Namira Salim

Namira Salim is a Pakistani explorer, astronaut, and artist who maintains residences in Dubai and Monaco. She holds several historic distinctions, including being the first Pakistani to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole. As an adventurer and diplomat, she works to promote international peace through various scientific and artistic initiatives.

Early life and education

Salim holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. She has been a resident of the Principality of Monaco since 1997.

Career

Salim began her polar expeditions by reaching the North Pole in April 2007. She later arrived at the South Pole in January 2008, making her the first Pakistani to visit both locations. During these expeditions, she hoisted the flags of Pakistan, Monaco, the UAE, and peace flags. She also participated in the "First Everest Skydive 2008" where she performed a tandem skydive from 29,500 feet. This jump surpassed the altitude of Mount Everest, which stands at 29,480 feet. Salim landed at Syangboche Airport, a dropzone located at 12,350 feet.

In 2006, she joined the Virgin Galactic Founder Astronaut Club as one of the first 100 aspiring space tourists. She completed two days of sub-orbital training at the NASTAR Center in October 2007. After years of preparation, she flew to space on the Galactic 04 mission on 6 October 2023. This flight established her as the first Pakistani astronaut and the first female astronaut from the UAE.

Salim founded Space Trust, a non-profit initiative that promotes space as a frontier for peace. The organization held its inaugural event in the presence of Prince Albert II on 29 November 2015. This conference secured partnerships with the Russian Space agency, ROSCOSMOS, and Pakistan's national space agency, SUPARCO. In February 2023, Space Trust was named an awardee for the 'Accessing Space for All' program alongside the University of Nairobi and the University of Arizona.

Her diplomatic career includes serving as the first Honorary Consul of Pakistan to Monaco. Following her efforts to establish relations between the two nations, she was authorized by a Sovereign Ordinance from Albert II on 1 August 2011. Before this appointment, she mobilized approximately US$0.5 million for humanitarian relief following the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods in Pakistan. She also served as the Honorary Ambassador of Tourism for Pakistan in 2007.

As an artist, Salim has produced various creative works including the documentary "Beyond the Poles," which she launched in May 2011. She also designs astronomically accurate jewelry under her brand, Namira Monaco. Her collections were included in the official gift bags for Oscar nominees in 2017 and Grammy Award nominees during the 59th Annual ceremony. In May 2020, she released her debut solo single titled "Follow Me To The Moon."

Awards and recognition

On 23 March 2011, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz upon Salim for her achievements in sport. This honor recognized her expeditions to the poles and her skydiving event at Mount Everest. In September 2013, she received the Power 100 Trailblazer Award from Pakistan Power 100 in London. This organization also placed her on their "Women Power 100" list.