WPL Summit Programme

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
Venue: Hilton Hotel Lobby
Welcome Reception
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
Venue: Lobby, Hilton Hotel
Official Opening Ceremony
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
Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro
Panel 1: The New Energy Diplomacy: Trust in Transition
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
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
Panel 3: The Digital Future: Ethical Foundations
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
Featuring candid reflections and experiences from leaders who have rebuilt public trust through reform and vision.
Lunch
Group photo
Venue: Staircase of the main entrance of Parliament
National Delegation Statements
Chaired by: Zdenka Popović, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro
Reserved for officially appointed national delegates only.
Policy Focus Sessions
Transfer to the town of Cetinje
Departure from: The Parliament of Montenegro
Guided tour of Cetinje
Welcome address by Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro
WPL Trailblazer Awards Ceremony & WPL Country Awards
Venue: Government House, Cetinje
Hosts & Presenters: Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President of WPL & Neema Lugangira, Secretary General of WPL
Welcome Dinner/Reception
Venue: Government House, Cetinje
Transfers back to Podgorica
Departure for the town of Kotor (with police escort)
Departure from: Hilton Hotel
Arrival in Kotor & guided tour of the Old Town
Welcome address by Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor
Boarding for the Bay of Kotor Cruise
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
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
A guided visit of the Church and Museum.
Reboarding and continuation of the Bay of Kotor Cruise
Refreshments & buffet served.
Panel 5: Tourism as a Bridge: Soft Power and Economic
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
A high-level wrap-up synthesising key takeaways, action points, and regional perspectives.
Arrival in the town of Tivat: guided tour of Porto Montenegro
Venue: Pine Promenade
Welcome address by Željko Komnenović, Mayor of Tivat
“The Adria Moment: Small Region, Big Vision”
Special Programme organized in partnership with the Adria Future Summit
Departure for the town of Budva
Arrival in Budva and walk through the Old Town to the Citadel
Farewell Reception
Venue: The Budva Citadel
Departure from Budva to Podgorica/Dubrovnik