10 September
10:00 AM – 11:59 AM
U.S. Science Envoy, U.S. Department of State Peterson-Rader-Hawnn Professor William C. Boyle Professor of Environmental Engineering University of Wisconsin-Madison
U.S. Science Envoy, U.S. Department of State
Peterson-Rader-Hawnn Professor
William C. Boyle Professor of Environmental Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mayor, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)
Md Atiqul Islam, born on July 1, 1961, in Daudkandi, Comilla, is a distinguished public servant and accomplished leader. As the mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), he has spearheaded positive transformations in the city. With a background in successful entrepreneurship and founding Islam Group in the garment industry, Atiqul Islam brings a unique blend of business acumen and civic leadership to his role. His efforts have garnered electoral victories, reflecting the trust and support of the community he serves. His commitment to ethical practices and social welfare is evident in his work against child labor and his establishment of improved healthcare facilities for garment workers. His leadership and dedication have earned him accolades such as the Commercially Important Person (CIP) award and recognition from Walmart for entrepreneurial excellence.
Chargé d'Affaires, US Embassy Bangladesh
Helen LaFave is a distinguished diplomat who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh. With a rich background in international relations and diplomacy, LaFave plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Bangladesh. Her extensive experience in foreign affairs, combined with her diplomatic acumen, allows her to contribute effectively to the advancement of mutual interests, cooperation, and understanding between the two nations. LaFave's leadership and commitment to fostering diplomatic relationships underscore her role as a key figure in promoting shared values and addressing common challenges in the dynamic South Asian region.
Chief Executive, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA)
Syeda Rizwana Hasan is a prominent Bangladeshi attorney and dedicated environmentalist. With a profound commitment to safeguarding the environment, Hasan has become a leading voice in advocating for sustainable practices and conservation in Bangladesh and beyond. Armed with her legal expertise, she has been a driving force in litigations that aim to hold industries and authorities accountable for environmental violations and ecological damage. Her tireless efforts have not only earned her national and international recognition but have also resulted in significant policy changes and landmark decisions for the protection of natural resources. Hasan's remarkable dedication to environmental causes showcases her unwavering determination to create a greener and more sustainable future for her country and the world.
Project Coordinator, Environmental Health and WASH Health System and Population Studies Division, ICDDR'b
Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman is a dedicated and accomplished Project Coordinator at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). With a passion for healthcare and research, Rahman has been instrumental in overseeing and managing various projects aimed at advancing public health and addressing critical issues in his community. Drawing upon his expertise in project management and his commitment to making a positive impact, Rahman plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts, ensuring smooth project implementation, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. His contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and his proactive approach to tackling challenges in the field.
Executive Director, Nature Conservation Management
Dr. S.M. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Ph.D., is a distinguished environmental expert with over 35 years of experience in roles ranging from senior administration within the Bangladesh Civil Service to international leadership in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control. As the Executive Director at Nature Conservation Management, he continues to drive sustainable practices and environmental preservation. His career reflects a dedication to environmental stewardship and academic contributions, with more than 35 publications in his field.
Senior Urban Transport Specialist, World Bank
Catalina is a Senior Urban Transport Specialist at the World Bank. A Colombian national, Catalina recently rejoined the Bank after 4 years working in the technology sector. Catalina has worked for the Bank in Latin America, East Asia and now in Africa.
Her work at the Bank has ranged from supporting governments in structuring and implementing a National Urban Transport program, advising on transport subsidy reform, pioneering open data and big data initiatives in transport, leading the preparation of the first transport - climate change operational strategy for the Bank, working on logistics strategy in Latin America, designing an urban CDD program, and supporting transit reform and modernization across Africa and Latin America. Catalina leads the Bank’s work on geospatial platforms for transport and drones through the management of the African Drone Forum.
Catalina is very passionate about technology and the role it plays in transforming cities. This passion led her to leave the Bank and work for the private sector with technology companies like Amazon and then Uber. At Uber she was the General Regional Manager for the Andean Region, managing one of Uber's largest markets, during her tenure at Uber she was also Strategy Manager for Middle East and Africa, responsible for setting strategic direction and business plans for Uber’s hyper growth continents covering all the region from South Africa to Pakistan.
Catalina is a recognized voice in the transport community, and has co-authored and published a number of working papers/blogs on urban transport research (jobs accessibility, open data, big data, clean technology, logistics, disaster risk management and gender). Catalina is an engineer with a double Master in Urban Planning and Transport Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. She also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Catalina loves to do triathlons and now based in Tanzania is spending all her free time kitesurfing.
Deputy Executive Director, Shakti Foundation
Imran Ahmed is the Deputy Executive Director of Shakti Foundation. He is responsible for managing all programs of the organization including Microfinance, SME, Health and Climate Change. He also oversees the Training Department and leads the New Initiatives Unit, which is focused on providing better services & digital inclusion to Shakti's clients. He was previously a Vice President at comScore Inc., a premier Data analytics company based out of Washington DC USA, where he led Client Services and Product Leadership business units. Prior to joining comScore, Mr. Ahmed worked at mcKinsey & Company, where he focused on operations and strategy. Mr Ahmed earned his M.A in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University, USA and his BA in Mathematics from Bard College, USA.