On 19^th March 2026, WIL Europe welcomed Lia Quartapelle, Member of the Italian Parliament and Vice President of the Committee on Foreign and European Community Affairs, to the first exclusive exchange of 2026 with our Members and Fellows. Following an introduction from WIL President Thaima Samman , this timely discussion at a volatile moment of global geopolitics was moderated WIL Member Anne-Brisce Grasset, Director of Own Brands & Sourcing at Rexel. 

MP Quartapelle provided a nuanced analysis of the current geopolitical climate, particularly the situation in the Middle East, and how Europe and countries like Italy must adapt and assert their role in the evolving world order, both in socio-economic and cultural terms. Amidst growing instability and rapid change, she sent a strong message of building the EU on trust, consensus and cooperation for mutual benefits to deliver concrete results in managing international relations, ensuring gender equality and tackling misinformation and disinformation.

On 16 October 2025, WIL Members and Fellows joined Jakob Edberg, President & CEO of FIPRA Japan/GR Japan and The GR Company, for an exclusive exchange on Japan’s political and economic landscape amid an important leadership transition. Jakob shared his insights on the political and social significance of Japan electing its first female Prime Minister, the implications for gender equality and representation, and the country’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. His perspectives shed light on how Japan balances domestic priorities with global challenges, offering valuable reflections on leadership and societal change.

On 27 June 2025, Anne Bouverot, WIL Member and French President’s Special Envoy for AI joined our network for a thought-provoking virtual exchange where she shared key insights on Europe’s AI trajectory. As a WIL member, Anne hosted our No AI Without Women event at the Elysée Palace. Her perspectives focused on responsible AI leadership, balancing innovation and regulation, digital sovereignty, combatting misinformation and inclusive leadership.

On 26th March 2025, Sylvie Goulard, former French Minister of the Armed Forces, former Member of the European Parliament, and professor in sustainability and green finance at Bocconi School of Management, joined WIL Europe members for an exclusive exchange at Cabinet Samman in Paris.

Moderated by Nathalie Wright, WIL Vice-President and Board Director at Keolis, Quadient, and Amundi, the discussion brought together a diverse group for a thoughtful conversation on key issues shaping Europe today.

On the 27th of February, an exclusive group of senior leaders from the WIL network engaged in a valuable discussion with Gary Litman, Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. The conversation shed light on recent developments across the Atlantic, particularly in the areas of international trade and diplomacy. Many thanks to Gary Litman for sharing his expertise and to our President, Thaima Samman, for moderating this thought-provoking session.