About
Welcome to my consulting practice
I am an international leader at the nexus of sustainability, digital technology, and governance, with more than 20 years of experience across 30+ countries. Over the course of my career, I have shaped four international instruments, built two global UN programmes, contributed to more than 30 UN policy reports, mobilized over USD 75 million in resources, and led multi-million-dollar initiatives that translate science and technological innovation into real-world environmental impact. Recognized for pioneering global public–private collaborations, I have co-created and led initiatives such as the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES), AI for the Planet, the UN Biodiversity Lab, Earth School, and the Environmental Peacebuilding Association (EnPax). These platforms have engaged governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia in advancing specific dimensions of sustainable development.
Digital Sustainability & AI
I specialize in harnessing digital technologies, AI, data infrastructures, and multistakeholder governance models to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. I founded and built UNEP’s global programme on Digital Transformation, established CODES under the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, and initiated the annual AI for the Planet conference. My work focuses on ensuring that AI and digital innovation advance sustainability, inclusion, accountability, and digital public goods.
Environmental Security and Peacebuilding
I am also one of the early architects and thought-leaders of the field of environmental peacebuilding, which seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts linked to natural resources while leveraging shared ecosystems as platforms for cooperation and trust-building. I co-founded the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, developed UNEP’s programme in this domain, and led assessments, policy dialogues, and capacity-building initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected countries. My contributions have informed UN Security Council deliberations, influenced national policies, and shaped global guidance and academic literature.
How I Work
I thrive in environments that demand radical collaboration, intellectual honesty, and integrity. I bring together diverse partners around shared purpose, helping them navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and strategic discipline. When I work with others, I ask that egos stay at the door — what matters are humanity, curiosity, humour, and a genuine willingness to collaborate for meaningful impact.
Professional Experience
Some of the highlights from my 20+ years of professional experience are listed below. You can also quickly jump to:
Regional Digital Transformation Coordinator
- Shaped regional contributions to UNEP’s Global Environmental Data Strategy, engaging U.S. government, tech sector, NGOs, and academia.
- Contributed to flagship reports including the UNCTAD Digital Economy Report (2024), UNEP’s Digital Technologies for Environmental Peacebuilding (2024), and Digital Public Infrastructure for Environmental Sustainability (2024).
- Explored technical partnerships with ESA, NASA, Sony, ISO, OGC, IEEE, Apple, Microsoft, and Google; coordinated grant proposals with Google and EU partners.
- Represented UNEP in 25+ international forums (WSIS+20, AI for Good, Global Digital Compact), embedding environmental priorities in digital governance.
- Developed UNEP Europe’s digital transformation strategy and produced UN guidance aligning digital and environmental goals.
- Contributed environmental content to the Global Digital Compact and the WSIS+20 process.
Global Digital Transformation Coordinator
- Represented UNEP in the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and on the Executive Committee in the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES).
- Coordinated and launched the CODES Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age.
- Published the monthly CODES newsletter reaching 16,250+ subscribers.
- Managed UNEP’s Digital Champions network of 500 staff and delivered 24 digital discovery sessions with 3,000+ participants.
- Established partnerships with Microsoft (Environment-GPT), Sony Play Station, the UN System Staff College, and GIZ.
- Advised on financing, impact reporting, and innovation priorities.
Head of the Digital Transformation Task Force
- Co-designed UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work for Digital Transformation.
- Conducted a digital readiness evaluation of UNEP and identified a roadmap for digital transformation and AI.
- Managed a US$2.5M budget of critical capacity investments and 25 members.
- Advised the Executive Director and Senior Management Team on Digital Transformation and AI priorities.
- Contributed to the UN Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and UN Roundtable on Digital Public Goods.
- Co-founded the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) together with UNDP, the International Science Council, Future Earth, and the Governments of Germany and Kenya.
- Launched AI for the Planet annual conference showcasing the best environmental applications of AI
- Co-led the development of Earth School with Ted-Ed providing 1 million students quests during COVID 19.
Head of Policy and Innovation, Crisis Management
- Co-designed UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work for Digital Transformation.
- Conducted a digital readiness evaluation of UNEP and identified a roadmap for digital transformation and AI.
- Managed a US$2.5M budget of critical capacity investments and 25 members.
- Advised the Executive Director and Senior Management Team on Digital Transformation and AI priorities.
- Contributed to the UN Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and UN Roundtable on Digital Public Goods.
- Co-founded the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) together with UNDP, the International Science Council, Future Earth, and the Governments of Germany and Kenya.
- Launched AI for the Planet annual conference showcasing the best environmental applications of AI
- Co-led the development of Earth School with Ted-Ed providing 1 million students quests during COVID 19.
Head of Environmental Cooperation for Peacebuilding
- Managed a global US$17M programme and expert team across 26 countries.
