Dr. Hina Velji elected to WAGGGS World Board, becomes Pakistan’s voice on global stage

Dr. HinaVelji,a doctor-turned-educationist and management professional, has been elected to the World Board of the World Association

KARACHI Dr. HinaVelji,a doctor-turned-educationist and management professional, has been elected to the World Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) during the organization’s 39th World Conference held in Cambodia from June 16 to 19, 2026.

WAGGGS is the largest voluntary movement for girls and young women globally, representing 11.2 million members across 153 countries.

For over a century, Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting has focused on empowering girls to achieve their full potential and contribute as responsible citizens. The association runs leadership, climate action, primary healthcare, and youth development programs, training thousands of women in remote regions of Asia and Africa.

Dr. Velji’s association with the movement began as a young Girl Guide in Pakistan. Over the past two decades, she has served in multiple capacities, most notably as National Guides Commissioner for the Ismaili Guides Chapter. In that role, she worked with volunteers and leaders to expand participation from 5,000 to more than 30,000 girls, increasing access to leadership training, service projects, camps, and personal development opportunities across the country.

“Through Guiding, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in girls,” Dr. Velji said. “I have seen shy young girls become confident leaders, volunteers become mentors, and communities become stronger through service and collective action. These experiences continue to inspire my commitment to youth development and girls’ empowerment.”

She added that during her 20-year journey she organized and attended numerous events encouraging women’s participation in healthy social activities, especially in areas where rigid social norms and traditional practices limited women’s engagement.

The newly elected WAGGGS World Board will be chaired by Sarah Govan-Sisk, with Signe Marie Obel and Fiona Lejosne as Vice Chairs. Dr. Velji joins board members Fatima Al-Faylakawi, Chun Wei (Lydia) Fang, Dr. Natasha Montesalvo, and Tricia Tilford.

In Pakistan, WAGGGS works in collaboration with the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, where Dr. Velji has remained an active member for nearly two decades. Representatives from the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan, and the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association congratulated her on the achievement and recognized her contribution to women’s empowerment and positive youth development in the country.

Her election marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s representation in global youth and women’s leadership forums.