Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, social entrepreneur and prominent activist in the sustainability, gender equality, and international development sectors, has received the 2021 Windtower Award.
The award was presented by the Executive Committee and Advisory Board at the Academy of International Business in the Middle East and North Africa (AIBMENA) hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG).
“Windtowers are a quintessential staple of the region’s traditional architecture. It represents resilience as it stands in a place and faces whatever the elements can throw at it,” said Dr Immanuel Azaad Moonesar, President of AIBMENA.
Inspirational leaders
“This is what AIBMENA looks for in an inspirational leader, especially during times of uncertainty. Leaders must inspire strength, resilience, and stability; they give guidance, motivate others to learn from the past, and remain calm in times of trouble. The Windtower Award aims to recognise and celebrate these inspirational leaders from around the region.”
Sheikha Shamma commented: "This award is particularly special as it symbolises the beautiful architecture of our forefathers and foremothers, who paved the way by incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday lives. I would like to thank AIBMENA for this recognition, as well as all those who have shared and supported my mission to preserve, restore and regenerate the planet for generations to come. The impact of our actions is determined by the extent of our collective efforts, and I am grateful to have forged partnerships with organisations and individuals here in the UAE, and globally, that facilitate real change where it is needed the most."
High-impact social enterprises
Melodena Stephens, Founder and Former President of AIBMENA, noted: “Sheikha Shamma is a remarkable leader who has founded numerous high-impact social enterprises, such as ‘Wanna Read or Beacon of Hope, further she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to gender equality through Aurora50, as well as a passion for sustainability through her involvement with Alliances for Global Sustainability. Sheikha Shamma is undoubtedly a role model for the young leaders in the UAE, Mena, and the world, and truly embodies what the Windtower Award was designed to represent.”
AIBMENA is hosted and championed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) since 2017. The focus of this partnership has been on international business policy. MBRSG is the leading public policy and governance think tank in the region, offering four master level programs in this area: Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of Innovation Management and Executive Master of Public Administration.
The Academy of International Business was founded in 1959, is a non-profit based in the US and a leading association of international business scholars and specialists. The mission of the academy is to create, nurture, and empower a global community of scholars focused on creating, advancing, and disseminating knowledge in international business research, education, policy and practice.-- TradeArabia News Service