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Malta took centre stage on June 17 as a global force for gender equality during the SIGEF Women Summit 2025, hosted at the historic Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta. Organised by the Horyou Foundation and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the event brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and changemakers 鈥 affirming Malta鈥檚 growing reputation as a hub for women鈥檚 empowerment and innovation. Malta鈥檚 leadership on the global stage Opening the summit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg delivered a strong message of national progress and international leadership: 鈥淢alta has taken bold steps to improve women鈥檚 leadership and participation in all aspects of public life, including the gender corrective mechanism, which almost doubled female participation in Parliament. Malta also continues to support initiatives that strengthen women鈥檚 role in diplomacy, peacebuilding and multilateral cooperation,鈥 Dr Borg said. He was joined by Minister Miriam Dalli, responsible for Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, who reinforced Malta鈥檚 commitment to sustainability, equality, and opportunity for all. Celebrating women change-makers The summit鈥檚 program included sessions on family wealth and legacy, well-being and leadership, global policy, innovation, and AI. The highlight was the SIGEF Women Awards 2025, celebrating six remarkable women driving positive change internationally across a broad range of disciplines: 鈥 Christiane Caruana 鈥 for her leadership in international diplomacy and commitment to global women鈥檚 causes. Award presented by Holly Scarfone 鈥 Salwa Arfaoui 鈥 for empowering women entrepreneurs in the Middle East through inclusive real estate initiatives. Award presented by Claudia Alexandra Marigliano 鈥 Mayara Marinov 鈥 for her mentorship of women-led startups across Latin America. Award presented by Alina Terletchi 鈥 Elizabeth de Moraes 鈥 for advancing women鈥檚 visibility and confidence in global media. Award presented by Brigitte Othala Von Habsburg 鈥 Kimia Penton 鈥 for her unique contributions at the intersection of global program leadership and artistic expression. Award presented by Brenda Lee Grech 鈥 Shakira Fenech 鈥 for her humanitarian work as Head of SOAR Service at Malta鈥檚 St Jeanne Antide Foundation, supporting survivors of domestic violence and promoting youth empowerment. Award presented by Maria Cristina Madriaga Strategic partners and media support The summit was made possible through the support of dedicated partners and sponsors: Visit Malta, Horyou, Horyou Alphaverse, Kathryn Luxury Flowers, Grow & Glow, Jacquin & Associ茅s, and Palazzo Bifora. It also received powerful international media amplification from: 鈥 AFS (Arts, Fashion & Sports), led by Editor-in-Chief Rebeca Riofrio, Chair of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts 鈥 ELLEDGY Magazine, under the editorial leadership of Kristina Mezhynskaya, a global voice for women in luxury, fashion, and innovation A lasting platform for global impact SIGEF Women will continue its expansion from Malta through a curated international community, a women-led investment collective, and the launch of a new global magazine in 2026 spotlighting women changemakers and philanthropists from across sectors and continents. With over 80 countries represented and a media reach exceeding 10 million, Malta is now firmly positioned as a global capital for women鈥檚 leadership and inclusive progress. For more details and information, visit: www.sigefwomen.com