Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth Initiative at the United Nations Environment Programme leading the organization’s efforts in inspiring, empowering and informing faith and religious leaders and organizations on working towards a better future for the people and healthier planet.
Thirty-eight years of progressive international experience in providing policy advisory services and management of teams and programmes at the global, regional, and national levels. Expertise in sustainable development, strategic planning, interfaith collaboration, knowledge management and innovation, mainstreaming environment into national planning and management of environmental resources through working in research institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. Doctorate degree in engineering with focus on environmental management.
Authored several papers and chapter of books on religion and the environment, role of ethics, values and spirituality in environmental governance and participated as a keynote speaker in hundreds of religion and ecology webinars, conferences, and international meetings. Leader of several initiatives such as Faith and Ecosystems and Faith for Stockholm +50. Designer and planner of the Global Faith for Earth Coalition establishing the Council of Eminent Faith Leaders, Council of Youth, Religions and Science Consortium and CEOs of FBOs Committee.
Previously, the Director and Regional Representative of UNEP for West Asia (2012-2017). Team Leader for the UNDP Arab States region on Knowledge Management and Innovation (2006-2012). The first Global Practice Manager of UNDP’s Environment and Energy Practice (2002-2006). Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP in Jordan (1997-2002). Vice-President of environmental Resources Management Consulting Firm (1993-1997). Research Associate at the Water and Environment Research Center at the University of Jordan (1984-1993).
Performed numerous consultancies with national and international organizations including the European Union (EU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), UN Environment Programme, and the World Bank. Consulted for renowned professional organizations such as the Harvard JFK School of Economics. Served as member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Resource and Environment Biotechnology. Founding member of the Arab Water Information Network (AWIN) and member of the Editorial Board of the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature Magazine.
Initiated innovative initiatives such as Debt Swap for Environment, and Environmental Philanthropists International Council (EPIC).
Graduated from the University of Bath in 1993 with a Doctorate Degree in Chemical Engineering. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Jordan in 1982. Outstanding Graduate of the Virtual Development Academy of Johns University in 2003.
