About The Summit

Instituted for the very first time this year, CNI Women’s Leadership Forum will hold the Women’s Leadership Summit 23 on March 25th & 26th, 2023 to address, deliberate and find solutions to three key areas of women’s leadership in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic. It is an opportunity for gender equality champions and women leaders to exchange ideas, share strategies, celebrate successes, be encouraged, and learn from each other in a two-day summit that is designed to challenge and inspire.


The WLS23 isn’t about seeking recognition for women’s leadership potential, it is about educating, enabling and empowering women leaders for transformative impact. The power-packed sessions, keynote addresses and fireside dialogues will feature multigeneration experts who understand this transformative process.

art by Erina Tamrakar

THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT WILL DEBATE, DISCUSS, DELIBERATE ON CORE THEMES OF:

We are at a time when the world cannot ignore the advantages of women’s leadership as equal partners in development and innovation. Peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years if women are engaged in its creation and execution. Comprising only some 8% of political leaders globally, women have accounted for an estimated 40% of the most successful responses to Covid-19.

What has been different in women’s leadership? Emphasis on consultation and collaboration, consistent communication and encouraging values of cooperation and empathy. All leaders have some measure of power in that they can influence and determine priorities for other individuals, but leadership cannot be a synonym for holding power.

We are still operating with models of leadership designed primarily by and for men. But as more women ascend to significant leadership positions globally and we overcome barriers to female leadership, there will be a paradigm shift towards more equal, inclusive, gender neutral and progressive environments. Melinda Gates has eloquently asserted: Women are not just victims of a broken world; they can be architects of a better one. To embrace transformative leadership requires that shift in perspective and conversations that hold the power to create change.

art by Erina Tamrakar

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

will debate on aspects of engendering democracy and the need for more women in political and business leadership, decision making and institution building, We will also deliberate on why more women in leadership roles will build a stronger post pandemic world and how we can undo systemic inequality and eliminating gender gap in the workplace. The panelists will talk about the leadership purpose of women, advancing women’s leadership, and the pillars to empowered leadership for women in politics, economics and social change.

WOMEN & ECONOMICS

Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue, but also an economic issue. When women hold leadership positions, their companies are more profitable: companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform the national average. While women have been hardest hit by Covid 19, they are also often leading the way in “building forward better.” Many women entrepreneurs have responded to the incredible challenges with both grit and innovation, pivoting rapidly to cope with the impact of the crisis and help create better futures. The panelists will deliberate on how economic shocks impact women and men led businesses differently, the resilience factor of how women should prepare for business in the post pandemic world, the importance of financial and digital literacy for women led MSMEs, what is gender lens investing, and the policy interventions required to promote women’s economic empowerment.

WOMEN AS CHANGE AGENTS

Attitudes towards gender equality vary vastly from country to country. Women changemakers continue to catalyse urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. From the climate crisis to ending violence against women, from economic empowerment to seeking political participation and ending discrimination, women continue to lead the way for a more gender-neutral world. Our panel of experts will force you to think about why leadership is about being a good human being first, why gender equality and inclusion are essential to the success of sustainable energy initiatives, why social change matters and why we should care. Our experts will also delve into topics of the trials and triumphs of being women in arts, how our current education and health models can become more accessible to all, what is the true nature of philanthropy, the shadow pandemic which saw an increase in violence against women, and an insight into what the world would look like without activists and agents of change.

art by Erina Tamrakar

FIRESIDE DIALOGUES

These conversations have been curated to learn and engage with some of the world’s best minds from diverse fields. They are people who have overcome fear, walked the extra mile, and created extraordinary impact in their areas of expertise. They have captivated audiences with their incredible life. They will talk about the choices they have had to make to own their life journey and give us insight into what leadership means to them, their work, how they stand committed to advancing the ideals they believe in and the impact they want to create in the world.

EMPOWER ENABLE ENGAGE

MARKET PLACE

Experience an onsite exhibition curated specifically for women handicrafts from different parts of Nepal. From handwoven textiles, handmade Nepali white papers to ceramics, pashminas, metalworks and more. The marketplace brings together diverse group of women enterprenuers in the handicraft business.

RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS

The Summit will recognize an inspirational woman for 2023 for her achievements, impact, and leadership prowess.

