WPL Summit Programme

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WPL Summit 2025 programme of events

Below you will find our programme of events available over the two days.

Programme is subject to change.

Arrival of Delegates & Accreditation Pick-Up
Sunday 28th September
From: 13:00
17:00
Venue: Hilton Hotel Lobby
Welcome Reception
Sunday 28th September
From: 18:00
20:00
Venue: Villa Gorica Park
Hosted by:
- Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro
- Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro
- Zdenka Popović, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro
Arrival of Delegates & Accreditation Pick-Up
Monday 29th September
From: 08:15
09:00
Venue: Lobby, Hilton Hotel
Official Opening Ceremony
Monday 29th September
From: 09:00
09:20
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hilton Hotel
Welcome remarks by:
- Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro
- Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President & Founder, Women Political Leaders (WPL)
- Zdenka Popović, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro
- Obiageli Ezekwesili, Chair of the WPL Board
Keynote Address
Monday 29th September
From: 09:20
09:30
Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro
Panel 1: The New Energy Diplomacy: Trust in Transition
Monday 29th September
From: 09:30
10:10
The global energy landscape is undergoing seismic shifts, demanding new coalitions and transparent leadership. This panel examines how policymakers can ensure a just green transition that enhances energy security, attracts climate investments, and builds credibility with citizens and global partners alike.

Speakers & Moderator TBA
Panel 2: Investing in Stability: A New Global Capital Agenda
Monday 29th September
From: 10:10
10:50
Investment is not just about returns; it’s a vote of confidence in a country’s leadership and direction. This panel explores how countries can create stable political environments that attract ethical, long-term investments and promote inclusive development.

Speakers & Moderator TBA
Policy Focus Sessions
Monday 29th September
From: 11:10
12:25
- ‘Beyond the Stigma: Advancing Menopause Policies for Women’s Health and Prosperity’ with Bayer
- ‘AI, Allies, and Autonomy: Political Trade-offs & Policy Leadership’ with Microsoft
Panel 3: The Digital Future: Ethical Foundations
Monday 29th September
From: 12:35
13:15
With AI, deepfakes, and data sovereignty dominating headlines, digital governance is the new frontier of trust. This panel investigates how leaders can regulate emerging technologies, protect democracy, and ensure that innovation serves the public good.

Speakers & Moderators TBA
Fireside Chat: Stories of a Positive Future
Monday 29th September
From: 13:15
13:30
Featuring candid reflections and experiences from leaders who have rebuilt public trust through reform and vision.
Lunch
Monday 29th September
From: 13:30
14:55
Group photo
Monday 29th September
From: 15:10
15:15
Venue: Staircase of the main entrance of Parliament
National Delegation Statements
Monday 29th September
From: 15:20
17:50
Chaired by: Zdenka Popović, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro

Reserved for officially appointed national delegates only.
Policy Focus Sessions
Monday 29th September
From: 15:30
17:00
- FemAI Global AI Lab with GIZ & Smart Africa
- Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights with the WHO & Bayer
Transfer to the town of Cetinje
Monday 29th September
From: 18:00
18:40
Departure from: The Parliament of Montenegro
Guided tour of Cetinje
Monday 29th September
From: 18:40
19:00
Welcome address by Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro
WPL Trailblazer Awards Ceremony & WPL Country Awards
Monday 29th September
From: 19:00
20:00
Venue: Government House, Cetinje
Hosts & Presenters: Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President of WPL & Neema Lugangira, Secretary General of WPL
Welcome Dinner/Reception
Monday 29th September
From: 20:00
21:30
Venue: Government House, Cetinje
Transfers back to Podgorica
Monday 29th September
From: 21:00
22:00
Departure for the town of Kotor (with police escort)
Tuesday 30th September
From: 08:00
10:00
Departure from: Hilton Hotel
Arrival in Kotor & guided tour of the Old Town
Tuesday 30th September
From: 10:00
10:55
Welcome address by Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor
Boarding for the Bay of Kotor Cruise
Tuesday 30th September
From: 11:00
Welcome address by Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro (Welcome drinks & buffet lunch served upon boarding)
Panel 4: Cultural Diplomacy and National Identity
Tuesday 30th September
From: 11:20
12:00
Culture softens the edges of politics. From arts and heritage to sports and storytelling, cultural diplomacy can repair strained relations and reshape how nations are perceived. This panel discusses how to harness cultural identity to advance national goals, foster resilience, and elevate global standing.

Speakers & Moderators TBA
Arrival at Our Lady of the Rocks
Tuesday 30th September
From: 12:10
12:40
A guided visit of the Church and Museum.
Reboarding and continuation of the Bay of Kotor Cruise
Tuesday 30th September
From: 12:40
13:00
Refreshments & buffet served.
Panel 5: Tourism as a Bridge: Soft Power and Economic
Tuesday 30th September
From: 13:00
13:40
Tourism is more than leisure; it is a vehicle for diplomacy, reconciliation, and sustainable development. This session explores how strategic investment in tourism can foster cultural understanding, rebrand nations post-conflict, and drive inclusive prosperity through economic interdependence.

Speakers & Moderators TBA
Closing Session: The Montenegro Dialogue
Tuesday 30th September
From: 13:40
13:50
A high-level wrap-up synthesising key takeaways, action points, and regional perspectives.
Arrival in the town of Tivat: guided tour of Porto Montenegro
Tuesday 30th September
From: 14:00
Venue: Pine Promenade
Welcome address by Željko Komnenović, Mayor of Tivat
“The Adria Moment: Small Region, Big Vision”
Tuesday 30th September
From: 14:10
15:00
Special Programme organized in partnership with the Adria Future Summit
Departure for the town of Budva
Tuesday 30th September
From: 15:15
Arrival in Budva and walk through the Old Town to the Citadel
Tuesday 30th September
From: 16:15
Farewell Reception
Tuesday 30th September
From: 16:15
17:00
Venue: The Budva Citadel
Departure from Budva to Podgorica/Dubrovnik
Tuesday 30th September
From: 17:15

WPL Summit Programme

WPL Summit 2025 programme of events

Arrival of Delegates & Accreditation Pick-Up

Welcome Reception

Arrival of Delegates & Accreditation Pick-Up

Official Opening Ceremony

Keynote Address

Panel 1: The New Energy Diplomacy: Trust in Transition

Panel 2: Investing in Stability: A New Global Capital Agenda

Policy Focus Sessions

Panel 3: The Digital Future: Ethical Foundations

Fireside Chat: Stories of a Positive Future

Lunch

Group photo

National Delegation Statements

Policy Focus Sessions

Transfer to the town of Cetinje

Guided tour of Cetinje

WPL Trailblazer Awards Ceremony & WPL Country Awards

Welcome Dinner/Reception

Transfers back to Podgorica

Departure for the town of Kotor (with police escort)

Arrival in Kotor & guided tour of the Old Town

Boarding for the Bay of Kotor Cruise

Panel 4: Cultural Diplomacy and National Identity

Arrival at Our Lady of the Rocks

Reboarding and continuation of the Bay of Kotor Cruise

Panel 5: Tourism as a Bridge: Soft Power and Economic

Closing Session: The Montenegro Dialogue

Arrival in the town of Tivat: guided tour of Porto Montenegro

“The Adria Moment: Small Region, Big Vision”

Departure for the town of Budva

Arrival in Budva and walk through the Old Town to the Citadel

Farewell Reception

Departure from Budva to Podgorica/Dubrovnik