Asif Ali Zardari, the current President of Pakistan, is a prominent political figure and advocate for climate change action. Serving as President from 2008 to 2013 and returning to office in 2024, Zardari has consistently supported initiatives to tackle environmental challenges. He plays a key role in promoting Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate change, and advocating for global cooperation at international forums. Zardari’s leadership is pivotal as Pakistan hosts the climate change conference, where he emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions and resilience against climate impacts.

Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the seasoned Pakistani politician, widely recognized for his dedication to infrastructure development and public welfare.
He has also served as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Throughout his career, he has been a strong proponent of sustainable growth, initiating several green energy and urban development projects to combat environmental challenges. Under his leadership, efforts were made to address Pakistan’s growing energy demands through renewable resources, reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability. Mr Sharif’s forward-thinking policies and advocacy for international collaboration position him as a key voice in addressing the global climate crisis and fostering a resilient future for Pakistan.

Mohamed Yahya, with over 20 years of experience in development and peacebuilding, was previously the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, overseeing one of the largest country portfolios in Africa, with a presence in five out of six
geopolitical zones. Prior to this, he served as the Coordinator for the Africa Regional Programme at UNDP in Addis Ababa, managing regional development initiatives for the African Union and Africa’s Regional Economic Communities. Yahya has also held roles as a post-conflict recovery specialist in Afghanistan and Liberia, and as coordinator for a UN joint initiative on natural resource management. Before joining the UN, he was a senior peacebuilding advisor for International Alert. Mr. Yahya holds a Master’s in Violence, Conflict and Development and a bachelor’s in Politics and History from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister of Punjab and a dynamic political leader dedicated to progressive governance and
public welfare. Known for her vision of a sustainable and prosperous Punjab, she has initiated numerous projects to combat environmental degradation and promote green urban development. Her emphasis on empowering communities through education, technology, and clean energy solutions underscores her commitment to addressing the dual challenges of climate change and socio-economic development in the province.

Ali Amin Gandapur, serving as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a dedicated proponent of environmental conservation and regional development. Known for his focus on eco-tourism and forest preservation, he has championed reforestation efforts like the Billion Tree Tsunami project, enhancing the province’s natural resilience to climate change. Gandapur’s vision emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of economic growth and environmental stewardship, making him a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s climate action framework.

Samuel Rizk is the UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan since July 2023. Prior to this, he was Head of Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding & Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) at the UNDP Crisis Bureau in New York. He has also managed the UNDP/RBAS Sub-Regional Response Facility in Amman, supporting the regional response to the Syrian crisis. Samuel served as UNDP Country Director in Syria (2015-2017) and Senior Programme Advisor for the Regional Bureau for Arab States in New York. Additionally, he served as a Peace and Development Advisor in Sudan and a Conflict Prevention Advisor in Yemen for the UN System. Samuel holds a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, an MA in Middle East Studies from the American University in Cairo, and a BA in Political Science from Hanover College.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, a Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, is widely respected for his progressive approach to jurisprudence and his commitment to environmental justice.
Known for his landmark judgments on environmental and climate issues, Justice Shah has played a pivotal role in advancing environmental law in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.
His dedication to upholding constitutional rights and fostering legal frameworks for climate resilience highlights his significant contribution to addressing environmental challenges through the judiciary.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb serves as Pakistan’s Federal Finance and Revenue Minister.  An experienced banker and economist, he is responsible for formulating and implementing the country’s fiscal policies. Aurangzeb focuses on economic stabilization, revenue generation, and fostering sustainable economic growth through various reforms and initiatives.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar is a distinguished Pakistani banker and former finance minister, renowned for her leadership roles in both national and international financial institutions. She served as the 14th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Dr. Akhtar has also been the Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Her extensive experience in economic policy and financial governance positions her as a valuable contributor to discussions on sustainable development and climate finance.

