Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — September 2025
The future of AI is being written.
And in Riyadh, it just became more inclusive.
The official launch of Global Women in AI (GWAI) at Money20/20 Middle East marked not just the start of a new initiative — but the beginning of a global movement.
From the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation, leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered to witness a milestone: the world’s first chapter of Global Women in AI — a platform uniting women shaping the next era of artificial intelligence, finance, and innovation.
A Movement Begins — in Riyadh
Hosted at the Off the Record Stage at Money20/20 Middle East, the Saudi Opening Celebration of GWAI brought together a remarkable community of leaders who are turning ambition into action.
Among them:
Tram Anh Nguyen, Chairwoman of Global Women in AI and Co-founder of CFTE
Reem Aljasser, Director of Leadership Development, Saudi Central Bank
Amira Abdelaziz, Senior Advisor, Central Bank of Egypt and GWAI Executive Committee Member
Each shared one conviction:
“AI will shape the next century — and women must shape AI.”
For an hour that felt like history in motion, the conversation moved beyond inspiration into commitment — to education, leadership, and inclusion as the new infrastructure of innovation.
Why Saudi Arabia — Why Now
Saudi Arabia is not just embracing the future of AI — it’s defining it.
Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has become one of the fastest-growing ecosystems for digital transformation, fintech, and AI adoption.
The launch of GWAI in Riyadh symbolised something greater: a world where inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundation.
In a region where innovation and purpose converge, GWAI’s launch carried both symbolic and strategic power — proof that the next generation of AI leadership will be global, diverse, and inclusive.
What GWAI Stands For
Founded and chaired by Tram Anh Nguyen, Global Women in AI is built on a powerful vision:
to equip, connect, and elevate women shaping the AI era — across borders, industries, and disciplines.
Its mission is clear and measurable:
Learn: Empower women with world-class access to AI education and applied learning.
Connect: Unite women across ecosystems through mentorship, community, and collaboration.
Lead: Create visibility and pathways for women to shape policy, innovation, and leadership in AI.
This isn’t theory — it’s infrastructure for inclusion.
GWAI isn’t simply about representation.
It’s about redefining who builds, governs, and leads in the age of intelligent systems.
The Atmosphere in Riyadh
From the moment guests entered the Off the Record stage, there was a sense that something bigger was unfolding.
Leaders from central banks, startups, and global institutions gathered — not for a panel, but for a statement of intent.
When Tram Anh Nguyen took the stage, her words resonated across every corner of the room:
“Inclusion is not something that happens on its own.
It must be designed, encouraged, and supported — for the young women who dream of contributing, for those who want to lead, and for those who know innovation is stronger when it’s inclusive.”
Applause followed — but what came after was even more powerful: real conversations, real commitments, and a shared understanding that this was just the beginning.
From Riyadh to the World
The Saudi launch is only the first in a global series of GWAI chapters, with upcoming editions planned in:
London, Singapore, and more.
Each city will host its own celebration — connecting women, allies, and leaders who share one vision:
to make AI inclusive, ethical, and human-centric.
Riyadh set the tone — bold, collaborative, and globally resonant.
What began as a moment is now a movement.
Why This Moment Matters
Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology — it’s a new infrastructure for humanity.
And ensuring women are at the centre of its design isn’t just fair — it’s essential.
Because the next decade will not be defined by who has access to AI — but by who leads it.
From classrooms to boardrooms, from regulators to startups, Global Women in AI is here to make sure those leaders include women — everywhere.
Be Part of the Movement
The story that began in Riyadh is now moving across the world.
This is your invitation to join the network that will define the next chapter of AI — together.
👉 Become a member of Global Women in AI: https://cfte.activehosted.com/f/378
👉 Learn more about GWAI’s mission: https://gwai.cfte.education/
