SIGEF Women Summit 2026 brings global changemakers to Malta
Aim to advance women's leadership and innovation
Malta recently welcomed international policymakers, ministers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and civil society leaders for the SIGEF Women Summit 2026, organised by the Horyou Foundation on 22–23 June at The Phoenicia Malta, with the official welcoming cocktail hosted at the historic Casino Maltese.
Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Summit brought together participants from more than 40 countries to explore practical solutions for advancing women’s leadership, responsible innovation, sustainable investment and international cooperation.
The event was honoured by the participation of distinguished representatives of the Government of Malta, including Hon. Dr Chris Fearne, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta, who delivered the Opening Remarks, Dr Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, and Christianne Caruana, Director, Global Issues, Office of the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. Their participation highlighted Malta’s continued commitment to international dialogue, sustainable development and the advancement of women’s leadership.
The programme featured five high-level sessions examining key global challenges and opportunities:
• Capital with Purpose: Women, Wealth & the New Investment Playbook
• Aesthetic Leadership: Women Shaping Art, Design & Lifestyle Economies
• From Policy to Action: Converting Gender Equity Mandates into Empowerment, Investment & Jobs
• Intelligent Futures: Women & Allies Shaping AI, Longevity and Emerging Technologies
• Women Changemakers Pitch for Inspiration.
The discussions brought together internationally recognised speakers from government, diplomacy, finance, family offices, technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and academia, including representatives of UNCTAD and leading international organisations. Topics ranged from responsible artificial intelligence and longevity to impact investing, entrepreneurship, ethical leadership and international partnerships supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
SIGEF Women Awards 2026
One of the highlights of the Summit was the presentation of the SIGEF Women Awards 2026, recognising women whose leadership continues to create meaningful international impact.
The 2026 laureates were:
• Virginia Macari Smurfit, presented by Kimia Penton
• Eva Murati, presented by Dr. Salwa Arfaoui
• Dr Andrea LaFountain, presented by Yonathan Parienti
Sarah Pappas, presented by Christianne Caruana and Rachele Powell
Munni Mahato, presented by Christina Eirini Karvouna
• Petra Becker, presented by Tullio Musso and Raphael Perez
• Dr Remina Panjwani, presented by Ida Spritzer and Elizabeth de Moraes
The Summit concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen international cooperation and develop cross-sector partnerships supporting inclusive innovation, women’s leadership and sustainable development.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to all speakers, delegates, volunteers, sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the event, with special thanks to the Government of Malta, Visit Malta, Horyou Foundation, Horyou, Investa Partners, Dental Clinic Herastrau, Kathryn Luxury Flowers, Finquest Capital Group, Grow & Glow, Nefinia, The European Institute for Diplomacy & Policy, Aquinas Studios, Perez & Co. Law Office, Nuqleon Research Ltd., and Media & Community Partners ELLEDGY, AFS, Davos Club, L’Afrique Fait Son Cinéma, SHE Magazine USA, and EmpowerHer.
For more information, visit www.sigefwomen.com.