The conference saw more than 6,000 delegates from 189 countries meet in Melbourne. The event delivered a $42 million economic impact to the state economy – exceeding expectations – although delegate numbers fell below initial projections.
The spread of nations attending was also higher than expected, with 170 nations originally anticipated to take part.
The event drew high-ranking figures from global governments and the United Nations, including Australia’s Governor General, Sam Mostyn AC, former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard AC, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Feleti Penitala Teo OBE, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed.
In addition, more than 30 international government ministers attended, alongside Australian ministers from both federal and state governments.
Discussions between government officials addressed gender equality, women’s economic and political participation and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The event also hosted announcements of US$190 million (AU$262.6 million) in financial support for gender equality initiatives, including a $32.8 million commitment from a pool of Australian philanthropists for community-led programs for women and children, focussing, to begin with, on women’s safety and leadership.
Women Deliver included 12 pre-conferences, 12 plenaries, more than 120 concurrent sessions and over 80 side events.
The conference also delivered the Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality, which saw global stakeholders support a call for protection and realisation of women’s rights and better gender equality.
“Women Deliver 2026 has been many years in the making and we are incredibly proud to have secured and supported the success of this major global conference,” said Melbourne Convention Bureau’s CEO, Julia Swanson.
“Conferences drive positive policy outcomes and support positive community impacts, not just in Melbourne but around the globe.”
Melbourne’s hosting of the event was a collaboration between a variety of organisations including the bureau, Tourism Australia, the state government, the City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Arinex, the event’s PCO.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported this landmark event through our Bid Fund Program,” aid Tourism Australia’s executive general manager of industry and business events, Sally Cope.
“Events like Women Deliver are vital catalysts for change, ensuring that global dialogue transforms into tangible progress and community action, while showcasing Melbourne and Australia as a premier destination for delivering event legacy.”
