Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Appointed WEF Executive Fellow for Science and Innovation

Appointment and Role

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan has been appointed as an executive fellow by the World Economic Forum, a move that highlights her rising international standing in sustainability and climate action. The Forum assigned her to lead the Science, Discovery and Innovation pillar at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, which is being held in Dubai until October 15. Her role is one of six thematic fellowships attached to the gathering, which is organised in partnership with the UAE Government.

Event Details

The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders is a flagship initiative of the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum. This year’s gathering brings together more than 700 leaders and experts from 90 countries, including government ministers, senior officials, 300 Young Global Leaders and 150 UAE government officials. Discussions are structured around six strategic themes: science, artificial intelligence, geopolitics, economic growth, leadership and climate.

Statements from Sheikha Shamma

Sheikha Shamma, who chairs Frontier25, The Climate Tribe, Aurora50, the Alliance for Global Sustainability and Reset Mena, said the fellowship offers a vital chance to speed up climate solutions. She added, “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.” She also noted, “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 we can scale solutions and how fairly we support others.” Finally, she remarked, “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.”

Background and Initiative

Executive fellows appointed to the future track serve for a twelve‑month term, during which they provide thought leadership, strategic guidance and convening power related to their assigned theme. The initiative aims to strengthen links between today’s decision‑makers and the next generation of global leaders. Sheikha Shamma first came to the Forum’s attention in 2023 when she was named a member of its Young Global Leaders community, joining approximately 100 exceptional young leaders recognised for their accomplishments across various fields.