BOSS AWARDS 2026: TOP 100 GLOBAL LEADERS

TOP 100 GLOBAL LEADERS

BOSS AWARDS 2026: Honouring Those Who Shape the Future

The BOSS AWARDS 2026 celebrated one of the most prestigious moments of Global Business Week 2026, recognizing the world's most influential entrepreneurs, innovators, public leaders, educators, scientists, philanthropists, and changemakers whose vision and achievements are making a lasting contribution to global progress.

Held in Davos, Switzerland, the Awards Ceremony brought together distinguished leaders from across the world to celebrate excellence, leadership, innovation, and international cooperation. More than an awards programme, the BOSS AWARDS have become a global platform for recognising individuals whose work inspires economic growth, strengthens communities, and creates meaningful impact for future generations.

This year, 100 exceptional leaders from around the globe were honoured for their outstanding achievements across a wide spectrum of industries and public life. The laureates represented multinational corporations, innovative startups, government institutions, educational organisations, scientific communities, charitable foundations, and international business networks.

The awards celebrated visionary entrepreneurs who have built successful international companies, political and civic leaders dedicated to strengthening international cooperation, educators transforming learning for future generations, scientists driving innovation, and young entrepreneurs proving that age is no barrier to creating meaningful change.

Each recipient demonstrated that true leadership extends far beyond business success. It is measured by the ability to inspire people, solve complex challenges, build international partnerships, and create opportunities that benefit society as a whole.

WORLD CHANGER AWARD

The prestigious World Changer Award recognises individuals whose leadership has made an exceptional contribution to international cooperation, humanitarian development, and global unity.

Paul Goggin – United Kingdom, Former Mayor of Bristol

Honoured for his outstanding contribution to strengthening international relations between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, and for his unwavering support of humanitarian initiatives that have helped save lives and provide assistance to the Ukrainian people during the war.

Liudmyla Stanislavenko – Ukraine, Chair of the Supreme Council, World Woman Club, Founder of the Liudmyla Stanislavenko Charitable Foundation

Recognised for her exceptional leadership in promoting global unity, international dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, and initiatives that strengthen understanding and collaboration between nations.

BOSS AWARD

For Building Outstanding International Companies That Drive Global Progress

The BOSS AWARD honours visionary entrepreneurs whose companies create economic growth, generate employment, introduce innovation, and contribute to sustainable international development.

2026 Laureates

• Oleksandr Marakhovskyy & Aurika Vrancianu — Switzerland
• Lali Okujava — Georgia
• Yelena Lee — Kazakhstan
• Yang Chin-chung — Taiwan
• Olena Vykhrystyuk — Ukraine
• Alan Chen — Taiwan
• Ayjemal Orazalyyeva — Turkmenistan
• Olga Gryzodub — Poland

These remarkable leaders have demonstrated that entrepreneurship is not only about building successful companies—it is about creating opportunities, transforming industries, generating innovation, and improving the lives of millions of people.

The BOSS AWARDS 2026 reaffirmed a powerful message: the future is created by courageous leaders who combine vision with action, innovation with responsibility, and business success with a commitment to making the world a better place.

By celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary individuals, the Awards inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers to think globally, lead with integrity, and create lasting impact across borders.

For the complete list of the Top 100 Global Leaders, award categories, laureates, and ceremony highlights, we invite you to visit our official website and discover the inspiring stories behind this international celebration of excellence.

GLOBAL BUSINESS DIPLOMACY AWARDS 2026

Honouring Leaders Who Build Bridges Between Nations

One of the most prestigious recognitions presented during the BOSS AWARDS 2026 was the Global Business Diplomacy Award—an international honour celebrating visionary leaders who strengthen economic cooperation, promote international partnerships, and create strategic business relationships between countries.

Business diplomacy has become one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable economic growth. It connects entrepreneurs, investors, governments, and institutions, opening new markets, encouraging international trade, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that benefit both national economies and the global business community.

