The fifth edition of the Schools for Female Leadership in the Digital Age drew to a close in Warsaw last week. Part of the prestigious European Leadership Academy (ELA), the week-long programme explored the possibilities that connectivity can deliver in advancing opportunities for women, minorities and society as a whole.

After including representatives from the 27 EU Members States, Ukraine and the Western Balkans 6 in this and previous editions, it is with great excitement that Huawei’s European Leadership Academy announced its plans to widen its scope to welcome applicants from three more countries into its next edition, with the addition of Iceland, Switzerland and Turkey.

The School, which has attracted more than 12,000 applications since its inauguration in 2021, seeks to leverage the untapped potential that women represent in shaping our digital future. The Warsaw edition offered the opportunity of a lifetime to 29 young female leaders who were coached by more than 70 prominent experts and lecturers as well as former ELA alumnae. They considered the importance of an ‘Internet for All’ and learned everything from the impact of technology on our lives and work, through to its future potential and the value of collaboration at a global level. Sessions included panel discussions, lectures, deep-dive workshops and teambuilding activities, all designed to inspire young minds and encourage them to learn and share their views in a safe and supportive environment.

Tony Yong JIN, Executive Vice-President of Huawei European Region, said: “Talent development is a responsibility shared by every country, business, and academic institution. The Huawei programs present an exceptional opportunity for future leaders to gain insights into cutting-edge technologies. We are delighted to see their positive impact being recognized by so many European trailblazers.”

During a panel debate on technology and international cooperation, Member of the European Parliament Jonás FERNANDEZ advised the students to study history: “In history lies everything. We need to learn the lessons of history. Humanistic skills are more relevant than ever if we want to solve problems between societies and humans,” expressing “a big thank you to the European Leadership Academy and to Huawei for organising this initiative.

Agnieszka JANKOWSKA, Chairwoman of the Digitalization Council of the Government of Poland shared its vision with the students: “Our main idea is to cover all of Poland, also rural areas and smaller cities with high-speed internet as well as mobile technologies. In the future, mobile technologies will have greater importance, especially in these more remote areas.”

Anett MADI-NATOR, President of the Women4Cyber Foundation, said: “Huawei is one of the few WomenForCyber donors which provides donations without conditions. That means we can utilise the money where we see best or where it fits the most,” highlighting the value that the company is helping to create in the areas of the tech sector where the skills gap and the gender gap are most severe.

Rebecca DE SANCHO MAYORAL, Senior Policy Officer for Access to Finance Innovation at the European Commission closed the last School day by adding: “We need more funding for women. This is what we call the gender investment gap. From European capital going to tech startups, only 2% goes to startups led by women. Therefore, the EU supports initiatives and sets agenda criteria, looking into the structures of venture capital funds and women’s involvement.”

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of this 2024 edition, the Director of the European Leadership Academy and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Huawei Europe, Berta HERRERO, wished the students success as they take the next steps in their careers: “In 10 or 15 years from now you will all be making a crucial impact in society – whether as prime ministers, CEOs, innovators or local community leaders. You will create and implement solutions that make technology work for all. As your journey advances, don’t forget that the most powerful tool you will have is each other: women supporting women, and using this network to build the society of the future.

At this Ceremony, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Mary COUGHLAN expressed her excitement to be joining the European Leadership Academy once more: “It’s a real privilege to be here again. Well done to Huawei, who has been supporting and sponsoring this initiative”. In addressing the 29 young future leaders, she said: “It is my view that women like yourselves will make a huge difference to your community, to your country and to your professions, and I can’t wait to see where you will be in some years from now.”

Ryszard HORDYNSKI, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications at Huawei Poland said: “I want to express my immense joy and pride in hosting this ELA edition in Poland, as we celebrate an important anniversary of Huawei’s local presence. At Huawei we believe that diversity drives innovation. When we support women in technology, we’re not just addressing a gender gap – we’re fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking ideas and solutions.”

ELA alumnae are drawn from all backgrounds and study disciplines, from STEM to humanities. The 2024 Summer School Awards Ceremony acknowledged the following participants for making an outstanding contribution to the programme:

–         Future Leader (winner of the edition): Mylana Bulat, Ukraine

–         Best Communicator: Izidė Marcinkutė, Lithuania

–         Critical Thinker: Aneta Migátová, Slovakia

–         Equality Champion: Tesla Helena Visser, The Netherlands

–         Problem-solver: Auriane Debache, France

–         Presence & Purpose Queen: Cassandra Sowa Candela, Spain

–         Future CEO: Sabrina Steinberga, Ireland

–         Future Tech Star: Malene Vistisen Faseth, Denmark

–         Future Health Hero: Tatjana Kiseļova, Latvia

–         Sustainability Champion: Irma Salkić, Bosnia and Herzegovina

–         Youth Innovation Star: Inês Baptista, Portugal

Each of these young women impressed the faculty with their commitment, drive and leadership aspirations. They will keep in touch and continue supporting each other through ELA’s active alumnae network, which will offer them future opportunities to join high-profile initiatives and grow their profile and experience.

Watch the latest highlights video from the Summer School in Warsaw: