WKF Representatives Attend IWG Global Summit 2026 on Women and Sport

The World Karate Federation (WKF) took part in the IWG Global Summit 2026 on Women and Sport, held in Birmingham from July 9 to 11, with the participation of WKF Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WKF Women's Sport Commission Sarah Wennerström and WKF Legacy Programme Director, Antonella Nanni.

The IWG Global Summit 2026 brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and changemakers from around the world to discuss how to move "Beyond the Breakthrough" for women and girls in sport and physical activity. The programme featured some of the most influential figures in international sport, led by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, alongside senior representatives from the Olympic Movement, international federations and sports organisations.

The participation of WKF representatives reflects the Federation's continued commitment to strengthening the role of women across every level of the organisation. Promoting equal opportunities remains a key part of the WKF strategy, both through leadership development and through projects that use karate as a tool for social change.

Among these initiatives is the Guardian Girls Karate programme, one of the WKF's flagship social legacy projects. Developed to empower girls and women through karate, the programme has become an important example of how sport can promote confidence, inclusion, and positive social impact in communities worldwide.

WKF Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WKF Women's Sport Commission Sarah Wennerström said:“Participation in the IWG Global Summit on Women & Sport reflects the commitment that we, the World Karate Federation and also our Women’s Commission, have to drive positive change. Being here gives us a unique opportunity to engage with the global sport community and world leaders to exchange knowledge, inspire innovation, and accelerate progress toward greater representation and opportunities for women at every level of karate but also leadership in general.”

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

"I would like to thank Sarah Wennerström and the WKF Women Sport Commission for their dedication and outstanding work, as their efforts continue to strengthen the role of women within our organisation.

“The advancement of women has always been a core element of the WKF strategy. Karate is one of the most gender-balanced sports in the world, and we are determined to continue building an environment where women have equal opportunities to lead, compete and inspire future generations."

(Top picture:WKF Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WKF Women's Sport Commission Sarah Wennerström andPresident of the European Olympic Committees and IOC Executive Board Member Spyros Capralos)

From left to right:WKF Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WKF Women's Sport Commission Sarah Wennerström, Australia’s Victoria University Professor Clare Hanlon and WKF Legacy Programme Director, Antonella Nanni.

WKF Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WKF Women's Sport Commission Sarah Wennerström and Annamarie Phelps, Chair of IWG Women and Sport