The Global Business Diplomacy Award recognises individuals whose leadership goes beyond business success. They serve as ambassadors of international cooperation, helping entrepreneurs establish meaningful cross-border partnerships while strengthening the competitiveness and global presence of their countries.

2026 Business Diplomacy Laureates

• Ira Goel — Germany
• Iana Lutska — Poland
• Grigoriy Gurbanov — Turkmenistan
• Narmina Hasanova — Azerbaijan
• Irina Selevestru — Moldova
• Nazzara Ergasheva — Kyrgyzstan
• Dinora Saitova — Kazakhstan
• Ilona Bordian — Ukraine

GLOBAL CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AWARDS 2026

Inspiring Nations Through Culture, Education, and Human Development

Culture has always been one of humanity's strongest forces for unity. Through education, the arts, science, creativity, and cultural exchange, societies develop mutual understanding, preserve their heritage, and inspire future generations.

The Global Cultural Diplomacy Award honours distinguished leaders whose work contributes to the advancement of culture, education, creativity, and the intellectual development of individuals and entire nations. Their initiatives strengthen international understanding, preserve cultural identity, and promote lifelong learning as the foundation of peaceful global cooperation.

2026 Cultural Diplomacy Laureates

• Dr. Watceilia Varso — Australia
• Dr. Irene Khajalia — Georgia
• Tetiana Markova — Germany
• Olena Malenkova — Ukraine
• Siphiwe Nompumelelo Antonia Gumede — South Africa
• Stefaniia Didenko — Ukraine
• Vita Mishyna — Ukraine

GLOBAL WOMEN'S DIPLOMACY AWARDS 2026

Empowering Women. Strengthening Communities. Transforming the Future.

The Global Women's Diplomacy Award recognises exceptional women whose leadership advances women's entrepreneurship, professional development, international cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives.

These inspiring leaders build strong women's communities, create opportunities for economic empowerment, support education, encourage leadership, and promote projects that improve the lives of women and families around the world.

Their work demonstrates that investing in women creates stronger businesses, stronger communities, and stronger nations. By connecting women across borders, they contribute to a future built on collaboration, equality, innovation, and sustainable development.

2026 Women's Diplomacy Laureates

• Olha Korbut — Ukraine
• Tetiana Moskalenko — Ukraine
• Tetiana Semikop — Ukraine
• Iryna Nikolenko — Poland
• Marina Belaia — Moldova
• Liudmyla Zotova — Ukraine
• Liliia Oliinyk — Ukraine
• Nadiia Peryna — Ukraine

These distinguished laureates represent the very best of international leadership. Through business diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and women's diplomacy, they are building bridges between nations, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, preserving cultural heritage, empowering communities, and shaping a more connected, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The BOSS AWARDS 2026 proudly celebrates these global leaders whose vision, dedication, and international impact continue to inspire cooperation and progress across continents.

Lali Okujava: Georgia as a Strategic Gateway for Global Trade, Export, and Logistics

At the World Woman Forum 2026, held during Global Business Week Davos, Lali Okujava, Co-Founder and Director of MGL Group (Bulgarian–Georgian Logistics Group), presented a compelling vision of Georgia as one of the most promising logistics and export hubs connecting Europe and Asia.

In her presentation, "Georgia: A Strategic Gateway for Global Trade, Export, and Logistics," she emphasized that logistics is far more than the movement of goods. It is a strategic driver of economic growth, international cooperation, and sustainable business development. Efficient logistics, she noted, enables companies of every size to access global markets, strengthen competitiveness, and create new investment opportunities.

Lali Okujava highlighted Georgia's unique geographical position along the Middle Corridor, connecting Europe and Asia through modern transport routes, Black Sea ports, and expanding logistics infrastructure. This strategic location creates significant advantages for international trade and positions Georgia as an increasingly important transit and distribution hub.

