Washington, DC, November 15, 2024 – The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, today hosted the annual gala of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) at the Italian Embassy, dedicated to celebrating and promoting the contributions of women in foreign policy.
Opening the event, Ambassador Zappia emphasized how Italy’s first woman Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, serves as “an excellent example of the prestige and credibility that a woman in a leadership position can achieve. This year, as G7 President, the Prime Minister has been a driving force in strengthening the Group’s leadership role in a particularly complex international context, defending the rules-based international order—from Ukraine to the Middle East—and addressing global challenges such as artificial intelligence by promoting development partnerships, especially, though not exclusively, with Africa.”
After welcoming remarks by Kristi Rogers, WFPG President, Jennifer Ewbank, founder of Andaman Strategic Advisors and former CIA Deputy Director for Digital Innovation, discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on global security. Ewbank specifically highlighted the importance of strengthened international cooperation to promote an ethical and sustainable approach to the use of AI.
The event, attended by a large audience, included high-ranking officials, think tank representatives, entrepreneurs, diplomats, academics, as well as young professionals and aspiring leaders in the field of international relations.
A ceremony followed, during which the Women’s Foreign Policy Group awarded Italy’s Irene Fellin, Special Representative of the Secretary General of NATO for Women, Peace, and Security, with the Peacebuilding Award, and PBS NewsHour co-anchor Amna Nawaz with the Breaking Barriers in Journalism Award.
This event further strengthened the collaboration between the Embassy of Italy in Washington and the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, as well as their shared commitment to promoting female leadership in international affairs, including through the implementation of the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.
Founded 29 years ago, the Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG) promotes women’s leadership in international affairs, fosters dialogue on major international policy issues, and supports women leaders at every stage of their careers, aiming to expand their access to senior positions in elected offices, the civil service, defense, and the private sector.
