Profile
I am an international leader in digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and multilateral diplomacy for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. With over 20 years of experience at UNEP and across the UN system, I have spearheaded innovative, data-driven solutions that leverage AI, digital technologies, and global partnerships to address climate change, natural resource governance, and biodiversity conservation.
Recognized for pioneering global public-private partnerships, 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). I have contributed to over 25 major UN field assessments and policy reports working across more than 30 countries.
I thrive in contexts that demand radical collaboration—brokering diverse partnerships to tackle complex environmental challenges through shared purpose and collective action. When I work with others, I ask that egos stay at the door; what matters are humanity, intellect, humor, and the willingness to collaborate for impact.
Domain Expertise
- Digital Sustainability and AI: Proven expertise in harnessing digital technologies, AI, data, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to address the triple planetary crisis—climate change, nature loss, and pollution. Founded and built UNEP’s global programme on Digital Transformation, established the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) & started the annual AI for the Planet conference.
- Environmental Peacebuilding: I helped establish the field of environmental peacebuilding which aims to prevent and resolve conflicts linked to natural resources, while leveraging shared ecosystems as entry points for cooperation and trust-building. I co-founded the Environmental Peacebuilding Association and pioneered UNEP's new work programme in this area. I led and contributed to UNEP’s policy and operational work on environmental assessments in fragile and conflict-affected countries, contributing to key UN resolutions, capacity building programmes, and flagship reports with lasting global and national impact.
Quick links
Skills
- Team leadership and strategy development
- Digital transformation and AI innovation
- Policy analysis and systems thinking
- International diplomacy and peacebuilding
- Project design, fundraising and resource mobilization
- Results-based management, monitoring and evaluation
- Public speaking and high-level representation
- Multi-stakeholder engagement and coalition building
- Public–private partnerships
- Knowledge product development and communication
- Thought leadership
- Natural resource governance
- Environmental assessment and restoration
Education
- MSc Biology, University of Oxford, UK (1999–2000) — Focus on biological conservation using advanced technologies including big data, earth observation and genetic sequencing. Published research results in Science.
- BSc Geography, University of Victoria, Canada (1992–1997) — Natural resources management and policy. Top GPA in Faculty of Science; Jubilee Medal.
Certifications and Training
- Harvard Executive Education (2025) — Mastering Complex Negotiations with AI.
- Google Cloud (2025) — Generative AI Leadership Certification.
- Stanford Executive Education (2024) — Digital Transformation and AI Playbook.
- UNDP / MIT Presencing Institute (2023) — Systems Transformation Leadership.
- Columbia University (2016) — Natural Resources for the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Channel Research (2014) — Monitoring and Evaluation for Complex Interventions.
- Encompass (2010) — Management Development and Leadership Training.
- Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2008) — Peace Mediation Training.
- University of California, Berkeley (2007) — Environmental Leadership Programme.