OWIT International Newsletter
September 2026
| |
In This Edition
A Message from Our President
OWIT International Status Updates
Upcoming Events
Past Events
OWIT Sponsors
OWIT International Contact
| | | |
A Message From
Our President
| |
Welcome to a new Chapter of "From conversation to Action " within OWIT !
| | |
Dear members and all,
Welcome to this latest edition of the OWIT International newsletter.
It has been an energizing few months for OWIT International, with our Spring/Summer Summit providing an important opportunity to bring our global community together, take stock of where we are and, most importantly, look at where we want to go next.
One message came through particularly strongly: the value of OWIT lies not only in the conversations we convene, but in our engagement and what we do with those conversations.
Our Summit brought together chapter leaders and members from across our network to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore where greater collaboration can amplify our collective impact. From those discussions have come practical ideas and outputs that we are now taking forward – strengthening connections between chapters, sharing expertise and resources, creating more opportunities for collaboration, and building greater visibility for the extraordinary knowledge and experience that exists across our network.
An important development has also been the introduction of a new OWIT International communications strategy, which is now helping to shape how we engage across our network and with our wider international community. It provides a more coordinated approach to telling the OWIT story, showcasing the work and expertise of our chapters and members, and strengthening our visibility and voice within the global trade ecosystem. Importantly, it will also help us connect our communications more closely to our strategic priorities and the impact we want to achieve.
Our network itself continues to grow. We are delighted that we will soon be welcoming Caribbean Women in Trade (CWIT) into the OWIT International network, further strengthening our presence and connections across the Caribbean and extending the knowledge, experience and opportunities represented within our global community. Growth is important to us not simply in numbers, but because every new connection strengthens our ability to share expertise, build relationships across markets and create greater opportunities for women in international trade.
This is particularly important at a time when the international trade environment continues to evolve rapidly. Women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses need more than encouragement to participate in global markets. They need access to the right networks, markets, finance, knowledge, digital tools and trade infrastructure to enable them to compete and grow.
That is where OWIT has an important role to play.
We took that message directly to the 2026 WTO Public Forum in Geneva this September, where OWIT International convened the session “Trusted Digital Trade Corridors for Inclusive Services Trade.” Bringing together perspectives from government, international trade institutions, business and the wider trade ecosystem, the discussion explores how we move beyond identifying the barriers faced by women-owned SMEs, youth and underserved enterprises and towards building the practical digital infrastructure, trusted connections and support they need to participate more effectively in international services trade.
For OWIT, this is an important example of what we mean by moving from conversation to action: using our network and convening power not only to raise issues, but to bring the right stakeholders together and explore practical solutions that can lead to greater inclusion in global trade.
Across our chapters, we continue to see this same commitment translated into action through programs, partnerships, advocacy, research and opportunities that connect women with international markets. At the international level, we are strengthening OWIT’s voice within the wider trade ecosystem and ensuring that the experience of women actually doing business across borders informs the conversations shaping the future of trade.
You will see some of that work reflected throughout this edition – including the progress emerging from our Summit discussions, the initiatives being developed across our network and a more coordinated approach to sharing and amplifying the work taking place across OWIT.
And there is much more ahead.
As we move into the final months of 2026, our focus is on maintaining this momentum: progressing the Summit outputs, deepening chapter-to-chapter collaboration, developing new partnerships, strengthening our engagement and visibility, growing our network and creating practical opportunities for our members and the women-led businesses our network supports.
Thank you to our chapter leaders, members, partners and supporters around the world who continue to contribute their time, ideas and expertise. OWIT’s strength has always come from its community – and the willingness of that community to connect, collaborate and act.
The conversations have started. Now our focus is on turning them into action and impact.
My warmest regards to you all,
President, OWIT International
Read our 2026 President's Welcome
| |
OWIT International convened a featured session at the WTO Public Forum 2026 in Geneva on 16 September, bringing together senior international trade leaders and practitioners to explore how Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors could help more businesses participate successfully in global trade.
The session, Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors for Inclusive Services Trade, will move beyond discussion of digitalization itself to examine a practical question: how can existing trade systems, services and ecosystems be better connected to create a more seamless, trusted and inclusive international trade journey ?
International trade already depends on a complex ecosystem of government systems, digital platforms, finance and payments, logistics, customs, professional services, business networks and trade support organizations. Yet these often remain fragmented from the perspective of the businesses trying to navigate them. For smaller and underserved businesses—including women-owned SMEs—those gaps can create additional barriers to entering and growing in international markets.
Moderated by Noreen Burroughes Cesareo MBE, President of OWIT International, the discussion brought together four complementary perspectives:
H.E. Patricia Benedetti, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the WTO and Co-Chair of the WTO Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, will bring the trade and gender perspective, considering what needs to be designed into future digital trade systems if they are genuinely to widen participation for women-owned businesses and other underserved traders.
Brendan Vickers, Policy Director at ICC United Kingdom, mapped the wider trade ecosystem and explored what needs to connect—from platforms and enabling services to trusted data, digital identity, standards and interoperability.
H.E. Michelle Cooper, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the WTO, drew on Canada's experience across digital trade, cross-border data, electronic transactions, SME participation and inclusive trade to consider what existing practice can teach us about the building blocks required.
