Bio

Passionate and results oriented advocate and change champion for transitioning to circular and regenerative economy in water-scarce regions. I have extensive experience spanning over 27 years in sustainability and resilience within the water-energy-food nexus. I have led the formulation and execution of acclaimed transformational Environment, Social, Governance programs that engaged stakeholders and mobilized community action to introduce novel approaches that built a demand management culture in the water, agricultural and energy sectors. Heavy focus on food and water security, advancing nature-based solutions, and food system transformation within a changing climate. Adoption of a regenerative and circular approach to food production has been a core principle. I enjoy training, mentoring, and developing programs that raise awareness, change behaviors and social norms, build skills, and create champions for change. Throughout my career, I facilitated the organization of major conferences, public dialogues and trainings that built the capacity of over 7000+ specialists. I also oversaw the design and delivery of several pioneer fellowships including the water journalist champions, religious leaders for water, teachers for sustainability, and leadership program for Arab women scientist. My work is referenced as case studies for best practices. I have also participated in several peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter on Future Food Systems. I am certified as an evaluator of development programs by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Currently I co-lead the global Food is Never Waste global coalition that emerged out of the UN Food System Summit; and I am on the General Board of United Cities. Prior engagements include: member of the European Commission's High-Level Expert Group to setup an International Platform for Food Systems Science; Chair of the Environment Working Group of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021; Executive Committee member of the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East. Expertise: Water-Food-Energy-Climate Change Nexus | Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation | Circular Food Systems | Food and Water Security | Food Loss and Waste | Leading & Managing Change | Strategy | Project Formulation and Evaluation | Advocacy | Building Alliances | Causes I deeply care about: food and nutrition security; climate change mitigation and Adaptation; net-zero; reducing waste and increasing circularity; women and youth empowerment.