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International Business Woman Forum
200+ Attendees | 20+ Countries | 18 Sponsors | February 14, 2026
The International Business Woman Forum 2026 was organized by
VONA Foundation (Corporation No. 1456768-4), a federally
registered Canadian non-profit organization, in partnership
with Business Woman PRO Canada.
The Forum was held on February 14, 2026 at Toronto City Hall —
Council Chambers & Members Lounge, bringing together 200+
participants from over 20 countries, including government
representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and
international partners.
Forum Speakers
International Cooperation & Memorandums
At the International Business Woman Forum 2026, Memorandums of Cooperation were signed with partner organizations from:
🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇩🇪 Germany
These agreements establish lasting international partnerships that support women's economic leadership, cross-border collaboration, and position Toronto as a global hub for women's innovation and business development.
Panel Discussions
The forum featured three key panel discussions focused on leadership, business, and community impact:
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Women in Politics — with the participation of Natalia Kusendova, highlighting the role of women in political leadership and decision-making
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Women in Business — focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunities for women in the global economy
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Women in Community — exploring the role of women in social impact, integration, and community leadership
Government & Political Support
The forum received recognition and support from government representatives and political leaders, emphasizing its significance at both local and international levels.
The participation and acknowledgments from public officials highlighted the importance of empowering women in leadership, business, and community development.
The Forum received video greetings and official messages from representatives of federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government in Canada, as well as international partners.
Greetings to the participants of the Forum and to Business Woman PRO Canada and VONA Foundation
were delivered by:
Olivia Chow — Mayor of Toronto
Doug Ford — Premier of Ontario
Anita Anand — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
Kinga Surma — Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario
Yvan Baker — Member of Parliament of Canada
Leslie Church — Member of Parliament of Canada
Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta — Minister of Long-Term Care of Ontario
Chris Fonseca — Councillor Ward 3, City of Mississauga
Natalka Cmoc — Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine
Dmytro Lubinets — Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
Nataliya Kusendova-Bashta attended the Forum in person and shared her experience in public service and the importance of women’s leadership in politics.
The International Business Woman Forum strengthened international connections, created new opportunities for collaboration, and contributed to the development of a global community of women leaders.
Our Sponsors & Community Partners
The International Business Woman Forum 2026 was made possible with the generous support of 18 sponsors
and community partners:
Meest | BCU Financial Group | St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Development Corporation | IMPROVE — Canada's Largest Home Improvement Centre | Effect CR Construction | Maple Hope Foundation | Business Woman Club BusinessWoman Magazine | Nordic Wools | KOSHA | Loncame Zirkova Vodka | Royal Ribbon | Luda Z Homes Business And Women (BAW) | Business Woman PRO Canada | Oksana Schoroblemmer Professional Institution | Zarmilkas
Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Toronto Women's Innovation Forum 2027?
Contact us: vona.canada@gmail.com
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