SUMMIT DECLARATION

The outcome of the Summit beyond being a space for great learning and networking is also to present a set of declarations to the Government of Nepal, development partners and to partner organizations of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries in various countries to adopt its values.

Be it across boardrooms, politics, or the media, leadership should not make women feel that they need to be more “masculine” to succeed, or men fear showing “feminine” traits. Leadership should be about having certain universal key principles. Women represent only 1 in 4 members of parliament worldwide and are just 34% of those elected to local governments. And higher up the echelons of power, women are fewer in numbers. They are less than 10% of Heads of State and Government. And more than 100 countries have never had a woman executive. While the goal is to increase women’s leadership at local, national, regional, and global levels, the summit is also about building meaningful engagement and partnerships that advocate a better world for all. Gender equal societies are more peaceful and more prosperous and balanced leadership is the key to unlock our common challenges.

CNI Women’s Leadership Forum invites you to join us in our commitment to build female leadership and equality.

A special evening has been designed for the delegates to experience the rich traditional culture and diversity of the country. Nepal is known for its food and this evening will offer a taste of the some of the very best of Nepalese cuisine and our warm hospitality

What you'll discover at
Women’s Leadership Summit 2023

EXHIBITION BY LOCAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
CULTURAL & FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
HONORING WOMEN ICONS

Event sessions

Many power-packed sessions to choose from leaders across generation.

BUSINESS


TAKING GENDER OUT OF THE EQUATION

This session explores the global movement towards increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship and ownership of business: can we achieve 50-50 representation by 2030?

Nirvana Chaudhary

Moderator

Mr. Nirvana Chaudhary

MD, CG Corp Global

Nirvana Chaudhary is the Managing Director of CG Corp Global, a $2.5 Billion private conglomerate, before turning 30. CG (Chaudhary Group) is a multinational headquartered in Nepal, with a portfolio of 136 companies and 76 brands spread across 30 different countries.

Ameya Prabhu

Ameya Prabhu

Managing Director, NAFA Capital (India)

Ameya Prabhu is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of NAFA Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd,. He also is a Partner in UAP Advisors LLP. UAP Advisors is a financial services, principal investment and sustainability & renewable energy strategic advisory firm focused on India and other emerging markets.

Ameya Prabhu

Archana Bhatnagar

President, MAWE | MD, Haylide Chemicals

ARCHANA BHATNAGAR is a game changer with her green chemicals company. A first-generation entrepreneur, she is a strong, passionate leader and mentor to women entrepreneurs.

Ameya Prabhu

Dr. Prativa Pandey

CEO, Herveda Botanicals

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technologies and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and entrepreneur. A prestigious OWSD Early Career Fellowship and a national Science and Technology award were given to her in 2019.

Ameya Prabhu

Ajit Bikram Shah

CEO, Lotus Holding

Ajit Bikram Shah, Director and CEO of Lotus Holdings, a venture capital enterprise.

POLITICS


THE FEMALE POLITICAL CAREER

This session will explore the current landscape when it comes to equitable gender representation in the political sphere, investigating the structural barriers that limit women’s meaningful participation, and what substantive representation actually looks like, especially for women.

Nirvana Chaudhary

Moderator

Mr. Yuvraj Ghimire

Editor, Deshsanchar (Nepal)

Yubaraj Ghimire is currently the editor of Deshsanchar. A journalistic multimedia venture in Nepal. Previously, he worked as a journalist in prestigious Indian media like India Today, Outlook, The Telegraph and Indian Express.

Ameya Prabhu

Gagan Kumar Thapa

General Secretary, Nepali Congress

Gagan Kumar Thapa is the current General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and a Nepali politician and youth leader. He is currently a Member of Parliament in Nepal's House of Representatives, and Minister of Health and Population of Nepal.

Ameya Prabhu

Sunita Dangol

Deputy Mayor, KMC

Sunita Dangol is a Nepali politician, Neva heritage protector, indigenous scripture activist, and media professional. She is currently Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Kathmandu.

Ameya Prabhu

Shazia Ilmi

Politician

Shazia Ilmi is a politician from India. She previously worked as a television journalist and anchor for Star News. She spearheaded a media campaign in support of an anti-corruption bill (to institute an ombudsman popularly known as the Jan Lokpal Bill).

