Zara Okusi is an emerging leader in economics and international collaboration, representing the European Union as Delegate for Economy and Supply Chain Resilience at the Y7 Summit. Her extensive experience in financial markets, youth advocacy, and international policy makes her uniquely equipped to contribute to discussions on strengthening global supply chains and promoting economic equity.
Currently in her final year studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Warwick University, Zara has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, with a predicted first-class honors degree. Professionally, she has gained valuable expertise in economic systems and data analysis through work at leading financial institutions such as BlackRock and Lloyds Banking.
Having spent most of her formative years in Spain, Zara devoted herself to addressing economic inequality and championing cross-cultural collaboration, reflecting her deep commitment to the values of inclusivity and social progress in Spain. She has been actively involved in grassroots organisations such as CEAIn, where she volunteered teaching Spanish to refugees and advocated for further integration of migrants into Spanish society. Her interest in the protection of human rights, led to her debating across Spain as a European Youth Delegate. This experience heightened her commitment to enhance youth civic engagement. Therefore, upon moving to the UK for university, she wanted to continue her commitment to furthering her mission, which culminated in being elected as the UK Young Ambassador to the European Youth Forum, where she represents over 24 million young people.
She has been a vocal proponent of the UK’s reintegration into the Erasmus+ program, emphasizing its importance for educational and professional mobility. As Co-Chair of the Stronger Together Network, Zara unites young leaders from the EU and UK to advance collaboration and innovation. Moreover, she remains steadfast in her commitment to strengthening relations across the European channel, bridging her advocacy in Spain with her initiatives in the UK to promote meaningful collaboration and mutual understanding.
Her leadership extends to the global stage, where she served as a COP28 Delegate, representing ClimaTalk. In this capacity, she facilitated discussions on climate negotiations, organized events at the Climate Youth Pavilion, and championed increased funding for the Loss and Damage Fund. Zara’s ability to connect macroeconomic challenges with sustainability goals underpins her holistic approach to economic resilience.
A polyglot fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese, Zara thrives in multicultural settings. She is also an accomplished flamenco dancer and Spanish guitarist, blending discipline and creativity in her pursuits. Her awards, including the Yale Young Global Scholars’ Young Leaders Scholarship and recognition from the Oxford Union for debating, highlight her multifaceted talents and unwavering drive.
As the EU Delegate for Economy and Supply Chain Resilience, Zara brings a strategic and inclusive vision to the Y7 Summit. Her focus on creating equitable opportunities for young people and fostering innovation in supply chain management positions her as a powerful advocate for sustainable economic development and global collaboration.