Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and World Bank chief Ajay Banga are among the leaders featured on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list. The annual list divides individuals into several categories such as ‘Leaders’, ‘Icons’, and ‘Titans’. Other notable personalities included in the ‘Leaders’ category 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 an Arctic penal colony on February 16th, Yulia Navalnaya expressed her intention to enter politics to carry on her husband’s vision. She emphasized that his death should not be the end and that his ideals must live on. Meanwhile, Ajay Banga made history as the first person of color to lead either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund when he became President of the World Bank last year. His presidency is set for a five-year term.
Jigar Shah holds a director position in the US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office where he oversees millions of dollars in public funds towards clean infrastructure and energy initiatives. Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni became Italy’s first woman leader in 2022 despite initial concerns about her far-right party. Despite these concerns, she continues to enjoy significant support from Italians today. Finally, Narges Mohammadi, at 51 years old, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless advocacy for human rights in Iran. However, this recognition has resulted in frequent incarcerations over the past two decades and she is currently detained in Tehran’s Evin prison.
Overall, this year’s Time Magazine list highlights individuals who are making a significant impact on global affairs through their leadership roles or tireless advocacy efforts.
