Energy Transition Committee
Energy Transition Committee is a committee of the MENA2050 comprising experts from the MENA region and beyond, who bring valuable world-class energy and climate expertise. The ETS strongly advocates for the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the principles outlined in the MENA2050 Green Prosperity Manifesto. With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, the members of the ETS are committed to advancing the overarching MENA2050 goals.
Through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders including decision-makers, the private sector, academia, and civil society, the ETS endeavors to spearhead initiatives to facilitate energy transition and implement climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. The ETS seeks to drive impactful change by championing a comprehensive approach, fostering sustainable development throughout the MENA region.
Ariel Ezrahi, Chair
Germany Germany
Ariel Ezrahi, based in Berlin, is a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs where he is working on a range of regional projects and initiatives. Ezrahi is an energy and sustainability diplomacy expert who appears regularly in the media. Previously, he was the first director of energy at the Office of the Quartet where he shaped all energy aspects from conventional to renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives. Ezrahi was the architect of the Gas for Gaza project and chaired its task force since inception, where he worked closely with the project’s key international actors, on this cornerstone Palestinian project, in close cooperation with Israel. Ezrahi was the Energy Adviser to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Quartet Representative. Prior to that role, he worked for international law firms, in the corporate energy field, with an emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa region. He holds an M.Phil. in modern Middle Eastern studies from the University of Oxford (St. Antony’s College), an LLM in international law from Georgetown University, and an LLB from the University of Manchester.
Ariel Ezrahi, based in Berlin, is a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs where he is working on a range of regional projects and initiatives. Ezrahi is an energy and sustainability diplomacy expert who appears regularly in the media. Previously, he was the first director of energy at the Office of the Quartet where he shaped all energy aspects from conventional to renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives. Ezrahi was the architect of the Gas for Gaza project and chaired its task force since inception, where he worked closely with the project’s key international actors, on this cornerstone Palestinian project, in close cooperation with Israel. Ezrahi was the Energy Adviser to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Quartet Representative. Prior to that role, he worked for international law firms, in the corporate energy field, with an emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa region. He holds an M.Phil. in modern Middle Eastern studies from the University of Oxford (St. Antony’s College), an LLM in international law from Georgetown University, and an LLB from the University of Manchester.
Leehee Goldenberg
Israel Israel
Leehee is a lawyer and policy professional specializing in energy, infrastructure, climate change, carbon markets and resource governance. She began her legal career at the Israeli Ministry of Justice, working on UNCLOS, trade agreements and security issues, and currently works as the VP of Policy & Head of Legal at Oporto Carbon, helping companies navigate the voluntary carbon market. With 20 years of experience in policy and cross-sectoral collaboration, she has led successful partnerships and coalitions with government ministers, senior regulators, municipalities as well as civil society and the private sector. As a senior lawyer and litigator, in her previous position as Director of the Economic Department at the Israeli NGO Adam Teva V’Din, she led some of the most important environmental lawsuits of the last decade: successfully securing amendments to the government's road map for the offshore natural gas industry; preventing the expansion of the oil refinery in Haifa; limiting the industrial use of Dead Sea water and led to the approval of the National Energy Efficiency Plan. Israel She is an active member of the Indices Committee of the TA-125 Fossil Fuel Free Climate Index and Ecopeace’s MENA Regional
Leehee is a lawyer and policy professional specializing in energy, infrastructure, climate change, carbon markets and resource governance. She began her legal career at the Israeli Ministry of Justice, working on UNCLOS, trade agreements and security issues, and currently works as the VP of Policy & Head of Legal at Oporto Carbon, helping companies navigate the voluntary carbon market. With 20 years of experience in policy and cross-sectoral collaboration, she has led successful partnerships and coalitions with government ministers, senior regulators, municipalities as well as civil society and the private sector. As a senior lawyer and litigator, in her previous position as Director of the Economic Department at the Israeli NGO Adam Teva V’Din, she led some of the most important environmental lawsuits of the last decade: successfully securing amendments to the government's road map for the offshore natural gas industry; preventing the expansion of the oil refinery in Haifa; limiting the industrial use of Dead Sea water and led to the approval of the National Energy Efficiency Plan. Israel She is an active member of the Indices Committee of the TA-125 Fossil Fuel Free Climate Index and Ecopeace’s MENA Regional
Dr. Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Dr Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo is currently Senior Advisor Sahel and Power Africa at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Prior to this position he was the Minister of Energy and Mine of Burkina Faso for about 4 years.
