KARACHI – The 9th ‘International Women Leaders Summit’ was held
in Karachi, Pakistan, bringing together women leaders from across the globe, to reflect on their
stories of success, and inspire others to take the lead.
A pioneer in leadership development for professional women, New World Concepts led by
Yasmin Hyder has been organizing the International Women Leaders’ Summit in Karachi since
2012. The premier annual conference series has to date hosted 144 speakers from 36
countries and over 2000 delegates in the previous 8 events.
The summit focused on bringing 250 women professionals together by inspiring them through
success stories of global women leaders. The inaugural ceremony hosted distinguished
speakers including Dr Shamshad Akhtar Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Major
General Shehla Baqai, Pakistan Army; Dr Inga Legasova, Director General, Remiling Co. Ltd, and
Chairperson Women Power Union, Russia; Amena Arif, International Finance Corporation
Country Head, Sri Lanka; Mr. Abrar Hasan, CEO, National Foods Ltd., Mr. Sagheer Mufti, COO,
HBL Pakistan; Dr Rana El-Akhal, CEO Medal Consultancy, Jordan; and Itir Sanem Aykut, CEO
Aykut Foods and President elect KAGIDER, Turkey; Madiha Khalid, Head of HR, Shell Pakistan;
Anna Ruffino, Consul General of Italy, Karachi; Aamir Niazi, CEO HRSG; Jan Vankrunkelsven,
Director Winterthur Insurance, Switzerland; and other success stories.
The keynote speaker Dr Shamshad Akhtar highlighted her inspirational career growth both
within Pakistan and abroad, and how she overcame glass ceilings and challenges in her
professional career.
The conference explored issues related to gender diversity in the workplace, branding &
marketing, HR challenges of managing the generational divide, among others; and presented
success stories of women leaders from Pakistan and across the globe.
The IWLS 2019 was well attended by members of the diplomatic community, renowned women
entrepreneurs, heads of bilateral trade associations, teams from the World Bank Group, senior
businessmen and members of the media.
