From creating tools to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines to helping address food insecurity, this year's notable changemakers are rising to the occasion in a year unlike any other 

JOHANNESBURG, 13 July 2021– Today, Project Management Institute (PMI) announced its second annual Future 50 list, which features 50 rising leaders using bold and innovative thinking to transform the world through notable projects.

The 50 standout project leaders, highlighted in a new digital experience on PMI.org and a special issue of PMI Network® magazine, represent a new generation of fearless, young innovators who drive transformation and create positive social impact across the globe. Honourees include ground-breaking achievements from people across many industries and countries, South Africa was represented by project editor/publisher from UNISA Press Tshegofatso Sehlodimela,  Ayanda More, founder and CEO of Apara Global, and Innocentia Mahlangu for tackling tough infrastructure projects with an eye toward social and economic change.

PMI® research shows that only 40 percent of organizations say they prioritize attracting and hiring the next generation of project professionals. But what the Future 50 list highlights is that this new generation is capable of driving value for businesses and society now and in the future.

"In an exceptionally challenging year, this new generation of leaders have stepped up to drive innovation around the globe," said George Asamani, Africa Business Development Leader at Project Management Institute. "With a deep sense of social responsibility, this next generation of leaders are deeply committed to protecting the natural environment, driving diversity, and fostering environments of inclusion, and making the world a better place. The 50 individuals featured on this list are each changemakers whose wide range of projects exemplify the power and potential of transformation."

To identify this year's Future 50 honourees, PMI reached out to hundreds of experts and stakeholders across the globe for nominations. A special committee vetted the rising leaders and narrowed the list of nominees. Finalists were then individually researched or interviewed to create a list representing a full spectrum of regions, industries, and achievements in The Project Economy – one in which people have the skills and capabilities they need to turn ideas into reality. While some honourees are Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders, others would not even describe themselves as project managers. What unites the Future 50 is a commitment to project work as the foundation for positive impact today and tomorrow.

To see the complete list of honourees and what drives this next generation of talent, visit PMI.org/Future50.

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About Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world’s leading professional association for a growing global community of millions of project professionals and changemakers worldwide.

As the world’s leading authority on project management, PMI empowers people to make ideas a reality. Through global advocacy, networking, collaboration, research, and education. PMI prepares organisations and individuals at every stage of their career journey to work smarter so they can drive success in a world of change.

Building on a proud legacy dating to 1969, PMI is a “for-purpose” organisation working in nearly every country around the world to advance careers, strengthen organisational success, and enable changemakers with new skills and ways of working to maximise their impact. PMI offerings include globally recognised standards, certifications, online courses, thought leadership, tools, digital publications, and communities.

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