He successfully implemented about 200MW solar projects in Burkina including solar pumping and irrigation for about 100 villages to support farmers in agriculture. He doubled electricity access to the population when he was in office using extensive solar energy for rural area. He is a PhD in Economics of Renewable Energy and Climate Change of the University of Manchester where he also conducted several researches on the financial impact of renewable energy for developing countries. He also has a Master in Public Finance from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Dr Bachir previous professional experience includes the position of Coordinator of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship Support Facility. That facility aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the Ecowas region to develop their business in the renewable energy sector and support them to have bankable project that will meet the requirements of the investors. He is the founder and CEO of
Dr Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo is currently Senior Advisor Sahel and Power Africa at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Prior to this position he was the Minister of Energy and Mine of Burkina Faso for about 4 years.
He successfully implemented about 200MW solar projects in Burkina including solar pumping and irrigation for about 100 villages to support farmers in agriculture. He doubled electricity access to the population when he was in office using extensive solar energy for rural area. He is a PhD in Economics of Renewable Energy and Climate Change of the University of Manchester where he also conducted several researches on the financial impact of renewable energy for developing countries. He also has a Master in Public Finance from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Dr Bachir previous professional experience includes the position of Coordinator of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship Support Facility. That facility aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the Ecowas region to develop their business in the renewable energy sector and support them to have bankable project that will meet the requirements of the investors. He is the founder and CEO of
Sylvia Parienté
Morocco, Israel Morocco, Israel
Sylvia Parienté is a Moroccan Israeli - French professional with over 25 years of experience in international expansion management in Africa. With a strong background in various sectors, including infrastructure projects, agriculture, sanitation, waste management, and water treatment, Sylvia has developed extensive field experience and a robust network of qualified contacts. The last 10 years, Sylvia's passion lies in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. She has been actively involved in the decarbonization movement and the Net Zero Emission project, focusing on energy transition and innovative solutions. Her visionary leadership has led to the creation of the African Blue Project (ABC), which aims to quantify and certify carbon sequestration in nature across multiple African countries. As the CEO of Exochems Environment Africa, Sylvia has played a pivotal role in establishing the company as an innovative start-up capable of tackling Morocco's environmental issues. Under her guidance, Exochems has transitioned into an SME with a strong identity and expanded its operations to sub-Saharan countries. Sylvia's expertise extends to waste treatment and recovery strategies based on circular economy principles. She advises companies and local authorities on implementing sustainable waste management systems,
Sylvia Parienté is a Moroccan Israeli - French professional with over 25 years of experience in international expansion management in Africa. With a strong background in various sectors, including infrastructure projects, agriculture, sanitation, waste management, and water treatment, Sylvia has developed extensive field experience and a robust network of qualified contacts. The last 10 years, Sylvia's passion lies in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. She has been actively involved in the decarbonization movement and the Net Zero Emission project, focusing on energy transition and innovative solutions. Her visionary leadership has led to the creation of the African Blue Project (ABC), which aims to quantify and certify carbon sequestration in nature across multiple African countries. As the CEO of Exochems Environment Africa, Sylvia has played a pivotal role in establishing the company as an innovative start-up capable of tackling Morocco's environmental issues. Under her guidance, Exochems has transitioned into an SME with a strong identity and expanded its operations to sub-Saharan countries. Sylvia's expertise extends to waste treatment and recovery strategies based on circular economy principles. She advises companies and local authorities on implementing sustainable waste management systems,
Prof. Dr. Salah Arafa
Egypt Egypt
