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TIME Magazine just released its 100 Most Influential People List and on it is our very own Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman!

The prestigious annual list names people from all around the world, dividing the list into six sections: artists, innovators, titans, leaders, icons and pioneers. Rehman is mentioned in the leaders section.

Rehman has been included in the list for her work to mitigate and bring awareness to the world’s most pressing problem. Jennifer Morgan, Germany’s state secretary and special envoy for international climate action, penned a letter for Rehman, appreciating her efforts to communicate climate crises on a global stage.

“She [Rehman] gave a voice to those who had lost everything to the floods. Through impassioned speeches and tireless engagement in negotiations, she convinced many of the delegates that the blatant injustice must come to an end. COP27 ended with a historic decision—the world community agreed for the first time to establish new loss and damage funding arrangements to support the most vulnerable countries.

“This is a big step toward climate justice, but we still have a long way to go. We will need more people like Sherry Rehman along the way,” wrote Morgan.

This is Rehman’s first time on the list but it isn’t her first time being acknowledged for her work. She was part of Financial Times’ list of 25 Most Influential Women of 2022 and Forbes’ 2023 50 under 50 Asia list.

Other superstars on the list

Another superstar on the list is the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, who needs no introduction. The recent success of his super hit film Pathaan released on January 25, coupled with his expansive career landed the Indian actor on the list.

The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor was named under the section of icons for the year 2023. The list, shared on Thursday, included names like Pedro Pascal, Jennifer Coolidge and King Charles III.

Indian actor Deepika Padukone, who made her Bollywood debut with Khan, nominated him and penned a heartfelt letter to express her admiration for him that was published on TIME.

“I’ll never forget the first time I met Shah Rukh Khan. I had just arrived in Mumbai from Bangalore with one suitcase and a dream. The next thing I knew, I was sitting in his house! I was being considered for a role in a film opposite him. It’s been 16 years since.

“What makes our relationship special is the love, trust, and respect we have for one another. Shah Rukh Khan will forever be known as one of the greatest actors of all time. But what truly sets him apart is his mind, his chivalry, his generosity. The list goes on …” she wrote.

“For someone who has known him intimately and cares for him deeply, 150 words will never do justice to the phenomenon that is Shah Rukh Khan,” concluded the Piku actor.

Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid also made it to the list and was included among pioneers alongside Oscar-winning film RRR director S.S. Rajamouli. Sharing the news with her followers on Instagram on Friday, the Charlotte Tilbury ambassador wrote, “Proud to be included in the 2023 #TIME100 @Time list of the most influential people in the world.

“In awe of this achievement, and being able to be recognised alongside so many talented, hardworking and life-changing people. These are human beings challenging government systems, inventing world-changing products, and being a light for many, in a world of darkness. Not to say I haven’t gone head to head with government systems before, but there is still a lot I have to do and a lot that has to be done,” she wrote.

“The truth is, to say I am anywhere near as influential as some of these big names, is a huge statement to make, but please know, I can feel the weight and understand my responsibilities within it. To be recognised for the work I’ve done, just makes me want to work harder to be a part of the change we want to see in this world. I know my mission is much larger than what I have even touched the surface of now, and I will continue to fight until change has been made,” she added.

She also said that she will try her “best to spread the message of kindness, advocating for mental health and chronic illness, while continuing to stand up” for what she believes to be right whether it is the “refugee crisis, governmental pawns, border control issues and systematic oppression”.

The Palestinian-American model has participated in protests for the Palestinian cause multiple times. She is also vocal about other social and human rights issues. In 2022, she raised awareness about the devastating floods in Pakistan.

The list also includes journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi from Iran who first broke the news of Mahsa Amini and covered her funeral respectively. Amini was arrested and abused in police custody for not covering her hair properly. Both the reporters were arrested and remain in Evin Prison.

Sisters and competitive swimmers Yusra and Sara Mardini who fled the Syrian conflict in 2015 are also on the list.