by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – WOMEN and youth representatives from more than 100 countries will convene virtually later this month to urge G20 leaders to place peace, wellbeing, and balanced leadership—with women at the centre of global decision-making—at the heart of international governance.
The 3rd Annual Digital Power of Women (DPOW) Conference an official Civil20 (C20) and G20 Social South Africa international digital event, will be broadcast globally on November 21–22, 2025, under the theme “Power Rooted in Connection.”
Organisers say the gathering comes at a crucial time as the world prepares for the G20 Leadership Summit in South Africa (2025) and COP30 in Brazil, where governments will debate the future of climate action, economic recovery, and digital governance.
Hosted by Power of Women, an initiative of We Are the Hope, and chaired by its founder Shenali Rajaratnam, the 24-hour online conference will unite government officials, academics, business executives, activists, and civil society leaders.
“The world is moving through a period of rapid change and demands leadership grounded in shared values and responsibility,” Rajaratnam said.
“This conference creates a global space to define the principles that must guide decisions shaping our collective future.”
It has lined up high-level speakers featuring prominent global figures, including H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former UN Women Executive Director and former Deputy President of South Africa, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, 6th President of Mauritius, Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Laureate, Thulani Tshefuta, Chair, Civil20 South Africa, Ambassador Vanessa Dolce de Faria, High Representative of COP30 Brazil for Gender and Environment and Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite.
Additional speakers will include diplomats, peacebuilders, economists, technologists, and youth representatives from across the G20, African Union, United Nations system, and regions spanning Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
In collaboration with Google, the conference will distribute 1,000 Google Digital Career Certificates via Coursera to young women and girls, aiming to expand digital literacy and employment opportunities worldwide.
Other institutional partners include G20 Social South Africa, Civil20 South Africa, African Monarch, Leading Like Mandela Institute, Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Network, African Women in Technology, Charter for Compassion Las Vegas, and Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum, among others.
Organisers expect the event to reach more than one million participants during its 24-hour broadcast, making it one of the largest digital civil society mobilisations feeding into the G20 process.
Delegates will issue a consolidated statement to be presented to G20 South Africa, COP30 Brazil, and other international policy bodies.
The statement will outline civil society priorities in six key areas:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- Digital and AI governance
- Climate and environmental resilience
- Inclusive economic development
- Education and digital skills
- Health, wellbeing, and social stability
As governments prepare for major global summits in 2025, organizers say the DPOW Conference seeks to amplify the public voice—particularly that of women and youth—within global decision-making.
“Balanced leadership is not just a principle; it’s a necessity for peace and sustainability,” Rajaratnam said.
– CAJ News