Professor Salah Arafa is a tenured faculty member at the Physics Department, School of Sciences and Engineering of the American University in Cairo (AUC). He joined AUC in 1968. Before joining the University, he worked as a physics researcher at the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority from 1962 till 1968. Arafa holds a B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry (1962), M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics (1966), and a Ph.D. in Solid State Physics (1969); all from Cairo University. In 1967-68, he was a research fellow of the International Seminar in Physics, Uppsala University, and later in 1971-1972 was a visiting Scientist at the Physics Department of Uppsala University, Sweden. He joined the American University in 1968 and was the Chair of the Science Department twice and served as senator at large in the University Senate. Professor Arafa is well known as one of the leading Social Entrepreneurs in Egypt and the Arab World. He was selected a Senior Ashoka Fellow in 2004 and was awarded as the Man of the Year for Environment and Development in 2009. Since 1974, Arafa is involved in many Civil Society activities and is today the chairman
Professor Salah Arafa is a tenured faculty member at the Physics Department, School of Sciences and Engineering of the American University in Cairo (AUC). He joined AUC in 1968. Before joining the University, he worked as a physics researcher at the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority from 1962 till 1968. Arafa holds a B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry (1962), M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics (1966), and a Ph.D. in Solid State Physics (1969); all from Cairo University. In 1967-68, he was a research fellow of the International Seminar in Physics, Uppsala University, and later in 1971-1972 was a visiting Scientist at the Physics Department of Uppsala University, Sweden. He joined the American University in 1968 and was the Chair of the Science Department twice and served as senator at large in the University Senate. Professor Arafa is well known as one of the leading Social Entrepreneurs in Egypt and the Arab World. He was selected a Senior Ashoka Fellow in 2004 and was awarded as the Man of the Year for Environment and Development in 2009. Since 1974, Arafa is involved in many Civil Society activities and is today the chairman
Dr. Hassan Heshmat
Iraq, UK Iraq, UK
Dr. Hasan Heshmat Managing Director of Hydro-C Ltd, Holding BDS University of Baghdad, college of dentistry and MPhil degree from Strathclyde University – Engineering Dept. with several certificates in business management and leadership. 13 years of experience working alongside international companies and organizations specialized in Energy, Water, Construction, Agriculture and Innovation. Focusing on building sustainable relations between nations and states to develop peace and business for mutual interest, stabilizing renewable energy, Oil&Gas, Infrastructure investment, humanitarian aid and education. Concentrating on taking the energy sector up to a greener level by incorporating sustainable clean solutions Energy industry allowing transforming the future to adopt innovative solutions. Achieved successful results by teaming with pioneer partners in UK, US, Israel, EU, China, Iraq and UAE. I enjoy walking my pet in the green dear place, water polo and swimming, obsessed with tech-related advancements for interstellar traveling. I do believe humanity as a race can achieve impossible when united, stronger together
Dr. Hasan Heshmat Managing Director of Hydro-C Ltd, Holding BDS University of Baghdad, college of dentistry and MPhil degree from Strathclyde University – Engineering Dept. with several certificates in business management and leadership. 13 years of experience working alongside international companies and organizations specialized in Energy, Water, Construction, Agriculture and Innovation. Focusing on building sustainable relations between nations and states to develop peace and business for mutual interest, stabilizing renewable energy, Oil&Gas, Infrastructure investment, humanitarian aid and education. Concentrating on taking the energy sector up to a greener level by incorporating sustainable clean solutions Energy industry allowing transforming the future to adopt innovative solutions. Achieved successful results by teaming with pioneer partners in UK, US, Israel, EU, China, Iraq and UAE. I enjoy walking my pet in the green dear place, water polo and swimming, obsessed with tech-related advancements for interstellar traveling. I do believe humanity as a race can achieve impossible when united, stronger together
Zakaria ALbizane
Morocco Morocco
Zakaria ALBIZANE is a passionate entrepreneur and expert in asset management, with a strong focus on renewables portfolios. With a background in civil engineering and a master's degree in corporate finance, Zakaria brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and financial acumen to his work. With over 5 years of experience as an asset manager, Zakaria's entrepreneurial drive led him to establish his first company in 2014. The company aimed to provide performance-driven solutions for clients seeking to optimize their renewables assets. Building on this success, Zakaria went on to found a second company focused on developing cutting-edge technologies that further enhance the performance of renewables portfolios. Today, Zakaria's companies manage multiple portfolios for over 100 power plants across 6 countries, employing an integrated approach that combines advanced technology, efficient processes, and highly skilled resources. By delivering comprehensive solutions, they have achieved remarkable results in improving the performance of energy portfolios.
Zakaria ALBIZANE is a passionate entrepreneur and expert in asset management, with a strong focus on renewables portfolios. With a background in civil engineering and a master's degree in corporate finance, Zakaria brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and financial acumen to his work. With over 5 years of experience as an asset manager, Zakaria's entrepreneurial drive led him to establish his first company in 2014. The company aimed to provide performance-driven solutions for clients seeking to optimize their renewables assets. Building on this success, Zakaria went on to found a second company focused on developing cutting-edge technologies that further enhance the performance of renewables portfolios. Today, Zakaria's companies manage multiple portfolios for over 100 power plants across 6 countries, employing an integrated approach that combines advanced technology, efficient processes, and highly skilled resources. By delivering comprehensive solutions, they have achieved remarkable results in improving the performance of energy portfolios.
Prof. Shlomo Hasson
Israel Israel
Shlomo Hasson is professor emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he teaches and carries out his research. For 40 years he taught at the department of Geography, the Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, and the School of Public Policy. He holds the Leon Safdie Chair for urban and regional planning and serves as the head of the James Shasha Center for Strategic Studies at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His main fields of interest are: geopolitics at the global and regional levels, urban and regional planning, innovation, science and technology, human capital and the role of higher education, democracy and governance and strategic thinking. He works as a consultant to several government offices and municipalities. He has published over 30 books and monographs and over 100 articles. His recent publications since 2016 are:
1. Israel Facing the Geopolitical Changes in the Middle East
2. Israel 2048: Spatial Development and Planning,
Strategic Plan 2050 - Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River
Shlomo Hasson is professor emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he teaches and carries out his research. For 40 years he taught at the department of Geography, the Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, and the School of Public Policy. He holds the Leon Safdie Chair for urban and regional planning and serves as the head of the James Shasha Center for Strategic Studies at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His main fields of interest are: geopolitics at the global and regional levels, urban and regional planning, innovation, science and technology, human capital and the role of higher education, democracy and governance and strategic thinking. He works as a consultant to several government offices and municipalities. He has published over 30 books and monographs and over 100 articles. His recent publications since 2016 are:
1. Israel Facing the Geopolitical Changes in the Middle East
2. Israel 2048: Spatial Development and Planning,
Strategic Plan 2050 - Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River
Abbas Kazmi
UAE UAE
A multi award winning serial entrepreneur and investor who founded his first of several successful companies at 16. Abbas has been chosen as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Standout, as a Maserati 100, as one of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards Entrepreneurs' Champions of the Year, and as one of startups.co.uk’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year and Business Growth Enablers of the Year, to name just a few amongst many other awards. Abbas has been appointed as a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Fellow, focussing on youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, peacebuilding and encouraging intercultural dialogue in MENA. and as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. He has been chosen as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and was selected to become part of the prestigious Helena Group Class of 2018 alongside the likes of Snap Inc CEO Evan Spiegel. Ex-BlackRock working across EMEA and the US, Abbas co-founded both the Oxford Accelerator and VC fund Collegiate Capital, as well as being an investment committee member of, advisor to and LP investor in several funds in Europe such as BlackWood Ventures on whose Investment Committee he sits. Recently he was recognised and selected
A multi award winning serial entrepreneur and investor who founded his first of several successful companies at 16. Abbas has been chosen as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Standout, as a Maserati 100, as one of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards Entrepreneurs' Champions of the Year, and as one of startups.co.uk’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year and Business Growth Enablers of the Year, to name just a few amongst many other awards. Abbas has been appointed as a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Fellow, focussing on youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, peacebuilding and encouraging intercultural dialogue in MENA. and as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. He has been chosen as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and was selected to become part of the prestigious Helena Group Class of 2018 alongside the likes of Snap Inc CEO Evan Spiegel. Ex-BlackRock working across EMEA and the US, Abbas co-founded both the Oxford Accelerator and VC fund Collegiate Capital, as well as being an investment committee member of, advisor to and LP investor in several funds in Europe such as BlackWood Ventures on whose Investment Committee he sits. Recently he was recognised and selected
