Zidna Ibrahim, a 2018 graduate of the Master of Business Administration (Global Business) programme at SEGi University, is making significant strides in public service and governance in the Maldives. From boardrooms to ministries, her career reflects the evolving role of women leaders in shaping inclusive, rights-based governance across the South Asian region.
Zidna currently serves as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, a constitutional body established to promote and protect human rights in accordance with the Maldives Constitution and international obligations. Her leadership comes at a time when the country is navigating complex reforms in justice, public finance, and social protection.
Her academic grounding in global business has served her well in policy implementation and institution building. The MBA Global Business programme at SEGi University, accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and recognised under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework, is designed to cultivate cross-border leadership and policy innovation. It prepares graduates for the dynamic intersections of business, governance, and diplomacy—an ideal platform for leaders like Zidna.
Prior to her current appointment, she held multiple senior roles within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, where she oversaw national workforce and HR development across key public infrastructure projects. These roles were critical as the Maldives intensified investments in urbanisation, climate resilience, and housing access—sectors that accounted for over 20% of the national budget as of 2021 (Ministry of Finance, Maldives).
In parallel with her civil service duties, Zidna also contributes to higher education as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Maldives Business School, supporting capacity-building among the next generation of policy professionals. This dual commitment to governance and education underscores her broader vision for sustainable development and institutional integrity.
Her appointment as Minister of State for Finance and Planning, according to government announcements, places her in a critical role in economic planning and budget alignment for a country highly vulnerable to climate shocks and global market volatility. The Maldives is classified by the World Bank as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), where public sector efficiency and social equity are vital for sustainable progress.
As of 2023, women still represent less than 10% of senior political positions in the Maldives, based on data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Zidna’s rise contributes to breaking that glass ceiling, making her a key figure in advancing gender parity in governance—aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in addition to her contributions to education, innovation, and partnership-building.
Zidna Ibrahim’s journey from postgraduate studies in Malaysia to policymaking in Malé reflects the power of international education to nurture resilient, globally minded leaders. Her work reinforces the critical link between education, inclusive governance, and sustainable national development.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure