with Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. The Forum brings together influential women leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business executives, academics and development partners from around the world to foster dialogue, promote strategic partnerships and champion transformative solutions that advance women’s leadership, economic inclusion and sustainable development.
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