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International Summit 2026

AWLF
Asia Women Leaders
International Summit 2026

Bangkok, Thailand

Date

Summit : Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Thursday, September 17, 2026
Excursion : Friday, September 18, 2026

Summit Venue

Place: Bangkok, Thailand

Overview

With Asia as its central focus, the AWLF Asia Women Leaders International Summit 2026 will be held in September 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
With women’s empowerment and the development of next-generation leaders at its core, the Summit aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable international peace and the creation of a virtuous cycle across Asia — through people-to-people diplomacy, economic cooperation, and harmonious coexistence with the global community.
Serving as a fully participatory international platform, the Summit brings together leaders from across Asia, transcending national borders, generations, and sectors to connect, engage in dialogue, and co-create solutions to Asia’s shared challenges.
Focusing on policy, education, the economy, the environment, and wellbeing as its principal themes, the Summit will feature panel discussions, leadership pitches by Asian women leaders, an awards ceremony, and the sharing of experiences and collective wisdom.
Through dialogue and cross-sectoral collaboration, the Summit seeks to advance the realization of a society in which all people can live with dignity and flourish — and to lay the foundation for a virtuous cycle that extends from Asia to the international community.

Vision

Toward a World Where Women’s Smiles Create a Virtuous Cycle

Uniting Asia’s collective wisdom, we shape a future where humanity and the planet thrive together.
Building a beautiful and sustainable world for generations to come.

Mission

Building a Beautiful Asia through Dialogue and Cross-Sector Collaboration

We connect leaders across borders, sectors, and generations.
Through dialogue and co-creation, we create a virtuous cycle  between individuals and society.

Purpose

“Asia is One.” – Tenshin Okakura

Nurturing individual potential and leadership, through mutual learning and co-creation,
expanding our perspective through compassion, Creating value that carries forward to the next generation.

Co-creation Platform

Empowering Asian Women through the Development and Global Engagement of Next-Generation Female Leaders

We foster collective solutions to Asia’s shared challenges and generate sustainable, transformative impact from Asia to the world.

Program

Day 1|Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Theme: Women’s Empowerment, Well-being and Economic Cooperation

  • Opening Ceremony & Keynote Session
    Women’s Empowerment, Peace, and a Sustainable Co-Creation Society
  • Panel Discussion 1: Policy
    Advancing Gender Equality and Institutional Frameworks in Asia
  • Panel Discussion 2: Wellbeing
    Women’s Wellbeing as a Driver of Social Transformation
  • Panel Discussion 3: Economy
    New Economic Growth through Human Circulation
    — Cross-Border Talent Mobility and Sustainable Development
  • Networking & Gala Dinner (Off-site)
Day 2|Thursday, September 17, 2026

Theme: Education, Environment and Future Generations

  • Youth Leaders Session
  • Panel Discussion 4: Education
    Design for Life – Cultivating Life Skills and Next-Generation Leadership
  • Panel Discussion 5: Environment
    A Beautiful Earth for the Next 1,000 Years
    — Women’s Wisdom and Action for a Sustainable Asia
  • Asia Women Leaders Awards 2026
    (Policy / Education / Economy / Environment / Wellbeing)
  • Closing Ceremony
    From Co-Creation to Implementation
Day 3|Friday, September 18, 2026
  • Optional Excursion Program

※ Please note that the program is subject to change.

Pre-Summit 2024 Highlights

Supportive Messages from Asian Leaders

Mr. Minoru Kiuchi

Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy
Member of the House of Representatives, Japan

If we are to create a society that is truly sustainable and peaceful, it is indispensable that women’s rights are protected and that their participation as active members of society is encouraged.
However, much work remains to be done until the concept is fully realized. Through empowering women, this can be achieved. In this context, I have great expectations for the Asia Women Leaders Forum to be held in Bangkok.There, women leaders from a variety of backgrounds will come together and discuss today’s most pressing issues. Male or female, we all stand to benefit from these great women’s achievements.

Ms. Arfiya Eri

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
Member of the House of Representatives, Japan

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the convening of the AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025.

At a time when there is a growing global backlash against the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the significance of the Asia Women Leaders Forum International Summit is greater than ever. DEI is a universal principle rooted in respect for the fundamental human rights of all people, and it also serves as a vital foundation for academic progress and the creation of new social value. It is imperative that we continue to uphold these values and work toward building a society in which every individual is able to fully realize their potential.

Asia is a region defined by its rich diversity. Women leaders emerging from across Asia bring with them a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and possess the capacity to elevate one another through dialogue and collaboration. I sincerely hope that this summit will further strengthen such connections and contribute to the advancement of social inclusion and sustainability.

I also look forward to the encounters and shared learning fostered through this conference serving as a powerful source of encouragement for the next generation of leaders. It is my heartfelt hope that the discussions and relationships cultivated here will help shape a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.

