The second annual Women Rise for All Lunch, hosted by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, convened women leaders from diverse sectors during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. The event reaffirmed that women are not just contributors to solutions—they are leading the charge toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
Speaking at the outset of the event, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed urged women leaders to take bold action and create opportunities for others. “When you get into that space, occupy it. Expand. Make sure other women come in, and every time we’re in there, we need to ask, ‘How many women have we lifted up?’” she said. The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized the importance of women leading not only in their communities but also in addressing global challenges such as climate change, health, and education.
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, spoke passionately about the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. “We live in an amazing time when we have the tools, the energy, and the community to execute on it,” she said. Ms Porat underscored AI’s projected $17 to $25 trillion contribution to global GDP and its ability to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, and climate. “The upside is extraordinary,” she remarked, encouraging women leaders to “just get the puck on the ice” and seize the opportunities.
Joining her on the stage, Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson of One Economy Foundation, Chancellor of Kepler University and UN SDG Advocate, emphasized the need for integrated approaches to health, education, and economic development. “With the right health outcomes, you improve education outcomes,” she explained. “We make it seem like it’s either-or, but it’s not. We don’t have time anymore to have single-focus issues.” Ms Geingos highlighted the interconnected nature of global challenges and the urgency of solutions that address them simultaneously.
Award-winning entertainer and UN SDG Advocate Lilly Singh brought attention to cultural barriers, particularly shame, which often hinders progress. Sharing a story from a recent trip to India, she revealed the widespread infections among menstruating women who were too embarrassed to dry their undergarments publicly. “Of course, money is helpful, of course, resources are helpful, but shame is culture, and it’s happening in every corner of the world,” Ms Singh said, calling for a collective effort to dismantle these deeply ingrained barriers.
When asked to encapsulate their outlook for the General Assembly in one word, the responses reflected the determination and hope driving the movement. Monica Geingos chose “resilience,” explaining, “Reject shame, build resilience.” Ruth Porat offered “determined,” reflecting her optimism about technological progress. Lilly Singh chose “unlearning,” urging leaders to let go of outdated norms and practices that hinder progress.
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations, stated that when women rise, entire communities are uplifted, and tangible progress is made toward achieving the SDGs. “The work is far from over, but today, we take another step forward,” she continued, urging women leaders to build on the momentum of the We the Women campaign and ensure that the priorities of women everywhere are heard and acted upon.
Women Rise for All, an initiative spearheaded by Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, amplifies women’s leadership and fosters collaboration through the UN Office for Partnerships. By connecting women leaders to global networks, the initiative drives transformative change toward achieving the SDGs. Complementing this effort, the We the Women advocacy campaign, supported by Germany, amplifies women’s voices and priorities, further propelling the movement for bold, women-led solutions to global challenges.