Maysa Jalbout

Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor on the UN Sustainable Development Goals at MIT and ASU

Maysa Jalbout is a recognized leader in international development and philanthropy. She is deeply committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in the world through her expertise in education, jobs and technology. A true industry veteran, Jalbout has 25 years of experience in building effective organizations, initiatives and innovative partnerships in Canada, the Middle East and in developing nations.

As Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor on the UN Sustainable Development Goals at MIT and ASU, she is advising them on how to deploy their talent, resources and technology to developing solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges.

She was the founding CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education - a landmark philanthropic initiative based in Dubai with a budget of $1 billion. Within four years, Maysa built the foundation into one of the most respected institutions in the region and abroad, having established tens of partnerships, multiple programs and reached over 30,000 youth from 18 countries through high quality tech-enabled education programs.

Forbes recognized Maysa as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Arab world in 2016-2018. Her Alma mater, McMaster University, recognized her as Distinguished Alumni for the Arts in 2018.

She has held senior roles including as the founding CEO of the Queen Rania Foundation and trusted advisor to global leaders, philanthropists, companies and aid agencies investing in the developing world.

Jalbout accredits her early career years in Canada - working on global education, development and youth employment - with preparing her for the challenging issues and organizations she manages today. She served at Global Affairs Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada.

In her capacity as Non-resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, Jalbout’s extensive regional and international experience has also allowed her to produce visible research and thought leadership strategies in education.

As a former refugee, Jalbout is passionate about supporting refugees. She has authored a series of reports on refugee education, developed national strategies endorsed by global leaders and designed high impact initiatives funded by philanthropists.

Jalbout has served on the boards of well-recognized non-profit organizations. She is currently a member of the Boards of Governors of the International Baccalaureate Organization and Generation. She is also a champion of women social entrepreneurs.