News Desk
Malé, Maldives — Ayesha Nurain Janah, a prominent Maldivian entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been named to the prestigious World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2025 — a global recognition reserved for individuals under 40 who are reshaping leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
Janah, founder and chair of the Kandūfā Foundation, joins a cohort of 116 global changemakers including ministers, Fortune 500 executives, tech innovators, and social activists from nearly 50 countries. She becomes one of the first Maldivians to be welcomed into the Forum of Young Global Leaders — a community of over 1,400 distinguished alumni including heads of state, Nobel laureates, and business pioneers.
The honor spotlights her multifaceted career across philanthropy, sustainability, and governance. Through the Kandūfā Foundation, Janah has championed leadership development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation in South Asia. Her work in uplifting community-rooted solutions has been at the heart of her mission to create long-term systemic change.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Janah is the founder of Rehendhi Consulting, a global advisory firm guiding multinational corporations on ESG strategy, inclusive leadership, and sustainable business transformation. Her work has been instrumental in advancing women’s representation in executive and boardroom positions.
Janah also founded the Institute of Directors Maldives, where she plays a leading role in elevating corporate governance standards in the region. Internationally, she co-founded Authenticity Aotearoa, an award-winning New Zealand-based charity that empowers women of color.
As Group Vice Chair at Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM), Janah oversees strategic growth across sectors including luxury real estate, marine services, and sustainable development. A chartered accountant by training, her background spans high-level roles in corporate finance, restructuring, and board leadership.
Her contributions to public and corporate life have earned her recognition in global circles. She was named a University of Auckland 40 Under 40 Business Leader in 2020 and a two-time finalist in the Women in Governance Awards (2021, 2022).
Speaking to Truth MV, Janah said: “This honour is not mine alone — it belongs to my family and the community who raised me, the values instilled in me as a child of my island nation. As I embark on this journey, I am committed to amplifying the impact for my communities through this opportunity.”
As part of the YGL program, Janah will engage in a three-year leadership development journey, joining peers from around the globe to explore innovative responses to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Her inclusion in the 2025 class places the Maldives on the global leadership map and signals a growing recognition of small island nations and their voices in shaping the future.
— More information:
Meet the Class of 2025 – World Economic Forum
