Sporting Icons to Lead as Game Changers Assemble for Global Empowerment Summit Uniting Sport, Diversity, and Innovation at the United Nations
Geneva, Switzerland – June 2025 — The United Nations Palais de Nations will host a landmark gathering on 26th June 2025: the Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit, where inclusion meets innovation in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Curated by Bernie Davies, Patron and Main Intl Representative of TechCeFaCos Group (ECOSOC Special Consultative Status since 2013), the Summit is a clarion call for global collaboration at the intersection of diversity, equity, sport, entrepreneurship, law, technology, and youth empowerment.
Supported by Mastering Diversity CIC’s Patrons Edward Watts MBE and Janey Howell High Sheriff S. Glamorgan 2024-2025, the summit promises intergenerational themes to impact legacy.
Sporting Icons to Lead the Opening Ceremony
The Summit will open with remarks from two of the most respected names in international sport and advocacy:
- Dr Donald Rukare,President of Commonwealth Sport, international sports law expert and human rights advocate
- Steve Brown, Paralympian, rugby captain, and award-winning BBC presenter known for “Escape to the Country” and elevating diverse stories in sport and beyond
Together with Helen Phillips MBE Regional VP Commonwealth Games and President Commonwealth Games Wales, their presence cements the Summit’s commitment to sports diplomacy as a force for social inclusion, global unity, and youth inspiration.
Curated Leadership, Global Vision
This historic summit is led by Bernie Davies, recently honoured by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with an invitation to 10 Downing Street and the UK Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, in a Reception in Madrid, for her outstanding leadership in diversity and entrepreneurship. A bestselling author, TEDx speaker, Vice President of Adult Learning Wales, and Ambassador for Peace with the Universal Peace Federation, Bernie is Founder of Mastering Diversity CIC and the driving force behind the Summit’s vision.
Featured Speakers & Panels Include:
- Lady Anne Welsh, CEO of Painless Universal
- Duchess Nivin El Gamal of Lamberton, Founder of Duchess Prestige
- Mfikela Jean Samuel, COO TechCeFaCos Group, Tedx Speaker, Adviser
- Dr Alison Edgar MBE, Entrepreneur Educator & Board Member
- Scarlett Allen-Horton, Apprentice Finalist & Sir Alan Sugar’s Business Partner
- Legal leaders from Hugh James, Thompsons Solicitors, Kenworthys Chambers, Browne Jacobson, and Legal News Wales
- Leading organisations such as Ogi, Latch Childrens’ Charity, GAVO, C-Lash
- DEI and entrepreneurship voices including Akmal Hanuk, Cornelia Choe, Joy Macko, Jan Iverson and Melitta Campbell
- Cultural influencers and technologists from the USA, UK, and Europe
Youth-Led Dialogue on Global Inclusion
The Mastering Diversity Youth Advisory Board will lead their own panel on “Empowering Youth Through Creative Technologies.” They will be supported by Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of Scouts Cymru, who will chaperone and champion their voices as they share bold solutions for a more equitable world.
Also taking part in the event and filming will be legendary filmmaker Georgios Dimitropoulos.
The Road to the UN Begins in Wales
In the lead-up to Geneva, Mastering Diversity CIC will host “The Road to the UN – In Pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals” on 17th June at Hugh James HQ in Cardiff. This morning of appreciation and agenda co-creation invites partners, government stakeholders, sponsors, and youth leaders to shape the dialogue and build momentum. This exciting event will be hosted by the incredible, Steve Brown!
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
Bringing together a global tapestry of leaders from the Welsh diaspora, the UN NGO community, civil society, sport, law, tech, and education, the Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit 2025 represents the most diverse and ambitious call yet to act on the promise of the SDGs.
