Belgian-Moroccan Political Scientist Fatima Zibouh Named Brussels Leader of the Year

Doha – Brussels-based political scientist and social entrepreneur Fatima Zibouh has been named “Brussels Leader of the Year” by Lobby magazine, recognizing her work in bridging cultural divides and her role in Brussels’ bid for European Capital of Culture 2030.

The annual Lobby Awards honor “inspiring and benevolent leaders who show the way for the community.”

The jury particularly acknowledged Zibouh’s dedication to advocating for “the voiceless, the marginalized, and the invisible,” as well as her mission to create connections between different cultural and social spheres.

“This prize represents a beautiful recognition of my engagement for over 20 years for Brussels and for Belgium, but also a nice tribute to my grandparents and parents who came from Morocco,” Zibouh told MAP news agency.

She talked about the significance of the award, coming as Belgium commemorates the 60th anniversary of its bilateral agreement with Morocco that facilitated Moroccan immigration.

“This award demonstrates the strength of the contribution made by children of this immigration,” she noted, adding that she is “proud to help strengthen connections between different communities and various cultural and social universes to create positive synergies between groups that make up our diverse societies.”

François Didisheim, founder of Lobby magazine, added to the same source that the jury wanted to express “their confidence and encouragement to make Brussels 2030 a national and international success.”

He added that “Zibouh’s immigrant background adds another dimension to this trust and represents a facet of development that Brussels embraces and must embrace.”

The magazine also recognized other Belgian personalities, including heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam and cyclist Remco Evenepoel, who received the “Proftivism” award combining positivity and art of living.

Born in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe in September 1981 to a family originating from Tafersit, a village in Morocco’s Rif region, Zibouh holds a doctorate in political and social sciences from the University of Liège.

She currently serves as co-president of Brussels 2030, leading the city’s bid for European Capital of Culture alongside Flemish dramatist Jan Goossens, a position she took over from Hadja Lahbib, who became Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Zibouh has established herself as a prominent voice in Belgian civil society, focusing on inclusion and anti-discrimination initiatives.

She previously headed Actiris Inclusive, the anti-discrimination service within Brussels’ employment organization, and co-founded various platforms promoting diversity and inclusion, including Women 100, a network of female leaders from across the Brussels-Capital Region.

Her work has earned multiple recognitions, including the VUB Fellowship from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2019 and selection for Belgium’s “40 under 40” young leaders list in 2021.