Written by Renata Trottmann Probst, President of Soroptimist International, and Berthe De Vos-Neven, SI Advocacy Director
Every so often, the world gathers in one place to shape the future. In July 2026, that place was Geneva.
Over five extraordinary days, three landmark events converged: the first-ever UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, bringing together the Secretary General of the United Nations and all 193 UN Member States; the WSIS Forum 2026, marking twenty years of advancing a people-centered information society; and the AI for Good Global Summit, where innovation met global responsibility. Together, they sent a clear message: artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of society, and the decisions made today will shape the lives of generations to come.
Soroptimist International understands the significance of this moment. As a global organisation committed to advancing the rights, education and empowerment of all women and girls, we recognise that AI is no longer simply a technological issue. It is an issue of equality, human rights, economic opportunity, safety, education, and leadership. Ensuring that all women and girls are not only protected from harm but are active architects of the digital future is now an essential part of our mission.
That is why Soroptimist International was not in Geneva simply to observe. We were there as active partners, contributors, and trusted voices.
Working alongside United Nations entities, member states, academia, civil society, the private sector and technology leaders, SI strengthened existing partnerships while building new ones to advance gender-equitable AI and inclusive digital governance. Throughout the week, our international delegation actively participated in high-level discussions, contributed practical recommendations, and ensured that the voices and experiences of women and girls remained part of the global conversation.
Guided by a program designed by our Advocacy AI Advisor, Tania Gómez Herazo, our delegation moderated, facilitated, spoke, questioned and listened. We led the high-level roundtable Women in AI: Leadership, Innovation and Growth at the AI for Good Global Summit; convened our own WSIS side event, All Women and Girls Are Architects of a Safe Digital Future, generously supported by the Permanent Missions of Austria and Colombia; contributed to the Women and Girls Digital Empowerment Plan 2035; coached women founders on mission-driven growth; and engaged with ministers, regulators, engineers, researchers, executives, business leaders, students and even royalty at the tables where the digital future is being shaped.
Geneva also marked an important milestone in the continued expansion of Soroptimist International’s advocacy partnerships. Our presence throughout the Summit demonstrated that SI is a global, credible and constructive partner, ready to collaborate across sectors to ensure that technological progress advances equality, inclusion and human dignity. The relationships strengthened during these events will continue long after the conference halls have emptied.
Why does this matter to Soroptimists? Because the evidence presented in Geneva tells a story, we cannot ignore. Women represent less than one-third of the global AI workforce and only a small proportion of AI leadership. Nearly all sexually explicit deepfakes online target women and girls. AI is already influencing our children’s education, relationships and most personal decisions, often faster than policies can respond. These are not simply technology challenges. They are challenges of education, empowerment, health, safety and human rights, the foundation of Soroptimist International’s work.
Yet Geneva also offered hope. Across every forum, one message emerged consistently: good intentions are not enough effective mechanisms are essential. But also, gender-responsive governance, diverse development teams, meaningful accountability, AI literacy for every girl, everywhere. Safety needs to be designed into systems from the beginning, not added after harm occurs. And women, all women and girls, need to be present wherever decisions are made.
Soroptimist International will not be defined by the challenges before us, but by how boldly we choose to respond. By embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, working collaboratively across every level of our organisation and remaining steadfast in our commitment to all women and girls, we will ensure that SI is not only ready for the future, but that we will help shape it.
We invite you to read the blogs listed here, which will take you inside those conversations. Each offers perspective on the discussions, partnerships and ideas that emerged during this remarkable week, while connecting them to the 5 pillars of SI. This information can be used by our local Soroptimists within their own communities and beyond.
Finally, one image will remain with us: the eight years old girl of today will inherit the digital world that we are building now. Our responsibility is to ensure that she inherits one that is safe, inclusive, equitable, and full of opportunity.
From the table to the world, the work continues, and SI will also be an active partner part of this work.
