The Reykjavík Global Forum 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
Over 600 Conversationists from 90 countries joined the global community at the fourth Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders. In a complex and often divided world, leaders came together across borders and across sectors for thoughtful conversation that will lead to concrete action and commitment. The two-day hybrid event, with both virtual sessions and in-person connections, concluded on Wednesday. However, discussions and findings from the Forum will continue to resound, informing the development and execution of a global agenda to Power, Together for Progress.
WPL TRAILBLAZER AWARDS BRING THREE ICONIC ICELANDIC LEADERS TOGETHER
Historic moment! The Reykjavík Global Forum brought together three Icelandic trailblazers: Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland (2009-2013) and the world’s first openly LGBTQ head of government, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, world’s first woman elected President (1980-1996) and Katrin Jakobsdottir, Prime Minister of iceland (2017- now).
The 2021 Women Political Leaders Trailblazer Award was presented to Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland (2009-2013). Sigurðardóttir joins more than two dozen inspiring women politicians who have been recognised since the inception of the WPL Trailblazer Awards in 2017.
ICELAND: YET AGAIN, THE CHAMPION OF EQUALITY
Iceland ranks first in the Reykjavík Index for Leadership 2021/2022 amongst all G20 countries. Members of the Government of Iceland including Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Speaker ad interim of the Alþingi Willum Þór Þórsson, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarsson (2017-2021) joined the Forum to share the best practices on how to create a more equal society.
WHEN WOMEN LEAD, THEY SOLVE THE FUTURE
A range of issues were discussed at the Reykjavík Global Forum including climate crisis, the G20 outcomes, accelerated progress with Generation Equality, freedom of press and reshaping the global economy.
ENABLING DIALOGUES, CAPTURING IMPACT, THINKING SOLUTIONS
Once again, the Forum captured impactful stories and moments from women leaders, showing us a true example of commitment, conviction, and courage.
Make aid to Afghanistan conditional, co-sign WPL’s open letter to G20 leaders
At the Forum, Shukria Barakzai, Member of Parliament (2016-2021), Afghanistan, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the Kingdom of Norway (2016-2019), shared her views on the dire situation in Afghanistan. WPL released an open letter to the G20 Leaders on the urgent need to make financial aid conditional to ensure the safety and security of Afghan women political leaders. This letter has received global support from women political leaders on every continent. Join WPL and women political leaders from all over the world to co-sign the letter.
LEADERSTALKS SESSIONS: GENERATING IMPACTFUL AND INCLUSIVE CONVERSATIONS
LeadersTalks, partner-led discussions, provided Conversationists with an interactive platform to enjoy active discussion and share ideas and solutions around topics that matter. Thanks to our partners for bringing their expertise to creating impactful dialogues.