Vital Voices, Diane von Furstenberg to Host Women Leaders' Talks

Vital Voices Leadership Talks, collaboration between Vital Voices Global Partnership and Diane von Furstenberg, will host five influential women leading change around the world in terms of global leadership, impact, justice, and equality. The event will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at DVF Studio in New York City, during the United Nations General Assembly week.

The program will serve as a platform for discussions by prominent women leaders on leadership, innovation, and social impact. The program and reception timing would be from 5 to 7 p.m.

The meeting will feature five visionary women leaders who have made a difference in the lives of refugees, access to clean water, ethical technology, women’s rights, and climate change. Using their personal experiences and life’s journey, the speakers will delve into how courageous leadership can bring about sustainable changes and overcome some of the greatest global challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Vital Voices and Diane von Furstenberg spotlight five prominent women leaders
• The event takes place on September 24 as platform for talks on leadership, innovation, justice, and global social impact
• Leaders drive change across refugee livelihoods, water access, digital safety, and climate justice

Opening remarks will be given by Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices, while Leah Lizarondo, Vice President of Global Network at Vital Voices, will moderate the conversation.

The Leadership Talks will feature five entrepreneurial and transformative women who are making waves in terms of fostering inclusive growth, innovation, technology, sustainability, and gender equality. Aline Sara is creating economic empowerment opportunities for refugees via NaTakallam, while Christelle Kwizera is ensuring better clean water access and building communities through Water Access Rwanda.

With the help of Alecto AI, Breeze Liu is applying technology and AI in addressing online image misuse and fostering digital accountability, whereas filmmaker Nisha Pahuja uses the power of storytelling to bring difficult social issues to the attention of general public. By using EmpoderaClima, Renata Koch Alvarenga champions for gender-based climate change action that ensures women and the youth participate in decision-making concerning climate change.

The evening will focus on how women leaders harness personal conviction and life experience for tangible social impact. Their work ranges from supporting refugees to earn a livelihood, water safety, digital safety, climate justice, and documentary filmmaking. Although the leaders operate in diverse fields, they have something in common, the desire to challenge the system that generates inequality and help in building equal opportunities for all people.

In an era marked by interconnected issues of society, environment, and economics, the inspiring tales of these women will highlight the importance of visionary leadership, innovation, collaboration, and community support as change-making instruments. Vital Voices and Diane von Furstenberg call upon these five visionary leaders to collaborate and honour leadership that embodies courage.