Jose Puyana, Director of Trade and Growth at Transform, turned the conversation towards implementation: how these principles can translate into practical, user - centered systems that work across different markets and levels of digital maturity.
Bringing the wider trade ecosystem into the room, importantly, this was not a traditional “talking heads” panel. A group of invited respondents joined the conversation from the room, bringing additional perspectives from government, international organizations, regional trade ecosystems, academia, investment and entrepreneurship.
These include perspectives from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the UK Department for Business and Trade, academia and SME research, entrepreneurship and investment networks, as well as entrepreneurs themselves. The wider session framework also brings in experience and perspectives from organizations and initiatives and OWIT colleagues from our global network.
Their role helped pressure-test the proposition against experience on the ground: what would interoperability and inclusion mean across markets with very different levels of digital readiness? What can existing initiatives teach us? Where do SMEs and women entrepreneurs encounter the greatest barriers? And what could governments, international organisations, business networks, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs contribute to taking the concept forward?
The discussion therefore moved from mapping the trade ecosystem and understanding what needs to connect, through existing practice and inclusion by design, to the practical questions of interoperability, governance, trust and implementation.
The ambition is not to leave Geneva with a finished model. It is to identify the principles, building blocks, existing initiatives and potential partnerships that could enable the concept to progress towards practical prototype and pilot development.
For OWIT International, this conversation goes directly to our mission. As international trade becomes increasingly digital, the challenge is to ensure that the systems being developed do not simply make trade easier for those already participating, but create practical pathways for more women entrepreneurs, SMEs and underserved businesses to access and grow in international markets.
Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors for Inclusive Services Trade 16 September 2026 | 09:00–10:00 | Room D | WTO, Geneva
We thank you to all our welcoming members of the OWIT global network and the wider international trade community to the discussion and your participation.
Read our full Statement on WTO Public Forum 2026: OWIT Advances Digital Trade Corridors Initiative to Help Small Businesses Reach Global Customers
| |
| | |
OWIT Blog: June
OWIT International Global Summit
The World OWIT International hosted its virtual Spring Global Summit 2026, Aligning our Vision, Strengthening Our Voice on June 17. Bringing together representatives from OWIT chapters across the globe, the summit provided a forum for connection, collaboration, and opportunity to build the future of OWIT. President Noreen Burroughes Cesareo remarked how — with 25+ chapters across 4 continents — OWIT is continuing to grow as it champions women in trade and contributes to the wider ecosystem.
Guest Keynote: Leading with AI in a Changing World
Dr. Anastassia Lauterbach, CEO and Founder of AI Edutainment, delivered a presentation on how AI literacy and resilience can become strategic advantages for women in global trade and international business. She noted that knowledge of the technology remains limited, creating misconceptions about its role and potential. Businesses that take a “literacy before fluency” approach, developing a grasp of AI fundamentals and risks, will be best-positioned to succeed.
Best practices for organizations include using AI to solve specific contextual problems rather than broad application, working closely with HR to augment the workforce, and carefully considering the security and financial implications. As demographic pressures grow, integrating AI into business operations becomes increasingly important, though well-structured workflows are necessary for ensuring automation covers both explicit and tacit knowledge. Strong AI governance is also essential as difficult-to-audit agentic systems expand.
Author: Jeanne Brownewell, OWIT-Toronto member
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: July
Key Takeaways from OWIT International’s IWD 2026 Webinar
On March 25, 2026, OWIT International hosted a dynamic International Women’s Day (IWD) webinar that united voices from across Africa, Europe, North America, and Central America. Nearly 50 participants joined the session, which featured seven distinguished panelists: Blessing Irabor-Oza, Dr. Temitope Mayegum, Jennie Sammur, Noreen Burroughes Cesareo, Patricia Kenneth, Salome, and Sandra Ejang. Together, they explored how women entrepreneurs and professionals are shaping the future of global trade through empowerment, innovation, and collaboration.
The webinar concluded with a collective call to action: to continue breaking barriers, leveraging technology, and strengthening networks that empower women in international trade. More than a celebration of achievements, the event was a testament to the shared commitment of OWIT members worldwide to build a more inclusive global economy.
Author: Nobuntu Pearl Nxumalo-Ngwenya, is the VP Secretary of OWIT International
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: August
OWIT IWD2026 Commemoration Webinar - #GiveToGain
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, OWIT-international hosted a compelling webinar titled Give to Gain, bringing together women from Africa, Europe, and the Americas to discuss how women are redefining trade around the globe.
In her opening remarks, President Noreen Burroughes Cesareo (OWIT-UK) emphasized that women are building strong businesses, entering new markets, and participating in global trade. The challenge is not participation, but an “architecture gap” - within the surrounding systems of finance, procurement, and market access, women still face challenges in succeeding and scaling up. Yet, women are finding ways to navigate, adapt to, and even re-shape these structures.
Takeaways:
- When we open up opportunities to others, we gain opportunities ourselves - even if in unexpected ways.
- The real gains in trade come from investing in the people and systems that create value.
- OWIT plays a key role in amplifying women’s voices in global trade and connecting them to networks. In Africa, women are leveraging OWIT to engage with government bodies on trade facilitation.