She also showcased Georgia's strong export potential, including internationally recognized wine, mineral water, nuts, berries, honey, and agricultural products, emphasizing that global success depends not only on product quality but also on reliable logistics, efficient customs procedures, modern warehousing, and well-organized supply chains.

Drawing on the practical experience of MGL Group, she demonstrated how professional logistics solutions reduce costs, shorten delivery times, and help businesses confidently expand into international markets. She called for stronger cooperation between governments, investors, businesses, and logistics providers to build resilient trade networks and accelerate regional economic development.

Concluding her presentation, Lali Okujava shared a message that reflected the spirit of international partnership:

"Business grows where there is trust, and trust grows where there is cooperation. Every successful trade route connects not only markets but also people, ideas, and cultures. Together, by building reliable partnerships and sharing knowledge and experience, we can create a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous world."

Her presentation demonstrated that Georgia's strategic location, growing logistics infrastructure, and export potential position the country as an emerging gateway for international trade—creating new opportunities for businesses, investors, and sustainable economic cooperation between Europe and Asia.

Marina Belaia: Building the Future Through Human Values

At the World Woman Forum 2026, held during Global Business Week Davos, Marina Belaia delivered an inspiring presentation titled "Building the Future Through Human Values," emphasizing that the greatest strength of any society is not technology or economic growth, but the values that guide its people.

Speaking before an international audience of entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and women leaders, she argued that in the era of Artificial Intelligence, trust has become the world's most valuable competitive advantage. While technology can automate processes and analyze data, it cannot replace empathy, integrity, compassion, or authentic human relationships.

At the heart of her presentation was Brandway—a human-centered philosophy that helps individuals and organizations discover their authentic identity, strengthen their character, and lead with purpose. Marina Belaia emphasized that sustainable leadership begins not with strategy, but with values, encouraging leaders to build businesses where trust, responsibility, and respect become part of organizational culture.

Using Moldova as an example, she highlighted how multicultural heritage, resilience, and cooperation can become powerful drivers of innovation and sustainable development. According to her, the country's greatest asset is not its geography or natural resources, but its people and their ability to build bridges across cultures.

One of the defining messages of her presentation summarized a powerful chain of sustainable development:

Strong families create strong people.
Strong people build strong businesses.
Strong businesses strengthen communities.
Strong communities build peaceful nations.

Marina Belaia concluded with a message that resonated throughout the forum:

"The future is not something we simply inherit—it is something we create together through every decision we make. Our greatest competitive advantage will never be technology alone. It will always be our humanity. Because we do not simply build brands. We build people. And people build the future."

Her presentation reinforced one of the central themes of the World Woman Forum 2026: the leaders of tomorrow will be those who successfully combine innovation with humanity, business success with responsibility, and professional excellence with integrity.

Inga Malakmadze Presents an Innovative Tourism Concept at World Woman Forum 2026 Davos

At the World Woman Forum 2026, held during Global Business Week in Davos, Inga Malakmadze, Founder of Calypso Travel and Event and Co-Founder of Wheel of Ages, introduced an innovative vision for the future of tourism and experiential learning through her presentation, "Wheel of Ages: Building a New Category of Immersive Transformational Tourism."

Drawing on more than 22 years of experience in travel, events, and adventure design, she argued that the future of tourism is no longer about simply visiting destinations—it is about creating experiences that transform people. As she explained, people rarely remember places only for what they saw; they remember who they became during the journey.

The presentation introduced Wheel of Ages as a new concept of an Immersive Storyworld Destination, where authentic history, nature, storytelling, interactive experiences, hospitality, technology, and cultural heritage are combined into one living world. Developed around Georgia's historic Drisi Fortress and its surrounding canyon, the project transforms cultural heritage from a passive attraction into an active experience in which every visitor becomes part of the story.

