World Economic Forum Names Sheikha Shamma as Executive Fellow for Science, Discovery and Innovation Pillar

Appointment Details

Sheikha Shamma, who chairs Frontier25, The Climate Tribe, Aurora50, the Alliance for Global Sustainability (AGS) and Reset MENA, will join the forum’s six core themes as part of the meeting scheduled for 13 to 15 October, organised in partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.

The selection is described as an international recognition of the contribution Emirati leaders make to shaping the future and highlights her expanding influence as a global advocate for sustainability, climate action, social impact, cultural responsibility and other forward‑looking issues that affect societies and quality of life.

Her Statement

Sheikha Shamma said: “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.”

About the Annual Meeting

The future tracks at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders provide a platform for a new generation of leaders to collaborate on creating bold opportunities in a rapidly changing world and to build resilience and preparedness against emerging challenges.

The initiative aims to strengthen links between today’s decision‑makers and future leaders; future track leads serve a one‑year term during which they deliver thought leadership, strategic guidance and convening power around their respective themes, helping sustain momentum and collaboration beyond the annual gathering itself.

Background and Broader Context

Sheikha Shamma was named a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders community in 2023, joining a group of roughly 100 exceptional young leaders recognised worldwide for their achievements and impact across diverse fields.

The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 is a flagship initiative of the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.

The meeting seeks to strengthen the role of global leaders in shaping the future and 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.

It serves as a global platform to explore emerging transformations, assess their implications and opportunities, and develop practical solutions to future challenges.

The programme centres on six strategic themes: Artificial Intelligence, Technology & Human Agency; Science, Discovery and Innovation; Economic Growth; Geopolitics, Security & Trade; Leadership and Human Flourishing; and Climate, Nature and Sustainability.