- Co-founded the Environmental Peacebuilding Association; delivered a MOOC (25,000+ participants).
- Co-authored 8 UN policy reports and 6 academic publications demonstrating thought leadership.
- Co-coordinated an international research programme involving 250 experts resulting in six books containing 150 research papers.
- Supported key UNEP Governing Council resolutions (Res.26/15).
- Supported UNEP's Executive Director presentation to the UN Security Council on Climate and Security resulting in Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2011/15).
- UNEP representative within the UN-EU Partnership on Land, Natural Resources and Conflict Prevention.
Policy and Planning Coordinator, Post-Conflict Branch
- Designed and reported against the annual work programme for the branch.
- Served on the Senior Management Team and contributed to raising US$50M+ for operations.
- Designed recovery programmes in 20+ countries.
- Supported key UNEP Governing Council resolution (Res.22/1/IV).
- Assisted the Office of the UN Secretary-General in drafting the annual statement on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
Afghanistan Project Coordinator, Post-Conflict Assessment Unit
- Led field missions to assess Afghanistan’s environmental impacts of conflict.
- Raised $5m for environmental recovery and helped to establish Afghanistan’s first National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA).
- Coordinated capacity building programme on the governance of the environment and natural resources.
- Contributed to drafting Afghanistan's first environmental law, using community-based natural resource management approaches.
- Produced documentary film on Afghanistan’s environmental challenges.
Environmental Expert
- Conducted environmental field missions in Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia to assess conflict-related pollution, damaged industrial sites, and risks to communities and ecosystems.
- Coordinated two flagship UN reports on the environmental consequences of the Balkan conflicts, providing the first comprehensive data and policy recommendations to guide regional recovery and remediation.
- Designed and secured funding for post-conflict clean-up and environmental rehabilitation programmes.
- Contributed to the development of methodologies for rapid environmental assessments in post-crisis settings.
- Supported stakeholder consultations with national authorities, UN agencies, and civil society to integrate environmental priorities into reconstruction plans.
Early Career Experience
- Project Manager, Aqua-Tex Scientific Consulting, Canada (1998–1999): Developed, testing and validated a photopoint monitoring system in protected areas and environmentally sensitive sites.
- Aquatic Research Assistant, Sagana Fish Culture Farm, Kenya (1997): Conducted cost-benefit analysis for maximizing field yields in integrated fish farming project.
- Technical Advisor, Government of Canada / Province of British Columbia (1993–1997): Supported research and policy development on forestry, environmental indicators, local resource management planning, and treaty negotiations with indigenous groups.
Formal Education
- University of Oxford: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology (1999–2000): Focus on biological conservation using advanced technologies including big data, earth observation and genetic sequencing. Published research results in Science.
- University of Victoria: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geography / Resource Management with a minor in Political Science (1992–1997): Natural resources management and policy design. Top GPA in Faculty of Science; Jubilee Medal.
Professional Training and Certifications
- Oxford & UNESCO: AI and Digital Transformation in Government (2025)
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative: Mastering Complex Negotiations with AI (2025)
- UN System Staff College: Evaluation Management (2025)
- Google Cloud: Generative AI Leadership Certification (2025)
- Stanford Executive Education: Digital Transformation and AI (2024)
- MIT Presencing Institute: Systems Transformation Leadership (2023)
- Channel Research: Monitoring & Evaluation for Complex Interventions (2014)
- Staff Development and Learning Section: Supervisory Skills Training (2013)
- UNITAR and UK Mission in Geneva: Negotiation Skills Training (2013)
- Staff Development and Learning Section: Collaborative Negotiation Skills (2013)
- Encompass: Management Development and Leadership Training (2010)
- Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Peace Mediation Training (2008)
- University of California, Berkeley: Environmental Leadership Programme (2007)
- Quality Assurance Section: Results-based Management and Human Rights (2007)
- Project Management Institute: Project Management Professional Certification (2005)
Board and Advisory Roles
- Member of the Advisory Committee, UN Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (2024-2025)
- Member of the Advisory Board, Climate Policy Radar (2023-2024)
- Member of Project Advisory Group, Toolkit on Monitoring and Evaluation of Environmental Peacebuilding (2022-2023)
- Member of the Advisory Board, Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (2021-2023)
- Member of the Board of Directors, Environmental Peacebuilding Association (2018-2022)
- Member of the Advisory Board, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform (2008-2012)
Awards
- UN Public Service Award (2023)
- Finalist for Air Pollution Note, UNEP Kipepeo Award (2023)
- Impactful Practice Award, Environmental Peacebuilding Association (2022)
- Collaborative Teams Award, Earth School, UNEP Kipepeo (2021)
- Finalist for Innovation Award, UN Biodiversity Lab, UN Secretary General’s Annual Awards (2018)
- Jubliee Medal, Highest Grade Point Average, Faculty of Science, University of Victoria (1997)