Summit
UNCC, Thailand
Date
Summit : Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Thursday, September 17, 2026
Excursion : Friday, September 18, 2026
Summit Venue
Conference Room 1, United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)
Address: United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)
United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200
Thailand
Overview
With Asia as its central focus, the AWLF Asia Women Leaders International Summit 2026 aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable international peace, next-generation education, environmental sustainability, and the creation of a virtuous cycle between the economy and society.
The Summit will be held in September 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC).
Serving as an 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.
Through dialogue and cross-sectoral collaboration, the Summit seeks to generate synergy and advance the realization of a society in which all people can live with dignity and flourish.
With women’s empowerment at its core, the Summit focuses on policy, education, the economy, the environment, and wellbeing as its principal themes.
By sharing the challenges, experiences, and collective wisdom of Asian countries, the Summit aims to foster international collaboration that leads to practical implementation and sustained cooperation.
Purpose
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To build an international network of Asian leaders connected by shared values and a common purpose.
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To promote the design and advancement of sustainable and inclusive social systems, while fostering cross-sectoral co-creation.
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To deepen integrated dialogue across Asia in the fields of policy, education, the economy, the environment and wellbeing.
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To foster next-generation leadership and generate practical, action-oriented initiatives.
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To establish a foundation for continuous and long-term mechanisms to address Asia’s shared challenges, beyond one-time or short-term initiatives.
Program
Day 1｜Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Theme: Women, Peace, and Social Transformation
- 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 Digest Movie (May 15, 2024)
Supportive Messages from Asian Leaders
His Excellency Mr.Yukio Hatoyama
Former Prime Minister of Japan
Chairman, East Asian Community Institute
I am a devoted advocate of “Yuai,” a Japanese term which may be translated as “fraternity.” More specifically, this refers to the need to effectively raise personal dignity (independence), while nurturing respect (coexistence) for others.
In addressing the numerous shared issues now confronted by all of mankind across Asia and other regions, it is vital for us to assure that the resulting benefits are not limited to any specific party or area. There is a critical need, rather, to forge win-win ties structured to enable such benefits to be widely generated and shared.
By fostering a sense of community and recognition of our respective differences, it becomes possible for people, nations and other entities to grow and develop hand in hand. In moving to build such a “Fraternity Community,” it is imperative to take strong steps toward the empowerment of women.
In that sense, I keenly look forward to the redoubled development of the Asia Women Leaders Forum, while extending my profound prayers for the success of this Summit.
Mr. Minoru Kiuchi
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan
Member of the Japanese 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 develop. Through empowering women, this can be fully be achieve. 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.
Mr. Masakazu Kubota
Vice Chairperson and Executive Secretary, 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.
Mrs. Haruko Komura
President, The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society Inc. (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 “From women spreading smiles that overflow a world where kindness circulates”.
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”.
Dr. Abdul Waheed Khan
Honorary Advisor, Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF)
Assistant Director General, UNESCO
Women have a strong sense of valuing life. It will be a valuable contribution to world peace. The 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.
Mr. Kenju Eda
Advisor, Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF)
CEO, RAUL,inc.
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, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Tokyo, Japan
Her Excellency Mrs. PHONGSAMOUTH Anlavan
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 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.
Ms. Momoe
Founder and Guide, ZenEating
His Excellency Mr. ILIDIO Ximenes da Costa
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in 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 Bhutan in Tokyo,
Honorary Consulate-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.