Designed for both individual travellers and corporate groups, the model combines tourism, leadership development, education, team building, and cultural preservation within one integrated ecosystem. Its four-level journey encourages visitors to return repeatedly, creating long-term emotional engagement rather than one-time tourism.

Beyond tourism, Inga Malakmadze highlighted the project's wider impact. The model has the potential to stimulate regional economic development, support local communities, preserve traditional crafts, create new jobs, strengthen cultural identity, and build international partnerships between tourism, business, education, and the creative industries.

Concluding her presentation, she shared a simple but powerful message:

"People do not remember places only for what they saw. They remember who they became there. Heritage should not be preserved only behind glass—it should come alive through participation, meaning, and belonging. Every nation has stories waiting to be lived."

Her presentation demonstrated that the future of tourism lies not only in attracting visitors, but in creating meaningful experiences that inspire personal transformation while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

For her outstanding contributions and achievements in the development of event tourism, Inga was honoured with the international Boss Award and featured on the cover of the prestigious business magazine Boss.

Scotch Whisky as an Investment Asset: How Scotland's "Liquid Gold" Became a Global Wealth Strategy

Scotch Whisky as an Investment Asset

By Kenny Smoth

For centuries, Scotch whisky has been one of Scotland's greatest exports and a symbol of craftsmanship. Today, however, it is more than a premium spirit—it has evolved into an alternative investment asset attracting private investors, family offices, wealth managers, and institutional portfolios worldwide.

Often called "liquid gold," rare Scotch whisky has demonstrated impressive long-term appreciation driven by scarcity, ageing, and increasing global demand.

A £5 Billion Industry

Scotch whisky is one of Britain's most valuable export industries.

Some key facts:

• Annual exports exceed £5.3 billion.
• Scotch is exported to around 160–180 countries.
• More than 150 distilleries operate across Scotland.
• Approximately 44 bottles of Scotch whisky are exported every second.

Unlike many luxury goods, Scotch whisky becomes rarer every year.

Every cask naturally loses approximately 2% of its contents annually through evaporation—known as the Angel's Share. As the whisky matures, both its age and scarcity increase.

Why Whisky Appreciates

Several powerful factors drive value:

1. Time

A 25-year-old whisky cannot be produced in less than 25 years. Age cannot be accelerated.

2. Scarcity

Only around 12% of all Scotch whisky is bottled as Single Malt. Older casks become increasingly rare because evaporation reduces volume every year while global consumption continues.

3. Global Demand

Demand has expanded dramatically across:

• United States
• China
• Japan
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Middle East
• Europe

Luxury collectors increasingly view premium Scotch alongside fine wine, classic cars, watches, and art.

Historical Returns

Although future performance is never guaranteed, the long-term data is impressive.

According to market studies:

• Rare whisky bottles appreciated by over 111% during the past decade in one major luxury index.
• Some investment firms managing whisky portfolios reported average annual returns of approximately 10.6% between 2018 and 2025, though these figures are based on their own managed portfolios rather than the entire market.
• Other industry participants cite long-term annual growth expectations in the 8–12% range for carefully selected casks, but these are estimates rather than guaranteed returns.

Like any alternative asset, returns vary widely depending on the distillery, cask quality, purchase price, holding period, and market conditions.

Ways to Invest

There are three primary strategies.

1. Whole Whisky Casks

The most popular approach. Investors purchase an entire cask while it continues ageing inside a bonded Scottish warehouse.

Advantages:

• Lower entry price than equivalent bottled whisky
• Natural value appreciation through ageing
• Institutional demand from bottlers
• Physical ownership

Typical holding period: 5–20 years

2. Rare Bottles

Collectors purchase limited editions from prestigious distilleries such as:

• Macallan
• Springbank
• Bowmore
• Ardbeg
• Dalmore
• GlenDronach

Exceptional bottles have sold at international auctions for hundreds of thousands—and in rare cases, millions—of pounds.

