Nurain named Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum has named the Vice Chair of Hotels and Resorts investment Maldives, Ayesha Nurain Janah among its list of Young Global Leaders, making her the first Maldivian to have gotten the title.

On the list, Nurain is joined by leaders of big corporations, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and even heads of states. Among them include Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and ministers from several countries.

She made the prestigious list for her "driving transformation across the corporate governance, construction, ESG strategy, and philanthropy sectors, as well as the work done in "supporting leadership development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation in South Asia," by the Founder of Kandūfā Foundation" she founded, the WEF's website states.

Nurain said that this honour is not only her's, but also for her family and the entire Maldivian society, adding that she is determined to take advantage of this opportunity and bring the greatest benefit to the society.

Nurain, 34, is the eldest daughter local businessman Mohamed Janah Ali. She is also a chartered accountant and pursued her education in New Zealand. She previously served as the chairperson of Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) responsible for promoting Maldives as a destination and is also the founder of Rehendhi Consulting, which, according to WEF, is a "global advisory firm specialising in ESG strategy, corporate governance, and inclusive leadership, advising multinational corporations and industry leaders on sustainability and social impact, pioneering leadership programs that have elevated women into senior executive and board roles."

Nurain also serves as the founder and inaugural chair of the Institute of Directors Maldives, shaping governance standards in the region, as well as the founder of Authenticity Aotearoa, an award-winning charity empowering women of colour.

Having been selected into WEF’s YGL Class of 2025, Nurain will complete a three-year leadership development program including academic modules with world-class institutions, immersive learning experiences, and global convenings aligned with the World Economic Forum’s mission.

Each year, more than 100 outstanding leaders are selected by the WEF for their bold ideas, breakthrough work, and commitment to meaningful change.

"The newly announced Class of 2025 is no exception," WEF said.

After completing her O Levels in Maldives, Nurain moved to New Zealand for her higher studies. However, she has since moved back to the Maldives with experience working in big name firms such as Ernst & Young.

During her time there, she specialised in restructuring, turnaround and insolvency with a focus in construction and financial markets where women were only represented at 20 percent in New Zealand and about eight to nine percent in Australia.