Businesswoman and philanthropist Ayesha Nurain Janah has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, joining the Forum’s 2025 cohort of 116 individuals under the age of 40 recognised for their contributions to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive world.
Janah, who chairs the non-profit Kandufa Foundation, is among the few South Asian figures selected this year. The foundation supports education, community development and environmental protection in the Maldives, a low-lying island nation on the front lines of climate change.
The World Economic Forum described the 2025 class as “exceptional individuals driving positive change,” which includes government ministers, AI pioneers, activists, entrepreneurs and artists from nearly 50 countries.
Janah has played an active role in linking private sector growth with community-focused development in the Maldives, while advancing initiatives that emphasise sustainability and inclusive leadership. She currently serves as Group Vice Chair of Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM), a Maldives-based company with interests in resort development, construction technology, marine services and investment management.
“This year’s leaders exemplify the spirit of thoughtful, values-based leadership the world needs now,” said Nicole Schwab, chair of the board of the Forum of Young Global Leaders Foundation, in a statement.
The three-year programme offers members leadership training, a global platform to collaborate on initiatives, and access to a network of more than 1,400 alumni. Past members include former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, French President Emmanuel Macron and former Meta executive Sheryl Sandberg.
