For the third year in a row, the International Slavic University, together with Kinoverzum, participated in the Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi—a global event that brings together some of the most influential women from the worlds of business, politics, technology, and activism.

Held in honor of International Women’s Day, this prestigious platform celebrates the power of female leadership, offering space for networking, inspiration, and the sharing of intergenerational ideas.

This year, our representative Mihaela Gjorcheva took part in the Entrepreneurship Ideas Forum, where she spoke about the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and how women leaders can create sustainable businesses. She also attended a networking luncheon hosted by the American company Cisco.

The summit’s agenda included panel discussions, interactive sessions, and exclusive events featuring some of the most powerful women globally.

The event began at Cranleigh School in Abu Dhabi, where participants mentored young girls on their future careers and professional development—an opportunity to pass on experience to the next generation of women leaders.

In addition to the formal program, attendees had the chance to connect in a more informal setting during a desert celebration featuring traditional elements, camels, and music—offering a genuine experience of Arab culture and fostering deeper connections among leaders.

Notable meetings included conversations with author Alka Joshi and former U.S. Federal CIO Clare Martorana.

The official summit opening was led by Mika Brzezinski, Huma Abedin, and Maggie McGrath, with speakers including author Alka Joshi, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Cisco’s Deputy CIO Macy Andrews.

One of the summit’s most memorable moments was the ceremonial iftar dinner at the Abrahamic Family House, a symbol of interfaith dialogue, peace, and tolerance. Uniting a mosque, church, and synagogue, this venue served as the perfect setting to honor women’s leadership in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.

The grand finale of the summit was a gala dinner at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, where awards were presented to women who have made a significant impact in their fields. Among the honorees was Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

In this exclusive setting, Mihaela Gjorcheva unveiled one of the first designs from her suit brand, showcasing how fashion can be a powerful symbol of strength and leadership.

The Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi was an invaluable experience—a platform for inspiration and an opportunity to connect with some of the world’s most influential women. The exchange of ideas, new friendships, and prospects for future collaboration make this summit a true testament to the power of women to drive meaningful change in society.