HerTurn Rapporteurs at the GWL Voices Dialogue 2026: From Youth Leadership to Action

During GWL Voices Dialogue 2026 in Madrid, the HerTurn initiative made a remarkable appearance. Out of 50 global applications, 13 students were exclusively selected to attend the event as HerTurn Rapporteurs.

Throughout the Dialogue, the HerTurn Rapporteurs were entrusted with special responsibilities. They served as Rapporteurs, each selecting one of the Dialogue’s central themes: reinforcing women’s centrality in peace and security, advancing reform of the multilateral system, or strengthening women’s representation and leadership. Based on their chosen cluster, they prepared either an executive summary or a reflection on the discussions.

To successfully complete these tasks, they carefully followed the panels and fireside chats, attentively taking notes and engaging deeply with the conversations. Their dedication and professionalism were evident in their thoughtful contributions.

In addition, a month prior to the Dialogue, the HerTurn Rapporteurs were asked to develop feasible reform proposals aimed at translating ideas into action. Working collaboratively as a team, they focused on strengthening multilateralism and increasing women’s participation in decision-making amid today’s intersecting crises. These proposals were later presented during the Dialogue as the HerTurn Reform Lab, serving as the closing statement of the event. Andrea Sánchez moderated the session, with Manaf Jbari Boulaich and Ingrid Nielsen as panelists. Their presentation was met with a standing ovation by the members and guests, a powerful recognition of their insight, preparation, and impact.

The HerTurn Rapporteurs also participated in exclusive sessions with GWL Voices members known as CoffeeWiths. The first Coffee With featured Kate Gilmore and Jan Beagle, while the second brought together Flavia Pansieri, Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano, and María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila. During these intimate conversations, students were able to ask candid questions about career paths, leadership challenges, navigating difficult situations, and approaching this new global era. Each student had the opportunity to introduce themselves and engage directly with these distinguished leaders.

One piece of advice that stood out was simple yet profound:

As the Dialogue progressed, that trusted circle began to form naturally among the HerTurn Rapporteurs themselves. With each coffee break and shared lunch, their bonds strengthened. Excitement for the opportunity they had been given was matched by a genuine eagerness to learn from and support one another. By the time the Dialogue concluded, LinkedIn profiles and Instagram handles had been exchanged, accompanied by messages of “Hope to see you soon” and “It was great meeting you.”

What began as a cohort of selected students quickly became a HerTurn community rooted in shared purpose, collaboration, and hope for meaningful reform.

See the list of students attending to GWL Voices Dialogue 2026, Women Leading the UN of the 21st century:

• Ingrid Nielsen, Brazilian/Argentinian student from The New School
• Manaf Jbari Boulaich, Spanish student from the London School of Oriental and African Studies
• Andrea Sánchez, Salvadoran student from IE University
• Michael Ramírez Galeano, Colombian student from Sciences Po
• Candela Cuesta, Spanish student from Universidad Carlos III
• Lucía Anouk Mieres Wagner, Spanish/German student from the University of Konstanz
• Iliana Licona, Honduran student from the London School of Economics
• Jing Lin, Chinese student from IE University
• Giselle Morales, American student from The New School
• Isabel Punter Fuster, Spanish student from Universitat de València
• Patricia Remy, Chilean/French student from La Sorbonne
• María Romero Supiciche, Mexican student from IE University
• Siya Goyal, English student from Sciences Po

This summary was written by Paula Alvestegui, GWL Voices Communications and Research Intern for GWL Voices Dialogue 2026.