- Women must prepare to adapt in an ever-changing world by identifying their strengths and staying resilient.
Author: Jeanne Brownewell, OWIT-Toronto member
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: September
OWIT International Trade Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors to the WTO Public Forum 2026
OWIT International convened a featured session at the WTO Public Forum 2026 in Geneva on 16 September, bringing together senior international trade leaders and practitioners to explore how Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors could help more businesses participate successfully in global trade.
The session, Trusted Inclusive Digital Trade Corridors for Inclusive Services Trade, will move beyond discussion of digitalization itself to examine a practical question: how can existing trade systems, services and ecosystems be better connected to create a more seamless, trusted and inclusive international trade journey ?
International trade already depends on a complex ecosystem of government systems, digital platforms, finance and payments, logistics, customs, professional services, business networks and trade support organizations. Yet these often remain fragmented from the perspective of the businesses trying to navigate them. For smaller and underserved businesses—including women-owned SMEs—those gaps can create additional barriers to entering and growing in international markets.
Author: Noreen Burroughes Cesareo, President OWIT International
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: October
Why Your Payments Architecture is a Trade Strategy Decision
OWIT members operate at every point in the global trade value chain — as exporters, importers, advisors, logistics providers, investors, and policymakers. In each of those roles, the financial plumbing that sits underneath international trade either enables scale or constrains it.
The question isn't whether to engage with international payments infrastructure — every cross-border business already has, by default. The question is whether that infrastructure is working for you or simply extracting from you.
Getting a clear picture of your actual FX costs — what you're paying versus what's available in the market — takes less than an hour and consistently reveals savings that weren't visible before. That hour is one of the highest-return investments a scaling business can make.
For any OWIT member who would find a conversation about their current payments setup useful, I'm always happy to connect. The goal isn't a sales pitch — it's the same thing we're all here for: making sure women in international trade have the information and tools to compete on equal terms.
Author: Justine Assal MBE, OWIT Tampa Bay member
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: November
Building Africa's Trade Future: Why Women Must Lead the Next Chapter
The
Africa is entering a transformative era. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the continent has an unprecedented opportunity to deepen regional integration, expand intra-African trade and unlock sustainable economic growth. Yet, the true success of this vision will depend on ensuring that women, who are the backbone of Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, are fully equipped to seize these opportunities.
This is the driving force behind the Africa Women in Trade Forum (AWTF), a platform dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing inclusive trade across Africa.
The journey towards inclusive trade cannot be achieved by one organization alone. It requires governments, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners and civil society to work together in removing barriers and creating opportunities that allow women-owned businesses to flourish.
As preparations continue for the inaugural Africa Women in Trade Summit, the message from AWTF and OWIT is clear: the future of African trade must be inclusive, collaborative and driven by women who are ready to lead.
The continent has the talent. It has ambition. It has the opportunity.
Now is the time to ensure that Africa's women are at the forefront of shaping its economic future.
Authors: Salome Kavindu, is the VP Programs of OWIT International, OWIT Kenya President and Derby Hassan, VP Marketing OWIT Kenya
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
| | |
OWIT Blog: December
Artificial Intelligence and International Trade: Four Checks in International Trade
OWIT International members operate where speed, credibility, and cross-border complexity meet. Artificial intelligence can help professionals scan policy developments, compare market options, organize due-diligence notes, and draft first-pass summaries. But in international trade, a plausible answer can still be a costly answer if it cites the wrong tariff rule, misses a sanctions restriction, confuses a proposed policy with an effective one, or turns confidential commercial information into training data.
In trade documentation and executive communication, AI can help draft clearer language, while the human owner confirms that the final text matches the governing rule, the underlying transaction, and the organization’s risk tolerance.
OWIT describes its global network as a vehicle for education, information exchange, professional connection, and practical opportunity across international trade. https://owit.org/about-us/ Responsible AI adoption can strengthen that mission when it helps members spend less time on mechanical synthesis and more time on judgment, relationship-building, negotiation, and strategy.
The practical standard is not whether AI was involved. It is whether the final work can be defended.
If a colleague, client, regulator, board member, or business partner asks, “What is this based on, what assumptions did you make, and who approved it?” the team should be able to answer without reopening the chatbot.
That is the difference between using AI for speed and letting speed outrun professional judgment.
Author: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, OWIT-Virtual member
Read the full report on our OWIT Blog
| | | |
OWIT International Status Updates
| | |
OWIT International Global Benchmark Survey -
Your Voice Matters
Dear OWIT Members,
OWIT has launched a global survey to help strengthen how we communicate our mission, priorities, and impact across our chapters and networks. The goal is simple: to ensure that OWIT’s message is clear, consistent, and aligned with the experiences and perspectives of our members worldwide. The insights from this survey will directly inform the organization’s communications strategy moving forward. Your participation is extremely important.
The more responses we receive, the more meaningful and representative the findings will be. This will allow OWIT leadership to identify what is working well, where gaps may exist, and how we can better support our global community. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and your feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of OWIT’s messaging and engagement. Please take a moment to participate here: OWIT International Global Benchmark Survey
Thank you for contributing your perspective and helping strengthen OWIT’s global voice.
Ken Jaques,
VP Communications
| |
ICC Global Business Statement:
Revitalising the Multilateral Trading System at MC14.
