She Will Assume Office on November 1; Historic Appointment for Pakistani Economist with Extensive Experience in the Global Economy and Aviation Sector

Geneva (Bureau Report): The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed prominent Pakistani economist Sadia Zahidi as its new Director General. She will assume office on November 1 and become the first woman in IATA’s history to hold the position.

Born in Lahore, Sadia Zahidi currently serves as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she leads major initiatives related to the global economy, employment, education, and the future workforce. She is also the author of the acclaimed book Fifty Million Rising, which provides an in-depth analysis of women’s economic advancement in the Muslim world.

Sadia Zahidi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from the Geneva Graduate Institute, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University.

According to IATA, Sadia Zahidi’s extensive global experience will play an important role in helping the organisation and the global airline industry address the challenges facing the sector. Commenting on her appointment, Sadia Zahidi said she would work closely with member airlines, governments, and other stakeholders to make air travel safer, more efficient, sustainable, and innovative.