18-04-2025
World Economic Forum selects 3 UAE women leaders for 2025 council
The World Economic Forum has chosen three distinguished Emirati women to join the Global Young Leaders Council 2025.
The selected leaders are Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Empowerment; Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council; and Taqwa Wadah Al Hanai, Assistant Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi.
The presence of these leaders in a global council comprising top young talents from around the world reflects the UAE's growing influence and commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
This selection also underscores the vital role of youth in the UAE, particularly in leadership positions, and highlights their contribution to decision-making and strategic development across various sectors.
The recognition of these three leaders is a testament to the UAE's unwavering commitment to empowering women and nurturing youth. The World Economic Forum annually selects young leaders under 40 from diverse fields, including government, business, and academia, to encourage collaboration and innovation.
Al Mazrouei has held various significant positions, including Minister of Community Development since February 2023 and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. She holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of Oxford and was the first Emirati to receive a Rhodes Scholarship.
Al Suwaidi represents Abu Dhabi in the Federal National Council and leads sovereign partnerships at Mubadala Investment Company. She has been instrumental in establishing Hub71, a tech ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, and holds a master's degree in public affairs from France.
Al Hanai specialises in human-computer interaction and is recognised for her innovative research at NYU Abu Dhabi. Her achievements include winning the MIT Technology Review award for Top 10 Innovators under 35 in the MENA region.
Emirati youth leaders are making a mark at the World Economic Forum, established in 2004 by Professor Klaus Schwab. The forum's Global Young Leaders Council, formed in 2005, includes top young talents from government, business, and technology working together for a better future.
The council fosters partnerships and invests in young leaders' talents to develop sustainable economies. Each year, it honours outstanding young leaders for their achievements and commitment to society.
In line with this, the UAE government launched the Young Government Leaders Programme in 2024 to identify emerging leaders in government, with the first session featuring 45 participants focused on building strategic leadership for the future.
