Beyond the Breakthrough: Lisa O’Keefe on Why the IWG Global Summit 2026 Matters More Than Ever
- 3 days ago
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Updated: 1 day ago
As the IWG Global Summit returns for its ninth edition, Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe reflects on its global impact - and why this year’s theme marks a critical shift from progress to lasting change.
As preparations continue for the IWG Global Summit 2026, IWG Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe has shared a new video reflecting on the history of the Summit - and why it remains such a vital moment for everyone working to advance women and girls through sport and physical activity.
Now in its ninth edition, the IWG Global Summit has been bringing the global community together for more than three decades. The first Summit, held in Brighton in 1994, united leaders, practitioners and advocates from around the world with a shared goal: to prioritise the development of sport and physical activity for women and girls.
As Lisa reflects, that founding moment established something that remains just as important today - the importance of being together in person and building real connections.
"It’s not only about sharing knowledge and what works, but also physically coming together to strengthen connections, support each other and stay energised for what can often be challenging work.”
While the way we connect has evolved, the need for meaningful, in-person collaboration has not. If anything, it has become more important.
This year’s Summit is framed by the theme Beyond the Breakthrough - recognising that while progress for women and girls has accelerated, the real challenge now is ensuring that progress is embedded, adapted and sustained.
“Beyond the Breakthrough is about making sure progress doesn’t stop at moments - but becomes lasting change.”
Described as the “Davos of women’s sport”, the IWG Global Summit 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to bring together leaders from across the system - breaking down silos and creating space for honest, practical conversations about how to drive change.
At the heart of this year’s Summit is a focus not just on creating opportunities, but on addressing the systems that shape sport itself - ensuring they enable, rather than limit, participation.
“This is about looking at the system of sport and asking what we can all do to make sure it doesn’t make it harder for people to take part - because we all want more women and girls to be active.”
Taking place in Birmingham from 9–11 July 2026, the Summit will bring together global speakers and delegates across a wide range of themes identified by the IWG community itself.
But as Lisa highlights, it is often the moments between sessions that create the greatest impact.
Reflecting on the last Summit in Auckland, she recalls seeing “lightbulb moments” where ideas turned into action - including one example where a session on athlete kit led directly to changes being made within a national team.
These moments are what make the Summit unique: not just hearing what works, but understanding how to apply it, and connecting with others to make it happen.
“You won’t just hear the content that matters to you - you’ll hear from people who are putting it into practice, and have the opportunity to connect with them directly.”
As speaker announcements continue in the lead-up to July, Lisa encourages the global network to get involved, explore the programme and be part of the conversations shaping what comes next.
The IWG Global Summit 2026 is more than an event - it builds on a movement that began in Brighton and is focused on how progress becomes unstoppable.
Will you be there?
Watch the full video to hear Lisa’s reflections.
Explore the programme and secure your place at the IWG Global Summit 2026 https://iwgglobalsummit2026.org/
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