Madame Monica Chakwera Joins Global Gathering of First Ladies in New York

First Lady of Malawi, Madame Monica Chakwera, is in New York, USA attending the Third Annual Global Academy for First Ladies and Gentlemen, a prestigious leadership forum held at the Ford Foundation in partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

The academy brings together First Ladies and Gentlemen from across the globe to share experiences, tackle leadership challenges, and explore innovative strategies for public service and global impact.

This year’s theme—”Leading from Within: The Power of Self and Resilient Leadership”—focuses on leadership transformation, youth empowerment, health equity, and turning bold ideas into global action.

Madame Chakwera joins an elite list of attendees including First Lady of Mozambique Mrs. Gueta Chapo and former First Lady of Iceland Mrs. Eliza Reid, among others.

Launched in 2023 by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA), the Academy has become a key space for dialogue on issues ranging from strategic policymaking and public health to women’s health, cancer awareness, and leadership development.

The 2025 edition continues this tradition, featuring voices from regional blocs like OAFLAD, ALMA, SCLAN, and the European Network of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

As Malawi’s First Lady steps onto this global stage, she carries with her the aspirations of a nation—and a renewed focus on impactful, inclusive leadership.