Ethy Levy
Israel Israel
Professional Background: Based in Israel and strongly connected in the vibrant Israeli eco-system accross (a) government: ex Advisor to the President of the State of Israel, Innovation Authority, (b)the private sector: VC’s, incubators and accelarators as well as (c) academia and TTOs. I work across multiple technology sectors and provide tech and innovation adoption advisory to Multi Nationals Corporations as well as to academia and government. Some of my clients include: Israel’s President’s Office (Served as Senior Economic Advisor), Government of Australia, Telstra (leading Australian Telco), AGL (leading Australian Energy Provider), Swinburne University (Advisor to Vice Chancellor for R&D), BHP, Inter American Development Bank (provided research on best practices in commercialisation of Agricultural research), Kubota Corporation and more. I am active in different geographies: Australia & NZ – Co Founder of the Bridge Hub (Innovation Hub for Agrifood technologies), Canada (Mentor and Speaker at the annual Inventure$ conference), Latin America, Europe (Representing Kubota Europe ventures in Israel), US (Global Ambassador to Springboard accelerator, Global Advisory Board of Western Growers Association). I have a wide experience in creating the right settings to promote innovation and providing innovators the necessary tools and skills
Professional Background: Based in Israel and strongly connected in the vibrant Israeli eco-system accross (a) government: ex Advisor to the President of the State of Israel, Innovation Authority, (b)the private sector: VC’s, incubators and accelarators as well as (c) academia and TTOs. I work across multiple technology sectors and provide tech and innovation adoption advisory to Multi Nationals Corporations as well as to academia and government. Some of my clients include: Israel’s President’s Office (Served as Senior Economic Advisor), Government of Australia, Telstra (leading Australian Telco), AGL (leading Australian Energy Provider), Swinburne University (Advisor to Vice Chancellor for R&D), BHP, Inter American Development Bank (provided research on best practices in commercialisation of Agricultural research), Kubota Corporation and more. I am active in different geographies: Australia & NZ – Co Founder of the Bridge Hub (Innovation Hub for Agrifood technologies), Canada (Mentor and Speaker at the annual Inventure$ conference), Latin America, Europe (Representing Kubota Europe ventures in Israel), US (Global Ambassador to Springboard accelerator, Global Advisory Board of Western Growers Association). I have a wide experience in creating the right settings to promote innovation and providing innovators the necessary tools and skills
David Salama
Switzerland Switzerland
Qualified legal counsel by background, I hold degrees in both civil law and common law and have been practicing in oil & gas and power out of Switzerland. For the past 20 years, I have operated with the charter of offering my clients high end advisory services with respect to corporate finance, project finance, M&A, JV and partnerships in the energy sector. I've also held several executive positions amongst which: Managing Director of an African based junior oil & gas firm for which I've successfully financed the plan of development and farmed out 50% of its assets to a major oil & gas operator; and Executive VP of a Swiss engineering company specialized in power, renewable energy and oil & gas for which I've advised the Board on strategic developments and key contracts.High-energy, results-oriented leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and passionate about resolving issues and conflicts for my clients. I have been active in M&A, Corporate Finance and Project Finance and closed a significant number of international transactions in our industries (Commodity Trading, Mining, Oil & Gas, Power and Renewable Energy).
Qualified legal counsel by background, I hold degrees in both civil law and common law and have been practicing in oil & gas and power out of Switzerland. For the past 20 years, I have operated with the charter of offering my clients high end advisory services with respect to corporate finance, project finance, M&A, JV and partnerships in the energy sector. I've also held several executive positions amongst which: Managing Director of an African based junior oil & gas firm for which I've successfully financed the plan of development and farmed out 50% of its assets to a major oil & gas operator; and Executive VP of a Swiss engineering company specialized in power, renewable energy and oil & gas for which I've advised the Board on strategic developments and key contracts.High-energy, results-oriented leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and passionate about resolving issues and conflicts for my clients. I have been active in M&A, Corporate Finance and Project Finance and closed a significant number of international transactions in our industries (Commodity Trading, Mining, Oil & Gas, Power and Renewable Energy).
