Pakistan’s Simi Kamal Appointed Chair of IWMI Board, Becoming First Woman in the Role

In a groundbreaking development, Ms Simi Kamal, a distinguished geographer from Pakistan, has ascended to the position of Chair of the Board at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). With an illustrious career spanning four decades, Kamal brings unparalleled expertise in water management, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment to her new role.

The IWMI, headquartered in Sri Lanka and renowned globally for its research-for-development initiatives across 15 countries, announced Kamal’s appointment, highlighting her instrumental role in shaping the institute’s strategic direction since 2018. Her leadership is poised to further integrate IWMI within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a pivotal step towards achieving a water-secure world.

Kamal’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to chair IWMI’s board since its inception in 1984, underscoring Pakistan’s growing influence in global governance and the empowerment of women in leadership roles.

In addition to her role at IWMI, Kamal has garnered further recognition with appointments to the boards of WaterAid UK and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), headquartered in the UK. Commenting on her recent appointments, Kamal emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change’s profound impacts on water resources and food security, pledging to collaborate with global organizations to forge transformative strategies for the future.

Beyond her international engagements, Kamal remains deeply committed to her homeland, serving as the Founder and Chairperson of the Hisaar Foundation, dedicated to water, food, and livelihood security in Pakistan. She also holds influential positions within national and global organizations, including the Panjwani-Hisaar Water Institute and Khushhali Bank, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable development and governance.

Simi Kamal’s appointment signifies not only a personal triumph but also a testament to Pakistan’s leadership in addressing pressing global challenges and advancing gender equality in key decision-making positions.