Mountaineer Naila Kiani appointed goodwill ambassador for girls education

ISLAMABAD – Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s leading female high-altitude mountaineer, has reached another milestone by being named Girls Education National Goodwill Ambassador by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.

Naila Kiani has an unrivaled track record in mountaineering, and in her new role, she hopes to raise awareness of the need of girls’ education throughout Pakistan and promote federal and provincial government programs. She is the first Pakistani woman, and the third overall, to have climbed 11 of Pakistan’s 14 highest peaks above 8,000 meters.

She has the distinction of becoming the first Pakistani woman to summit an 8,000-meter mountain in Pakistan. Kiani is also the first Pakistani woman to have climbed Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (G-I), Gasherbrum II (G-II), Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

She is one of 10 mountaineers globally, and the only Pakistani, to have climbed numerous (seven) summits above 8,000 meters in less than six months, in 2023. Furthermore, she is the fastest Pakistani, regardless of gender, to reach all eleven 8,000-meter peaks in less than three years.

She is the only female athlete to have received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian accolade for female athletes. Advocate for Girls’ Education Naila Kiani’s designation as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education demonstrates her commitment to uplifting women through education.

She is an aerospace engineer and banker who believes that education is the key to women’s emancipation. As an ambassador, she will work diligently to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education, as well as support and promote federal and provincial government programs to improve girls’ educational possibilities. It also hopes to inspire young ladies around the country to follow their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Meanwhile, Naila Kiani commented on her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador, saying, “I am honored to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education.” Education is the only path to women’s empowerment and success in our country. I am determined to use my platform to promote and push for educational initiatives that ensure every girl in Pakistan has access to a decent education.”