Yalda Hakim isn’t just another face on television. She’s a woman who has lived through war, displacement, and cultural change and somehow managed to turn all of it into strength. Known today as one of the most respected international journalists, Yalda’s story is one of grit, intellect, and fearless reporting. From her early life as a refugee to becoming a BBC World News presenter and documentary filmmaker, her journey is something that truly inspires anyone who believes in the power of storytelling.
Early Life & Age
Yalda Hakim was born on June 25, 1983, in Kabul, Afghanistan. That makes her 42 years old as of 2025. Her birth in Kabul came during one of the most unstable times in Afghanistan’s history the country was torn apart by conflict and political chaos. When Yalda was just a baby, her family fled Afghanistan to escape the Soviet invasion. It was a dangerous journey that marked the beginning of her life as a refugee.
The Hakim family first moved to Pakistan and then migrated to Australia when Yalda was around three years old. That move changed everything. Growing up in Sydney, she learned to balance two worlds her Afghan roots and the Western culture of her new home. It wasn’t always easy, but it shaped her into the strong, multilingual communicator she is today.
Education and Early Interests
Yalda attended Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney, where her teachers quickly noticed her intelligence and natural curiosity about the world. Even as a student, she was known for questioning things — never satisfied with surface answers. That curiosity eventually pushed her toward journalism.
She later studied at Macquarie University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media. She also completed a Diploma in Journalism at Macleay College, which gave her practical skills in reporting, writing, and producing stories for television. To top it off, she went on to study international relations and politics a decision that added depth to her understanding of global issues.
Yalda once said that growing up hearing stories about her homeland and watching how the world talked about Afghanistan made her want to tell stories from the other side the side of people actually living those experiences.
Career Beginnings
Her professional journey began in 2008, when she joined SBS World News Australia as a cadet journalist. But even before that, she had started her own community program called “Dateline” on SBS a documentary-style show that allowed her to travel and cover international stories. This was a big deal because it wasn’t just about sitting in a studio reading headlines. Yalda was out in the field, meeting people, learning their stories firsthand, and presenting news that had a real human touch.
Her early reports focused on regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Asia areas many journalists avoided at the time because of the risks. She stood out for her courage, her clear-eyed approach to sensitive subjects, and her empathy for people in crisis.
Joining BBC World News
In 2012, Yalda Hakim took a big step and joined BBC World News. This was a turning point in her career. Within a few years, she became one of the leading faces of the network, hosting programs such as “Impact with Yalda Hakim.”
Her work with the BBC has taken her all over the world from refugee camps in the Middle East to the frontlines of wars and political revolutions. She’s interviewed world leaders, activists, soldiers, and everyday citizens caught in conflict. But what really sets her apart is how she connects with people. There’s an honesty and warmth in her reporting you can tell she genuinely cares about the people she’s covering.
Some of her most memorable coverage includes:
- Reporting from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return in 2021, where she directly confronted Taliban spokesmen on live TV.
- Documentaries on child marriage and women’s rights in South Asia.
- Exclusive interviews about the Syrian refugee crisis.
- Coverage of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, where she brought both emotional and analytical depth to the situation.
Her calm and composed presence, even while discussing tragic or tense topics, earned her respect not only from viewers but from fellow journalists as well.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Yalda Hakim has received several honors and awards for her fearless journalism. These include recognition from the United Nations Media Peace Awards and nominations for Best News Coverage by international press organizations. Her work has also been featured in major outlets around the world, highlighting her as a voice of integrity in a time when journalism often struggles with bias and misinformation.
But beyond awards, her biggest achievement might be how she’s inspired a generation of young journalists especially women from immigrant and minority backgrounds to believe that their voice can matter on the global stage.
Personal Life
Yalda Hakim keeps her personal life quite private, but it’s known that she is married to Abdool Koreem, an aviation executive and former Royal Navy officer. The two share a close and supportive relationship, balancing their demanding careers with a strong sense of mutual respect.
Yalda often speaks about the influence of her Afghan heritage she’s proud of her roots and continues to support initiatives that empower Afghan women and refugees. Despite living most of her life abroad, she’s stayed deeply connected to Afghanistan, frequently returning to report on its people and their struggles.
Net Worth and Salary
While Yalda Hakim hasn’t publicly disclosed her income, it’s estimated that her net worth ranges between $1 million and $3 million (USD) as of 2025. Most of her earnings come from her work as a broadcast journalist and documentary filmmaker, as well as speaking engagements at universities and global forums.
It’s not just about money for her, though. What’s impressive about Yalda is that she’s managed to build a respected career in one of the toughest industries while maintaining authenticity and compassion something that’s rare in the world of international news.
Humanitarian Work and Advocacy
Outside of journalism, Yalda is actively involved in humanitarian causes. She’s a vocal advocate for education for girls in Afghanistan, and she works closely with organizations that support refugees and displaced families. Having lived through displacement herself, she understands the emotional and psychological toll it takes.
In several of her interviews and speeches, Yalda has talked about the importance of giving refugees not just shelter but also dignity a chance to rebuild their lives with hope. That empathy is what makes her stand out as more than just a reporter. She’s someone who bridges worlds, bringing humanity into headlines that might otherwise feel distant.
Personality and Work Ethic
Anyone who’s followed Yalda Hakim’s work knows she brings a unique blend of toughness and grace. She’s calm under pressure, but she doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions. Her ability to switch between compassion and firmness especially during live interviews with powerful political figures is remarkable.
Her presence on-screen is commanding, but not intimidating. Viewers trust her because she doesn’t sensationalize; she informs. Whether it’s a breaking story about global conflict or a heartfelt documentary about education, she delivers it with clarity and emotion.
Legacy and Influence
Yalda Hakim represents something much bigger than just journalism. She’s part of a new wave of global storytellers who bring authenticity and lived experience to their work. For Afghan communities around the world, she’s become a symbol of hope proof that no matter where you start, determination and education can take you anywhere.
She’s also a reminder of what journalism can be when it’s done right truthful, empathetic, and brave. In a media world often criticized for being biased or disconnected, Yalda’s work stands as a quiet but powerful example of integrity.
Final Thoughts
From fleeing Afghanistan as a child to becoming one of the BBC’s most trusted journalists, Yalda Hakim’s story is both emotional and inspiring. She’s a living example of how resilience, education, and empathy can change not just your own life, but the way the world understands others.
At 42, she’s achieved what many can only dream of but if her past is any clue, her story is still unfolding. Whether she’s reporting from the frontlines or anchoring the news from London, Yalda continues to remind us that truth-telling still matters and that one person’s courage really can make a difference.
