International Working Groups

The Working Group on Public Policy, Diplomacy, and Sustainability, under the auspices of the Global Ambassadors of Sustainability, is dedicated to advancing global sustainability through effective policy-making and diplomacy. The group will convene thought leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and experts to tackle the most pressing global challenges related to sustainable development. It aims to create actionable pathways for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bridging the gap between policy, diplomacy, and on-the-ground implementation.

Key Objectives:

1.Innovative Public Policy Frameworks: Develop and recommend inclusive, forward-thinking policies that integrate sustainability into national and global governance. 2.Diplomacy as a Catalyst for Sustainability: Explore how diplomatic efforts can drive multilateral cooperation, foster global partnerships, and ensure that sustainability is prioritized in international negotiations, agreements, and frameworks. 3.Collaborative Global Partnerships: Facilitate collaboration between governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to share resources, expertise, and technologies that address global sustainability challenges. 4.Leveraging Technology and Data for Sustainable Governance: Encourage the use of innovative technologies and data-driven solutions in policy-making to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the pursuit of the SDGs. 5.Conflict Resolution and Sustainable Peace: Examine how diplomacy can resolve conflicts that impede sustainable development, fostering peace and security in fragile regions while promoting human rights, resilience, and long-term stability.

Members:

Dr. Deina Abdelkader, Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies, Associate Professor, Political Science Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell-USA

I am comparativist focused on the Middle East region and the Muslim World. My training is in Comparative Democratization, Comparative Political Thought, and Peace and Conflict Studies. My specialty courses are Islam and Politics, Identity Politics in the Middle East, Women In Islam and Diplomacy and Cross Cultural Negotiations.

Dr Wesam Al Madhoun, Founder-Global Ambassadors of Sustainability

Dr. Al Madhoun is the Founder of a Global Non Profit Network and Think Tank “Global Ambassadors of Sustainability ” which has more than 13K Members from 130 countries. Dr Al Madhoun  holds A fellowship on Sustainable Cities at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)  and a PhD of Environmental Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
He has 20 years of working experience (teaching, training, research and consultancy), where he had assignments in Brunei, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palestine, South Korea and USA. He also was a Research Professor at University of Seoul, a visiting scholar at University of Windsor and he was a guest speaker at Harvard University, MIT and IIT.

Prof. Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Lamba, O. P. Jindal Global University, India.

With a career dedicated to the intersection of data analysis,econometrics and education, my role as a Professor and Associate Dean at O. P. Jindal Global University embodies my commitment to academic excellence and student development. Our team’s focus on econometrics has enabled us to provide robust educational programs that empower students with critical analytical skills.

In collaboration with colleagues, we’ve fostered an environment where economic research and statistical modeling are not just taught, but brought to life through practical application. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in enhancing the educational experience, thanks to our collective dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Ms. Michelle Thatcher, CEO at U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce-USA.

She is the CEO and Co-Founder of the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce (USGCC), where we give businesses the triple bottom line advantage. Helping both established and emerging companies, the USGCC improves operational efficiency, implements environmentally sustainable practices, and taps into unexplored markets and opportunities.

Dr. Eyad Yacoub Yacoub, an Assistant Professor at the Arab American University-Palestine.

During his previous 20 years of work, Eyad served for nine years as a Palestinian member in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations and Director of Research and Development Department the in Palestinian Water Authority. During the second half of his tenure, he served as a strategic advisor with the German Technical Agency (GIZ), and Research program coordinator with Austrian Aid Agency in favor of the Palestinian National Authority, and finally a local expert with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Eyad a certified regional trainer in integrity and transparency –water sector management- from the Swedish Agency for International Cooperation and the German Agency for Technical Assistance. Eyad Published several papers in international scientific journals about transboundary water conflict. Eyad Yacoub holds a PhD in Transboundary Water conflict and Management from the University of Cincinnati, USA. His concerns include education for sustainable community development and education to promote equality and human rights in a global context

Ms. Lailatul Zuraidah Hussain, Consultant at Niaga Compliance-Brunei

Lailatul Zuraidah Hussain is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in policy planning and international affairs within the realm of transport and infocommunications. Having served as the Former Director of Policy Planning and International at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Zuraidah has garnered extensive exposure to diverse portfolios including Infocomms, Transport, and Public Relations. With an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability, Zuraidah remains at the forefront of management, process, and technological innovations driving transformative change. Their passion for policy and strategy research, formulation, and analysis is matched only by their dedication to fostering stakeholder collaboration. 

