Safaath Ahmed Zahir: First Maldivian to participate in Asia 21 Fellows

Safaath Ahmed Zahir has been selected as this year’s Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows.The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows program is a one-year, interdisciplinary leadership development initiative created by the Asia Society in 2006. It identifies rising leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to cultivate networks, improve skills, and work together on addressing urgent challenges such as policy, economic matters, environmental issues, and societal transformations.

Safaath, the founder and president of the non-profit organization Women and Democracy, champions women's empowerment and their involvement in politics. She expressed to Sun that she was thrilled to have the chance to be part of the Asia Society network. "The Maldives might be geographically small, yet we are abundant in vision, resolve, and experiences in adaptation," she posted on her X handle.

Thus, as part of the Asia Society network, Safaath emphasized the importance of strengthening regional collaboration.

This is the first occasion that the Maldives has been chosen as a member of the network.

The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows initiative includes an annual summit, scheduled for December 5 to 7 this year in Manila, Philippines.

This year's summit will focus on the theme "The Path to Brave Leadership." The Manila Summit, a two-and-a-half-day gathering, will encourage Fellows and Asia 21 alumni to lead genuinely, accept vulnerability, and engage in courageous, unified action. This summit seeks to enhance their leadership through courage, integrity, and purpose, while promoting enduring relationships and cross-sector partnerships among Asia 21 alumni.

Safaath participates in politics and goes to rallies of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). A prominent civil society leader in the Maldives, she has earned international recognition including the Queen’s Young Leader Award and a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. Her efforts aim to enhance civic space, promote feminist leadership, and foster inclusive governance in Asia.

The Asia Society is a nonpartisan organization with an international focus, established in 1956 to promote connections and understanding between leaders and institutions from Asia and America. Its network advocates for the perspectives of leaders from various nations across numerous sectors, such as politics, arts and culture, business, education, and technology.