The FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Program 2023 took place in Serbia

The FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Program from the US State Department and Votal Voices NGO took place in Serbia on November 5-10, 2023 

It was an amazing and inspiring week with the family and Fortune Most Powerful Women from Serbia, Poland, Turkey, Bosnia, Kosovo, Ukraine, Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Florida, and South Africa thanks to Vital Voices and the U.S. Department of State.

The influential women who came to this program were met by the US Ambassador to Serbia Mr Christopher R. Hill and his wife Julie at their residence in Belgrade. He previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Korea, Poland, and North Macedonia, as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and as Head of the U.S. delegation to the 6 Party Talks on North Korea. 

Following his retirement from the Foreign Service in 2010, Hill was Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, and then Chief Advisor to the Chancellor for Global Engagement and Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy, at the University of Denver. In 2021, Hill was named the George Ball Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. In October 2021, he was called upon to return to diplomatic service when President Biden nominated him to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia.

The Fortune - U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership connects talented, emerging women leaders from all over the world with members of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Leaders for a three-week-long program.

The program begins with an orientation in Washington, D.C., where mentees meet with senior women leaders in government, business, academia, civil society and the media. Participants are then paired with one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Leaders from companies like Goldman Sachs, Aetna and Johnson & Johnson in cities across the United States. At the end of the mentorship, emerging leaders reconvene in New York City to collectively reflect on their experience and discuss future leadership opportunities.

The FORTUNE/State Department Global Women's Mentoring Partnership provides mentorship opportunities for emerging women leaders from all over the world with FORTUNE'S Most Powerful Women Leaders, executives from companies such as Time Inc., Google, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Exxon Mobil Corp.

Since 2010, the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Summit and Vital Voices Global Partnership, brought 500+ female business leaders from 30 countries to the U.S. for a three-week-long mentorship program as well as meetings with senior women leaders in government, academia and business in Washington, D.C. and New York City.

The FORTUNE Most Powerful Women program supports women's leadership and entrepreneurship, which are crucial for global diplomacy and development:

Empowering Women Leaders: The program contributes to the empowerment of women leaders by providing them with resources, mentorship, and a platform to enhance their skills and influence in various fields, including diplomacy and entrepreneurship.

Building International Networks: Initiatives like these facilitate the creation of extensive international networks among women leaders. Connecting women from diverse backgrounds fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and the sharing of best practices on a global scale.

Enhancing Diplomatic Relations: Women often bring a unique perspective to diplomacy, focusing on inclusivity and social issues. The program contributes to more comprehensive and effective diplomatic efforts by supporting women in diplomacy and promoting stability and understanding between nations.

Stimulating Economic Growth: The program's emphasis on entrepreneurship is vital for economic growth. Supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs fosters innovation, job creation, and overall economic development in various regions, contributing to global prosperity.

Addressing Gender Inequality: The program actively addresses gender inequality by providing opportunities for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. This benefits individual participants and promotes a more equitable and diverse global workforce.

Such initiatives supporting women's leadership and entrepreneurship contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous world by empowering women, fostering international collaboration, and addressing systemic gender disparities.