Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan appointed Executive Fellow of World Economic Forum’s Science, Discovery and Innovation pillar
The World Economic Forum has recognised the leadership of Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan by appointing her as Executive Fellow overseeing the Science, Discovery and Innovation pillar of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, underscoring the influential role of Emirati leaders in shaping the global future.
The World Economic Forum has appointed Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson of Frontier25, The Climate Tribe, Aurora50, Alliance for Global Sustainability and Reset MENA, as Executive Fellow of the Science, Discovery and Innovation pillar. This prestigious role forms one of six core themes of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, taking place until 15 October in partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.
The appointment represents significant international recognition of the contribution made by Emirati leaders to shaping the future and reflects Sheikha Shamma’s expanding influence as a global advocate for sustainability, climate action, social impact and cultural responsibility. These future-focused priorities directly affect societies and the quality of life experienced across communities worldwide.
A Platform for Shared Solutions
Speaking of her appointment, Sheikha Shamma stated: “It’s an honour to be selected by the World Economic Forum and to have the opportunity to engage with other distinguished experts in their respective fields. I have always believed that the knowledge and stories we exchange shape the future we are building. This is more important now than ever before in the context of climate action, where the question is how fast can we scale solutions and how fairly do we support others.”
She added: “I look forward to sharing what we’re learning from our work in the UAE with the world, and to using this platform to help more people, from classrooms to boardrooms, see themselves as part of the solution.”
Leadership for Emerging Challenges
As Executive Fellow, Sheikha Shamma will serve for a one-year term, during which she will provide thought leadership, strategic guidance and convening power around the Science, Discovery and Innovation theme. This role helps sustain momentum and collaboration beyond the Annual Meeting itself, creating stronger connections between today’s decision-makers and future leaders.
The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders brings together more than 700 leaders and experts from 90 countries, including ministers, senior government officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government leaders. The gathering serves as a global platform to explore emerging transformations, assess their implications and opportunities, and develop practical solutions to future challenges.
Sheikha Shamma was selected as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders community in 2023, joining a distinguished group of approximately 100 exceptional young leaders recognised globally for their achievements and impact across diverse fields.
The meeting programme addresses six strategic themes: Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Human Agency; Science, Discovery and Innovation; Economic Growth; Geopolitics, Security and Trade; Leadership and Human Flourishing; and Climate, Nature and Sustainability.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office