Humza Yousaf served as Scotland’s First Minister from March 2023 to May 2024 and was leader of the SNP (Scottish National Party). Upon assuming office, Humza heralded a trailblazing era for his country as the first Muslim leader of a Western democracy.
Born in Glasgow to Pakistani immigrants, Humza studied politics at the University of Glasgow before elevating his lifelong community work and role as President of the university’s Muslim Students Association into a career in national politics. During his twelve years in government, Humza served in several ministerial roles, including Minister for External Affairs, Minister for Transport, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
He is currently the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Pollok, having been re-elected in 2021 with an increased majority. He launched his first programme for government focusing on reducing poverty, delivering economic growth, tackling climate change, and providing high-quality public services.
Humza Yousaf is the only First Minister to have made the front cover of Time, where he was described as an “extraordinary leader” and “trailblazer.” As he says, “I am, proudly, a Western Muslim, born in the West, but with ancestry in the East.”
Humza is well-positioned on geopolitical issues that straddle both West and East, including international development, challenging extremism, climate justice, and tackling xenophobia.