Salim Raza, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, is a seasoned financial expert with over 30 years of experience in international banking. He has played a key role in shaping Pakistan’s financial policies and promoting economic development. With expertise in financial inclusion and sustainable development,
Raza has contributed to discussions on financing climate action and green investments.

Valerie Hickey assumed the role of Global Director for Climate Change at the World Bank in December 2024, where she leads the institution’s climate resilience, mitigation, and finance initiatives across its global development programs. Previously, Valerie served as Global Director for Environment for 2.5 years, leveraging the Bank’s resources to position nature as a key driver of job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Ali Cheema is the Vice Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), a leading institution in Pakistan.
An economist by training, he has been instrumental in promoting
research and education on sustainable development and climate change at LUMS.

Senator Sherry Rehman is Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in Senate, Chair of the Climate and Environment Caucus of the Senate of Pakistan, former Federal Minister for Climate Change, and the Vice-President of Pakistan Peoples Pakistan. Sherry Rehman was ranked among the 100 Most Influential People of 2023 by TIME magazine and named among 25 Most Influential Women of 2022 by the Financial Times.

Dr. Ijaz Nabi is a Professor of Economics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and serves as the Country Director for the Pakistan International Growth Centre. His research focuses on economic development, governance, and policy analysis. Dr. Nabi’s expertise in economic policy and development strategies plays a crucial role in understanding the economic dimensions of climate change and sustainable development.

Kanak Mani Dixit is a renowned Nepali journalist, publisher,
and civil rights activist. He is the founder of Himal Southasian, a magazine that focuses on regional issues, including environmental concerns. Dixit has been a strong advocate for sustainable development and has actively contributed to discussions on the impacts of climate change in the South Asian context.

Ms. Tsering has over 33 years of experience in national government and intergovernmental organizations, holding management and leadership roles with the United Nations. She has been a key negotiator for least-developed countries and contributed to the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, the Least Developed Countries Fund, and the Green Climate Fund. She also has extensive experience managing complex development projects. In 2017, Ms. Tsering became UNEP’s Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific. Previously, she served as Director of the Finance, Technology and Capacity-Building Programme at the UNFCCC, supporting international cooperation on finance, technology transfer, and capacity building for climate action.

Indrika Ratwatte brings over 30 years of experience in humanitarian affairs and protection in complex and crisis settings, including over 14 years of working on Afghanistan and regional issues.
He started his career with the United Nations in 1992, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and continued his career with the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1993. His most recent positions have included Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, where he previously also served as Deputy and UNHCR Representative in Pakistan. He served with UNHCR as Deputy Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania and Pakistan, along with prior assignments in Thailand, Croatia, China, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Ratwatte holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, United States, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is also an attorney-at-law from Sri Lanka Law College.

Romina Khurshid Alam is a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and currently serves as the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
She has been actively involved in legislative efforts aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in Pakistan. Her role in coordinating climate change initiatives highlights her strong commitment to environmental advocacy and policy development.

Sonam Wangchuk, born in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, J&K, India, is a Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the field of education reform. In 1988, he founded SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) with the aim of supporting Ladakhi children and youth in educationally challenging times. In 1994, he was instrumental in the launch of Operation New Hope, which involved the formation of Village Education Committees to take ownership of state schools, training teachers in child-friendly methods, and re-writing and publishing localized textbooks for Ladakh. To address the water crisis facing mountain regions due to climate change and rapidly melting glaciers, he invented the Ice Stupa artificial glacier, which stores unused
stream water in winter as giant ice cones or stupas, gradually releasing the water in late spring, when farmers need it most.

Aisha Khan is a prominent environmental activist and the founder of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change in Pakistan.
She has been a leading voice in advocating for climate action,
environmental justice, and sustainable development policies in Pakistan. Khan’s efforts focus on mobilizing civil society and influencing policy decisions related to climate change.