EMPOWERMENT


WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL NEPAL
- SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE PROVINCES

This session will enable a space for women from rural Nepal to share their stories. This will include stories of women from the seven provinces.

Ameya Prabhu

Moderator

Sadichha Shrestha

Media Personality

Sadichha Shrestha is a media professional and beauty pageant winner, who won the tittle of Miss Nepal 2010. She was the Goodwill Ambassador of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and also is the winner of VOW Top 10 College Women 2010.

Ameya Prabhu

Arpana Pradhan Bhandari

Executive Member, FWEAN, Province 3

Arpana Pradhan Bhandari is a dedicated executive member of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal, Province 3. She is also a past President of WEAN Chitwan.

Ameya Prabhu

Mina Kumari Phulara

Member, FWEAN, Province 7

Mina Kumari Phulara is an executive member of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal (FWEAN), of Province 7 , Dadeldhura . Additionally, she has also served as an immediate past-president of FWEAN.

Ameya Prabhu

Saraswati Sharma

Founder, FWEAN, Province 7

Saraswati Sharma is the founder of WEAN Chapter, Nepalgunj, Province 5. She is serving as an executive member of FWEAN.

No photo

Girija Chittlangia Sharda

Social Activist, Province 1

Girija Chittlangia Sharda is a social activist and a board member of CNI Province 1.

CLIMATE CHANGE


CREATING MORE
WOMEN CLIMATE LEADERS

On one hand, women tend to be the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, and on the other, they play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. This session will explore why it is so crucial to meaningfully engage the voices of women in dialogues around climate change, and create more women climate leaders.

Ameya Prabhu

Moderator

Suman Shakya

Founder/CEO, Tangent Waves

Suman Shakya is a certified trainer, entrepreneur, and consultant. He has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, including multiple startups, consulting, media, ICT, and over 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at business schools.

Ameya Prabhu

Sita Adhikari

Entrepreneur

Sita Adhikari is a driven, motivated, and committed leader and entrepreneur. With the assistance of Pollinate Group, she successfully spearheaded an award-winning model to train women from disadvantaged communities in Nepal and India to become successful entrepreneurs as the founder of Kalpavriksha.

Ameya Prabhu

Bhusan Tuladhar

Entrepreneur

Bhushan Tuladhar is an environmental scientist who heads the Environment Department and is a member of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Planning Commission. He is also the Executive Director of Clean Energy Nepal and the Environment and Public Health Organization.

Ameya Prabhu

Prakriti Mainali

Entrepreneur

Prakriti Mainali is the founder of Shakti Milan, a company that converts used rice sacks into bags for export. Awarded with the Nepal government's National Youth Talent Award 2021 also, serves on the board of the Social Entrepreneurship Fund of Nepal's Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.

DIGITAL


TOOLS TO BRING WOMEN TO THE
FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Amun Thapa

Moderator

Amun Thapa

Founder, SastoDeal

Amun Thapa is the founder of SastoDeal.com, one of the most popular eCommerce sites in Nepal. He is an entrepreneur juggler who is the owner/co-owner of the other four ventures Sasto Book, Irish Pub, Chhahari Production, and Anthropose and is also associated with Khalisisi.

Aanchal Kunwar

Aanchal Kunwar

Managing Director, DARAZ (Nepal)

Aanchal Kunwar, first female Managing Director of Nepal’s leading online marketplace, Daraz Nepal. During her 13+ years in the US corporate sector, she worked for various leading companies such as Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and e-commerce pioneer, Amazon, where she worked in establishing the company in new markets like Sweden, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Aanchal Kunwar

Sonika Manandhar

Founder, Aloi Technology

Sonika Manandhar is a social entrepreneur and a Nepali computer engineer. She co-founded Aeloi Technologies, a fintech company that uses digital tokens to fund women micro-entrepreneurs.

Aanchal Kunwar

Karvika Thapa

CEO, Kimbu Tech

Karvika Thapa is the CEO of Kimbu Tech. She is passionate about "Women in Tech" and serves as Chairperson of Simjung Company and Director of V.S. International College.

Aanchal Kunwar

Siddharth Raja

Senior Speacilist for Technology & Jobs Company

Siddhartha Raja is a World Bank Senior Specialist for Technology and Jobs, where he leads the World Bank's thinking on how technology is reshaping the world of work, with a focus on the implications for skills and jobs today and in the future.

