First-of-its-kind global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
WE Empower
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 WE Empower Challenge
Launched at the UN General Assembly in 2018 by the UN Secretary‑General, the President of the World Bank, and the Council of Women World Leaders, the WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first global competition recognizing innovative women entrepreneurs advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring communities to build a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Co‑Chaired by the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group; Diane von Furstenberg, Founder and Chairwoman of DVF Studio; Amanda Ellis, Senior Director at ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory; and Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Challenge champions leaders whose enterprises are reshaping communities, economies, and ecosystem. Awardees are recognized for their groundbreaking work and receive capacity-building training, visibility, and access to an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. The program highlights and elevates the essential contributions of women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving progress toward the SDGs and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
In 2026, five regional awardees will be selected to participate in events surrounding Climate Week NYC and the 81st United Nations General Assembly, September 19–26, 2026. Awardees will take part in a high-impact agenda featuring pitch workshops, tailored trainings from leading partners, and curated networking with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy. The week will conclude with a dynamic pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio, where awardees present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.
For information on the 2026 WE Empower Challenge application deadline and eligibility, click here. For more information on the 2025 WE Empower awardees, click here.
The WE Empower Challenge is co-convened by ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and Vital Voices Global Partnership
Monika Shukla (India)
CEO and Co-Founder, Humble Bee
Jessica Jacob (Panama)
Founder & CEO, SURECO & Partners
Lynn Malkawi (Jordan)
Founder & Director, Wasel for Awareness & Education
Guðný Nielsen (Iceland)
Founder and CEO, Katla Carbon (formerly SoGreen)
Juveline Ngum (Senegal)
Founder & CEO, BleagLee
Lead partner spotlight
The WE Empower Challenge is supported by a number of fantastic partners.
BMO
BMO is a leading bank driven by a single purpose: to boldly grow the good, in business and life. Every day, they continue to set their sights higher, inspired by their purpose and energized by the opportunity to create positive change for the customers and communities they serve.
P&G
P&G brands are trusted in millions of living rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms—and have been passed down from generation to generation. Over the course of 181 years, they’ve challenged convention, led innovation and helped shape culture. But no matter how much the company grows, they always keep themselves grounded in their deep-rooted purpose, values and principles. They’ve done it for over 66,000 days, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers, enabling them to make better decisions, get better results and be more productive.
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