POCG Middle East President Congratulates Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on Historic UNWTO Appointment

Dubai – Zaheer Ahmed, President of Pakistan Overseas Community Global (POCG) Middle East, has extended warm congratulations to Her Excellency Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her groundbreaking appointment as the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He hailed the appointment as a historic milestone not only for global tourism but also for the entire Muslim world.

“This is a moment of immense pride,” said Zaheer Ahmed in an official statement. “H.E. Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais’ elevation to this prestigious role is a powerful message — that the Muslim world, and particularly Muslim women, are taking their rightful place at the highest levels of global leadership. As a Pakistani and a representative of the overseas community in the Gulf, I am deeply inspired.”

The election took place on May 30, 2025, in Madrid, where 35 member states of the UNWTO voted in favor of Sheikha Al Nowais. She will officially begin her four-year term in 2026, becoming the first woman in the organization’s 50-year history to hold the position.

Zaheer Ahmed also commended the visionary leadership of the United Arab Emirates, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for cultivating an environment that supports innovation, inclusion, and female empowerment.

“This historic appointment reflects the UAE’s forward-thinking vision, which empowers women and embraces excellence across all sectors — from tourism to diplomacy,” he said. “The country’s leadership has created a global platform where talent and determination know no gender.”

Highlighting the broader significance of the appointment, Zaheer Ahmed added, “This is not just a personal victory for Sheikha Al Nowais. It is a collective win for every nation and every woman who believes in equality, ambition, and international cooperation. Her journey will inspire young Muslim women across the world to lead, to innovate, and to break barriers.”

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Under Zaheer Ahmed’s leadership, POCG Middle East has played an active role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, economic inclusion, and global recognition of Muslim leaders, particularly from the diaspora.

The appointment of Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais marks a new chapter for the UNWTO and a proud moment for the global Muslim community — one that celebrates progress, representation, and hope for a more inclusive future in international governance.