OWIT International, together with various chapters across our global membership, have supported the Global Business Statement:, an initiative launched by the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) on behalf of businesses worldwide.
The Global Business Statement urged WTO reform and Moratorium renewal. It was presented to WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO on behalf of 236 business organisations worldwide.
The statement calls for a time‑bound WTO reform process and the renewal of the e‑Commerce Moratorium, underscoring the urgency felt across the global business community for a well‑functioning multilateral trading system that meets the realities of the 21st century.
| | |
OWIT International Chapters & Global Footprint
Over the next two years, our focus is clear:
- Strengthening member value and chapter alignment
- Expanding practical trade opportunities and market access
- Deepening strategic partnerships
- Building a stronger, more visible global voice for women in international trade
- Ensuring sustainable organisational growth.
As global trade continues to evolve, OWIT International remains committed to delivering measurable impact for women-led businesses and professionals worldwide.
| |
OWIT New Chapters
Our network itself continues to grow. We are delighted that we will soon be welcoming Caribbean Women in Trade (CWIT) into the OWIT International network, further strengthening our presence and connections across the Caribbean and extending the knowledge, experience and opportunities represented within our global community. Growth is important to us not simply in numbers, but because every new connection strengthens our ability to share expertise, build relationships across markets and create greater opportunities for women in international trade.
Read more on starting an OWIT chapter.
| |
OWIT Meetings Register
Dear OWIT Leadership Team,
To ensure our official Zoom account is always available when you need it and to prevent scheduling conflicts, we are implementing a simplified Meeting Register. Moving forward, please log your session details before using the corporate account. This helps Admin ensure the line is clear and any technical requirements (like recording or increased capacity) are ready for you. OWIT Registration Meetings
| |
OWIT Communications
We are updating our database. To ensure you are receiving our emails and newsletters, please register on the website to update our records.
| | |
OWIT International Volunteers (OWIT IV)
Empowering the Next Generation
Open Call for 2026-2027 OWIT IVs
The OWIT International Volunteer (OWIT IV) program is a global leadership and mentorship initiative for future leaders that provides training, recruitment, and networking for aspiring future leaders and aims to create the next generation of global leaders. It is open to a wider demographic of international global trade champions.
Key benefits include career guidance, access to industry mentors, and hands-on
experience in international trade. Here’s what you can expect:
- Career guidance and development
- Access to industry mentors
- Hands-on experience in international trade
Apply via: admin@owit.org and cc: president@owit.org and vp-marketing@owit.org
| | |
Quotes from OWIT International
Executive Commitees (ECs), Board Members (BMs) and Global Chapters
Salome Kavindu
2026-2027 President of OWIT Kenya, VP Programs Executive Committee
"The conversation around trade must move beyond participation to leadership."Women are already driving Africa's economies through entrepreneurship, innovation and resilience. The next step is ensuring they have equal access to markets, finance, information and strategic partnerships. When women thrive in trade, entire economies benefit. Our responsibility is to create the environment that enables them to lead confidently across borders."
| |
Tamuna Gabilaia
2026-2027 VP Sponsorship, Executive Committee
“The first question should not be, ‘What can we build?’ It should be “What problem are we trying to solve?”
The fragmented systems businesses must navigate, the continued reliance on paper, trust, the barriers to finance and the risk that digital solutions could leave smaller businesses and women entrepreneurs even further behind. And the answer is not simply another platform. Drawing on the years of public-private partnership programs I led and established globally, the N1 question we always have to begin with is - WHY. Why is this initiative needed? What problem are we solving and for whom? Only then should we decide what to build and how to implement it. A model that works in one country may not work in another. Different markets have different levels of infrastructure, institutional capacity, digital readiness and access to finance. Successful programs have to reflect those realities. Real public-private cooperation is essential. Governments can create the right policies and regulatory frameworks but businesses, financial institutions, technology providers and organizations working directly with women entrepreneurs understand where the practical barriers are.And education is so important. Women need access to finance, skills and markets but they also need to know that these opportunities and tools exist. A program can’t be inclusive if the people it was created for don’t understand it or know how to access it. It was an excellent discussion and the interest to continue the dialogue.”
| |
Derby Hassan
2026-2027 VP Marketing, OWIT Kenya
"The vision extends far beyond hosting conferences and networking events. AWTF was created because we recognised that African women need more than inspiration, they need access, collaboration and action. Our goal is to build a continent-wide community that connects entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and development partners to unlock real opportunities for women-led businesses. Every initiative we undertake is designed to move women from potential to participation, and from participation to leadership."
| |
Simona Racek
2026-2027 President Board Member, WITOC
"The future of global trade will not be defined by how much we digitalize, but by how much trust we can build into the systems that connect us. That distinction matters especially for SMEs. Companies with fewer resources should not face a new generation of digital barriers. I look forward to contributing an international business perspective shaped by the work I do daily with SMEs navigating cross-border transactions — from finding and closing international business to moving goods, information, documents, and payments across borders. This is also where I believe artificial intelligence can become transformative: not as another layer of technology, but as a tool that enables businesses to better understand and navigate the complete international transaction - provided the systems can connect and the data can be trusted."