CHANGE AGENTS


LEADERSHIP SKILLS
THAT DRIVE CHANGE

Aanchal Kunwar

Moderator

Amuda Mishra

Founder, Ujyalo Foundation

Amuda Mishra is the founder and executive director of The Ujyalo Foundation, a feminist organization dedicated to the advancement of women's leadership and empowerment.

Aanchal Kunwar

Pradip Pariyar

Founder, Samata Foundation

Pradip Pariyar serves is the founder of Samata Foundation and has been named a Young Global Leader in the World Economic Forum's Class of 2020. Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) founder who currently leads the #DalitLivesMatter movement.

Jaivir Singh

Jaivir Singh

Executive Director, PricewaterouseCoopers Foundation (India)

Jaivir Singh is currently driving Corporate Responsibility for PricewaterhouseCoopers in India through the PwC India Foundation, additional responsibility as Executive Director in the India Chairman Office. He serves on the global corporate responsibility board of the PwC network.

Jaivir Singh

Maggie Doyne

Founder, Blick Now Foundation

Maggie Doyne is a philanthropist from the United States who has built a children's home, a women's center, and a school in Surkhet, Nepal. In November 2015, she received the CNN Hero of the Year Award, and is the author of 'Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope'.

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT


ADDRESSING PERSISTENT
INEQUALITIES IN MEDIA

Jaivir Singh

Aakriti Ghimire

Journalist

Aakriti Ghimire is a Kathmandu Post reporter who focuses on social issues such as gender, queer issues, and climate change.

Jaivir Singh

Dil Bhusan Pathak

Chief Editor, Kantipur

Dil Bhusan Pathak is the editor-in-chief of Kantipur Television Network Pvt. Ltd. and a journalist. On Kantipur TV, he currently hosts the show Tough Talk with Dil Bhusan Pathak.

Jaivir Singh

Anushka Shrestha

Founder, Makkuse Nepal

Anushka Shrestha is the founder of Makkuse Nepal and the regional manager at Australian Catholic University. She was crowned Miss World Nepal 2019 on 9 May 2019. She also won Miss Nepal Oceania 2018.

Zaheer Iqbal

Zaheer Iqbal

Model / Actor (Indian Cinema)

Zaheer Iqbal, also known as Zaheer Ratansi, is a budding face in Indian cinema. He has worked in movies like Notebook.

REGIONAL COOPERATION


EXPORT MARKET BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SOUTH ASIA

Jaivir Singh

Francesco Tornieri

Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development), South Asia Department, ADB

Francesco is ADB’s focal point for gender equality and social inclusion in South Asia. He promotes the visibility of gender equality, women's empowerment and social inclusion in the design, implementation and monitoring of ADB operations in South Asia. Prior to ADB, Francesco worked as Social Development Specialist in the Africa Region of the World Bank, where he was involved in the implementation of a broad range of social development, gender and development (GAD) and social protection related initiatives.

Zaheer Iqbal

Aasia Saail Khan

Director of Supply Chain, Schazoo Zaka Pvt. Ltd.

Aasia Saail Khan a Pharmacist, Fashion Entrepreneur, Gender Consultant, Development Expert, Supplychain Specialist, Policy and Planning for Gender Expert, Speaker on Entrepreneurship, Motivational Speaker, Certified Board Director, is also a Chevening Scholar. She is a perfect example of a woman leader in business and society of Pakistan. She is a passionate enthusiast for women development.

Zaheer Iqbal

Rezani Aziz

Executive Officer, Adfactors PR

Rezani Aziz has a wealth of experience in the field of corporate communications, with a focus on public affairs, corporate and financial communications, advocacy, issues and crisis management, and brand public relations. She has a track record of executing effective communications campaigns for a range of high-profile multinational corporations, government and private sector entities, and organizations. Additionally, she has spent more than two decades working in the field of women's entrepreneurship and leadership development.

Zaheer Iqbal

Damche Dem

CEO, Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs

Damchae Dem, a Bhutanese entrepreneur and business professional, serves as the CEO of Pelden Enterprise Limited, which happens to be the first steel manufacturing company in Bhutan. Additionally, she holds the position of president of the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs.

