ABSL Summit 2024 will take place on June 3-5 in Krakow. The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, will deliver the keynote speech and participate in a conversation sharing her insights on leading in challenging times. Her perspective as a world leader will be particularly relevant in 2024 when, for the first time, more than half the world's population will vote in elections in 76 countries.

The ABSL Summit is one of Europe's most important events for the business services sector, analyzing global trends and their impact on economic and social development. Each year, the ABSL Summit attracts around 1400 business leaders from all over the world as well as public sector representatives, economists, trendsetters, academics, and opinion-forming media.

Transform to thrive to be the leading theme of the ABSL Summit 2024

This year's motto, "Transform to thrive", is especially relevant, given the milestone anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. Over the past two decades, Poland, as a member of the EU, has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming one of Europe's leading resilient economies. Combining its extraordinary talent pool, location, and approach, along with EU membership, Poland has become a prime destination for investors seeking to establish a European presence. At the same time, the business services sector has also experienced a significant shift, evolving from simple transaction processes to value-creating, knowledge-based roles. The latest data from ABSL indicates that highly specialized services are becoming the main driver of growth with market share exceeding 57 percent in 2023.

A new leader for a new era

The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern became the Prime Minister of New Zealand at the age of 37. During her time in office, she faced the challenges of a live-streamed domestic terror attack against New Zealand’s Muslim community, a volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Ardern’s focus on people, kindness, and what she has called “pragmatic idealism” saw New Zealand achieve some of the lowest losses of life experienced by any developed nation through the pandemic, the ban of military-style semi-automatic weapons in her country, and the creation of the Christchurch Call to eliminate violent extremism online, which Ms Ardern continues to hold the role of Special Envoy.

Ms Ardern is a champion of women's empowerment. While in office, New Zealand reached 50 percent representation of women in parliament, and on government-appointed boards. She decriminalized abortion, improved pay equity laws, and extended paid parental leave to 6 months - all while being only the second woman in the world to have a baby while leading her country.

Ms Ardern is a passionate advocate of climate action and is a board member of The Earthshot Prize, focusing on solutions to climate change and environmental issues. She is also an Arnhold Distinguished Fellow, Conservation International where she is advocating for climate action and better treatment of the environment.

During the ABSL Summit 2024, Ardern's remarks and conversation will focus on fearless leadership for a new generation, and shed light on her transformational journey as well as the path she took to become one of the most influential leaders in the world. She will discuss how she navigated the challenges of rising to power at a young age, and how she has approached leadership with a fresh perspective. Ardern will also discuss the importance of taking bold action to address the biggest challenges facing society today, and in particular climate change and environmental issues.

Janusz Dziurzyński, President of ABSL said: Jacinda Ardern represents a new generation of leaders who understand that the old ways of doing politics are no longer enough. They recognize that we face unprecedented challenges that require bold solutions and a willingness to challenge the status quo. As the world watches New Zealand being led by progressive leaders, it is clear that a new era of politics is dawning – one that puts people and the planet first. Ardern's ability to inspire, provoke thought, and resonate with diverse audiences remains a compelling story. This is particularly relevant in 2024 when, for the first time, more than half the world's population will vote in elections in 76 countries.