The Festival de Cannes has always been about stories. This May, Rupa Dash, Founder and CEO of the World Woman Foundation, brings a different kind of story to the Croisette. One built on data, courage, and fifteen thousand women across twenty countries who are rewriting what leadership looks like.
World Woman @ Festival de Cannes 2026 unfolds across three days. A two-day conference at Hotel Splendid, steps from the Palais des Festivals, on May 12th and 13th. A VIP Red Carpet Reception at La Scène des Artistes on May 15th from 6pm to 10pm. Two formats, one mission: the #EqualityMoonshot, a global initiative to empower one million women and girls worldwide by 2030.
World Woman Foundation Assembles a Remarkable Speaker Lineup
The conference sessions cover eight themes spanning the most urgent conversations of our time: inclusive innovation and technology, fair economy, sustainability and gender equality, education and skills parity, health equity, better business and leadership, creative economy and Web 3.0, and creative impact. The agenda harnesses the power of the world's most celebrated film and creative festival to push these conversations into the mainstream.
The speaker lineup reflects that ambition. Michelle Müntefering, CEO of the German Producers Alliance and former Minister of State for International Cultural Policy at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. Nabila Abuljadayel, Award-Winning Director and Goodwill Ambassador of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Angelina Usanova, Miss Universe Ukraine 2023 and UN Goodwill Ambassador. Eva Gutowski, DJ, Music Producer, and Digital Creator. Juliet Ibrahim, Actress, Author, Filmmaker, and President of WIFT Ghana. A room that reflects the world World Woman Foundation is building toward.
The Red Carpet Reception Closes the Week With Purpose
On May 15th, the week culminates at La Scène des Artistes in Cannes. The VIP Red Carpet Reception runs from 6pm to 10pm, co-hosted by Rupa Dash, Désirée Asher Founder of La Scène des Artistes, global influencer Aliia Roza, and media personality Keni Silva. The Guest of Honor is the Honorable Michelle Müntefering, CEO of the German Producers Alliance and former Minister of State for International Cultural Policy at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