Zaheer Iqbal

Sukirti Patnaaik

Convenor, INWEC

Sukirti Patnaaik is a remarkable individual who has made notable contributions in various areas. She is known for her impressive achievements as the Convenor of INWEC (Indian Women Entrepreneurs' Club), where she is responsible for organizing events and programs that promote entrepreneurship and empower women. In addition to her role as the Convenor, Sukirti Patnaaik is also the founder of Indulge Salons, a chain of beauty and grooming centers that have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality of service and customer satisfaction.

Zaheer Iqbal

Shamama Arbab

Co–Founder, Euro Industries

Shamama Arbab is a co-founder of Euro Industries Pvt Ltd and a respected female industrialist in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa. She holds various strategic positions, including Chairperson of Pakistan Stone Development Company and Board Member of The Indus Entrepreneurs TIE. She is also a founding member of South Asian Women Entrepreneurs Network and a member of the Advisory Council of National Skills University Islamabad.

Zaheer Iqbal

Abida Ali

Director, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Abida Ali is a Director at the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries, where she champions women's entrepreneurship and empowerment. She is a successful entrepreneur herself, with ventures in healthcare and education, and has been recognized with the "Inspiring Women Award" from the Global Women's Summit.

POLICY


UNLOCKING POSSIBILITIES: WAYS TO INFLUENCE
POLICY TO ACCELERATE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

In this session, we will discuss how can we impact and influence policies at the local, provincial and central level to prioritize meaningful participation of women in leadership spaces.

Zaheer Iqbal

Bandana Rana

-Moderator-

Gender Expert

Bandana Rana has three decades of experience in promoting women’s rights and gender equality at the grassroots, national, regional and global level. She is one of the founders and currently the executive chair of Saathi a pioneer NGO working on violence against women and girls in Nepal.

Zaheer Iqbal

Mamta Siwakoti

Lawyer

Mamta Siwakoti is widely known as a “Digital Lawyer”. She is a young advocate with a track record of success in the fields of human rights, constitutional law, legal research, and policy formulation.

Zaheer Iqbal

Nandini Lahe-Thapa

Tourism Expert

Nandini Lahe-Thapa is the Nepal Tourism Board's Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotion.

Zaheer Iqbal

Reshu Aryal

Education Advisor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Reshu Aryal is an educator committed to improving equity and access to quality education for underserved children in Nepal.

Zaheer Iqbal

Sabnam Shiwakoti

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Sabnam Shiwakoti is Joint Secretary under the Ministry of Agricultural Development and has headed National Plant Quarantine Program, Postharvest Management Directorate, and is currently the Flagship Manager for Innovation and Agro-entrepreneurship Flagship Program.

Ameya Prabhu

Ernesta Redi Neudert

Entrepreneur and Scientist

Ernesta Redi Neudert is a scientist and entrepreneur, who has extensive experience in the development of messages, international campaigns, and media strategy. She has provided public and business diplomacy, investment promotion, and communication strategies to governments, heads of state, and corporate clients.

Event sessions

Many power-packed sessions to choose from leaders across generation.

Event Speakers

Power-packed sessions, keynote addresses and dialogues with leaders across generation.

Ameya Prabhu

Ameya Prabhu

Managing Director, NAFA Capital (India)

Ameya Prabhu is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of NAFA Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd,. He also is a Partner in UAP Advisors LLP. UAP Advisors is a financial services, principal investment and sustainability & renewable energy strategic advisory firm focused on India and other emerging markets.

Ameya Prabhu

Archana Bhatnagar

President, MAWE | MD, Haylide Chemicals

ARCHANA BHATNAGAR is a game changer with her green chemicals company. A first-generation entrepreneur, she is a strong, passionate leader and mentor to women entrepreneurs.

Ameya Prabhu

Dr. Prativa Pandey

CEO, Herveda Botanicals

Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Technologies and Herveda Botanicals, is a researcher and entrepreneur. A prestigious OWSD Early Career Fellowship and a national Science and Technology award were given to her in 2019.

Ameya Prabhu

Ajit Bikram Shah

CEO, Lotus Holding

Ajit Bikram Shah, Director and CEO of Lotus Holdings, a venture capital enterprise.

Ameya Prabhu

Gagan Kumar Thapa

General Secretary, Nepali Congress

Gagan Kumar Thapa is the current General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and a Nepali politician and youth leader. He is currently a Member of Parliament in Nepal's House of Representatives, and Minister of Health and Population of Nepal.