| |
Quote from OWIT Past International Volunteer (OWITIVs)
2024-6_OWIT International
Shylet Ndlovu
2025-2026, OWIT IV
"My time as an OWIT International Volunteer has been a deeply fulfilling chapter that nurtured both my personal and professional growth. Handling administrative duties gave me the opportunity to contribute effectively while honing my organizational skills. This experience offered me valuable exposure to the real world realities faced by women entrepreneurs, from navigating trade barriers to building resilience in global markets. These insights have directly enriched my career, enabling me to bring a more gender responsive and inclusive lens to my work in international trade and investment law. Along the way, I have built meaningful networks within a vibrant community of inspiring women leaders, which has expanded my perspectives and opened doors for future collaboration. The journey has strengthened my confidence, deepened my commitment to service and reminded me of the power of teamwork in driving positive change. I am sincerely grateful for the support and encouragement from the team throughout my volunteering. Thank you for this enriching opportunity. It has left a lasting impact on me. I look forward to staying connected and supporting OWIT’s mission of fostering international trade and advancement of women in business.”
| |
Beryl Njeri Olubandwa
2024-2025, OWIT IV
"At OWIT International, I contributed to international business intelligence (OWIT IU) and trade data. In my view, “OWIT International can benefit global members with a detailed focus on international market entry intelligence, trade-in services, economic integration, and micro and macro environment investment analysis.”Volunteering at OWIT has been an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to grow personally and professionally."
| |
|
|
|
Nov, 2026 | Virtual
All OWIT members are invited to attend this virtual global meeting
Time: 11:00 a.m. EST/ 04:00 PM UK
Register to attend
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
| | | |
|
|
International Global Webinar Series
Leadership, negotiation & Influence
International trade negotiations involve more than commercial knowledge. They require an understanding of power dynamics, governance structures, stakeholder interests and gender-related barriers that can influence access, participation and negotiating outcomes.
October 22 2026 | Virtual | 12h0 EST Time
You are invited to register for a Zoom webinar !
Register in advance for this webinar
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Arkansas
Lunch & Learn: E-Commerce 101
Based on his entrepreneurial experience of more than 20 years, our featured speaker Tobias Teeter, Director of The Collaborative in Bentonville, will provide a practical introduction to building and growing an e-commerce business across Shopify and major online marketplaces. Participants can expect to learn how to strengthen their online presence, improve e-commerce performance, and identify opportunities to grow through digital channels to help businesses operate more efficiently and grow online sales.
OWIT Arkansas registration Link
October 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT | World Trade Center Arkansas
|
US-UAE Business Council
Join the US-UAE Business Council’s upcoming U.S. Department of Commerce-certified infrastructure trade mission to the U.A.E., taking place November 18–24, 2026.
This delegation will have the opportunity to meet with senior U.A.E. decision-makers, identify commercial opportunities, and understand infrastructure resiliency priorities. Build relationships across the U.A.E. during this trade mission and while attending Big 5 Global Conference on November 23.
If accepted, there is a participation fee of $1,500 for U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council Members and $2,500 for Non-Members.
Applications are due October 19, 2026.
For more information about this trade mission, please contact David Greenhalgh at dgreenhalgh@usuaebusiness.org.
Registration Link
November 18 - 24, 2026 | U.A.E.
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Toronto
Building The Blueprint for Export Success: The Right Financing, The Right Partners, The Right Moves
Exclusive partnership benefits for OWIT Toronto members and network:
OWIT Toronto registration Link
October 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT | 25 York Street, 14 Floor, Toronto
|
Trade Mission to France: Mission Paris 2026
Open to all Canadian women entrepreneurs, this trade mission will help businesses build strategic partnerships, develop their international networks, and access opportunities in the French and European markets. The program includes participation at the two-day InvestHer Summit, an English-language event where women founders and investors can connect.
Registration Link
October 25 - 31, 2026 | Paris, France
|
BCC Women in Business Mission to Brazil
Mastering the new Global frontier for Elite Business
The Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is organizing the Brazil–Canada Women in Business Mission 2026.
Through executive meetings, industry briefings, networking events, and site visits, participants will gain firsthand market insights while building relationships to strengthen commercial ties between Canada and Brazil.
OWIT members are eligible for an exclusive 50% discount on the cost of attendance, reducing the fee to CAD $500 for registrations by September 15, 2026 and CAD $1,000 after.
Registration Link
November 21 - 27 2026 | Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Kenya: Africa Women in Trade Forum 2026
Accelerating Women-Led Trade for Africa’s Economic Transformation
Join us at the Africa Women in Trade Forum 2026, where women entrepreneurs, young innovators, business leaders, policymakers, financial institutions and trade partners will come together to advance women-led trade across Africa and beyond.
Under the theme “Accelerating Women-Led Trade for Africa’s Economic Transformation,” the forum creates space to connect, share expertise and develop practical solutions to the challenges holding businesses back.
Registration Link
Scan the QR code on the poster to register.
📧 awtf@owitkenya.org
📞 +254 717 438 190
October 27 - 30, 2026 | Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | |
|
|
WIIT-DC
WIIT Awards Scholarships: Fall
You are or you know a female student interested in international trade?