Dr Evangelos Koutronas, Social Policy Economist at Westminster International University in Tashkent-Uzbekistan.

Research economist with expertise in social security and financial economics. Demonstrated publishable work in the areas of pension economics, labor economics, economics of terrorism, economics of natural disasters and game theory. Ability to work with theoretical and empirical economic models, manage databases, and present statistical information. Advanced knowledge in SPSS, Eviews, Matlab, and basic knowledge in STATA and SAS. I lived, studied and worked in the United States of America for 7 years and Malaysia for 8 years. I came back in the United States in 2019. While I was in Greece, I obtained an overall 10-year working experience with significant exposure to a wide variety of business fields such as accounting & finance, real estate, financial services, and IT and specialized in financial, business, and economic analysis.

Dr Nabila Riaz, Science Policy Analyst, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)-USA.

She is currently working at FASEB as a Science Policy Analyst and manage FASEB’s training and workforce portfolio. Dr Nabila interested in gender equity and STEM education policy in higher education, with a focus on career development for basic science trainees. Her scientific training is in Food Security and Climate Change. My PhD dissertation research focused on making edible plants more nutritious and resistant to climate change, with the goal of eventually assisting in establishing a sustainable food system that provides adequate nutrition to all.

Dr. Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, Warfare Specialist and Security & Political Analyst-Malaysia

Dr. Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin is a Fellow of Psychological Operations at Universiti Teknologi MARA’s Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies. His expertise encompasses public diplomacy, national security, and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Nirwandy has also strategically explored the role of public diplomacy in national security, emphasizing its importance in shaping international perceptions and fostering diplomatic relations.

Eng. Iqbal Hamad, Senior Technical Advisor for Food Water Systems, CARE USA- Based in Jordan

As a Senior Technical Advisor for Food Water Systems (FWS) at CARE in the MENA region, I provide leadership and support for agriculture and food systems programming across Country Offices (COs) in the region. Additionally, I co-lead the Community of Practice on Climate Justice, offering technical support to MENA COs. Iqbal is very interested in the HDP Nexus and she are working in developing a framework and best practices on HDP-N. I have held leadership roles in various INGOs and NGOs, serving as Head of Mission and Program Director. I hold two master’s degrees—one in Horticulture and Field Crops from the University of Jordan and another in Urban Management and Development with a focus on Sustainable Environment and Climate Change from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Additionally, I have a postgraduate diploma in Sustainable Local Economic Development and have completed various short courses from international institutions.

Dr Sara K. Phillips, Scientist, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), USA.

Sara is an interdisciplinary legal and policy specialist with extensive experience in extractive industry governance, climate change, environmental law, and international development research and practice. Her research bridges law, policy, and social science to address critical challenges in sustainable resource governance, business and human rights, international trade, and sustainable development. Previously, Sara was a Consultant and Doctoral Fellow with SEI Asia, where her work focused on mineral resource conflict, climate change adaptation and resilience, and climate litigation. Sara has held academic and consulting roles and led assessments on human rights, social justice, and environmental governance, focusing on equitable solutions in resource-rich countries. She regularly engages governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society in policy-relevant research related to resource governance, legal and regulatory frameworks, and dispute resolution.

Mr. Jayden Yoon, Senior Policy Researcher, The Asia Foundation- Thailand

Jayden Yoon is a seasoned professional with a strong commitment to regenerative development. With a diverse background in climate change, human rights, and military service, he brings a unique perspective to his research associate role. Jayden brings experience in inclusive and equitable aspects of regenerative development.

Previously, Jayden served as the Director of Strategic Planning at a Swiss Human Rights NGO, where he honed his skills in designing and implementing initiatives. His extensive experience in conducting counter-trafficking and modern slavery operations in nearly 20 countries has equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersectionality between social justice and sustainability.

Ms. Aznie Rahim, Climate Change Policy Expert, Malaysia

Exceptionally motivated and enthusiastic, with more than 18 years of experience in public service, focusing on climate change adaptation, policy formulation, and project execution. Proficient in merging scientific research with policy structures to create thorough adaptation plans. Demonstrated achievements in advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic planning.