Ameya Prabhu

Shazia Ilmi

Politician

Shazia Ilmi is a politician from India. She previously worked as a television journalist and anchor for Star News. She spearheaded a media campaign in support of an anti-corruption bill (to institute an ombudsman popularly known as the Jan Lokpal Bill).

Ameya Prabhu

Suman Shakya

Founder/CEO, Tangent Waves

Suman Shakya is a certified trainer, entrepreneur, and consultant. He has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, including multiple startups, consulting, media, ICT, and over 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at business schools.

Ameya Prabhu

Sita Adhikari

Entrepreneur

Sita Adhikari is a driven, motivated, and committed leader and entrepreneur. With the assistance of Pollinate Group, she successfully spearheaded an award-winning model to train women from disadvantaged communities in Nepal and India to become successful entrepreneurs as the founder of Kalpavriksha.

Ameya Prabhu

Bhusan Tuladhar

Entrepreneur

Bhushan Tuladhar is an environmental scientist who heads the Environment Department and is a member of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Planning Commission. He is also the Executive Director of Clean Energy Nepal and the Environment and Public Health Organization.

Ameya Prabhu

Prakriti Mainali

Entrepreneur

Prakriti Mainali is the founder of Shakti Milan, a company that converts used rice sacks into bags for export. Awarded with the Nepal government's National Youth Talent Award 2021 also, serves on the board of the Social Entrepreneurship Fund of Nepal's Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens.

Amun Thapa

Amun Thapa

-Moderator-

Founder, SastoDeal (Nepal)

Amun Thapa is the founder of SastoDeal.com, one of the most popular eCommerce sites in Nepal. He is an entrepreneur juggler who is the owner/co-owner of the other four ventures Sasto Book, Irish Pub, Chhahari Production, and Anthropose and is also associated with Khalisisi.

Aanchal Kunwar

Aanchal Kunwar

Managing Director, DARAZ (Nepal)

Aanchal Kunwar, first female Managing Director of Nepal’s leading online marketplace, Daraz Nepal. During her 13+ years in the US corporate sector, she worked for various leading companies such as Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and e-commerce pioneer, Amazon, where she worked in establishing the company in new markets like Sweden, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Aanchal Kunwar

Sonika Manandhar

Founder, Aloi Technology

Sonika Manandhar is a social entrepreneur and a Nepali computer engineer. She co-founded Aeloi Technologies, a fintech company that uses digital tokens to fund women micro-entrepreneurs.

Aanchal Kunwar

Karvika Thapa

CEO, Kimbu Tech

Karvika Thapa is the CEO of Kimbu Tech. She is passionate about "Women in Tech" and serves as Chairperson of Simjung Company and Director of V.S. International College.

Aanchal Kunwar

Siddharth Raja

Senior Speacilist for Technology & Jobs Company

Siddhartha Raja is a World Bank Senior Specialist for Technology and Jobs, where he leads the World Bank's thinking on how technology is reshaping the world of work, with a focus on the implications for skills and jobs today and in the future.

Aanchal Kunwar

Amuda Mishra

Founder, Ujyalo Foundation

Amuda Mishra is the founder and executive director of The Ujyalo Foundation, a feminist organization dedicated to the advancement of women's leadership and empowerment.

Aanchal Kunwar

Pradip Pariyar

Founder, Samata Foundation

Pradip Pariyar serves is the founder of Samata Foundation and has been named a Young Global Leader in the World Economic Forum's Class of 2020. Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) founder who currently leads the #DalitLivesMatter movement.

Arnav Kapoor

Arnav Kapoor

Global Lead / Philanthropic Partnership / Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (India)

Arnav Kapoor is a Global Lead at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, concentrating on Philanthropic Partnerships and Policy in India and Asia. Arnav previously worked with the India Global Growth and Opportunity team and also as a Consultant with Deloitte.

Jaivir Singh

Jaivir Singh

Executive Director, PricewaterouseCoopers Foundation (India)

Jaivir Singh is currently driving Corporate Responsibility for PricewaterhouseCoopers in India through the PwC India Foundation, additional responsibility as Executive Director in the India Chairman Office. He serves on the global corporate responsibility board of the PwC network.