3. Diversified Whisky Portfolios

Professional investment firms build portfolios across:

• multiple distilleries
• different whisky regions
• varying maturation ages

This reduces concentration risk.

How to Start Investing

Experts generally recommend the following process.

Step 1

Learn the market before investing.

Understand:

• distilleries
• maturation
• cask types
• bonded warehouses
• auction markets

Step 2

Work only with reputable specialists.

Verify:

• legal ownership
• cask registration
• warehouse records
• insurance
• transfer documentation

The Scotch Whisky Association advises investors to confirm the distillery, year of distillation, cask reference number, storage arrangements, contractual restrictions, and realistic pricing before purchasing.

Step 3

Invest for the long term. Whisky is not a day-trading asset. Most successful investors hold their casks for many years.

Step 4

Diversify. Rather than buying a single expensive cask, many investors spread capital across several distilleries and age profiles. 

Who Should You Work With?

A trustworthy whisky investment partner should provide:

• verified cask ownership
• bonded warehouse storage
• insurance
• regular valuations
• exit strategy
• transparent fees
• independent documentation

Never rely solely on promised returns. Independent verification of pricing and ownership is essential.

Risks Investors Should Understand

Whisky investing is attractive, but it is not risk-free. Potential risks include:

• changing global demand
• liquidity (finding buyers may take time)
• storage costs
• insurance costs
• bottling costs
• excise duty and VAT upon bottling
• overpaying for a cask

The Scotch Whisky Association specifically warns that casks are commodities whose prices can rise or fall with supply and demand, and that investors should treat projected returns with caution.

Recent market conditions also illustrate this: after several years of exceptional growth, parts of the rare whisky market experienced a correction as global demand softened and auction activity declined.

Scotland's New Investment Icon

For generations, investors relied on property, equities, precious metals, and fine art. Today, Scotch whisky has joined that list. Its appeal lies in a unique combination of:

• tangible ownership,
• centuries of heritage,
• global demand,
• natural scarcity,
• and long-term appreciation potential.

For patient investors who conduct proper due diligence and work with reputable specialists, Scotland's iconic spirit can serve not only as a cultural treasure but also as a distinctive component of a diversified investment portfolio.

As with any investment, however, success depends on disciplined research, realistic expectations, and a long-term perspective rather than the expectation of guaranteed high returns.

Irina Selevestru Presents Moldova's Investment Potential at Global Business Week Davos 2026

At the prestigious GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK DAVOS 2026, hosted at the Davos Congress Centre, international investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders from more than 40 countries gathered to explore new opportunities shaping the future of global business.

Among the most compelling country presentations was delivered by Irina Selevestru—an insolvency practitioner, crisis manager with over 25 years of professional experience, liquidator of Air Moldova Airlines, and trusted adviser to international investors entering the Republic of Moldova.

Her presentation, "MOLDOVA — Small Country. Extraordinary Opportunities," challenged outdated perceptions and introduced Moldova as one of Europe's most promising emerging investment destinations.

Looking Beyond the Headlines

Few professionals understand business resilience better than someone who has spent decades rebuilding companies from their most difficult moments.

For twenty-five years, Irina Selevestru has worked where businesses face their greatest challenges—examining financial collapse, restructuring enterprises, protecting investors, and creating pathways for sustainable recovery.

This unique perspective allows her to identify opportunities that others often overlook.

Standing before an international audience in Davos, she chose not to speak about bankruptcies or crises.

Instead, she spoke about potential.

About a country that remains largely undiscovered by international investors despite possessing exceptional natural resources, strategic geography, talented people, and strong European ambitions.

Her message was clear:

Moldova may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but it offers opportunities that far exceed its size.

A Strategic Location at the Gateway to Europe

Located between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova occupies a strategically important position at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe.

Its direct border with Romania, a member of the European Union, provides businesses with convenient access to the EU's single market of more than 450 million consumers.

