Belgrade once again became the beating heart of inspiration, innovation, and female leadership as more than 450 extraordinary women gathered at the Forbes Adria Power Women’s Summit 2025. With a program that sparked curiosity, challenged perspectives, and offered practical insights—from breaking taboos around mental health, redefining leadership in the age of AI, to rethinking longevity and tackling breast cancer prevention—the Summit proved to be one of the most vibrant and empowering events in the region.

The stage brought together bestselling authors, neuroscientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and top business leaders from across the Balkans and beyond. Through honest conversations and powerful personal stories, they reminded us that barriers can be overcome, that leadership is not just about results but about purpose, and that women today are driving the transformations shaping the world of tomorrow.

Among the distinguished speakers were Hayley Morris, bestselling author of Me vs. Brain, followed by millions online for her witty reflections on anxiety and daily life; Jennifer Cox, acclaimed author of Women Are Mad; and Nicole Vignola, neuroscientist and wellness advocate. They offered invaluable advice on preserving mental energy, expressing emotions as empowerment, and finding strength in vulnerability. Cveta Majtanović emphasized that leadership without purpose cannot create progress, underlining its role as a human virtue in the age of artificial intelligence. The Summit also featured prominent business leaders from Serbia and the region, including Ana Drašković (Visa), Monika Mikac (NAD Capital), Lara Krunić (Knedly), and Dr. Katarina Bajec.

The panels opened conversations that stretched across leadership, identity, creativity, and women’s health. From redefining leadership as constant reinvention and education, to exploring brand identity as a mirror of who we are, the sessions offered both inspiration and practical guidance. Entrepreneurs shared the realities of building businesses, while Emmy-nominated costume designer Bojana Nikitović revealed how art shapes identity. Discussions on longevity and breast cancer prevention underscored the urgency of women’s health, with experts warning against misleading trends and calling for stronger cooperation in healthcare. The central message was clear: women’s empowerment today means combining resilience, innovation, and community to drive meaningful change.

The strength of this event lies not only in the inspiration it provides but also in the opportunities it creates. Through personal stories and shared experiences, participants are reminded that obstacles can be overcome, while networking opens doors to new ideas, partnerships, and projects.

Forbes Women’s Summits are held worldwide—in New York, London, and Dubai—and it is a great privilege that Forbes Adria has brought this prestigious gathering to Belgrade. What makes it truly unique is the regional context and the energy we have here. Bringing together women from the Balkans and around the world, the Summit creates a space where cultures, experiences, and visions connect. After proving last year that Belgrade can be a center for dialogue, this second edition confirmed that the Summit has become a recognized and significant event in the regional calendar.