Mr. Teruo Fujii

President, The University of Tokyo

At a time when the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing growing headwinds, initiatives such as the Asia Women Leaders Forum International Summit are more important than ever.

DEI is a principle grounded in the intrinsic value of respecting the fundamental human rights of people from all backgrounds and identities. I am deeply convinced that it also serves as a vital foundation for academic excellence and innovation. We must continue to uphold these values and work together toward a society in which everyone is empowered to fully realize their potential.

Asia has always been a region rich in diversity. Women leaders across Asia bring with them a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences shaped by their unique contexts. I sincerely hope that this summit will strengthen connections among these leaders, foster greater inclusivity and sustainability in our societies, and contribute to the empowerment of one another, as well as of the next generation of leaders.

Mr. Masakazu Kubota

Vice Chairperson, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)

DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is the source of innovation that cannot be brought about merely by extending from the past. It is the power that makes organizations and society resilient and sustainable by identifying risks that monocultures do not notice.

Women’s empowerment is at the core of promoting DEI. I hope that many women leaders will share the challenges of solving social issues, advance collaborative efforts, and lead social change at the Asian Women Leaders Forum summit.

Dr. Abdul Waheed Khan

Assistant Director-General, UNESCO
Honorary Advisor, AWLF

Women have a strong sense of valuing life. It will be a valuable contribution to world peace.

AWLF will attract leaders like a magnet and lead to peace in Asia and around the world.
I am confident that this strong passion and leadership will pave the way for hope and progress in the future.
The dialogues and collaborations ahead will be crucial steps towards achieving a better world.

Lastly, I extend heartfelt cheers to the Asian Women Leaders Forum for hosting this summit. We anticipate that your efforts will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Asian region and the world.

Mrs. Haruko Komura

President, The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS)

With Respect to AWLF

The AWLF’s principle of “One Team, One Asia” is similar to the spirit of
the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society Inc. (ALFS), of which I was appointed president by the late Ms. Mutsuko Miki in 2005.

The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society Inc. (ALFS) has continued its activities slowly but without stopping since 1968, with Asian women joining hands to this day.

Once a year, we jointly hold a charity bazaar with women from Asian embassies in Tokyo, and the proceeds are distributed to participating countries. What we focus on is how the allocated funds will be used. We believe that a single donation is like planting a seed, and it is important to watch the women who receive the support become empowered and blossom.

AWLF’s vision is “Toward a World Where Women’s Smiles Create a Virtuous Cycle”.
In this noble spirit, we send our hopes and cheers to AWLF, aspiring for the empowerment of women to flourish toward achieving the SDGs’ goal of creating a society where “No one will be left behind”.

Mr. Kenji Eda

CEO, RAUL Inc. / Advisor, AWLF
Director, Energy Information Center

I believe that maximizing the power of Asia and women is essential to protecting the future of our planet’s environment.

The summit of the Asia Women Leaders Forum will be a significant step towards this vital mission.  To ensure that by 2100, Asia and the world can enjoy  prosperity, we must further strengthen our efforts in combating climate change and decarbonization.

I sincerely hope that this summit will serve as a starting point towards achieving these goals.

Supportive Messages from the Embassy in Japan

Her Excellency Ms. Mylene de Joya GARCIA-ALBANO

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan

Her Excellency Mrs. PHONGSAMOUTH Anlavan

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Japan

It gives me immense pleasure to learn that the Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF) is organizing the Asia Women Leaders International Pre-summit 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to AWLF on convening such a platform for women leaders and students from Asian countries to gather, share and learn from each other experiences, lessons and insights on promoting Asian women empowerment, facilitating SDGs implementation and enhancing Public-Private Diplomacy in Asian region. I highly evaluate the work of AWLF in strengthening women’s role in diverse sectors and this has contributed to empowering women and shaping a fairer and just society.

I believe that the Summit will continue contributing to all women across the world, including in Asia to be promoted to higher positions and to be provided wider opportunities to participate in all areas. 

I highly appreciate AWLF for approaching the Embassy of the Lao PDR in Tokyo and myself as a female Ambassador in Japan to be a part of this Pre-summit.  

His Excellency Mr. ILIDIO Ximenes da Costa

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Japan

Women are beautiful creatures.
Women are creatures that humanize other humans.
The beauty and humanity of women give birth to national leadership and unite together views in one voice for one world beauty.
Let us unite to unify the beauty of the world.

Mr. Takema Suzuki

Honorary Consul-General
of the Kingdom of Bhutan in Tokyo

I extend my heartfelt support for the Asia Women Leaders International Pre-Summit 2024.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a country that prioritizes happiness and sustainable development. When women further expand their roles and have access to their opportunities, it contributes to the overall prosperity and happiness of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Through this summit, I hope that countries across Asia, including Bhutan, will share their efforts towards women’s empowerment and strengthen collaboration.

Ms. Momoe

Founder and Guide, ZenEating