The International Widows Conference, hosted by The Loomba Foundation on June 23 in London, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and grassroots voices to mark the 15th UN International Widows Day. The conference urged governments to act on the theme “Don’t Leave Widows Behind.” Mrs Cherie Blair CBE KC, President of The Loomba Foundation, opened the event by highlighting that 258 million widows still face poverty, stigma, and abuse. “When widows are given even half a chance, they lead,” she said. Key speakers included Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for Faith. Puri called widowhood “one of the most overlooked global injustices” and outlined five priorities: legal reform, economic empowerment, data and accountability, leadership, and cultural change. Lord Khan said widowhood affects over 280 million women and is a global human rights issue. Grassroots leaders from Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria shared frontline experiences. Kumar Dilip of Sulabh International, India, said, “Widows do not need pity—they need power.” The event concluded with Lord Raj Loomba reaffirming the foundation’s mission: “No woman should be punished for outliving her husband.”