WIIT awards scholarships twice per year to support and encourage women studying all aspects of International Trade, including trade policy and negotiations, global business and supply chains, economic development, women’s economic empowerment, and more.
Registration Link
November 1, 2026
|
WIIT-DC Sanctions Forum
Join C5 in London for the inaugural Women in International Trade & Sanctions Forum
a dedicated one-day event bringing together female leaders in trade, sanctions, legal, regulatory and compliance roles.
View the full agenda and secure your spot
In addition, former WIIT President Orisia Gammell is one of the speakers!
WIIT members receive 10% off at registration with code: D10-999-WIIT27
Registration Link
November 11, 2026 | The Clermont London, Charing Cross
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Turkey
International Logistics and Foreign Trade Summit
The summit will be organized with the support and collaboration of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), and the Women Entrepreneurs Council of TİM, together with other ecosystem partners who will contribute through their expertise, networks, and active participation.
The summit is open to all OWIT members. In addition, selected international business delegations, investors, and organizations interested in developing business relationships with Türkiye may be invited through a dedicated international participation program, creating further opportunities for trade, investment, and long-term collaboration.
Vecihe Zaman
+90 532 700 08 39 info@yaseminarslanpr.com
Registration Link
January 26-28, 2026 Turkey
|
Women's Empowerement for Development Project
Join OWIT Turkey
An ongoing initiative implemented across all seven geographical regions of Türkiye. The project aims to empower women entrepreneurs who aspire to enter international trade by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and network they need to succeed in global markets.
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Republic of Türkiye and the Women Entrepreneurs Council of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), bringing together public institutions and industry stakeholders to support women in expanding their businesses internationally.
Registration Link
2026 | Turkey
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Lake Geneva
Lausanne Afterwork: The Art of Saying No
Registration Link
October 15, 2026 | Royal Savoy, Av. d'Ouchy 40, 1006 Lausanne I 18:30 - 20:30 CEST
| | | |
|
|
OWIT UK
Trade Social
OWIT UK is having an informal networking hour on October 20th. A time to catch up with friends in trade. Get updates, meet members and supporters and find out why we are so passionate about OWIT!
Join us for an informal online networking hour on October 20th from 4.30 to 5.30PM, UK time.
Feel free to share and invite. Members, friends and guests are welcome. See you online.
Registration Link
October 20, 2026 | 4:30 - 5:30 PM BST
| | | |
|
|
OWIT UK & Zimbabwe
Trade Corridors: From Creativity to Cross Border Trade: Unlocking UK-Zimbabwe Opportunities in the Creative Industries
Bringing together perspectives from the UK and Zimbabwe, our panel will explore:
Trade and partnerships: Where are the strongest opportunities for UK–Zimbabwe collaboration in the creative industries?
From creativity to commerce: What does it take to build a commercially sustainable creative enterprise?
Register here: https://lnkd.in/eA2uz9yF
Registration Link
October 30, 2026 | 13:30 - 15:00 UK (GMT) | 15:30 - 17:00 PM CAT
| | | |
|
|
OWIT Zimbabwe
Climate Awareness for women in Business
Join today: Registration Link
2026 Cresta Lodge, 5482+G98, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | |
|
|
OWIT South Africa
Weekly Trade Insights
Practical Info:
All insights are free for OWIT members
we unpacked FCA, CPT, CIP and DAP.
weekly, we complete our Incoterms® series with FAS, CFR and DPU — looking at how far the seller must take the goods, where risk transfers, and who is responsible for unloading.
Which of these three are you least familiar with?
Making international trade practical — one concept at a time.
| | | |
|
|
OWIT OC Schorlaship
Organization of Women in International Trade–Orange County (WITOC)
WITOC is awarding a scholarship to help a student advance studies in international business/trade.
Application must be emailed to outreach@witoc.org by May 1 or Nov 1 of each year
Application Link
| | | |
|
World Bank Group: Be-Ready 2026
Call for Private sector Experts ! Virtual / Remote contribution.
For laywers, notaries & tax/registration advisors: email and attach your CV
For innovation & intellectual property experts: email and attach your CV
| |
| | |
|
|
ITC: Sial, Paris 2026
Want to network with international buyers at SIAL Paris?
Women-led businesses in fresh and processed agrifood from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are invited to apply for our trade fair study tour.
This is an opportunity to meet buyers, retailers and distributors, present your products and discover the latest trends in the food industry.
Registration Link
October 17 - 21, 2026
| | | |
|
|
Unlock Your Potential: From FITT diploma to CITP Designation
During this webinar you will have a chance to hear, firsthand, from our guest Prince Khan,CITP, Adjunct Professor and Supervisor of the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, who achieved the designation, after obtaining the FITT Diploma in International Trade.
October 22, 2026 | Virtual | 12:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET
Registration Link
|
Doing business across cultures: How to prepare, adapt and build trust
In this FITTskills Live Webinar, Marvin Hough, CITP, President of MIRA Services, will share practical insights from his international trade facilitation experience, including a 30-year career with Export Development Canada and overseas assignments in India, China, and Mexico.
