Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN) 25th Anniversary Report

GlobalWIIN, short for Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network, celebrated its remarkable 25th anniversary at the prestigious Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland, on September 6th and 7th, 2023.
The event bore the inspiring motto “WOMEN4SOLUTIONS & SUSTAINABILITY” and embraced a multifaceted approach, including a conference, study visits, and a gala awards ceremony.
At the commencement of the program, Ms. Elinora Inga Sigurdardottir FRSA, Vice President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations-IFIA, President of the European arm of GlobalWIIN (EUWIIN), and Chair of KVENN in Iceland, inaugurated the event. Following her, Dr. Bola Olabisi FRSA, Founder & CEO of Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN) and Chief Innovation and Leadership Consultant at Emrys Group Consultancy, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests.

GlobalWIIN 2023 featured an impressive lineup of eight honorary speakers. The event commenced with the virtual presence of H.E. Eliza Jean Reid, the First Lady of Iceland. Subsequently, Her Excellency was joined by Ms. Bryony Mathew, British Ambassador to Iceland, representing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Reykjavík, and Ms. Carrin F. Patman, U.S. Ambassador in Iceland. They emphasized the significance of innovation, creativity, and the pivotal role of women inventors and entrepreneurs in global leadership and sustainable development.
Three esteemed male guests were invited to address the gathering: Andri Heiðar Kristinsson from Digital Iceland, Chief Dele Momddu, Chairman of Ovation International Nigeria, and Masoud Shafaghi Strategic Planning and Executive Office Manager from International Federation of Inventors’ Associations-IFIA.
Mr. Shafaghi, on behalf of Alireza Rastegar, the President of IFIA, highlighted the crucial role of GlobalWIIN and IFIA in fostering innovation, international collaboration, and sustainable development. These organizations have been instrumental in bridging diverse communities and promoting women’s participation in addressing global challenges. Shafaghi continued, expressing the IFIA’s commitment to collaboration and gender balance in inventions and innovations. He stated, “IFIA believes in the power of collaboration. By sharing experiences, technical knowledge, and resources, we’ve seen the incredible potential of collaborative innovation. Moreover, we’re acutely aware of the need for gender balance in the world of inventions and innovations. We’re committed to fostering an environment where both men and women can contribute equally to advancing humanity.” The event continued with two days of informative and scientific panels. The first day featured three important panels: “Raising Awareness on Intellectual Property (IP),” “A Discussion on Marketing and the Raising of Capital,” and “Vibrant Journeys in Women’s Shoes,” where successful women shared their insights and experiences. On the second day, participants enjoyed scientific visits to two renowned establishments. The first visit was to the Geothermal Energy Exhibition, showcasing Iceland’s remarkable geothermal energy infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in sustainable development. 

The second visit allowed attendees to experience the unique LAVA SHOW, the world’s only live lava show, which educates visitors about volcanic eruptions in a safe environment.

The grand finale of GlobalWIIN 2023 took place at GAMLA BÍÓ, where attendees eagerly awaited the presentation of awards to this year’s deserving winners. The event included various award categories. Mr. Masoud Shafaghi presented a symbol commemorating the 55th anniversary of the World Federation of Inventors to Dr. Bola Olabisi, the Founder and CEO of GlobalWIIN, and Maila Hakala, the Founder of QUIN-Finland and former IFIA board member. Additionally, the IFIA Best Innovation Award was granted to Yuko Hiraga from Japan for the Repair Method CN6.0. This innovation significantly extends the life of reinforced concrete tanks by compacting their fine internal voids and neutralizing the concrete to its original strongly alkaline state. http://www.e-hiraga.com/

The event concluded with the presentation of GlobalWIIN 2023 awards in various categories, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in innovation. GlobalWIIN’s 25th-anniversary celebration was a testament to the remarkable contributions of women in the world of innovation and their essential role in driving sustainable global development.

For more information about GlobalWIIN and its initiatives, please visit https://globalwiin.com.