Shada Islam is an influential Brussels-based specialist on European Union affairs. She works independently as a commentator, advisor, analyst and strategist on Europe, Asia, Africa, Geopolitics, Trade, Migration, Inclusion, Diversity and Women’s Empowerment. Shada also runs her own Brussels-based global strategy and advisory media company, New Horizons Project (NHP).
She has spent most of her professional life researching, writing, analysing and speaking about the European Union and its relations with Asia and Africa as well as EU Development Policy, Trade Policy and Migration. Based on her extensive experience on the European Union affairs, as a researcher, writer, analyst and speaker, Shada is an excellent and distinguished moderator for seminars and expert panels. Her expertise and deep-found knowledge on geopolitical issues and social questions on equality, gender, DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) and leadership, provide the foundation on which she bases all her work as a moderator and facilitator.
“During the Swedish Presidency 2023, Shada Islam moderated a two-day High Level Political Meeting for Ministers and States Secretaries in the area of gender equality. She did so with great professionalism, an unerring discernment and an easy-going approach. The two days spanned over topics such as mainstreaming a gender equality perspective into national budgets, to innovative methods on how to prevent gender-based violence. Shada mastered both topics with knowledge and a reliable instinct.” -Lenita Freidenvall, Deputy Director General, Division for Gender Equality, Swedish Ministry of Employment
“We organised a policy dialogue on 3rd December 2020 with EU and Tunisian policy makers which generated very positive feedback. Shada did an excellent moderation, enabling the discussion to be stimulating and interactive. All panellists and audience were eager to contribute under Shada’s masterful orchestration of exchanges.” –The British Council
Through her work and personal actions, she has spotlighted the strong global role and power of women. As a firm believer in equal opportunities and a long-standing diversity activist, Shada is also an important voice on issues related to fighting racism and promoting the rights of minorities in Europe.
Over the last three decades, starting as the EU correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review, a renowned pan-Asian newsweekly, she built up a global reputation as a leading commentator, analyst and writer as well as a fresh and original thought-leader on the EU’s domestic and foreign policy agendas.
“Thank you for facilitating the first-ever European Anti-Racism Summit on the 19th of March 2021. Your comprehensive understanding of the topic, strict timekeeping and ability to engage 500+ participants, was very much appreciated. The preparation and dedication you invested in this event ensured that it was engaging to everyone in the audience. This contributed to the success of the Anti-Racism Summit. Feedback for your moderation work was very positive and you have certainly got people thinking about the next steps in the anti-racism process.” –Helena Dalli, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Equality.
Over the years, Shada has interviewed and talked to presidents, prime ministers, ministers, senior policymakers and business leaders as well as authors and academics. She is especially attracted to interaction with young people, including students, and is a great believer in the transformational quality of younger people and women. She has been and remains a strong advocate for stronger representation of ethnic minorities in EU institutions and is a leading voice for a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
