Global leaders, diplomats, development partners and innovators will converge in New York City on March 10, 2026, for the Handshake Summit & Awards, a high-level gathering designed to advance women’s leadership and influence in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the Church Center for the United Nations, will take place alongside the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), bringing together cross-sector decision-makers to deliberate on strategies for strengthening women’s role in governance, innovation, diplomacy and economic transformation.
Organised by ConcordeApp in partnership with Semaform Foundation, the summit aligns with the priorities of UN Women and will serve as a platform to recognise leaders shaping policy, finance, technology and social impact across continents.
Themed “Advancing Women’s Influences in a Changing World,” the event will be chaired by Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum.
The summit will feature a keynote address by Crystal Renouf of The Mothership, alongside discussions focusing on gender equality, health equity, diplomatic influence and community-driven development.
Honouring global women leaders
A highlight of the event will be the recognition of prominent global figures who have contributed significantly to advancing women’s leadership and social impact.
Among the honorees is Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs. Others include Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa of the Sierra Leone Embassy, Hawa Taylor Kamara Diallo, founder of the IBTK Foundation, and Padmini Murthy of the American Medical Women’s Association.
Also to be honoured are Oki Emsen Rita Oyintare, Tolani Alli of the World Bank, Kingsley Ighobor of the United Nations, Ngozi Abeni Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor, Billy Umar Garba of Platinum View Inc., and Mamotake Matekane of the MGC Matekane Group in Lesotho.
Focus on AI, climate leadership
The summit will also host an executive panel session titled “AI-Driven Climate Leadership & Deal-Making for Women’s Prosperity,” which will examine how emerging technologies can support women’s leadership in climate governance, business development and institutional decision-making.
The session will be moderated by Chaste Inegbedion and will feature panelists including Chantel Ross Francois, Charlene Nichols, Fiona Banister, Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Joy Osomiame-O, Dylan Oriundo, Lisa Franceour, Kome Igbogidi, Richard Ojuri and Mananeh Bernadette Thoronka.
In addition, a fireside conversation titled “The Human Residue” will feature Tera Carissa Hodges of LR Global Media Group and Elley Cheng of Useful Arts.
Strengthening global collaboration
Speaking ahead of the summit, Inegbedion described the gathering as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between global institutions and the African diaspora.
“The Handshake Summit serves as a vital bridge between New York’s institutional landscape and the global African diaspora,” she said.
“Today, we move from conversation to collaboration from intention to the symbolic handshake that signifies a binding alliance for future generations.”
Similarly, award presenter Prince Ero Ibhafidon of the Waterlight Save Initiative said recognising the honourees represents more than a ceremonial gesture.
“Recognising these trailblazers is about more than an award; it is about validating the human residue of leadership that persists in an increasingly automated world,” he said.
For Diallo, the summit presents an opportunity to reinforce women’s leadership in global development.
“As a retired UN official and founder of IBTK Foundation, I see this summit as a crucial platform for ensuring women’s leadership remains at the forefront of sustainable development and humanitarian efforts,” she said.
Global partnerships
The summit is supported by several international organisations including The Mothership, Kaleidoscope Business Project LLC, Waterlight Save Initiative, IBTK Foundation, Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Helpline Foundation for the Needy.
Organisers say the event aims to catalyse new alliances and practical collaborations that strengthen women’s influence in diplomacy, technology, governance and sustainable development across the world.
By Dare Akogun
