Saadia Zahidi
About Saadia Zahidi
Saadia Zahidi is the Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, where she leads the Centre for the New Economy and Society. She has a background in economics and public administration, and is recognized for her contributions to women's economic empowerment and her book 'Fifty Million Rising.'
Work at World Economic Forum
Saadia Zahidi has held multiple positions at the World Economic Forum since 2004. She started as an Economist and progressed through various roles, including Senior Manager, Associate Director, and Senior Director. From 2011 to 2016, she served as Senior Director, and from 2016 to 2018, she was part of the Executive Committee as Senior Director. Currently, she is the Managing Director, a position she has held since 2018. In her roles, she has overseen significant initiatives and events, including the Forum's Global Programming Group, which manages content and operations for high-profile events like Davos.
Education and Expertise
Saadia Zahidi has a strong academic background in economics and public administration. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Smith College and later pursued a Master's in International Economics at The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. Additionally, she completed a Master's in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School in 2013. This educational foundation supports her expertise in economic opportunity, competitiveness, and social mobility, which she applies in her current role at the World Economic Forum.
Achievements
Saadia Zahidi is recognized for her contributions to women's economic empowerment and has authored the book 'Fifty Million Rising,' which focuses on working women in the Muslim world. This work was longlisted for the FT's Book of the Year and won the FT/McKinsey Bracken Bower Prize. She has also served on the UN Secretary General's panel for Women's Economic Empowerment and is a member of the European Space Agency's high-level advisory group. Her efforts have earned her recognition among the BBC's 100 Women.
Background
Saadia Zahidi has traveled to over 70 countries and speaks four languages. Her diverse experiences and international exposure have contributed to her understanding of global economic issues. Her career has been primarily focused on economic development and social mobility, particularly concerning women's roles in the economy. This background informs her leadership at the World Economic Forum, where she drives initiatives aimed at enhancing economic opportunities.