As the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit Saudi Arabia wraps up in Riyadh, the atmosphere is filled with optimism, reflection, and growing momentum.
The summit has gathered global leaders, entrepreneurs, and pioneers to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s fast-changing landscape for women.
Diane Brady, Fortune Senior Editor, opened the day with insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Saudi women.
She noted the rapid changes within the Kingdom’s ancient cultural framework and the emergence of female leadership roles once held only by men.
This sentiment was echoed by Lubna Olayan, a twelve-time MPW honoree, who stated, “I wasn’t expecting we’d be where we are.”
Olayan’s surprise reflects the swift pace of reform in a country once viewed as slow to change.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, head of Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission, stressed the need to understand cultural context.
She explained that gender-segregated schools, often criticized, were essential for enabling girls’ education in conservative families.
“Without separation, many girls, including myself, would never have gone to school,” she told attendees.
Her message reinforced the importance of local knowledge when evaluating global gender strategies.
Adding artistic depth, entrepreneur Caroline Ghosn installed a prism-based art piece filled with attendee-written wisdom.
Ghosn, who also designed the 2024 Burning Man temple, offered a space for reflection and inspiration.
During a fireside chat, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet shared her journey from law to leadership in tech.
“When I joined Accenture in 2010, I didn’t even know what a CIO was,” she admitted.
Sweet reminded the audience that leadership skills can be learned at any age, with continuous curiosity and courage.
Her remarks aligned perfectly with the theme of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit Saudi Arabia—adaptability, access, and ambition.
Backed by powerful stories and strategic dialogue, the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit Saudi Arabia marks a milestone moment for the region.
It proves that while change may start slowly, it can accelerate with purpose, partnerships, and the power of women.
