UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) proudly presents the 9th edition of the Gender Equality Summit (GES 2026) — a flagship national convening aligned with the UN International Women's Day 2026 theme:
"Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls."
GES 2026 marks a pivotal milestone in India's gender equality journey. As the 9th edition, it represents not only the continued legacy of the Summit series but also a critical moment to shift from awareness to acceleration, and from commitments to measurable action.
In a decade where India is shaping its role as a global economic leader, gender equality is no longer a peripheral agenda — it is central to economic resilience, talent competitiveness, and sustainable growth. GES 2026 positions gender equality as a strategic market and leadership imperative, and a key driver for advancing SDG 5, alongside cross-cutting SDGs on decent work, climate action, education, and reduced inequalities.
The Summit will bring together leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, and youth to spotlight solutions that deliver rights, justice, and action — particularly for women and girls.
GES 2026 represents a strong continuity of leadership and a renewed call for bold action.
As the 9th edition, GES 2026 will:
Strengthen India Inc.'s role in shaping global gender equality outcomes
Deepen corporate accountability on equal pay, leadership representation, workplace dignity, and safety
Expand focus on emerging disruptions such as AI, digital transformation, and green transition, ensuring women are not left behind
Mobilise commitments through UNGC initiatives such as the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and Forward Faster
Elevate youth voices, recognising young women and allies as drivers of a feminist and equitable future
GES 2026 introduces new focus areas that respond to today's realities and tomorrow's risks:
A renewed focus on workplace rights, including dignity, safety, equal pay, and representation.
Discussions will go beyond individual success stories to address structural barriers, policies, and business systems.
GES 2026 will spotlight corporate and institutional commitments aligned with UNGC frameworks.
A strong intersectional lens including rural women, informal workers, MSME women entrepreneurs, young professionals, students, and women in emerging sectors.
Since its inception, the Gender Equality Summit has united India Inc. and multi-stakeholder partners to champion gender equality. The 2026 Summit will:
The 9th Gender Equality Summit aims to:
Position gender equality as a business-critical priority and economic growth enabler
Translate global commitments into India-specific corporate action
Strengthen partnerships across corporates, government, civil society, academia, and youth
Enable measurable, scalable, and replicable solutions
Accelerate implementation through frameworks such as WEPs and Forward Faster
Drive collective impact and accountability through multi-stakeholder collaboration
A dedicated masterclass designed for students and young professionals
Learn how AI is reshaping business models and strategic decision-making
Explore responsible AI development and inclusive innovation
Empower and develop leadership skills for the digital age
Discover emerging opportunities in future industries
Connect with top CEOs, policymakers, and changemakers driving gender equality
Engage with cutting-edge perspectives and evidence-based insights on rights, justice, and inclusion
Discover practical strategies to integrate gender justice into corporate and organisational practice
Be part of sessions designed to elevate youth voices and leadership
Participate in a Summit that aligns India with global gender equality imperatives under the UN IWD 2026 theme
The Summit invites participation from:
CEOs, CHROs, ESG Heads, Sustainability Leaders
National and State representatives engaged in gender, labour and economic policy
Women's rights, inclusion advocates, social innovation leaders
Students, researchers, educators, and future leaders
UN agencies and development partners focusing on gender, inclusion, and sustainable development
Journalists and storytellers amplifying gender equality narratives
Agenda will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Our distinguished speakers will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Our valued partners will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Chair, GES 2020, Member Governing Council, GCNI
Chief CSR, Sustainability & Communications Officer, ReNew Power
"Gender inequality is deeply embedded in our society, even as India has taken rapid strides and established herself as a global force..."
Deep Chandra Papnoi
Deputy Director, UN Global Compact Network India
📞 +91-120-4979615, 9718010888
R J Arunima
Programme Officer, UN Global Compact Network India
📞 +91 8547171711
