PRESS RELEASE: The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Convenes Global Forum at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Advancing Women’s Leadership in Global Governance

NEW YORK, 26 September 2026 - The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in partnership with the African Union (AU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women, convened the AWLN Global Forum on Women’s Leadership in New York on 26 September 2026, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).

The high-level gathering brought together more than 300 African women leaders from across the continent and the diaspora, African Heads of State and Government, former Presidents and AWLN Elders, senior African Union and United Nations officials, women leaders, development partners, financial institutions and private sector executives.

Among the distinguished participants were H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, AWLN Patron and former President of the Republic of Liberia; AWLN Elders, including H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, H.E. Joyce Banda and H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa; Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms Aissata De, Regional Director a.i. UNDP RBA and H.E. Madam Bineta Diop, AWLN Co-Convener.

At the heart of the Forum was a forward-looking question: What should African women’s leadership look like over the next decade, and what will it take to ensure women have the power and resources to shape Africa’s future?

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf set the tone alongside H.E. Amina J. Mohammed,  H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi and H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, underscoring a shared message: in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, women’s leadership is not simply a matter of representation, it is a necessity.

Moderated by Folly Bah Thibault, Senior News Anchor at Al Jazeera English, the Leadership Dialogue brought together AWLN Elders H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, H.E. Joyce Banda and H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim to draw on their experiences at the highest levels of political leadership. The panel explored the realities of exercising political authority, navigating periods of national and economic transformation, building solidarity among women leaders and creating pathways for the next generation. The dialogue underscored that increasing women’s representation remains essential, but representation must translate into meaningful influence, institutional authority and the ability to shape decisions.

Institutional representatives, including Ms. Aïssata De, Mme Bineta Diop and Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasized the need to move beyond representation towards real influence, with women shaping continental and global agendas. Resource mobilization emerged as a key priority, with calls for sustained investment in women leaders, women-led initiatives, and the institutions, networks and partnerships that enable women to lead and exercise influence.

The private sector was highlighted as an essential partner in this effort. Contributions from Aisha Maina, Marie Celéste Bagniakana, Ndeye Thiaw, Anta Babacar Ngom, Kadijah Amoah and Abigail Ony Nwaohuocha reinforced the importance of stronger partnerships, investment in women-led enterprises, greater access to capital and concrete corporate action to expand women’s economic leadership.

In a significant step towards strengthening AWLN’s global engagement and long-term sustainability, Aisha Maina, CEO of Aquarian Consult Limited and known for high impact initiatives,  was appointed the Network’s first-ever Global Ambassador. Her mandate will focus on consolidating AWLN’s achievements, expanding strategic partnerships, strengthening resource mobilization and amplifying the Network’s visibility and impact across Africa and globally.

The gathering also celebrated the contributions of Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the new United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, formerly the  Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP's Regional Bureau for Africa, who received the AWLN Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, distinguished service and steadfast commitment to advancing women’s leadership and Africa’s development. H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde presented the award.

The High-Level Plenary, featuring Minister Monica Mutsvangwa of Zimbabwe,  H.E. Liberata Mulamula, AUC Special Envoy on WPS, and Hon. Lesego Chombo of Botswana, underscored the need to move from representation to action. Drawing on experiences from their respective countries, leaders called for stronger political commitment, adequate financing and greater investment in women’s leadership, mentorship and intergenerational pathways, alongside accelerated national processes towards the signature, ratification and implementation of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG).

The Global Forum was preceded by a pre-Forum reception on 25 September, featuring the launch by Madam Bineta Diop and Ms. Diene Keita, of the second edition of the Positive Masculinity initiative, with UNFPA as lead partner, alongside a campaign to accelerate the signature and ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG).

The Forum was also an opportunity to celebrate UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed in the spirit of African culture and tradition, recognizing her leadership and significant contributions to advancing gender equity within the United Nations.

As global governance continues to evolve, the Forum underscored the importance of ensuring that African women are not only just present in the spaces where decisions are made but are equipped with the agency, influence and resources to help shape the decisions that will define the next decade.

About the African Women Leaders Network

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), established in 2017 with the support of the African Union and the United Nations, is a continental platform advancing women's leadership for peace, governance and sustainable development. Through its 39 National Chapters, intergenerational leadership model, strategic partnerships and advocacy, AWLN strengthens women's political participation, fosters peer learning and collaboration, and supports current and future generations of African women leaders across the continent.

Media Contact : African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Secretariatcommunication@awlnafrica.net