Daily Times

We meet Ayla Majid, Managing Director of Financial Advisory Services at Khalid Majid Rehman Chartered Accountants. Holding an MBA from the Lahore University of Management Sciences, a law degree from the University of London and an ACCA Qualification, Majid also sits on various boards and advises both public and private organisations on growth and strategic planning. Her portfolio includes several global boards and forum engagements. She is Global Council member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Presently, she is also serving as an Advisory Board Member of YGLs. She is also serving as a member of the Global Council for Energy of the WEF.

Do tell us about the work you do as well as the role you play in ACCA?

At my current work, I am involved in financial advisory, which includes structuring projects, mergers and acquisitions, advising on public-private partnerships and public policy in areas like infrastructure (including roads and bridges); minerals; energy; oil and gas. I have also been advising companies on projects, which fall under the Belt and Road banner, primarily in the infrastructure and energy space. My various governance roles involve strategic policy and decision making, and guiding organisations for their growth.

At ACCA, I am an elected Global Council Member. I also serve on its Council Board. My role at ACCA revolves around governance and strategy. Being very diverse and with unique perspectives, the Council members, elected by the global membership body, work closely with the Executive Team to devise ACCA’s strategy and oversee its implementation.

Could you tell us about your position at WEF?

In 2015, I was selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum and am currently serving as Advisory Group Member of the YGLs. In 2019, I became a member of the Global Future Council (GFC) for Energy of the World Economic Forum. GFC Energy works on the vision of the future of energy, helps define potential action to positively shape related developments and contribute to incubating relevant projects that facilitate the energy transition.

Being part of the WEF has provided me with a huge opportunity for learning, and contributing to the larger global agenda for a sustainable and cohesive world. My particular interest is in sustainable development, impact investing and future of energy. Something that I truly value, as an outcome of all this experience, is being mindful of multi-stakeholders’ perspective and bringing the same in decision making in my various roles – whether in my company, through my board roles, or for the country.

Could you tell us about some of the panel discussions at WEF 20?

The theme of this Annual Meeting 2020 was “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.” It highlighted the importance of sustainability being at the centre of what individuals and organisations do, the inclusion of the society and diversity, and the environment as stakeholders, and defining what the leadership of tomorrow is.

This year the environmental impact came about as the most important global risk for the businesses. I moderated a panel on “What are the Risks?” during the Annual Meeting, linked with the recently launched “Global Risk Report 2020” published by the WEF. The discussion revolved around responding to and managing risks with a multi-stakeholder cohesive approach, bringing in view a diverse set of opinions and bringing a common understanding of the issues. The diversity of the session was such that the audience included senior policymakers, business leaders, and young change-makers. There was a common consensus that climate change has moved from being a far-off priority to a here-and-now risk that demands action.

I have also been advising companies on projects, which fall under the Belt and Road banner, primarily in the infrastructure and energy space. My various governance roles involve strategic policy and decision making, and guiding organisations for their growth

Overall, throughout the annual meeting, sustainability emerged as a key theme that affects other aspects of the global economy, innovation, politics, regional and global tension, technology and health care. The annual meeting was very reassuring evidence of stakeholders coming together for a more sustainable, cohesive and tolerant world.

Economic Empowerment for women in our country and progress

I would encourage initiatives from the policymakers in adopting a framework that helps women contribute in every area of work. It must be ensured to provide affordable transportation facilities, to health care and an entire infrastructure catering to a diverse workforce. From the perspective of a woman, I do see a huge improvement on a relative scale, comparing to the time when I started my professional career. However, there is still a huge need for improvement at all levels. From education to participation in different domains of the economy. Even till date, we have struggled with bringing the right kind of diversity in organisations at different levels. I cannot stress the difference enough that the presence of women can bring to companies and organisations. Researches have shown the impact of women representation on boards on the management of companies is positive.

In the face of challenges

I have always welcomed challenges and have accepted them with sensibility. I’m attuned to manage challenges and do not see them as obstacles. In my professional journey, there have been challenges along the way, which have taught me the importance of communication and its potential to change opinions. Above all, I say that positive attitude, truth and authenticity are huge advantages that we all must leverage to our benefit in whatever we do.

Your thoughts on Pakistan at Davos?

The WEF is a remarkable, forward-looking, most respected and neutral platform that any country or stakeholder, being part of the same, can benefit greatly from. Pakistan is a key country in the global equation, and a structured engagement at WEF can benefit our country. Some companies and participants are representing Pakistan there every year, and their contribution is appreciable. However, the presence must be increased, which will help in creating awareness about the country, its true potential, improve its narrative and also lead to collaborations with stakeholders from other parts of the world. The WEF Annual Meeting is a place where very important stakeholders meet. A well-planned representation can help Pakistan attract investment and build partnerships. This year, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s presence at the annual meeting had a hugely positive impact. He shared with the world his vision of a progressive Pakistan that is at the forefront of working with the global stakeholders positively.

What message would you leave for the next generation of global leaders?

The next generation of global leaders is so powerful and making an impact at a very young age. Changemakers like Greta Thunberg have proven themselves to be more passionate and resilient in the face of adversity. Interacting with Greta and other young leaders at the Annual Meeting 2020 gives optimism to the current leaders. I would like our next generation of leaders to have a big-picture vision of the world. During times like these, young leaders should see the opportunities that come out of adversities. I trust the beautiful minds of our young generation.

A vision for a Successful Pakistan

My vision for Pakistan is one of economically robust with a very high human development index. For any country to do well, the main contributors are its people and hence the well-being of people and their development should always be at the heart of any growth strategy.

The writer is a Lifestyle Blogger and writer, covering all positive things from Pakistan