Cambridge, United Kingdom | 9 June 2026—Export readiness, strategic partnerships and sustainable commercial growth took centre stage at the Global Power Women Forum (GPWF) Cambridge 2026 as Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of US2U Consulting Ltd, delivered an insightful presentation on “Building for Global Markets: Export Readiness, International Partnerships and Long-Term Commercial Sustainability.” Drawing on decades of international business development experience, she outlined practical strategies to help organisations build resilient businesses capable of succeeding in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
The two-day Forum was convened by the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD) in strategic collaboration with Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, and hosted by Dr. Mrs. 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 around the world to explore innovative approaches to economic transformation and inclusive leadership.
The Forum commenced on Day One with the GPWF Private Networking Mixer & Partnerships Dinner, creating opportunities for high-level networking, strategic dialogue and partnership development among global stakeholders. Day Two featured the Opening Plenary: Women, Power & the Architecture of Global Economies, followed by the Insight-to-Action Roundtable, National Showcase – Women-Powered Economies in Action, Market Access, Trade & Capital Pathways, and the presentation of the Global Power Impact & Legacy Honours, providing participants with practical insights into strengthening women’s leadership within the global economy.
During her presentation, Rachel Blackburn emphasised that successful international expansion requires more than entering new markets; it demands export readiness, strategic patience, and long-term organisational capability. She encouraged businesses to develop scalable systems, strengthen operational capacity and establish clear value propositions capable of competing across diverse international markets.
She further underscored the importance of building trusted international partnerships, noting that collaboration with distributors, universities, industry bodies and local champions can significantly reduce risk while accelerating market access. Stressing that trust and credibility are essential to long-term commercial success, she described relationship-building as a core business strategy rather than a secondary activity.
Rachel Blackburn also highlighted the importance of commercial sustainability through diversified markets, recurring revenue models, investment in leadership and organisational learning, and the ability to remain adaptable in an increasingly uncertain global economy. She encouraged organisations to undertake export readiness assessments, identify priority international markets and establish measurable performance indicators to guide long-term international growth.
The Forum welcomed an exceptional assembly of global leaders, including Her Excellency Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania; Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum; 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; Dr. Renuka Thakore, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sustainable Futures Network CIC; Mrs. Nanna Sylla Coulibaly, Vice President of WIC Côte d’Ivoire; Mrs. Zeinabou Sidibé, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afrisends; Professor Tolullah Oni; Professor Ronita Bardhan; Professor Elizabeth Garnsey; Professor Fawzia Rasheed, Joan Asante; Tililenji Phiri; and numerous distinguished representatives from government, academia, business and civil society.
The Global Power Women Forum Cambridge 2026 reaffirmed the importance of global partnerships, knowledge exchange and women-led leadership in building resilient economies, expanding international trade and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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, strengthen strategic partnerships, and champion innovative solutions that advance women’s leadership, economic inclusion, and sustainable development.
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