The International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) has today unveiled the first confirmed speakers for the IWG Global Summit 2026, bringing together senior global leaders from sport, business, research, governance and social impact for the world’s leading forum on gender equity in sport and physical activity.
The first wave of speakers includes:
- Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive, Ipsos
- Dave Clarke OBE, Chief Executive, Paralympics GB
- Sarah Powell, CEO, British Gymnastics
- Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, The Hundred
- Abiola Ijasanmi, Founder & CEO, African Sports Investor
- Professor Leanne Norman, Professor of Women in Sport, Loughborough University
- Muditambi Ravele, Founder, Women’s Sport Foundation South Africa
- Lucy Mills, Founder & Chief Catalyst, Ready Sport Global
The IWG Global Summit 2026 will take place in Birmingham, UK, on 9th -11th July, convening leaders from governments, international federations, professional sport, academia, brands and advocacy organisations to drive practical solutions for women and girls in sport.
Set against a moment of unprecedented opportunity for women’s and girls’ sport, the IWG Global Summit will serve as a catalyst for global change — accelerating progress, challenging the status quo and uniting international leaders around a shared ambition for gender equality in sport.
Staged across three dynamic days, the Summit will provide a highly curated platform for sharing best practice, insight and innovation, while equipping organisations and leaders with the practical tools, evidence and partnerships needed to drive meaningful, lasting impact.
Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General of the IWG, said:
“The speakers announced today reflect the global reach, expertise and influence required to accelerate progress for women’s sport. The IWG Global Summit is designed to be more than a conference. Birmingham 2026 will be a highly curated, action-focused gathering that brings together the world’s sport leaders, thinkers and changemakers to share what works — and to leave equipped to act. Our ambition is clear: to establish the Summit as the ‘Davos of Women’s Sport’, where global voices come together to shape the future of gender equality in sport.”
Hosted in one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic cities, the Summit will provide a platform for global dialogue, collaboration and leadership, building on the IWG’s long-standing role in shaping policy and practice for gender equity in sport and physical activity worldwide.
Further speakers and programme announcements will be made in the coming months.
Tickets for the IWG Global Summit 2026 are now on sale.
For more information, visit iwgglobalsummit2026.org
Notes to Editors
About the IWG Global Summit 2026
The IWG Global Summit is the world’s foremost event dedicated to advancing gender equity in sport and physical activity. The 2026 Summit, hosted in Birmingham, will bring together senior decision-makers and changemakers from across the global sports ecosystem to share insight, evidence and practical solutions to accelerate progress for women and girls.
About the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG)
Founded in 1994, the International Working Group on Women and Sport is a global network committed to promoting gender equity and equality in sport and physical activity. The IWG is the custodian of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and works with governments, sports organisations and NGOs worldwide to drive systemic change.
Interviews available
Interviews are available with selected Summit speakers and IWG leadership, including Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General of the IWG. Please contact Zoe Wishman for more information.
Media contact: Zoe Wishman – zoe.wishman@runcommunications.co.uk / 07512 323224