ISSUE 48/DEC2022 - Flipbook - Page 61
Africa’s Most Influential Women | EVERYDAY HEROES
Leila Ben Hassen
TUNISIA
In the Climate Change discourse, it
is routine to regularly hear about the
importance of the ‘Green Economy’
Rightly so. However also equally key is
the increasingly growing importance of
the concept of ‘Blue Economy’ — which is
about how oceans and seas can be used to
promote domestic resources and national
development, but in a sustainable way.
This is a sector Leila Ben Hassen has
immersed her passion in, so much that in
2018, she launched the first ever African
Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) and has not
looked back ever since, becoming one of
the growing voices on the importance of
the Blue Economy to the advancement
of Africa.
Currently, she is also the international
ambassador for Women in Maritime
Association in Africa (WIMAfrica) and the
founder of Women in Maritime Association
chapter in Tunisia.
A multi-lingual business development
expert with an extensive experience in
management, communication and Blue
Economy, Leila is also the founder and
runs Blue Jay Communication, a groundbreaking which focuses on Africa and driven
by a clear objective: to help partners to
embrace sustainability in their businesses
by advancing UN Sustainable Development
Goals 5 and 14.
Under Blue Jay Communication, Leila
launched the first African Blue Economy
Forum (ABEF) in London 5 years ago.
The annual event is committed to helping
accelerate Africa’s structural transformation
and sustainable blue growth.
The event attracted leading Ministers, ocean
experts and media from around the world,
generating positive discussions and tangible
outcomes.
Prior to setting up her own company, Leila
was General Manager of one the biggest
pan-African media groups, IC Publications.
Previously, Leila was Director of the Tunisian
National Tourist Office for the UK and Ireland.
Founder: African Blue Economy Forum &
Women in Maritime Association (Tunisian Chapter)
ENVIRONMENT: Blue Economy
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