As global companies continue to diversify supply chains and seek production closer to European markets, Moldova is becoming increasingly attractive as a nearshoring destination.

The country benefits from preferential trade agreements, including the EU–Moldova Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), enabling many Moldovan products to enter European markets with reduced trade barriers.

In an era where resilient supply chains have become a strategic priority, Moldova offers investors proximity, flexibility, and growing connectivity.

Agriculture: One of Europe's Greatest Natural Assets

Agriculture remains one of Moldova's strongest competitive advantages.

The country is blessed with some of the world's most fertile chernozem (black earth) soils, considered among the richest agricultural lands globally.

These fertile landscapes produce exceptional harvests of:

• cherries,
• plums,
• apples,
• grapes,
• walnuts,
• blackcurrants,
• sunflower,
• cereals,
• vegetables,
• and numerous specialty crops.

Agriculture contributes significantly to Moldova's exports, while enormous opportunities remain in food processing, packaging, cold storage, logistics, and value-added production.

Rather than exporting raw agricultural products alone, Moldova increasingly seeks partners capable of building internationally competitive food-processing industries.

For investors, this represents an opportunity to participate in one of Europe's fastest-growing agri-food sectors.

Wine: Five Thousand Years of Tradition

Perhaps no industry reflects Moldova's identity more profoundly than winemaking.

Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been produced in the region for approximately 5,000 years, making Moldova one of the world's oldest wine-producing territories.

Today, Moldova ranks among the world's leading wine exporters and has earned international recognition for the quality of its wines.

During the past decade, Moldovan wineries have collectively won more than 8,000 international medals, demonstrating growing global appreciation for their products.

The country is also home to two extraordinary destinations:

• Cricova, famous for its vast underground wine galleries extending over 120 kilometres;
• Mileștii Mici, recognised by Guinness World Records for housing the largest wine collection in the world, containing well over one million bottles.

These remarkable underground wine cities are internationally recognised tourism attractions and have been promoted as part of Moldova's cultural heritage.

Wine tourism has become one of the country's fastest-growing sectors, combining gastronomy, hospitality, culture, and investment opportunities.

Visitors rarely leave Moldova without wanting to return.

A Dynamic IT and Digital Economy

Beyond agriculture, Moldova has quietly become an emerging technology hub.

Its workforce is young, highly educated, multilingual, and internationally competitive.

Many professionals speak Romanian, Russian, English, and often French, enabling companies to serve multiple international markets from a single location.

The internationally recognised Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) has attracted hundreds of technology companies through one of Europe's most competitive tax regimes for the IT sector.

Software development, cybersecurity, business process outsourcing, digital services, and fintech continue to expand rapidly, making Moldova an increasingly attractive destination for international technology investment.

Logistics and Regional Connectivity

Moldova's geographic position also creates significant opportunities in logistics.

Situated between European Union markets and Eastern Europe, the country serves as an important transport corridor connecting multiple regional economies.

Growing investment in warehouses, logistics parks, customs infrastructure, and distribution centres reflects increasing demand for regional supply-chain solutions.

As European manufacturers continue relocating production closer to key consumer markets, Moldova's role as a logistics hub is expected to become even more significant.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

Drawing upon twenty-five years of experience, Irina Selevestru emphasized one lesson repeatedly confirmed throughout her career.

Companies rarely fail because of poor ideas.

They fail because they misunderstand the local environment.

Every country possesses unique legislation, administrative procedures, business culture, and market dynamics.

The difference between success and costly mistakes often depends upon choosing the right local partner.

Having advised numerous foreign investors entering Moldova, Irina Selevestru has developed extensive expertise in investment structuring, legal protection, insolvency prevention, corporate restructuring, and risk management.

Her role extends beyond legal consultancy.

She acts as a bridge of trust between international capital and Moldova's business environment.

Helping investors identify opportunities.

Avoid unnecessary risks.

Navigate local regulations.

Protect investments for the long term.