Marriyum Aurangzeb is a prominent Pakistani politician currently serving as Senior Minister in the Government of Punjab. Ms. Aurangzeb has previously held the portfolio of the federal information and broadcasting ministry while being a member of the National Assembly. She has been an advocate for transparency, and sustainable development. Ms. Aurangzeb has played a key role in promoting climate change awareness and environmental policies
through her position, leveraging media platforms to spread information on climate action.

Sunita Narain is a Delhi-based environmentalist and author, currently serving as the Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment and Editor of the biweekly magazine Down To Earth.
Narain actively contributes to policy formulation on environmental and development issues both in India and globally. She has co-authored influential publications on the environment and led campaigns on climate change, air pollution control, community water management, food safety, and toxins, among others. Narain was a member of the Indian Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change and has been honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. In 2005, she received the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for her work on rainwater harvesting and community-based water management. In 2016, she was included in TIME magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in the world.

Dawar Butt is a Pakistani environmental researcher and activist specializing in urban sustainability and environmental policy. He has conducted extensive research on air quality, waste management, and the environmental impacts of urbanization in Pakistan. Butt’s advocacy promotes evidence-based policy-making and public awareness to address environmental challenges and foster sustainable urban development.

A national of Malawi, Ellen brings over 30 years of experience in public health, having held leadership roles across WHO’s AFRO and EMRO Regions. Her expertise encompasses Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and HIV prevention and control. Ellen joined WHO Pakistan in 2019 to lead the Director-General’s flagship program on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Over the past five years, she has gained in-depth knowledge of Pakistan’s public health landscape and challenges. She also provided strong leadership as an Acting WHO Representative during the leadership transition in WHO CO Pakistan in late 2023 and early 2024. Ellen’s career began in Malawi, where she worked with government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies at both sub-national and national levels. She also served in WHO’s AFRO sub-regional office in Harare, Zimbabwe, overseeing 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Ellen holds a Master’s Degree in International Health from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad, Pakistan. He is an economist specializing in sustainable development and climate change policy. Dr. Suleri has been actively involved in research and advocacy on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies in Pakistan.

Harjeet Singh is an expert in advancing just transitions, strengthening adaptation and resilience programs, and addressing the impacts of climate change and migration. He currently serves as the Global Engagement Director at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and is the Founding Director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation. Additionally, Harjeet is a member of the United Nations’ Technical Expert Group on Comprehensive Risk Management, established under the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage. He has authored and overseen numerous publications on climate justice and disaster resilience.

Senator Dr. Musadik Malik is a Pakistani politician currently serving as the Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) and Water Resources in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration.
Dr. Malik’s political journey was marked by his service in the cabinets of four Prime Ministers. He held pivotal positions such as Federal Minister for Water and Power, Minister of State for Energy, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy. Notably, he also served as the official spokesperson and media advisor for two consecutive Prime Ministers. Over the years, Dr. Malik has chaired the boards of multibillion-dollar national energy corporations, such as Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan LNG Company Ltd (PLL), and LESCO (power utility company).

Rakshya R Thapa is the Regional Adviser for Climate and Environment at the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, where she leads Climate and Environment programming and provides support to eight country offices in the region. Rakshya has previously worked with UNICEF New York, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, the Asian Development Bank in Manila, and a private consulting firm in the UK, with over 20 years of experience.

Ahsan Iqbal is the Federal Minister for Planning and Development in Pakistan. He has been involved in formulating and implementing national development plans, including those addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation. Iqbal’s work aims to integrate climate considerations into Pakistan’s development strategies.

Catherine Weibel is the Director of the United Nations Information Centre. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, she has led successful advocacy and communications campaigns within the United Nations system and international non-governmental organizations. Since June 2018, Ms. Weibel served as the Chief of Advocacy and Communication for UNICEF in Pakistan. Prior to that, she was the Chief of Communication for UNICEF in the State of Palestine (East Jerusalem). She has also worked with Oxfam International and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kenya, Somalia, and New York. Ms. Weibel began her career as a journalist in France and Egypt. She holds a Master’s degree in international relations and journalism from the Institut d’Etudes politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and the Centre de formation des Journalistes (CFJ) in Paris.

