In a world where leadership is often measured by power and position, Almas Jiwani stands as a rare force of purpose-driven influence—a leader who defines success not by personal achievement, but by the number of lives she transforms.
From the corridors of The Aga Khan Council for Canada, UN Women Canada NC, to strategic engagements with governments, diplomats, multilateral organizations, and international initiatives she has built a legacy rooted in empathy, equality, and economic empowerment. Her story is not one of privilege or position, but of persistence—a journey that proves that when vision meets conviction, leadership becomes more than an act of authority; it becomes a movement for humanity.
Leadership Journey Began: The Making of a Global Humanitarian Leader
Almas’s leadership roots are deeply grounded in service and responsibility; leadership was never about titles—it was about taking responsibility. Her journey began at a young age with the Aga Khan Council for Canada, where she learned that true leadership is grounded in accountability and community service.
“Beginning with the Aga Khan Council taught me early on that leadership is not about status or title—it’s about accountability to the communities you serve,” she reflects.
This foundational experience instilled in her a deep belief in pluralism, collaboration, and the immense power of community-driven solutions. It shaped her conviction that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level but must be strategically linked to systemic influence at national and international levels to achieve scale and lasting impact. For Jiwani, inclusive, intersectional, bold and courageous leadership is the only way to address the world’s most complex issues—from gender equity to sustainable development.
“This formative period helped shape my approach: leadership can achieve broader impact when connected to strategic, systemic initiatives at national and international levels, especially when addressing complex issues like gender equity and development,” says Jiwani.
Empowering Women: The Moral and Economic Imperative
Through her work as President Emeritus UN Women Canada NC and CEO of Almas Jiwani Foundation, her mission has remained clear: economic empowerment of women and development are both a moral and strategic imperative.
“Empowering women and girls is not just a passion of mine—it is a moral imperative, an economic necessity, and a strategic pathway to sustainable development. Decades of global research show that the status of women is the single strongest indicator of a nation’s prosperity, resilience, and social progress. When women and girls are given equal access to education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities, they don’t just lift themselves – they uplift entire families, communities, and economies.
People often ask why I have remained committed – from The Aga Khan Council for Canada, UN Women Canada NC through the Almas Jiwani Foundation. The answer is simple: I have witnessed firsthand the transformational power of women’s economic empowerment. It transforms individuals, families, and societies. Our mission is to help build ecosystems where women and girls are not only supported, but celebrated – as innovators, change-makers, and leaders of a better, more equitable future,” emphasizes Jiwani.
Honors as Mirrors, Not Milestones
Recognized by governments and institutions worldwide —from the Government of Greece’s commemorative stamp to the Alexander the Great Coin and the Governor General of Canada to a Professional Doctorate Degree from the House of Lords in the UK and official honors from the governments of Uganda and South Africa—Almas Jiwani has received some of the world’s most distinguished accolades.
Yet, she remains profoundly grounded. “These recognitions reflect the collective effort behind the work. I view them as mirrors of the mission, not milestones of personal achievement. Each high-profile honor speaks to the partnerships, communities, and movements driving meaningful change – people who continue to push boundaries every day. They not only elevate visibility but also enable deeper dialogue and collaboration. At their core, these acknowledgments honor the work itself—and the people it serves. I carry them with deep gratitude, not as endpoints, but as reminders of the responsibility to continue advancing impact. My focus remains steadfast: to create sustainable, transformative change through dedicated leadership, innovative solutions, and a shared commitment to progress,” assures Jiwani.
Blending Business with Purpose: Building Bridges Between Profit and Progress
One of Jiwani’s most distinctive strengths is her ability to merge entrepreneurial thinking with humanitarian action. She advocates for governments and corporations to view investment in women not as charity, but as a strategic economic and social progress.
“Much of my work today focuses on advocating for a shift in how governments and corporations view investment in women – not as charity, but as a strategic driver of economic and social progress. Through global speaking engagements and thought leadership platforms, I’ve engaged with public and private sector leaders to elevate this message and build momentum around gender-lens investing,” says Jiwani.
