Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures: A Glimpse into the Reykjavík Global Forum 2023

In the heart of Iceland, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, a different kind of illumination took place on November 13-14, 2023.

The Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders, launched in 2018, is more than just an annual conference. Convened under the theme of "Power Together," it's a dynamic community and platform for women leaders from diverse sectors.

Co-hosted with the Government of Iceland and the Parliament of Iceland, in partnership with Women Political Leaders (WPL), the forum marked its sixth edition as a melting pot of political, business, and social thought leaders. They gathered with a shared vision: to advance gender equality and amplify the voices of women in leadership roles.

From the insightful talks to the powerful narratives of global influencers, every conversation was a step towards tangible solutions for gender parity. Mia’s co-founder Janna Salokangas, had the pleasure of discussing the future of work, AI's evolving landscape, and the critical need for investment in women-led businesses.

Read on for a quick recap and join us on this journey of empowerment and innovation!

A Convergence of Visionaries: The Heartbeat of the Reykjavík Global Forum

The Reykjavík Global Forum aims to advance gender equality and increase female leadership across fields like politics, business, academia, and the arts.

The sixth edition of the forum, held on November 13-14, 2023, was co-hosted with the Icelandic Government and Parliament, in collaboration with Women Political Leaders (WPL).

Set against the backdrop of Iceland's stunning landscapes, the forum was a celebration of female leadership and highlighted the power of collective action.

Each session was a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders today. Topics spanned the spectrum from equal representation, equal pay, the future of work, and AI's role in it to the pressing need for increased investment in women-founded businesses.

Featured Conversationists

The forum featured a diverse group of influential leaders, including:

• Adela Raz: Director of Afghanistan Policy Lab at Princeton School of Public & International Affairs
• Tarja Halonen: Former President of Finland
• Ashley Judd: Actress, Social Justice Humanitarian, and Co-chair of RGF 2023
• Katrín Jakobsdóttir: Prime Minister of Iceland and Co-chair of RGF 2023
• Janna Salokangas: Co-Founder, Mia, Mission Impact Academy
• Donna Leinwand Leger: Founder and President, DC Media Strategies
• Dr. Anino Emuwa: Founder, 100 Women at Davos
• Christy Tanner: Former Executive VP, CBS News Digital

What set the Reykjavík Global Forum apart was its commitment to action. This was about more than discussing problems; it was about forging solutions. The forum's unique format encouraged open, honest dialogue, fostering an environment where every voice was heard and valued.

Key Action Items Discussed

• Equal Pay
• Equal Parental Leave
• Equal Representation
• Ending Gender-Based Violence

The forum's emphasis on action and its inclusive approach made it a landmark event, setting the stage for continued progress in the pursuit of gender equality.

Mia Reflects on the Reykjavík Global Forum

As Co-Founder of Mia, Janna Salokangas was elated to participate in the Reykjavík Global Forum which was a journey of empowerment and action.

Our discussions at the forum centered on the transformative power of AI in the future of work and the crucial role of women in this technological revolution. The stark reality that a mere fraction of VC funding reaches women-led AI companies only fueled our determination to drive change.

The forum's focus on tangible solutions for gender parity and empowering women in leadership was particularly impactful. As part of the Action Advisor Board, Janna was honored to contribute to these crucial conversations, presenting actionable strategies to elevate women in various sectors.

Thank you Hanna Birna, Silvana Koch-Merin, and Christy Tanner for your partnership and leadership!

In conclusion, the Reykjavík Global Forum was a powerful reminder of our collective strength.

The conversations and insights shared have reinforced our belief in our ability to shape a more equitable world. As we continue to break barriers and champion gender equality, the forum's spirit of collaboration and action will empower us to #PowerTogether. 

Together, we have the power to create lasting change, and indeed, our time is now. 

Mia is a pioneering Global AI school dedicated to empowering forward-thinking companies and non-technical women through education in AI and emerging technologies.

Our aim is to upskill 1 million women worldwide, driving inclusive innovation in the AI space.