Aban Marker Kabraji is the Senior Regional Advisor for Climate and Environment to the Regional Director of UNEP Asia-Pacific, effective October 2024. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor for Climate Change and Biodiversity at the UN Development Coordination Office
forAsia-Pacific (UNDCO), focusing on Thailand, Pakistan, Samoa, and Fiji. She also advised RCs on key partnerships and led the “One UN” approach in Pakistan, addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis, culminating in the development of the Living Indus Programme under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change. She led nearly 300 organizations in over 70 environmental initiatives. With 40+ years of experience, Ms. Kabraji is a leader in development, conservation, gender, culture, and sovereignty, and has extensive experience in conflict resolution. In 2018, she received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz Pakistan Civil Award for her contributions to conservation and international diplomacy.

Before she was appointed FAO Representative in Pakistan,
Ms Florence Rolle was the FAO Representative in Morocco from 2018 to 2021 and in Malawi from 2013 to 2018. Ms. Rolle possesses French nationality. She holds a Masters in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Policy from Wye College in London, United Kingdom, and graduated as an Agricultural Engineer from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon in Paris, France. She also holds an equivalent Masters in water and forest engineering from the National School of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests in Paris, France.

Abdullah Fadil serves as the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Pakistan. With extensive experience in child rights and development, he oversees UNICEF’s programs in Pakistan, focusing on education, health, and protection for children. Mr. Fadil has been actively involved in initiatives addressing the impacts of climate change on children, advocating for policies that ensure their well-being and resilience.

Najy Benhassine has been serving as the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan since August 1, 2020. Prior to this role, he held positions including Regional Director for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions in the Middle East and North Africa, and Director for the Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation Global Practice. Since joining the World Bank in 2001, Mr. Benhassine has worked extensively on economic development, finance, private sector development, and impact evaluations. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Under his leadership, the World Bank has continued its support for Pakistan’s development initiatives, including the approval of a $1 billion loan for the Dasu hydropower project in June 2024, aimed at expanding the country’s hydropower electricity supply and improving access to local communities.

Muneer Kamal is the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA). A veteran banker, he was appointed to this role in March 2024. Mr. Kamal oversees the association’s efforts to represent and advocate for the banking sector in Pakistan, focusing on financial stability, regulatory compliance, and industry development.

Syed Babar Ali is a distinguished Pakistani businessman and philanthropist, known for founding the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and serving as its Pro-Chancellor.
He has also been the President of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, demonstrating his commitment to environmental conservation and education. Mr. Ali’s contributions have significantly impacted higher education and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.

Amir Paracha is the Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Pakistan Limited, a leading multinational consumer goods company.
He began his career with Unilever in 2000 and has held various
marketing and sales leadership positions. Under his leadership, Unilever Pakistan has focused on sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Fakhar Ahmed has served as the Chief Corporate & Regulatory Officer at Jazz since January 2020 and is also the Chairman Board of Directors PMD Guaranteed Ltd.
With over 25 years of experience in industries such as Energy, FMCG, Finance, and International Development Sectors. He has held senior roles including Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at K-Electric, and CXO level roles at Nestle. His career spans Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, where he has expertise in Business Development, regulatory, IR, Communications, organizational transformations, mergers and acquisitions. Fakhar is known for multiple skills both in the business sector and International Development, particularly for climate change and rural development. He has developed internationally reckoned projects on environment and rural development during his former work at AKDN. He holds an MBA in Marketing and an MA in Political Science. He is a member of the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK).

Shahzain Munir is the Executive Director at English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), where he leads strategic business units and critical decisions related to business development, growth,
and expansion. As the third generation in the EBM family, he has over 13 years of experience in brand building and development. A graduate of George Washington University, Shahzain spearheaded the launch of brands like Cake Up, Sooper Extensions, Chocolicious, Choco Lava, and Smile. Under his guidance, EBM won Pakistan’s first Cannes Gold Glass Lion for the “Schoolgirl Newscasters” campaign, promoting gender equality and quality education for girls. Shahzain’s visionary approach drives EBM’s growth, keeping it at the industry forefront.

