Women leading in the digital era: global leadership academy unites trailblazing women around the globe

December 3, 2025

Marrakesh, Morocco - As the world grapples with the intersecting pressures of conflict, economic volatility, climate shocks, and rising inequality, the Global Leadership Academy for Women in the Digital Era brings together over 60 women changemakers from 40 countries to chart a bold, inclusive path forward.

A global event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (UNEAD), the third edition of the Academy takes place this week from 2-5 December in Marrakesh, Morocco, convening women leaders from government, civil society, academia, media, and the private sector, including women from diverse parliamentarian groups and other participants from Morocco. Participants engage in an immersive 4-day experience that blends deep reflection with practical learning, sharpening their leadership skills, expanding their regional and global networks, and reimagining the role of women in driving sustainable development.

“With the support of our partners, we are combining development, peace, and political initiatives to advance human security worldwide. I also want to recognize the 40 UNDP country offices engaged in this initiative, ready to take it forward nationally and multiply its impact across societies,” said Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Assistant Administrator.

Reinforcing this message, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (UNDPPA-DPO), emphasized: “Women’s leadership is not just a priority, it is a necessity. Where women lead, peace is more enduring, participation is more inclusive, and institutions are more resilient.”

Man in a suit on stage holding an oversized purple smartphone prop, conference backdrop.

A Transformative Model Rooted in Feminist Leadership

The Leadership Academy builds on a feminist and care-centered leadership model that prioritizes authenticity, accountability, and emotional sustainability. Through workshops, peer learning, and coaching circles, participants explore key themes including:

Leading in complexity and uncertainty
Narrative power and systems change
Gender justice in digital governance
Self-awareness and emotional resilience
Intergenerational mentorship and influence

This edition of the Academy brings together participants who lead from all over the globe and across different domains yet share a common vision: more inclusive, responsive, and transparent leadership.

“This Academy is about collective power; we are more than the sum of individual efforts,” noted Raquel Lagunas, UNDP Director of Gender Equality. “When women lead and participate on equal terms, societies thrive.”

From Personal Growth to Collective Action

The Academy emphasizes the connection between inner development and systemic impact. Participants reflect on the values and narratives that shape their leadership, while also exploring practical strategies to influence institutions, reshape discourse, and support the next generation of women leaders.

In fact, many come to the Academy already implementing groundbreaking initiatives in their contexts, from youth empowerment and digital inclusion to governance reform, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

“Women’s leadership is not just a priority, it is a necessity,” said Anna Rosendahl, Head of the Regional Development Corporation, Embassy of Sweden in Jordan, in her opening remarks. “When women are meaningfully engaged in political decision-making, they bring inclusive approaches that benefit entire communities.”

An Expanding Ecosystem of Women Leaders

The Academy forms part of UNDP’s wider commitment to advancing women’s political participation, inclusive governance, and democratic resilience in fragile and transitional contexts. Donor governments emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in enabling the Academy’s continued growth.

“We must equip women leaders with the digital skills and networks they need to drive change and strengthen democracy,” said Isabelle Valois, Ambassador of Canada to Morocco. “The future is not something that happens to us, it is something we create, and it begins here with you.”

Spain, a long-standing supporter of the Academy since its launch in 2023, underscored the global importance of feminist leadership.

“We believe that all societies should be feminist,” said Vincente Ortega Cámara, General Coordinator of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). “You can count on us; we are here listening to you, supporting you, and working together to build more just societies.”

Looking Ahead

This year’s Academy also coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which is drawing urgent attention to technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. With its focus on digital governance, online protection, and ethical leadership, the Academy reinforces the campaign’s call to ensure women and girls are safe, empowered, and able to participate fully in public life, both online and offline.

The Academy continues to inspire cross-border collaborations on governance, digital inclusion, mentorship, and institutional reform. It represents a collective commitment to imagining new forms of leadership grounded in resilience, equity, and shared purpose.

“Ensuring that women and girls fully benefit from the digital transition is essential to unlocking the full potential of human development,” said Ilaria Carnevali, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco.

Contacts:

Najia Hashemee - Advisor, Democratic Institutions & Processes in the Digital Era, UNDP: najia.hashemee@undp.org

Zainab Kobeissi - Communications & Social Media Consultant, UNDP: zainab.kobeissi@undp.org