Through the Almas Jiwani Foundation and her global speaking platforms, she promotes gender-lens investing, encouraging the public and private sectors to recognize women as powerful economic catalysts.
The Almas Jiwani Foundation has also formed strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to advance this mission, focusing on awareness, capacity-building, and policy influence. While in the early stages, the goal is clear: to bridge the gap between social impact and economic opportunity by fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, especially in underserved regions.
“We are laying the foundation for scalable programs and defining best practices,” she explains. “By championing this intersection—where development values meet entrepreneurial thinking—we are helping plant seeds for sustainable, scalable change driven by communities themselves.”
A Voice to Power: Calling on Global Leaders to Act
Having addressed over 400 parliamentarians worldwide and spoken at parliaments across multiple countries, Jiwani has also been profiled in prestigious publications alongside global leaders such as Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, and Prince William, and shared the stage with top senior UN officials and heads of state. Almas Jiwani’s message to policymakers remains urgent and unwavering.
“It’s an honor to speak directly to leaders shaping national and global policy. My message to them is clear and urgent: investing in gender equality and inclusive education is not just the right thing to do—it’s the most strategic path to sustainable growth, peace, and prosperity.”
She urges governments to increase women’s representation in politics and leadership roles, emphasizing that diversity in leadership drives more equitable and inclusive policies. “Representation matters. When women lead, policies become more inclusive, responsive, and equitable – transforming not just outcomes, but entire systems. We need leaders who reflect the diversity of their people today, not someday,” says Jiwani.
We cannot afford to treat gender equality as a side issue,” she stresses. “It must be at the center of every development agenda. I urge decision-makers to take action: to fund, support, and legislate for a future where women are not only included – but empowered to lead, influence, and shape the world we all share.”
Aligning Strategy with Humanity: The JTA Connection
In her role as Strategic Advisor to Dr. Amir Ali Salemi, CEO of JTA International Investment Holding, Jiwani integrates her business and humanitarian principles into the corporate arena. Her work influences the company’s investment strategy in energy, infrastructure, health, and agriculture.
“I provide guidance on JTA’s strategy in identifying investment opportunities that deliver both economic return and meaningful, sustainable social impact. I also advise on the company’s growing social responsibility programs, aligning business initiatives with broader development goals. This synergy perfectly complements my humanitarian mission by enabling me to contribute to approaches grounded in equity, innovation, and long-term opportunity on a global scale,” says Jiwani.
Recognized Among Icons: Reflecting Collective Triumphs
Over her illustrious career, Almas Jiwani has stood beside influential icons such as Jane Fonda and Erin Brockovich, and even presented awards to Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor.
But to her, these moments aren’t about celebrity—they’re about visibility for the cause. “Each honor symbolizes the dedication of communities, partners, and tireless advocates – women, youth, and allies striving for equality worldwide,” she shares.
These recognitions strengthen her mission’s reach, opening new doors to partnerships and amplifying her message across industries and continents. “They help us connect with new audiences and policymakers,” she says, “fostering collaborations that deepen and widen the change we envision.”
Looking Forward: Building a Legacy of Sustainable Leadership
As she looks to the future, Almas Jiwani and her team remain focused on expanding platforms that bridge innovation, investment, and impact – across both social and commercial sectors through scalable initiatives that empower youth and underserved communities.
“Whether through the Almas Jiwani Foundation or strategic advisory roles with global firms like JTA International, the goal is to build opportunities that are scalable, sustainable, and inclusive,” she affirms.
Her vision is to unlock potential through entrepreneurship, education, and capacity-building, enabling individuals to take charge of their destinies. For Jiwani, lasting transformation will come only when systems and structuress—not just symptoms—are changed.
“That’s the work I’m proud to advance,” she concludes. “And it is what I hope will inspire the next generation of leaders to do the same.”