Every successful investment creates new employment opportunities, strengthens local businesses, encourages young professionals to remain in Moldova, and contributes to the country's continued European integration.

A Country Ready for the Future

As Europe reshapes its economic landscape, Moldova is emerging as one of the continent's most promising investment frontiers.

Its combination of fertile land, strategic geography, talented workforce, competitive costs, expanding digital economy, internationally recognised wine industry, and growing integration with European markets positions the country for long-term sustainable growth.

For forward-looking investors, Moldova represents more than an emerging market.

It represents an opportunity to participate in the next chapter of European economic development.

A Message to the World

Concluding her presentation, Irina Selevestru addressed an invitation to the international business community:

"After twenty-five years spent inside businesses caught in the storm, I will give you one piece of advice: never enter a market you do not know alone. Enter it with someone who knows its roots. I have seen why businesses fail in Moldova—that is why I know exactly how successful ones are built and how investments can be protected from costly mistakes. Moldova is small, but it is built with love, and its opportunities are extraordinary for those who arrive with the right partner. When you come to Moldova—and believe me, you will—look for me. I will open the right doors, introduce the right people, and show you where real value grows. I am Irina Selevestru. Moldova is waiting for you—and I will be waiting for you in Chișinău."

Contact

Irina Selevestru
Insolvency Practitioner • Crisis Manager • Investment Adviser

📞 Phone: +373 69 289 362
📧 Email: moldinsolv@gmail.com
🌐 Website: moldinsolv.md
Facebook: Moldinsolv | Irina Selevestru

FIFA Abandons Controversial Private Investment Plan Following Global Backlash

World Football's Governing Body Reaffirms Its Commitment to Independence and Integrity

In one of the most significant governance reversals in recent football history, FIFA has officially withdrawn its proposal to introduce private investment into its flagship competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, after facing widespread opposition from football associations and stakeholders around the globe.

The initiative, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, proposed creating a commercial subsidiary responsible for managing FIFA's major tournaments, allowing external investors to acquire ownership stakes. As part of the proposal, FIFA's 211 member associations were reportedly offered US$40 million each in exchange for supporting the restructuring plan.

However, the proposal quickly sparked intense criticism across the international football community. UEFA's 55 member associations warned that they were prepared to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded, arguing that the commercialization of football's governing structure could threaten the independence of the sport.

Amid mounting pressure, FIFA officially abandoned the project.

Dr. Watceilia Varso Introduced Regenerative Leadership: You’re Not Stuck. You’re Patterned

One of the most thought-provoking presentations at the World Woman Forum 2026, held during Global Business Week Davos, challenged one of the most deeply rooted assumptions in leadership development.

For decades, organisations have invested billions in executive education, leadership training, coaching, and professional development. Yet despite greater access to knowledge than at any point in history, burnout continues to rise, organisational cultures deteriorate, employee engagement declines, and leaders often repeat the same behaviours that limit both personal and organisational success.

According to Dr. Watceilia Varso, Founder and CEO of Practice Vision and creator of The Art of Re-engineering® and the NEUROR.E.G.E.N.E.S.I.S™ Framework, the explanation is surprisingly simple: "You are not stuck. You are patterned."

Her presentation offered not merely another leadership model, but a profound shift in understanding how people change—and why so many leadership development programmes fail to deliver lasting transformation.

Knowledge Does Not Change Behaviour

Modern organisations often assume that better education naturally produces better leadership.

Teach people new frameworks. Provide better strategies. Introduce modern management tools. Performance should improve. Yet reality consistently proves otherwise. Highly intelligent, experienced leaders frequently know exactly what they should do. They understand emotional intelligence. They appreciate collaboration. They recognise the importance of delegation, trust, and psychological safety. And yet, under pressure, many return to familiar behaviours. Micromanagement. Perfectionism. Control. Overwork. Avoidance.

According to Dr. Varso, this happens because behaviour is driven far more by neurological patterns than by intellectual understanding.