October 27, 2026 | Virtual | 13:00 AM - 13:45 PM ET
Registration Link
|
Exporting 202: Navigating Your Next Stage of International Growth
Presented by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) in partnership with Export Development Canada (EDC), this session is designed for Canadian businesses and professionals at different stages of their export journey – from those exploring international opportunities for the first time to experienced exporters looking to strengthen their approach, build internal capacity, or expand into new markets.
November 10, 2026 | Virtual | 13:00 AM - 14:00 PM ET
Registration Link
| | | |
Cyber Security for Women Entrepreneurs
Protecting Business in the Digital & AI Era
September 20, 2026 | Virtual |
As businesses become increasingly digital, cyber security is no longer simply an IT issue. It is a fundamental part of running, protecting and growing a business.
OWIT UK recently brought together women entrepreneurs and small-business owners for Cyber Security for Women Entrepreneurs: Protecting Your Business in the Digital & AI Era, a practical and interactive webinar designed to help businesses better understand their digital vulnerabilities and the steps they can take to reduce risk.
The session was led by Ashok Pottekkade, Senior Cyber Security Consultant and vCISO, and presented by Proven Infosec, directed by Nitin Noble.
The discussion explored some of the cyber threats increasingly facing entrepreneurs and smaller businesses – from phishing and fraudulent emails to invoice and payment fraud, compromised business information and the emerging risks associated with AI-generated voice and video.
Through practical examples and live demonstrations conducted in a safe training environment, participants were able to see how cybercriminals can gather information about individuals and businesses online and how seemingly routine communications can be used to create convincing attempts at fraud.
The session also looked at the growing use of artificial intelligence. While AI offers significant opportunities for smaller businesses – helping them increase productivity, improve communications and access capabilities that were previously beyond their reach – it also brings new risks. These include the information businesses share with free AI tools and the increasing sophistication of AI-enabled scams and impersonation.
A particularly important message for entrepreneurs was that cyber security does not need to begin with complex technology. Awareness, good processes and simple safeguards can make a significant difference. Knowing what information about you and your business is publicly available, checking unusual payment requests, questioning unexpected communications and being thoughtful about where business data is shared are all important parts of building greater resilience.
For OWIT UK, the subject connects directly with our work across our three pillars of trade digitalisation, access to finance and funding – including trade finance – and trade facilitation.
Digital tools are making it easier than ever for smaller businesses to connect with customers, suppliers and partners across borders. But as businesses become more digitally connected, protecting their information, payments, relationships and reputation becomes an essential part of being ready to grow and trade internationally.
The objective of the webinar was therefore not to turn entrepreneurs into cyber-security specialists, but to help them recognise the risks, ask the right questions and take practical action to better protect their businesses.
Our thanks to Ashok Pottekkade, Nitin Noble and the Proven Infosec team for sharing their expertise, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussion.
OWIT UK will continue to bring practical expertise, knowledge and connections to our community, helping women entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the opportunities – and challenges – of an increasingly digital global marketplace.
| | | |
WITOC: Launches New Compliance Series
"The AI Translator" and AI in customs Compliance
On July 16, 2026, Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) launched its new Compliance Series, a continuing education initiative designed for licensed customs brokers, customs specialists, and other trade professionals. The inaugural event, presented in collaboration with the Foreign Trade Association (FTA), was hosted by Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP in Redondo Beach, California, one of the West Coast’s leading transportation and customs law firms and a valued supporter of the WITOC international trade community.
The evening opened with remarks from WITOC Chair Simona Racek, CEO of Just Down the Street and Simaris Trade, and Foreign Trade Association President James McNamee, Branch Manager at LOGISTEED America. Their remarks highlighted the new collaboration between WITOC and the FTA and their shared commitment to providing timely, practical education for Southern California’s international trade community.
Session 1, AI in Customs Compliance: Navigating CBP HQ H350722, featured a CE-eligible workshop led by Destinee Broussard, WITOC President, Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist, and Founder of The Trade Pros. Drawing on more than 14 years of experience in global trade compliance, Broussard translated CBP’s first ruling directly addressing an AI-powered customs platform into practical guidance for LCB, CCS, and MCS credential holders. Her presentation clarified the line between using AI for general research and engaging in regulated customs business, examined responsible supervision under 19 CFR 111.28, and provided actionable guardrails for integrating AI responsibly into customs compliance workflows.
Session 2 featured a keynote address and book signing with Hema Dey, a Forbes-recognized Top 5 AI Leader and Founder and CEO of Iffel International, whose work sits at the forefront of artificial intelligence, marketing, and business growth. Her new book, The AI Translator: Making Your Marketing Message Click With People and Code, reached number one on Amazon in the Global Marketing, Web Marketing, and E-Commerce categories following its June 2026 launch. Through her “Team Human x Team AI” philosophy, Dey presents artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human judgment, creativity, or relationships, but as a powerful connector between people and technology. Her proprietary “4 Vs” framework—Visibility, Validity, Veracity, and Values—offers businesses a practical roadmap for building trust, relevance, and competitive strength in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
Bridging the two sessions, the evening also highlighted the growing importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in California. In her remarks, WITOC Chair Simona Racek emphasized that while California continues to lead the nation in attracting international investment, successful market entry depends on more than investor interest. Companies need a clear roadmap, regulatory compliance, trusted advisors, and the right expertise at every stage of the expansion process. The event reinforced WITOC's commitment to connecting foreign investors with California's trade ecosystem and to fostering collaboration among customs professionals, attorneys, logistics providers, marketers, and international business advisors who collectively help create jobs and strengthen the state's global competitiveness.
