First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera Attends Global First Ladies Academy in New York

By Wadza Botomani

Malawi’s First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, has joined fellow First Ladies and Gentlemen from around the world at the Third Annual Global Academy for First Ladies and Gentlemen in New York, USA. The prestigious event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA), serves as a platform for leaders to exchange experiences and address common challenges in governance and advocacy. 

Since its inception in 2023, the GFLA Academy has provided critical training on leadership, public health, women’s empowerment, and strategic policymaking. This year’s theme, *“Leading from Within: The Power of Self and Resilience in Leadership,”* focuses on strengthening the role of First Partners in global development, youth empowerment, and transforming ideas into actionable policies. 

The event, held at the Ford Foundation in partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health**, has brought together prominent figures, including First Lady Gueta Chapo of Mozambique and former First Lady of Iceland, Mrs. Eliza Reid. 

Madame Chakwera’s participation underscores her commitment to leveraging international partnerships to advance Malawi’s development agenda, particularly in health, education, and women’s leadership. The forum also highlights the growing influence of First Ladies and Gentlemen in shaping policies that impact their nations and the world. 

The GFLA Academy continues to foster collaboration among regional networks, including the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Latin American Spouses (ALMA), and the European Network of First Ladies and Gentlemen. 

As the sessions progress, discussions will explore innovative strategies for youth development, resilience in leadership, and collective action to drive sustainable change globally.