IWF Switzerland- Welcoming the newest IWF Europe forum, Switzerland! - 14 to 16 June 2026

It was a real pleasure to welcome IWF Switzerland, the newest IWF Europe forum, at its excellent launch event in Zurich from 14-16 June 2026.

This was the first time the forum’s 50-plus members had come together, and there was a wonderful sense of energy, optimism and possibility in the room. I was delighted to attend on behalf of IWF Ireland, alongside Global Board members Kimberly Cooper-Jaqua, Elisabeth Ourliac of France, Julie Goldstein, Ana Muñoz and Funda Sivrikaya Serifoglu, as well as leaders from IWF Washington and 12 European forums.

The launch also created a valuable opportunity for IWF European Forum Presidents, or their nominees, to meet over dinner with the Global leadership team and hear more about their strategy to grow and support new forums. It was encouraging to learn about the ambition to broaden IWF experiences beyond the International Leadership Summit and Cornerstone events, creating more opportunities for smaller-group connection and deeper engagement across our growing global membership.

Our hosts included Veronica Scotti, who is also an IWF UK member and co-founder of IWF Switzerland. It was especially lovely to see an Irish connection too: Ailbhe Fallon, one of Ireland’s own members at IWF UK, is also a co-founder of this new chapter.

Elisabeth Ourliac has played an important role in sponsoring the establishment of the forum in her capacity as Global Executive, Board Member and Advisor, and Founding President of IWF Switzerland. Anne Minto from IWF UK was also a key advisor and mentor to the new forum. The event was held at the Adecco Group headquarters and began with a thoughtful presentation on IWF Switzerland’s strategy, membership, one-year and five-year goals, and plans to grow and embed the organisation within the Swiss ecosystem.

There was a rich discussion on international experience and best practice, and, as always, it was the honest sharing of lessons learned by other forums that truly resonated with everyone in the room. We ended the day with dinner at the very traditional Zunfthaus zur Waag in Zurich, which was full of warmth, conversation and great fun.

Ena.