Yalda Hakim: From Western Sydney to the Pinnacle of Global Journalism

From the dust of conflict to the bright lights of London’s global newsrooms, Yalda Hakim’s journey is a story of courage, resilience, and unwavering purpose. Born on June 26, 1983, in Kabul, Afghanistan,

Yalda Hakim’s early life was marked by upheaval.  At just six months old, her family fled the Soviet Afghan War, embarking on a perilous 12-day journey on horseback to Pakistan. After two years in Pakistan, they resettled in Australia in 1986, when Yalda was three years old. They settled in the multicultural heart of Western Sydney, a place that would shape the values, identity, and determination of one of the world’s most respected journalists. Growing up in Parramatta, Sydney, Hakim attended Parramatta West Public School and later Macarthur Girls High School, where she excelled academically and in extracurricular activities, serving as sports captain and prefect. She pursued higher education at Macquarie University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media from 2002 to 2004. In 2005, she obtained a Diploma in Journalism from Macleay College, Sydney, and later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism via distance education at Monash University from 2007 to 2009.

Fluent in multiple languages, including Dari, Pashto, Urdu, Hindi, and English, Hakim’s multicultural background enriches her reporting and connection with diverse audiences.

Hakim began her journalism career as a cadet at SBS’s World News Australia, eventually becoming a presenter for the program “Dateline.”  Determined to give voice to the voiceless, she pursued a career in journalism, earning her stripes first at SBS’s Dateline, then at the BBC – where she became the face of global current affairs. In 2012, she joined BBC World News as a presenter and correspondent, delivering hard-hitting journalism on global issues. She anchored the flagship program “Impact with Yalda Hakim” until 2023. In July 2023, Hakim transitioned to Sky News, where she currently serves as the Lead World News presenter.

Now a prominent presenter at Sky News UK, she is widely recognised for her fearless reporting from war zones, humanitarian crises, and political upheavals across the globe.

Beyond broadcasting, Hakim is the founder of the Yalda Hakim Foundation, which partners with the American University of Afghanistan to support the advancement of exceptional, often disadvantaged, young women in Afghanistan.

Hakim is married to Abed Rashid, an avionics engineer, and they have one son.

Growing up in Western Sydney, Yalda learned early what it meant to live between worlds, to carry the trauma of displacement while seeking hope in a new land.

But the road was not easy. Like many migrant families, hers faced the challenges of starting over – learning a new language, navigating new systems, and finding a sense of belonging. Yalda’s success is not just her own; it’s a testament to the strength of her family, community, and the power of education and opportunity in Australia.

Yet, no matter how far she has gone, Yalda Hakim has never forgotten where she came from. She continues to champion the stories of the displaced, the marginalised, and the misunderstood. Her journey from a refugee infant to a world-renowned journalist is not just inspirational, it is a powerful reminder of what is possible when humanity, hope, and hard work come together.

Today, Yalda Hakim stands at the pinnacle of global journalism, but her heart still beats with the strength and spirit of Western Sydney. Her journey from a refugee fleeing conflict to a prominent international journalist exemplifies resilience and dedication to truth-telling in journalism.

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