Connecting the world and beyond

NoW in ITU-D Arab States—A MasterClass Webinar Series on Women Leadership

ITU‑D, through its Network of Women (NoW) in the Arab States, is introducing a MasterClass Webinar Series on Women’s Leadership—a six‑week programme designed to equip all women across ITU membership from the Arab States with the skills, confidence, and strategic insight needed to lead in the ICT and international relations space.

From understanding ITU structures and mandates to strategic leadership and institutional representation, communication and self-advocacy, business diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration, each session brings together volunteer expert facilitators, practical tools, and interactive learning to help participants grow as credible, visible, and impactful leaders.

We warmly invite all women across our membership in the ITU Development Sector in the Arab States to join us starting 31 August 2026 and take part in this exciting journey of professional growth and empowerment.

The Masterclass series will:

  • Build participants' understanding of ITU structures, mandates, and the ICT governance landscape.
  • Prepare participants to assume leadership positions and represent their institutions with credibility.
  • Strengthen public speaking, self-advocacy, and visibility for women in ICT diplomacy.
  • Develop skills to engage the private sector and build strategic, cross-sector partnerships.
  • Build cultural intelligence and inclusive communication for multicultural, multistakeholder settings.


Registration


Online registration is required to participate in the six‑week programme, with each session requiring separate registration following these steps:

1) Create an ITU user account (if you already have an account, go to step 2):
When creating an ITU user account affiliated to an ITU Member (Member States, Sector Members, Associates, Academia, and UN System), users must obtain approval of their affiliation from the corresponding TIES Focal Point prior to submitting a registration request.
2) Register: Log in with your ITU user account credentials and complete the corresponding registration request form under the desired programme.

 For full session descriptions and individual registration links, please refer to the Programme Calendar below.:


Programme Calendar



Week One— Session 1 · Introduction to the International Telecommunication Union 

Date/Time:
31 August 2026 11am to 1pm Cairo Time 


Session Overview: 
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is at the heart of shaping the global digital future, bringing together governments, industry, academia, and other stakeholders to develop international standards, foster connectivity, and advance digital development. This masterclass offers participants an engaging introduction to the ITU's structures, mandates, and decision-making processes, while exploring its role within the broader ecosystem of international ICT governance. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be conducted in both English, with Arabic interventions. 

Learning methods: 
Expert lectures, case studies Skills developed Analytical understanding of ICT governance; familiarity with conference-specific technical agendas 

Facilitator: Karim Abdelghani (Programme Coordinator at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office for the Arab State).

Registration Link: https://www.itu.int/net4/CRM/xreg/web/Login.aspx?src=Registration&Event=C-00017065

Week Two—Session 2 · Strategic Leadership & Institutional Representation 

Date/Time:
2 September 2026 11am to 12.30pm Cairo Time 

Session Overview : Leadership in international organisations extends beyond management. It is about building trust, representing institutional priorities with credibility, and inspiring collective action in complex, multicultural environments. This masterclass explores the qualities and practical skills that enable leaders to influence decision-making, navigate stakeholder expectations, and represent their institutions with confidence and professionalism. Drawing on lessons from large-scale organisational transformation, participants will reflect on how authentic leadership can strengthen both personal impact and institutional effectiveness. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be exclusively conducted in English. 

Learning methods: Keynote Speech, Live Mentorship sessions, Q&A. Skills developed Leadership, institutional advocacy, strategic thinking, professional credibility.

Facilitator: Chris Hirst (Internationally recognised leadership expert, former Global CEO of Havas Creative Group and former UK CEO of Grey (WPP)).

Registration Link:
 https://www.itu.int/net4/CRM/xreg/web/Login.aspx?src=Registration&Event=C-00017068



Week Three—Session 3 · Communication, Self-Advocacy & Visibility (Part I) 

Date/time:7 September 2026 3pm to 5pm Cairo Time

Session Overview: Technical expertise is most impactful when it is communicated with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. This interactive masterclass equips participants with practical tools to strengthen their public speaking, communicate their achievements effectively, and build a professional presence that enhances both personal credibility and institutional impact. Through practical exercises and coaching, participants will explore how strategic communication and purposeful storytelling can amplify their voice in national and international ICT forums. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be exclusively conducted in English.

Learning methods: Workshops, coaching, peer feedback, practical exercises Skills developed Communication, advocacy, visibility management, confidence 

Facilitator: Angela Solomon (Strategic Communications Expert, former diplomat, and Social Entrepreneur).


Week Four—Session 4 · Communication, Self-Advocacy & Visibility (Part II) 

Date/Time: 14 September 2026 3pm to 5pm Cairo Time 

Session Overview: In today's digital landscape, professional visibility is an essential leadership skill. This session explores how to engage effectively with the media, strengthen one's digital presence, and use strategic communications to enhance professional credibility while representing institutional values. Through practical guidance and interactive exercises, participants will develop the confidence to communicate consistently, build trusted professional networks, and increase the impact of their expertise. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be exclusively conducted in English. 

Learning methods Workshops, coaching, peer feedback, practical exercises Skills developed Communication, advocacy, visibility management, confidence.

Facilitator: Angela Solomon (Strategic Communications Expert, former diplomat, and Social Entrepreneur).

Registration Link:https://www.itu.int/net4/CRM/xreg/web/Login.aspx?src=Registration&Event=C-00017075

Week Five—Session 5 · Working with the Private Sector: Business Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships 

Date/Time: 21 September 2026 11am to 1pm Cairo Time

Session Overview: Effective digital development depends on strong collaboration between governments, international organisations, and the private sector. This masterclass explores how industry partners engage with the ITU and the broader United Nations system, providing participants with practical insights into corporate priorities, business diplomacy, and the foundations of successful public-private partnerships. Through executive dialogue and real-world examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trust, shared value, and strategic engagement can foster long-term collaborations that accelerate digital transformation and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be conducted in English, with interventions in Arabic. 

Learning methods:
Executive dialogues with industry leaders, case studies. Skills developed Business diplomacy, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, strategic networking, negotiation, collaboration across sectors, and public-private partnership design.

Facilitator: Sara Abo Amro and Eslam Aboudonia bring extensive experience at the intersection of technology, public policy, and stakeholder engagement through their leadership roles at Ericsson.

Registration Linkhttps://www.itu.int/net4/CRM/xreg/web/Login.aspx?src=Registration&Event=C-00017076

Week Six —Session 6 · Multicultural and Cross Cultural Communications 

Date/Time:
28 September 2026 6pm to 8pm Cairo Time

Session Overview: 
Effective international cooperation depends not only on technical expertise but also on the ability to communicate across cultures with empathy, respect, and cultural awareness. This masterclass explores the principles of cross-cultural communication, equipping participants with practical tools to navigate diverse communication styles, foster inclusive collaboration, and build trust in multicultural and multistakeholder environments. Through interactive learning and real-world scenarios, participants will strengthen their cultural intelligence and develop the confidence to lead and collaborate effectively across borders. All presentations, discussions, and supporting materials will be exclusively conducted in English.

Learning methods: Interactive workshops, case studies, role-playing exercises, group discussions, intercultural reflection activities, and peer learning. Skills developed Cross-cultural communication, cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership, active listening, conflict resolution, relationship building, collaboration across diverse teams, and global professional communication.

Facilitator: Marta Brzezińska-Hubert (Independent intercultural trainer and facilitator with master's degrees in International Relations).

Registration Link: https://www.itu.int/net4/CRM/xreg/web/Login.aspx?src=Registration&Event=C-00017077