Jaivir Singh

Maggie Doyne

Founder, Blick Now Foundation

Maggie Doyne is a philanthropist from the United States who has built a children's home, a women's center, and a school in Surkhet, Nepal. In November 2015, she received the CNN Hero of the Year Award, and is the author of 'Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope'.

Jaivir Singh

Aakriti Ghimire

Journalist

Aakriti Ghimire is a Kathmandu Post reporter who focuses on social issues such as gender, queer issues, and climate change.

Jaivir Singh

Dil Bhusan Pathak

Chief Editor, Kantipur

Dil Bhusan Pathak is the editor-in-chief of Kantipur Television Network Pvt. Ltd. and a journalist. On Kantipur TV, he currently hosts the show Tough Talk with Dil Bhusan Pathak.

Zaheer Iqbal

Zaheer Iqbal

Model / Actor (Indian Cinema)

Zaheer Iqbal, also known as Zaheer Ratansi, is a budding face in Indian cinema. He has worked in movies like Notebook.

Zaheer Iqbal

Mamta Siwakoti

Lawyer

Mamta Siwakoti is widely known as a “Digital Lawyer”. She is a young advocate with a track record of success in the fields of human rights, constitutional law, legal research, and policy formulation.

Zaheer Iqbal

Nandini Lahe-Thapa

Tourism Expert

Nandini Lahe-Thapa is the Nepal Tourism Board's Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotion.

Zaheer Iqbal

Reshu Aryal

Education Advisor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Reshu Aryal is an educator committed to improving equity and access to quality education for underserved children in Nepal.

Ameya Prabhu

Ernesta Redi Neudert

Entrepreneur and Scientist

Ernesta Redi Neudert is a scientist and entrepreneur, who has extensive experience in the development of messages, international campaigns, and media strategy. She has provided public and business diplomacy, investment promotion, and communication strategies to governments, heads of state, and corporate clients.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR WLS23

INAUGURAL EVENT MARCH 25, SATURDAY

TIME: 9:30AM – 12:30 PM

9:00

AM

Guest Arrivals Tea / Coffee Service for all

9:30

AM

National Anthem | Ganesh Vandana Performance

9:40

AM

Welcome Remarks

9:50

AM

Theme Video: What It Takes To Lead

9:55

AM

Keynote Speech 1

10:10

AM

Keynote Speech 2

10:20

AM

Keynote Speech 3

10:30

AM

Remarks

10:40

AM

Awards, Video presentation of Maggie Doyen

10:55

PM

Chief Guest Remarks

11:15

PM

Inviting Guest to Inaugurate Make in Nepal

FOLLOWED BY

LUNCH



SUMMIT: DAY 1 MARCH 25, SATURDAY

TIME: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

1:30

PM

REGISTRATION

2:00

PM

OPENING REMARKS

2:10

PM

FIRESIDE

3:00 – 4:00

PM

PANEL: BUSINESS

4:00 – 5:00

PM

PANEL : POLITICS

5:00 – 6:00

PM

PANEL: EMPOWERMENT

FOLLOWED BY

TEA BREAK

SUMMIT: DAY 2 MARCH 26, SUNDAY
TIME: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

8:30

AM

REGISTRATION

9:00

AM

OPENING REMARKS

9:10 – 10:10

AM

PANEL: CLIMATE CHANGE

10:15 – 11:15

AM

PANEL: DIGITAL

11:20 – 12:00

PM

FIRESIDE

12:00- 1:00

PM

LUNCH

1:00 – 2:00

PM

PANEL: CHANGE AGENTS

2:00 – 3:00

PM

PANEL: MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

3:00 – 4:00

PM

PANEL: REGIONAL COOPERATION

4:00 – 5:00

PM

PANEL: POLICY


CLOSING EVENT
MARCH 26, SUNDAY
TIME: 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM

5:15

PM

OPENING REMARKS

5:25

PM

KEYNOTE SPEECH

5:45

PM

SUMMIT DECLARATION & HANDOVER TO GoN

6:05

PM

REMARKS BY GUEST OF HONOUR

6:20

PM

VOTE OF THANKS

6:30

PM onwards

DINNER RECEPTION

*200 invitees only

Event & Marketplace Registration

Great speakers, meaningful conversations and an opportunity to ignite change.

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