Announcing the 2026 ICGS Global Forum on Girls’ Education® in Toronto, Canada – A Message from Global Executive Director Megan Murphy
The data is very clear: Girls’ schools are globally more relevant and more necessary than ever. In the face of persistent and systemic gender discrimination around the world, the sisterhood of girls’ schools is thriving, and our Coalition’s membership has nearly tripled in the last 10 years.
In 2022, when we successfully repositioned as the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, the Governing Board of Directors of ICGS made a commitment to extend and expand our impact around the world in powerful and meaningful ways by enthusiastically and intentionally embracing the global nature of our work, and leveraging the exciting momentum of working in partnership with other mission-aligned entities that share our commitment to advancing the cause of girls’ education everywhere.
In the years that have transpired since, we have done just that. Our network, professional development offerings, and resources have increased exponentially, as we now are able to bring together girls’ school educators from every sector, of every type, in every region of the world through digital and in-person connections.
Throughout our history, our Coalition has three times convened the signature Global Forum on Girls’ Education®, which features an array of marquee speakers and panelists who are united in their support and advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment. Drawing delegates from around the world, these three-day events offer unparalleled professional development and networking opportunities for educators and advocates. Past presenters include such trailblazing women as feminist icons Gloria Steinem and Billie Jean King, Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee, acclaimed author Azar Nafisi, banking CEO Gail Kelly, Baroness Sue Campbell (DBE), journalist Arianna Huffington, and Ambassador Susan Rice.
In the spirit of embracing the truly global nature of our Coalition, and purposefully collaborating with other prominent organizations dedicated to working to achieve gender parity in all aspects of girls’ and women’s lives, we are proud to announce that in 2026, ICGS will host its fourth Global Forum on Girls’ Education® in the world-class city of Toronto, Canada. Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us June 24-26, 2026, for this not-to-be missed event.
Describing the future of ICGS Global Forums around the world, ICGS Board President Danielle Heard stresses that “This is not about where we have been; this is about where we are going.” In 2026 and beyond, ICGS will collaborate with a variety of mission-aligned organizations in hosting the Global Forum on Girls’ Education®.
Our 2026 ICGS Global Forum attendees will explore relevant topics including artificial intelligence, social media, mental health, democracy and political extremism, global health, and gender identity and diversity. As with previous Global Forums, the ICGS principles of community and collaboration, equity and inclusion, leadership and integrity, opportunity and innovation, and self-efficacy and agency will be central to each aspect of this gathering. To complement the vibrancy of past Global Forums, additional presenters and attendees will join us from mission-aligned, girl-serving organizations. This new dimension will provide a platform for influential leaders to listen, share, teach, and learn alongside us. We are excited about this innovative framework, as we know that it will allow us to expand our Coalition’s global impact as we work in partnership with many others who also are committed to celebrating, supporting, and uplifting girls and women.
More details about the ICGS Global Forum will be coming soon, and in the meantime, please plan now to be with us on June 24-26, 2026 in Toronto. In the nearer term, I look forward to being in community with you at our upcoming Educating Girls Symposiums in Auckland, London, and New York City, and at the 2024 ICGS Conference (June 24-26 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA), and the 2025 ICGS Conference (June 23-25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA).
Girls’ schools provide unique benefits that catalyze important progress, and there is incredible strength that can be derived from our connections with one another, and with others who are aligned with our efforts. It is an honor to join you in this transformational work.
Boundless Horizons Await.
With gratitude,
Megan K. Murphy
ICGS Global Executive Director