Shada Islam is an influential Brussels-based specialist on European Union affairs who works independently as a commentator, advisor, analyst, strategist and media trainer. Her areas of interest and specification include Europe, Asia, Africa, Geopolitics, Trade, Migration, Inclusion, Diversity and Women’s Empowerment. She runs her own Brussels-based global strategy and advisory media company, New Horizons Project (NHP).

Get in touch if you are interested in the above mentioned and are looking for:

• An inspirational speaker or panelist

• An insightful media commentator

• An interactive chair/moderator/facilitator

• An experienced strategic advisor/analyst

• A thought provoking lecturer

• Media and public speaking trainer

“During the Swedish Presidency 2023, Shada Islam moderated a two-day High Level Political Meeting for Ministers and States Secretaries in the area of gender equality. She did so with great professionalism, an unerring discernment and an easy-going approach. The two days spanned over topics such as mainstreaming a gender equality perspective into national budgets, to innovative methods on how to prevent gender-based violence. Shada mastered both topics with knowledge and a reliable instinct.”

Lenita Freidenvall, Deputy Director General of the Division for Gender Equality at the Swedish Ministry of Employment

“One of Brussels’ smartest thinkers on Asia, and author of a column called Frankly Speaking, Shada Islam is the ultimate insider outsider. A former correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review, Islam’s trademark is finding elegant ways to point out inconvenient truths to Brussels powerbrokers and judging their actions using a global perspective. She’s never short of wise counsel, whether it’s on the strategic importance of Asia and Africa, how to ensure the EU practices what it preaches abroad, and the need for dialogue even in desperate political moments.”

Politico: The Women Who Shape Brussels 2017

“It has always been a true pleasure to work with Shada Islam. She is extremely professional, diplomatic and available. These attributes make her the perfect moderator of European Business Summit sessions which require a subtle approach and a deep geopolitical and cultural knowledge.”

Arnaud Thysen, Director General of the European Business Summit

“As one of Brussels’ most respected thought leaders, we look forward to Shada’s counsel on the geo-political trends shaping today’s policy environment. Her insights and experience will be invaluable to help navigate increasing complex global political dynamics. Shada’s passion for diversity and inclusion will also help guide BCW, how we build our teams, as well as counsel our clients.”

Andrew Cecil, CEO BCW Brussels

“Thank you for facilitating the first-ever European Anti-Racism Summit on the 19th of March 2021. Your comprehensive understanding of the topic, strict timekeeping and ability to engage 500+ participants, was very much appreciated. The preparation and dedication you invested in this event ensured that it was engaging to everyone in the audience. This contributed to the success of the Anti-Racism Summit. Feedback for your moderation work was very positive and you have certainly got people thinking about the next steps in the anti-racism process.” 

Helena Dalli, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Equality.

“We had the opportunity to work with Shada on two occasions in the past year - as a moderator for EIGE's first Gender Equality Forum in 2022 and during a short assignment to help strengthen EIGE's public communication. With change-making ideas, Shada captures attention from the outset and cultivates important conversations. Her nuanced and nimble approach to communicating gender equality issues effectively places emphasis on what true intersectionality means and looks like.”

Director, European Institute for Gender Equality, Vilnius

“We organised a policy dialogue on 3rd December 2020 with EU and Tunisian policy makers which generated very positive feedback. Shada did an excellent moderation, enabling the discussion to be stimulating and interactive. All panellists and audience were eager to contribute under Shada’s masterful orchestration of exchanges.”

 The British Council

"I would like to personally thank you for your invaluable participation in the European Spaces of Culture conference ‘Taking cultural relations to the next level’. Your moderation was truly excellent, and we were very pleased with how you wove together your vast experience of EU external action and interest in culture, also adding personal dimension to the event."

 Gitte Zschoch, Director of EUNIC