Zafar Masud is the President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, a prominent financial institution in Pakistan. An international banker and entrepreneur, he has held senior positions in multinational banks across Pakistan and abroad. Mr. Masood has been involved in various financial reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the banking sector’s efficiency and resilience.

Danish Khaliq is a seasoned professional currently spearheading the Sales and Strategy for Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited (local partner of BYD – the world’s largest New Energy Vehicle company). He has over 18 years of experience in management consulting, project development and corporate strategy in the public and private sectors. He has previously worked with the Canadian government, multilateral agencies such as USAID, ADB and the World Bank as well as large multinational entities across North America and South Asia. His expertise spans multiple industries including energy, power, clean tech and commodity trading. Danish holds a Master’s in Operations Research from Columbia University, USA an MBA from Ivey Business School, Canada and a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Nabila Yazdani, Head of Strategy, Communication & Sustainability at Zong CMPAK, brings 27+ years of expertise in Pakistan’s telecom sector. She specializes in corporate strategy, digital transformation, and customer experience, with a strong background in business process re-engineering, policy development, and large-scale project execution. Nabila has led key initiatives, including launching customer service centers, digital platforms, and self-service channels while driving e-commerce, corporate governance, and service profitability models. Her contributions have earned her multiple awards, including Outstanding Performer at China Mobile Pakistan (2021) and recognition as a keynote speaker at global telecom forums. A visionary leader, she excels in strategy, innovation, and sustainable business growth.

Atif Aslam Bajwa is the President and CEO of Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s leading private banks. With an extensive international career spanning over 40 years, he has held numerous senior positions in large local and multinational banks. Mr. Bajwa’s leadership focuses on financial innovation, customer service excellence, and sustainable banking practices.

Zeeshan Sheikh is the Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, a role he has held since May 2022. With extensive experience in public-private partnerships and infrastructure investments across the Middle East and frontier markets, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Zeeshan joined IFC in 2010 after a career in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity in London. He holds an honors degree in corporate finance and accounting from the University of Leeds and is a qualified chartered accountant from PWC London.

Jo Moir is a British diplomat and development professional with over 20 years of experience working for the UK Government at home and overseas. Jo is currently Development Director for the British High Commission in Islamabad, where she oversees the UK Government’s development partnership and portfolio of investments with Pakistan. Prior to this, Jo was FCDO’s Deputy Director for Human Development during the COVID pandemic, leading a range of global health policies and programmes, including on health systems, nutrition, climate and health and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Sobiah Becker serves as an Advisor for the Pak-German Climate & Energy Partnership at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. In this role, she emphasizes the economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, particularly advocating for investments in green hydrogen within Pakistan’s industrial sector. Ms. Becker underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach involving both public and private sectors to achieve Pakistan’s climate objectives, highlighting the necessity for policy coherence between national and subnational levels. Her extensive experience includes managing the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean project with the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative and developing a Disaster Risk Insurance Framework for Pakistan. Ms. Becker’s work focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk financing, and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Andrew Bailey serves as the Managing Director for BASF in Pakistan, a leading global chemical company. He assumed this role on February 1, 2023, bringing over 15 years of experience within BASF. Under his leadership, BASF continues to provide innovative solutions across key business sectors in Pakistan, including agriculture, health, and packaging.

Khalid Mehmood Shaikh is currently the CEO of Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF), Mr. Khalid oversees the world’s largest housing initiative, which is constructing 2.1 million resilient houses for flood-affected communities. Under his leadership, SPHF addresses housing needs while empowering 2.1 million beneficiaries with land titles, including 800,000 titles for women, supported by a comprehensive digital drone survey to ensure transparency and accuracy in land mapping. Previously, as Director General of the Public-Private Partnership Unit in the Government of Sindh, Mr. Khalid played a pivotal role in driving transformative PPP projects. He worked with global institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish a PPP project risk-evaluation company and spearheaded the development of legislative, institutional, and legal frameworks for PPPs in Sindh.