Every registered attendee received a complimentary copy of The AI Translator, and Dey signed copies following her keynote. Closing remarks were delivered by WITOC promotional partners Bill Edwards, Chair of the District Export Council of Southern California, and Michael Jackson of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg.
Following the presentations, attendees gathered for a networking reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and wine generously donated by Zion Vineyards, with additional support from event sponsors, the Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP and The Trade Pros.
WITOC’s Compliance Series will continue in the months ahead, alongside new collaborations with OWIT International focused on supporting women around the globe in leveraging AI for business and advancing initiatives that strengthen California’s international trade and foreign direct investment ecosystem. More programs and announcements will follow.
| | | |
| |
International Global Webinar Series
Moving From Profitable to Investable: Why Successful women-Owned Businesses Still Strugle to Attract Funding
September 24, 2026 | Virtual | 12:00 PM EST
Is your business profitable—but still struggling to attract funding?
Move your business from profitable to investable.
OWIT INTERNATIONAL ran an insightful webinar that explored a practical Technical Investment Readiness Clinic and learn what investors and lenders really look for when deciding where to put their money.
| | | |
| | |
Canada - Vietnam Trade Relations
OWIT-Toronto Strategic Advisor Dr. Julie Nguyen, Chair of Canada-ASEAN Initiatives at York University and Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council, was in Ottawa during the historic state visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Tô Lâm. The visit marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with Canada and Vietnam officially elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in areas including trade and investment, digital technology and innovation, energy, education and people-to-people ties.
During the visit, President Tô Lâm met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, with discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and expanding opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The new Strategic Partnership represents another step toward deeper Canada - Vietnam engagement and creates opportunities for Canadian businesses seeking to diversify and strengthen connections within the Indo-Pacific region.
| | | |
| |
OWIT Toronto
July: Leaders in Export Excellence
The World Trade Centre Toronto gathered 175 business leaders, exporters and government partners for its third annual Leaders in Export Excellence celebration. The event recognized Trade Accelerator Program alumni succeeding in new markets, with Nightmarket Games named Exporter of the Year and One37 earning Best Export Plan. (The latter’s CEO and Founder, Fadwa Mohanna, will be a panelist at OWIT’s October 14 event.) The celebration reinforced the value of focused planning, trusted relationships and persistence.
Read the Leaders in Export Excellence Recap
July 16, 2026 | World Trade Center Toronto
|
June: Trade TO Trade Diversification Summit
The City of Toronto's Trade
The Diversification Summit convened export-ready small and medium-sized businesses with international partners, trade experts and institutional leaders on June 15. Discussions focused on identifying high-growth markets, building practical diversification strategies and forming the relationships businesses need to expand beyond familiar markets. For OWIT Toronto, the summit's message was especially timely: women-owned and women-led companies need accessible market intelligence, trusted networks and targeted support to turn diversification ambitions into sustainable global growth.
Learn more about TradeTO
June 15, 2026
| | | |
|
|
2026 WTO Public Forum
Geneva, Switzerland
September 15 to 17 2026
Titled "Powering the Future," the 2026 Public Forum examined the role of services trade as an engine of development, source of income, and driver of job creation and empowerment worldwide, particularly for women and young people.
OWIT International presentation on Trusted digital trade corridors for inclusive service
As trade becomes increasingly digital and services-led, how can women in trade, youth entrepreneurs and WSMEs participate more effectively in global markets? This session explores whether Trusted Digital Trade Corridors could provide a practical mechanism for improving market access, strengthening buyer connectivity and expanding participation in services trade. Bringing together leaders from the ICC, Transform, the WTO Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, and the Government of Canada, alongside contributors from AfCFTA, EIF, WEIDE FUND, government, investment, academia and entrepreneurship ecosystems, the discussion will examine the feasibility of the concept and the partnerships required to move from concept to prototype.
2026 WTO Public Forum Program
| | | |
OWIT Virtual: Happy HER Hour Global MixHER
THE COURAGE TO BE KNOWN: Identity, Belonging, and Authenticity Across Borders
How much of ourselves do we leave behind when we cross borders, cultures, and professional spaces?
Women in international business often learn to adapt—to different markets, cultural expectations, clients, investors, and professional environments. But when does adaptation become self-editing? Do women feel pressure to change how they communicate, lead, market themselves, or tell their stories in order to win business, secure funding, or be taken seriously?
This HappyHER Hour Global Virtual MixHER invites women from around the world into an honest conversation about identity, visibility, and the courage to be known for who we truly are while building relationships and opportunities across borders.
Through guided discussion and breakout conversations, we will explore the pressures women face, the parts of ourselves we may minimize, and how we can present our value confidently without losing what makes us distinctive.
Weds, Sep 30, 2026, at 12:30PM ET | 9:30AM PT
| | | | OWIT International Executive Committe and Board Meetings | | |
As an OWIT Sponsor, your company demonstrates its commitment
to supporting the global economic empowerment of women through
the benefits of global trade and business.
| |
OWIT International Contact
| | | | |
