Leadership approaches in challenging times: perspectives from women leaders

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we are seeing all around the world – in developed and developing nations – a rise in corruption, nationalism, polarization and civil unrest, and an erosion of fundamental freedoms, journalistic integrity, rule of law and trust in public and private institutions. More pressingly, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing a retreat from global cooperation and a convergence of global crises including climate change, economic uncertainty and racial injustice – all of which are being compounded by a rise in disinformation. We need authentic, courageous and empathetic leadership.

United Nations Global Compact Uniting Business LIVE Private Sector Forum Concept Paper, September 2020

Increasing women's participation will better respond to women's priorities and needs, and provide greater balance in efforts to shape the development and monitoring of policies and programmes that influence the manner in which services are provided. The pandemic has highlighted the need for accelerated progress on such targets, with the notable dearth of women’s needs and perspectives in the response.

Virtual Meeting of Commonwealth Ministers for Women’s Affairs and Gender and Development on COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Gender and Leadership Background Information Paper, 3 September 2020

Speakers & Moderator:

• Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistan Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador to the US and High Commissioner to the UK
• Gina Din-Kariuki, Founder, Gina Din Corporate Communications and 2015 CNBC East Africa Businesswoman of the Year
• Dame Inga Beale, Chair, Mediclinic, Deputy Chair, London First and former Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s of London
• Arif Zaman, Executive Director, Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network and Bloomsbury Institute London

UN Global Compact (recorded 21 September 2020 as part of the Target Gender Equality Lounge at 
Uniting Business Live during the 75th UN General Assembly): Pre-recorded and available to watch at any time (30m)