Abdul Sattar Babar, CEO and MD of Ipsos Pakistan, is a seasoned speaker at local and international forums with 33+ years of expertise in strategic marketing, business intelligence, and consumer and social research.

Zaffar Abbas is the editor of Dawn, Pakistan’s leading
English-language newspaper. Beginning his journalism career in 1981, he has held positions at The Star, the Herald, and the BBC World Service. Abbas is renowned for his commitment to press freedom and has been recognized for his courageous journalism, including receiving the CPJ International Press Freedom Award.

Emiliya Mychasuk is the FT’s climate editor. Previously, she was an executive editor based in New York, responsible for the FT online editorial operation in the Americas for a decade. Before joining the FT, she was a senior business journalist and editor in Australia, where she also co-hosted a weekly national TV business show.

Mushahid Hussain Syed is a Pakistani politician with a rich background in journalism. Born on November 2, 1952, in Sialkot, he holds a Master’s degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Hussain taught politics and international relations at Punjab University before transitioning to journalism in 1979. He later entered politics, serving as the country’s principal spokesman and Information Minister from 1997 to 1999.

Mahfuz Anam is the Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh’s leading English-language newspapers. Under his leadership, the publication has gained a reputation for independent journalism and in-depth reporting. Anam is known for his insightful editorials and commitment to press freedom, playing a pivotal role in shaping public discourse in Bangladesh.

Nirupama Subramanian is an independent journalist who writes on India’s foreign policy with a special focus on South Asia. She was earlier at The Indian Express and The Hindu. She was based in Islamabad as the foreign correspondent of The Hindu from 2006 to 2010.

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh is a prominent Pakistani climate change specialist and development expert, focusing on low-carbon and resilient development. He currently serves as a Senior Climate Change Advisor at the World Bank in Islamabad and is a member of Pakistan’s apex climate change body, the Pakistan Climate Change Council. In addition to his advisory roles, Mr. Sheikh contributes to various national and international platforms, including writing for publications where he discusses critical issues such as climate justice and regional climate risks. His extensive experience includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer of LEAD Pakistan, where he addressed the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities and advocated for sustainable development practices. Through his multifaceted roles, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh continues to influence climate policy and action in Pakistan and beyond.

Jane Marriott CMG OBE has served as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan since July 2023. Before this role, she was the British High Commissioner to Kenya
(2019–2023) and Ambassador to Yemen (2013–2015). Marriott joined the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001, following earlier roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office. Her previous positions include Director of the UK’s Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit, joint FCDO Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Ambassador to Sana’a, Yemen (2013–2015), Deputy and Acting Ambassador to Tehran, and adviser to the US Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke. She has also completed two postings in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Marriott was appointed OBE in 2004 for her services in Al Amara, Iraq, and CMG in 2023 for her contributions to foreign policy.

Karishma Ali, from District Chitral, is the founder of the Karishma Ali Foundation (KAF), a women-led organization promoting leadership, social change, and women’s empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities. She made history by pioneering a female football team, breaking barriers and promoting physical activities, art therapy, and awareness of climate change, women’s rights, and gender-based violence. In 2024, KAF launched the “Gamechangers for Climate Justice” initiative to educate young girls about climate change, featuring stories from Chitral’s climate-impacted communities. Karishma has earned numerous accolades, including Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2019), the “Tell Her Story” award (2020), the Pride of Pakistan Award (2022), and the Sports Positive Next Generation Trailblazer Award (2024). She is also a member of UN Women’s 30 for 2030.

