In 2024, Yulia Navalnaya and World Bank chief Ajay Banga have been featured on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list. The magazine’s annual list divides into several categories like ‘Leaders,’ ‘Icons,’ and ‘Titans,’ among others. Some other prominent personalities on the ‘Leaders’ list include Indian-origin US official Jigar Shah, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.
In her first interview following Navalny’s death in February 2024, Yulia Navalnaya expressed that she chose to enter politics to keep her husband’s vision alive. She said that she did not talk about herself going into politics but believed it was necessary to continue fighting for justice after her husband’s assassination. On the other hand, Ajay Banga became the President of the World Bank in 2023, making history as the first person of color to lead either of the world’s major financial institutions – the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He serves as the 14th President for a five-year term.
Jigar Shah holds a position as director in the US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, overseeing the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds towards clean infrastructure and energy initiatives. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is one of the few top politicians in the ‘Leaders’ category. The 47-year-old rose to power in 2023 and became Italy’s first female leader despite initial apprehensions about her far-right party. Ms. Meloni still enjoys significant support in her country.
Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her tireless advocacy for human rights in Iran despite frequent incarceration over the past twenty years. She is currently detained in Tehran’s Evin prison while continuing her work from within prison walls.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to inspire others around them with their unwavering dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
