The Handshake Summit, organized by development advocate Chaste Inegbedion, took place at the United Nations Church Center in New York, coinciding with the seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The event celebrated the contributions of 10 notable individuals who have significantly advanced gender equality worldwide. Under the theme ‘Advancing Women’s Influence in a Changing World,’ the summit aimed to foster partnerships and initiatives that will address the pressing call for gender equity from the United Nations.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the notion that gender equality is inherently linked to power dynamics, urging participants to consider the implications of this during their discussions. Meanwhile, Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, stressed the urgency of tackling gender disparities, particularly in the face of ongoing global crises that disproportionately affect women. The summit featured a variety of sessions, including high-level panels and an AI and Impact Showcase, where innovative solutions aimed at empowering women were presented.

This event not only served as a platform to recognize leaders in gender equality but also aimed to inspire actionable strategies that could lead to substantive change. By gathering a diverse group of stakeholders, the Handshake Summit sought to translate the U.N.'s calls into effective and measurable actions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration among nations, organizations, and individuals dedicated to creating a more equitable world for women. This recognition and the discussions held are pivotal in emphasizing that while progress has been made, a concerted effort is still required to realize true gender equality globally.