WEB DESK
LONDON: Nida Yousaf Sheikh, the CEO of Tayaba Welfare International Association (TWIA) in Lahore, has achieved a significant milestone by being named one of the top 10 winners of the prestigious One Young World’s LEAD 2030 award. This recognition comes with a $500,000 fund for sustainable development initiatives.
Sheikh’s remarkable achievement positions her alongside the world’s most dedicated young leaders who are committed to driving social impact and fostering positive change on a global scale. This prestigious award was presented at the annual One Young World conference held in Belfast, where Sheikh also delivered a keynote speech to the audience.
The significance of this recognition cannot be overstated, as the conference was attended by more than 4,000 young leaders from around the world. Nida Yousaf Sheikh was the sole representative from Pakistan, showcasing the impact of her work and the potential for positive change on a global platform.
The $500,000 award will enable TWIA to implement a range of innovative solutions, including the development of H2O wheels, distribution of hygiene kits, and the establishment of solar water facilities. These initiatives will be underpinned by state-of-the-art blockchain technology, further emphasizing the importance of cutting-edge solutions to address global challenges.
“One Young World’s LEAD 2030 Challenge” is a globally renowned initiative supported by leading businesses with a mission to accelerate solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is championed by dynamic young leaders who are making a difference in their respective fields. The program’s acceptance rate is less than 1%, making it a gold standard for impactful, youth-led initiatives.
Nida Yousaf Sheikh’s recognition is in honor of TWIA’s work in providing the H2O wheel, a 40-liter sustainable water-carrying device, along with a portfolio of six H2O solutions for water and sanitation. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the lives of half a million individuals in rural Pakistan.
In response to her remarkable journey, Sheikh stated, “Despite Pakistan having one of the largest youth populations globally, our representation at the prestigious One Young World Summit has been limited. I encourage young change-makers in Pakistan to step up, embrace innovation, and collaborate for a more significant impact.”
She added, “While I had this privilege this year, I hope to see more Pakistani leaders join global platforms, taking up the mantle to drive positive change. Remember, even small steps can lead to meaningful impact, and don’t shy away from dreaming big and failing along the way because failure is inevitable, and greater learnings are found in failure that leads to ultimate success.”
Nida Yousaf Sheikh’s recognition underscores the potential for Pakistani leaders to make a significant impact on the global stage, inspiring others to embrace innovation and collaborate for a better future.