Cambridge, United Kingdom | 9 June 2026 – A powerful call for women-centred governance, democratic renewal and inclusive economic transformation resonated throughout the Global Power Women Forum (GPWF) Cambridge 2026 as a recorded keynote address by Her Excellency Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, was presented to delegates. Following the address, the Global Power Impact & Legacy Award was received on her behalf by the Deputy High Commissioner and Senior Representative of the Sri Lanka High Commission, who conveyed the Prime Minister’s appreciation to the organisers for recognising Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to advance inclusive governance, institutional reforms and people-centred economic development.
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 assembled global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics and development practitioners committed to advancing women’s leadership and building more inclusive and resilient economies.
The Forum commenced on Day One with the GPWF Private Networking Mixer & Partnerships Dinner, fostering strategic partnerships among delegates and institutional stakeholders. Day Two featured the Opening Plenary: Women, Power & the Architecture of Global Economies, the 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.
In her recorded keynote address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reflected on Sri Lanka’s remarkable journey from the unprecedented economic and institutional crisis of 2022 to its emergence from sovereign default in late 2024. While acknowledging the country’s progress towards macroeconomic stability and renewed growth, she emphasised that sustainable national recovery requires more than fiscal reform. She called for a new architecture of governance anchored in inclusion, accountability, and the meaningful participation of women at every level of decision-making.
The Prime Minister underscored that women are not merely beneficiaries of development but indispensable architects of national resilience. She highlighted Sri Lanka’s historic legacy of women’s political leadership while acknowledging that women’s representation in Parliament has remained disproportionately low for decades. Describing the 2024 General Election as a significant turning point, she noted the election of the highest number of women in the country’s parliamentary history, reflecting a growing commitment to building a more representative democracy grounded in merit, diversity and grassroots leadership.
Her address also outlined the Government’s broader vision for empowering women through institutional reforms, expanded economic opportunities and greater participation in public administration. She highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, improve access to finance, support rural livelihoods, promote safe employment pathways, and develop a comprehensive care economy that recognises both paid and unpaid care work. She further called for stronger action to address violence against women and girls, including the growing challenges posed by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, stressing that gender equality requires the collective commitment of governments, institutions, communities, and men as partners in change.
Receiving the Global Power Impact & Legacy Award on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Deputy High Commissioner and Senior Representative of the Sri Lanka High Commission expressed sincere appreciation to the organisers for the recognition. She noted that the honour reflects Sri Lanka’s continuing commitment to inclusive governance, institutional reforms and people-centred economic development. She also conveyed the Prime Minister’s gratitude for the opportunity to address the Forum and wished the Global Power Women Forum continued success in promoting inspiring leadership and international collaboration.
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; Ann Cotton OBE; Rachel Blackburn MBE; Dr. Renuka Thakore; Mrs. Nanna Sylla-Coulibaly; Mrs. Zeinabou Sidibé; Professor Tolullah Oni; Professor Elizabeth Garnsey; Professor Ronita Bardhan; Joan Asante; Professor Fawzia Rasheed; Tililenji Phiri; and distinguished representatives from government, business, academia and civil society.
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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