Global Sporting Leaders Join the IWG Summit Line-Up

IWG Global Summit 2026 reaches a defining moment with the announcement of an exceptional new group of speakers. These are leaders who have competed on the world stage, shaped global sport, driven major investment and influenced how sport is governed, delivered and experienced around the world.

This latest announcement reflects the Summit’s ambition to go beyond celebrating isolated breakthroughs and instead focus on what comes next, embedding equity into the systems, structures and decisions that shape sport every day.

We are excited to announce the next confirmed speakers for the IWG Global Summit 2026, bringing together some of the most influential figures across Olympic sport, global governance and international investment.

The newly announced speakers are:

• Dame Denise Lewis, President, UK Athletics

• Lord Sebastian Coe, President, World Athletics

• Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair, British Olympic Association

• Sue Day MBE, Director of Women’s Football and Para Football, The English Football Association

• Amanda Staveley, Founder, PCP Capital Partners

This group of speakers represents the highest level of influence across sport, from Olympic achievement and global event delivery to governance, investment and the future of professional sport. Their collective experience reflects the scale of ambition behind the Summit: not only to spotlight progress, but to accelerate systemic change across the global sporting landscape.

The IWG Global Summit 2026 will take place in Birmingham, UK, on 9th–11th July, convening leaders from governments, international federations, professional sport, academia, brands and advocacy organisations to drive practical solutions for women and girls in sport.

For international federations, national governing bodies, sports councils and businesses looking to engage at the highest level, the IWG Global Summit provides a platform where these conversations translate into meaningful action.