Our purpose is to enable ecosystems to change by breaking down barriers for stakeholders.In 2019, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and Diana Wilde co-founded Aurora50 with a simple yet powerful vision – to move the needle on the most pressing challenges of our times.What makes Aurora50 unique is our approach to solving these challenges, believing that the entire ecosystem must collaborate and co-create solutions to effect change.
Established as a social enterprise in the UAE, Aurora50 is committed to supporting the long-term growth of the United Arab Emirates and the broader region. We proudly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the changemakers working towards sustainable futures.
Our flagship initiative, Pathway20, was launched in March 2020 to increase board-level gender balance. In keeping with our philosophy, the initiative tackles the challenge using a multidimensional approach: It bolsters the pipeline of competent female board directors, while also offering participants opportunities to network with boards who have upcoming independent board appointments.
“When we established Aurora50, we made ourselves a promise – to develop purpose-driven programmes and initiatives today that create impactful change that future generations would welcome. Just like the aurora borealis, of which the bright lights are a beacon of hope created by charged particles interacting, we promise that our work will continue to bring people together to make a positive difference in the world.”
– Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan & Diana Wilde
Aurora50 Impact
Launched Pathway20, the GCC’s first accelerator to increase board-level gender balance, with ten participants in the inaugural cohort
Established Manarat, the region’s first professional network for women serving on the boards of listed companies
60 women trained in writing a powerful board biography
What We Do
A social enterprise, Aurora50 is tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, and
enabling the change we want to see tomorrow through actions we take today.
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Pathway20
Pathway20 is our flagship initiative that is actively working towards increasing board-level female representation in the UAE.
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Research
Through the right research, we help businesses in making informed decisions and developing effective solutions towards long-term, sustainable change.
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The Board Summit
Shaping the future of boards through a growing network of leaders and investors who are committed to diversity, performance and increasing female representation on boards.
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Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and published author, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is the Co-Founder of Aurora50, CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, and Founder of the Circle of Hope foundation. In addition, she serves as a member of the UAE’s Circular Economy Council, Yale’s Center for Environmental Law and Policy Advisory Board and the Industry and Academic Advisory Board for the Academy of International Business MENA. In 2020, the Emirates Green Building Council appointed her as Honorary President.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, holding a Masters degree in Sustainability Leadership, Sheikha Shamma is a well-respected industry expert on sustainability, thanks to her business and academic endeavours in the field.
Diana Wilde
A business and finance graduate from the University of Westminster, Diana Wilde is a business leader with 20+ years of experience across strategy and business development. She is also adept at business networking and relationship building and thrives on continuous learning.
Diana has always been passionate about making a difference and building communities, particularly in the area of diversity and inclusion.
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