Minouche Shafik

The Incredible Journey of Minouche Shafik: From Cairo to the World Economic Forum
Minouche Shafik is an Egyptian-British economist who has made an indelible mark on the global economic landscape. Her journey from a humble beginning in Cairo to the heights of the World Economic Forum is a testament to her determination, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Early Life and Education
Minouche Shafik was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1962. Her father was an engineer, and her mother was a schoolteacher. As a child, she excelled academically and developed a passion for mathematics and economics. After graduating from high school, she moved to the United States to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
She went on to earn a master's degree in economics from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford. Her doctoral thesis on the theory of imperfect competition was highly acclaimed and established her as a rising star in the field of economics.
Career in Academia and Public Policy
After completing her doctorate, Minouche Shafik embarked on a successful career in academia and public policy. She held faculty positions at the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During her time at MIT, she served as the Director of the Development Economics Program and the John Bates Clark Research Professor of Economics.
In 2008, she was appointed Permanent Secretary of the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID). In this role, she oversaw the UK's international aid program and played a key role in shaping the country's approach to development and humanitarian assistance.
World Economic Forum
In 2017, Minouche Shafik joined the World Economic Forum as its Director of the Centre for the New Economy and Society. In this capacity, she leads the Forum's efforts to address global economic and social challenges, such as inequality, climate change, and technological advancement.
A Tireless Advocate for Economic Empowerment
Throughout her career, Minouche Shafik has been a tireless advocate for economic empowerment, particularly for women and girls. She firmly believes that investing in women is essential for economic growth and social progress. As the World Economic Forum's Director of the Centre for the New Economy and Society, she has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
Recognition and Awards
Minouche Shafik's exceptional contributions to economics and public policy have been widely recognized. In 2015, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine. She has also received numerous awards, including the Adam Smith Prize from the University of Cambridge and the Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought.
A Woman of Substance and Inspiration
Minouche Shafik is a woman of substance and inspiration. Her journey from Cairo to the World Economic Forum is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and the unwavering belief in one's ability to make a difference in the world. She continues to inspire countless women and girls around the globe to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.