Knowledge informs us. Patterns govern us.

The "Parents of the Year" 2026 International Award Ceremony took place in Davos

Best Parents Award 2026 SWCC Davos: Celebrating the Heroes Behind the Next Generation

One of the most heartfelt and inspiring moments of the Startup World Cup Championship 2026 was the presentation of the prestigious Father of the Year, Mother of the Year, Grandfather of the Year, and Grandmother of the Year Awards provided by MiniBoss Business School - leading educational institutions for the next generation of business leaders. These special recognitions honour the extraordinary parents and grandparents whose unwavering dedication helps shape the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.

Every successful child stands behind a family that believes in growth rather than comfort, encouragement rather than indulgence, and resilience rather than fear of failure.

Outstanding parents understand that true love is not expressed by removing every obstacle from a child's path. Instead, it is demonstrated by helping children develop strength, discipline, confidence, creativity, and responsibility. They support their children when they face setbacks, inspire them to continue after every defeat, celebrate every small improvement, and encourage them to keep striving toward excellence.

At MiniBoss Business School believes that success is not measured solely by winning championships. Success is found in the courage to keep trying, to improve every project, to transform mistakes into lessons, and to never stop creating. The greatest parents recognize these moments and know how to encourage their children to become stronger after every challenge.

The young entrepreneurs who represent their countries at the Startup World Cup Championship are much more than talented students. They are the result of years of family support, wise mentorship, and an educational environment that develops entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.

Their participation on the international stage is already a remarkable achievement. It reflects the commitment of families who invest not only in the future of their own children but also in the future of society.

The parents and grandparents we honour today are helping to raise a new intellectual elite—young people capable of creating innovative products, launching successful companies, solving global challenges, and improving the quality of life in their communities and around the world.

This simple yet fundamental philosophy lies at the heart of the educational model delivered through the international franchise network of MiniBoss Business School, part of the International Business Academy Consortium. By combining entrepreneurial education with a supportive global community of parents, educators, and business leaders, this model creates something far greater than individual success.

It builds powerful international communities of families who share common values, inspire one another, and work together to redefine what education can achieve. Small educational innovations, multiplied across countries and generations, become the driving force behind major social transformation and a genuine revolution in education.

Today, families from many nations are united by one common mission—to prepare children not simply for jobs, but for leadership; not simply for careers, but for creating value; not simply for success, but for making a meaningful contribution to humanity.

We sincerely congratulate every recipient of the Father of the Year, Mother of the Year, Grandfather of the Year, and Grandmother of the Year Awards.

Your patience, wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional belief in the next generation are changing lives. Through your example, you are helping raise confident innovators, responsible entrepreneurs, ethical leaders, and compassionate global citizens.

International MINIBOSS Parents Award Laureates 2026

Mother of the Year

• Bahar Ravshanova — Turkmenistan
• Valentina Yelysheva — Kazakhstan
• Tetiana Illichova — Ukraine
• Lohvin Yaroslava — Slovakia
• Ruhiyya Aliyeva — Azerbaijan
• Nomtha Dube — South Africa

Father of the Year

• Batyr Ravshanov — Turkmenistan
• Valevskyi Andrii — Ukraine

Grandmother of the Year

• Orazalyyeva Ayjemal — Turkmenistan
• Moskalenko Tetiana — Ukraine

Grandfather of the Year

• Rauf Huseynov — Azerbaijan

These outstanding families have demonstrated that raising future leaders requires vision, patience, consistency, and unconditional belief in every child's potential. Their commitment extends far beyond their own sons and daughters. Through their active participation in the MiniBoss educational community, they help inspire and support hundreds of young innovators, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem for future generations.

The future belongs not only to talented children—it belongs to the families who inspire them to dream bigger, work harder, and never stop creating.

Congratulations to all our laureates, and thank you for helping raise the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and world changers.