Rizwana Hasan is a prominent environmental lawyer and activist in Bangladesh, serving as the Minister for Environment. She has been a leading figure in environmental litigation, focusing on air pollution, water management, and climate change adaptation. Ms. Hasan’s advocacy has been instrumental in shaping Bangladesh’s environmental policies and promoting sustainable development practices.

Tahira Abdullah is a renowned Pakistani human rights activist,
social scientist, and advocate for gender equality. With decades of experience, she has been at the forefront of campaigns promoting women’s rights, social justice, and democratic governance in Pakistan. Abdullah’s work encompasses grassroots activism, policy advocacy, and public education, striving to create an equitable society that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Nadia Jamil is a celebrated Pakistani actress, child activist, and wellness expert. Known for roles in “Dhoop Mein Sawan” and “Damsa,” she is a vocal advocate against child abuse, inspired by personal experiences. A cancer survivor, she overcame stage 1 breast cancer in 2021. Certified in NLP and hypnotherapy, she promotes mental health and holistic wellness. Nadia’s work in entertainment and activism has made her a beacon of resilience and inspiration.

Neha Mankani is a Pakistani midwife and public health specialist dedicated to maternal and neonatal care. Founder of the Mama Baby Fund, she has supported over 15,000 families, particularly during disasters like the 2022 Sindh floods. She focuses on the intersection of climate change and maternal health. Recognized as U.S. Mission Pakistan’s 2023 Woman of Courage and among BBC’s 100 Women in 2023, Neha holds a degree from LUMS and a master’s from Columbia University. An advocate for midwifery, she continues to champion accessible healthcare for underserved communities.

Hira Amjad is an award-winning gender, climate and peace leader from Pakistan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of DASTAK Women Rights and Awareness Foundation (DASTAK Foundation) and Cora Weiss Fellow at the Global Network for Women Peacebuilders. Her impactful work in humanitarian relief particularly during the 2022 floods in Pakistan received national and international recognition. Hira’s feminist climate justice advocacy aims to mobilize youth and women in climate action. In 2023, Hira’s DASTAK Foundation won the GenderJust Climate Solutions Award at COP 28 for the development of the Gender-inclusive Climate Action Toolkit advocating for gender-sensitive and inclusive climate policy.

Mr. Kazi possesses over 27 years of diverse field and senior management experience in the thematic areas of gender equality, democratic governance, parliamentary processes, environmental policy, programme management, public-private partnerships, and
development coordination with several UN agencies and the NGO sector based in Europe, East Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
He has previously served as UN Women’s Representative to Indonesia and Liaison to ASEAN; UNDP’s Director a.i. at the Oslo Governance Center in Norway; Practice Manager, Democratic Governance at UNDP Headquarters as well as Assistant Resident Representative for UNDP in Ethiopia and Lao PDR. A national of Bangladesh, Mr. Kazi holds Masters degrees in Public Administration; Development Studies; and Environmental Assessment and Evaluation, respectively, from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Kazim Saeed is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming Pakistan’s agriculture sector. With a background in policy and strategy, he has been instrumental in building new business models for agricultural growth in collaboration with Pakistan’s largest business groups and leading donors. Under his leadership, PAC has focused on initiatives such as crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from climate change impacts and promoting corporate sector investments to drive agricultural innovation and growth.

Fernanda Thomaz Da Rocha has served as the Representative and Country Director for the International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD) in Pakistan since September 2023. With over 18 years of experience in finance and development programme implementation, Ms. Thomaz previously worked as IFAD’s Senior Regional Technical Specialist in Rural Institutions and Farmers’ Organizations for Latin America and the Caribbean, where she led the design and technical assistance of investment projects. Ms. Thomaz has extensive expertise in the development of country strategies and the design and execution of poverty alleviation programmes in impoverished and climate-impacted regions.

