Fariel Salahuddin

Fariel Salahuddin is an entrepreneur and social innovator, known for her work as the founder and CEO of UpTrade (Goats for Water). With a strong commitment to empowering smallholder livestock farmers worldwide, she has pioneered a unique approach that allows farmers to use their livestock as currency to access affordable solar water pumps and solar home lighting systems. Through her social enterprise, Goats for Water, Fariel is transforming the lives of farmers and addressing the critical issue of access to clean water and sustainable energy.

Fariel's groundbreaking work has garnered international recognition and acclaim. She has been featured as part of the BBC's 'People Changing the World' program, where her innovative approach to solving water and energy challenges has been highlighted. Her entrepreneurial journey and achievements have also been recognized by Inc. Magazine. Furthermore, Fariel's remarkable contributions to social entrepreneurship earned her the distinction of being a finalist for the Cartier Women's Initiative in 2019, a prestigious global award that recognizes and supports women entrepreneurs driving positive change.

Before founding Goats for Water, Fariel Salahuddin had an extensive background in the energy sector. She worked with renowned institutions such as the World Bank and ADB (Asian Development Bank) in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nepal as an energy specialist. In these roles, Fariel provided valuable insights and advice to governments on energy policies, contributing to sustainable development and the enhancement of energy access for underserved populations.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Fariel is a passionate speaker on social entrepreneurship and personal growth. She actively advocates for bringing positive change to underserved communities through entrepreneurial initiatives. Her work serves as an inspiration to others who aspire to make a meaningful impact on society.

Fariel Salahuddin's vision and dedication to social innovation have positioned her as a prominent figure in the field of social entrepreneurship. Through her leadership and the success of Goats for Water, she is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers, improving access to clean water and sustainable energy, and creating a positive ripple effect in communities worldwide.

Fariel Salahuddin is a highly accomplished and visionary entrepreneur, known for her impactful work in the field of social entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of UpTrade (Goats for Water), a pioneering social enterprise that empowers smallholder livestock farmers worldwide to utilize their livestock as currency for acquiring solar water pumps and solar home lighting systems. Fariel's innovative approach has garnered international acclaim and recognition.

Under Fariel's leadership, UpTrade (Goats for Water) has revolutionized the way off-grid rural communities access essential resources like water, energy, and markets. By leveraging the existing assets of impoverished communities, such as goats, UpTrade enables them to trade their livestock for solar-powered solutions that improve their quality of life. This innovative barter system has not only provided vital resources to underserved populations but has also fostered economic growth and sustainability.

Fariel's inspiring work has been featured in prominent media outlets, including the BBC's 'People Changing the World' program and Inc. Magazine. Her dedication and commitment to social change have earned her recognition as a finalist for the Cartier Women's Initiative in 2019, further highlighting her impact and influence in the entrepreneurial world.

Before establishing Goats for Water, Fariel gained extensive experience working with esteemed organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In her role as an energy specialist, she advised governments in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nepal on energy policies and reforms. Fariel's expertise and insights have played a crucial role in shaping energy strategies and promoting sustainable development in these countries.

Fariel Salahuddin is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an esteemed speaker on social entrepreneurship and personal growth. Her passion for bringing about positive change in underserved populations through entrepreneurial endeavours is evident in her work and advocacy.

In addition to her role at UpTrade (Goats for Water), Fariel holds positions of leadership and influence in various organizations. She serves as a Fellow at Summit, an organization that brings together individuals from around the world working towards social impact. Fariel is also a member of the Board of Directors for JS Investments and an independent director for JSIL, where she contributes her expertise to strategic decision-making and committee leadership.

Fariel Salahuddin's remarkable journey began with her academic pursuits. She pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on econometrics and quantitative economics from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. During her time at Columbia, Fariel also completed a Master of Public Administration program with a specialization in international finance. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Fariel has demonstrated exceptional skills in financial and statistical modelling endeavours, quantitative methods, international capital markets, investment strategies in developing economies, cost-benefit analysis, decision models, and emerging financial markets.

Fariel Salahuddin's story of resilience, innovation, and dedication to social impact continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide. Through her pioneering work at UpTrade (Goats for Water) and her influential roles in various organizations, she remains committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for underserved communities.

Fariel Salahuddin is a visionary leader with a clear and impactful vision for social change and sustainable development. Her work and experiences have shaped her vision, which centres around leveraging existing assets and resources to empower marginalized communities and address pressing societal challenges.

At the core of Fariel's vision is the belief that the best way to uplift and help impoverished communities is by recognizing and leveraging the assets they already possess. She believes in tapping into the potential of local communities, empowering them to become active participants in their own development. This approach fosters self-reliance, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Through her social enterprise, UpTrade (Goats for Water), Fariel has exemplified her vision in action. UpTrade enables off-grid rural communities to access water, energy, and markets by leveraging the assets they have, such as their livestock. By creating a barter system that allows community members to trade their goats for water, UpTrade addresses the water scarcity issue while simultaneously providing economic opportunities for the local population. Fariel's vision recognizes the untapped potential within communities and seeks to unlock it for the greater good.

Another aspect of Fariel's vision is the emphasis on impact and social change. Her involvement as a Fellow at Summit and the Cartier Women's Initiative demonstrates her commitment to connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations that are focused on creating positive change in the world. She believes in the power of collaboration and collective action to amplify impact and bring about meaningful transformation.

Furthermore, Fariel's vision extends to the realm of policy and systemic change. Her experiences as an energy consultant for organizations like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have exposed her to the complexities of the energy sector and the need for reforms to ensure sustainability and accessibility. She envisions a future where policy frameworks are designed to address issues like circular debt, power sector subsidies, and pricing reforms. By actively engaging with stakeholders and providing advisory support, Fariel aims to shape policies that promote renewable energy, improve financial sustainability, and address power shortages.