Malik Amin Aslam is a Pakistani environmentalist and politician who has significantly contributed to the country’s environmental policies and initiatives. He served as the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, he led the “Billion Tree Tsunami” project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which successfully planted over a billion trees to combat deforestation and climate change. He also played a pivotal role in formulating Pakistan’s National Policies on environment and climate change. Internationally, Aslam has represented Pakistan in various climate change negotiations and has been involved with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its Global Vice President.

Taimur Malik is the founder of Drawdown Farm, a regenerative organic, biomimetic, no-till carbon farm located in Pakistan’s Thal desert. After serving as the interim CEO of a Pakistani textile mill during a weevil infestation that devastated the country’s cotton industry, he transitioned from a career on Wall Street to agriculture. At Drawdown Farm, Taimur has implemented various regenerative agriculture practices, including the establishment of one of Pakistan’s largest Johnson-Su composting facilities and vermicompost systems. His work focuses on transforming arid landscapes through sustainable farming techniques, aiming to address multiple crises such as climate change and food security.

Ayesha Khan is the Director of Acumen Pakistan, an organization dedicated to tackling poverty by investing in sustainable businesses, leaders, and ideas. She is also Emerging Markets & Climate Finance Specialist. With a background in public health and development,
she has been instrumental in driving social impact initiatives in Pakistan.

Mehreen Mujtaba, a leading expert in climate change and health, is the Director of Climate Change, Health, and Nutrition at MoNHSR&C, focusing on the impact of climate change on food systems, nutrition, and health. With over a decade of experience, she has collaborated with government, UN agencies, and civil society to promote the climate-health nexus and founded the Initiative of Climate and Nutrition in Pakistan. A member of the Global Alliance Breathe Life into Cities, she advocates for improving air quality worldwide.

Zunaira, aged 14, is from Hub, Balochistan. Zunaira is a remarkable activist and advocate on climate issues specifically in Balochistan.
She is one of the winners of UNICEF’s Policy Research Challenge
(PRC) grants and is a Youth Advocacy Guide Champion. Her research under PRC focused on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on secondary girls’ education in Hub, Balochistan. She represented Pakistan at COP 29 as UNICEF’s young advocate..

Zubaida Jalal Khan is a Pakistani politician and educator who
served as the Federal Minister of Education from 2002 to 2007.
She has been a prominent advocate for women’s education and
empowerment in Pakistan, initiating various reforms to improve access to education in rural and underprivileged areas. Jalal’s efforts have significantly contributed to the advancement of gender equality in the educational sector, promoting inclusive policies that address the needs of marginalized communities.

Baela Raza Jamil is the CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) Centre for Education and Consciousness. She is also the founder of the Children’s and Teachers’ Literature
Festivals in Pakistan, which has evolved into a social movement known as the Pakistan Learning Festival. Baela Jamil is the sole Pakistani finalist shortlisted for the World Education Medals, recognising her remarkable educational contributions. As a public policy advocate, Baela champions the right to education (Article 25A), ECCE, girls’ education and empowerment, and public-private partnerships. She leads the Learning initiative of ASER Pakistan and the foundational learning program Chalo Parho Barho (CPB)/Teaching at the Right Level (TARL). Baela represents Pakistan as an advisor and board member for education and learning innovations at national and global levels.

Gulmina Bilal is a prominent figure known for her leadership role in the field of education and skill development in Pakistan. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the National Vocational
and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), an important governmental body focused on enhancing vocational education and training (TVET) in Pakistan. Her role at NAVTTC involves overseeing various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of technical education and vocational training in the country, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce. Gulmina Bilal has a background in leadership and has been involved in various developmental and educational projects throughout her career.

Anab Mahmood is a distinguished academic and corporate consultant specializing in sustainable development. With over a decade of experience in the educational and social not-for-profit sectors, she brings extensive expertise to her work. She divides her professional time between academics and the Shaff Foundation, where she heads operations and project management. Anab has also successfully led the integration of sustainability courses at some of Karachi’s leading institutions, incorporating innovative financial tools for impact investment and advancing environmental, social,
and governance (ESG) objectives.