Frank Tetzel
Germany Germany
Frank Tetzel is a seasoned expert in journalism, industrie transformation and sustainable development. Since 2001, he has led Image Network, offering editorial and consulting services for newspapers, magazines, and online products in sectors such as economy, mobility, renewable energy, healthcare, foreign policy, politics, diplomacy, and travel & lifestyle. In 2009, Tetzel took on the roles of Editor-in-Chief and Political Advisor at Image Network, where he supports companies and institutions in the pre-political and political arena. Additionally, since 2022, he has served as Director at Coal to Renewable Ltd. in Johannesburg, promoting the transition from coal to renewable energy in Africa. Tetzel is also the Director of the African Sustainable Tourism Organization (ASTO) and founded the African Tourism Council in 2020 to advance sustainable tourism in Africa. Since 2014, he has been the Editor-in-Chief of FAIReconomics, a platform focused on sustainable economy, science and society. He holds a degree in social and economic history and political science from the University of Hamburg and is fluent in English and Spanish. Tetzel is actively involved in several voluntary roles, including as Managing Director of the Carl Duisberg Society and Chair of the Committee for
Frank Tetzel is a seasoned expert in journalism, industrie transformation and sustainable development. Since 2001, he has led Image Network, offering editorial and consulting services for newspapers, magazines, and online products in sectors such as economy, mobility, renewable energy, healthcare, foreign policy, politics, diplomacy, and travel & lifestyle. In 2009, Tetzel took on the roles of Editor-in-Chief and Political Advisor at Image Network, where he supports companies and institutions in the pre-political and political arena. Additionally, since 2022, he has served as Director at Coal to Renewable Ltd. in Johannesburg, promoting the transition from coal to renewable energy in Africa. Tetzel is also the Director of the African Sustainable Tourism Organization (ASTO) and founded the African Tourism Council in 2020 to advance sustainable tourism in Africa. Since 2014, he has been the Editor-in-Chief of FAIReconomics, a platform focused on sustainable economy, science and society. He holds a degree in social and economic history and political science from the University of Hamburg and is fluent in English and Spanish. Tetzel is actively involved in several voluntary roles, including as Managing Director of the Carl Duisberg Society and Chair of the Committee for
Maya Jacobs
Israel Israel
Maya Jacobs is an environmental activist and entrepreneur. After serving for 10 years as the CEO of the Zalul (“Clear” in Hebrew) and turning the NGO dedicated to the protection of Israel's seas, streams and water into one of the most important and influential environmental organizations in Israel, Maya is now the co-founder and CEO of Climate Net, Networking to Net Zero, an NGO intended to produce a leap in quality and the pace of climate action by focusing on the business community and science-based innovation, with a special focus on carbon removal and trade. Climate Net aims to turn into Israel a world leader in science-based solutions with internationally scalable potential by bridging the knowledge, policy and technology gaps, and creating opportunities and projects in collaboration with businesses, municipalities and localities, government ministries, academia and other NGOs. The NGO works to create significant motivation for impactful action among people and businesses who understand the urgency to act to curb the climate crisis, pollution and biodiversity. During her years at Zalul, the organization became central and dominant in the public discourse and turned the issues of protecting the marine environment and combating industrial
Maya Jacobs is an environmental activist and entrepreneur. After serving for 10 years as the CEO of the Zalul (“Clear” in Hebrew) and turning the NGO dedicated to the protection of Israel's seas, streams and water into one of the most important and influential environmental organizations in Israel, Maya is now the co-founder and CEO of Climate Net, Networking to Net Zero, an NGO intended to produce a leap in quality and the pace of climate action by focusing on the business community and science-based innovation, with a special focus on carbon removal and trade. Climate Net aims to turn into Israel a world leader in science-based solutions with internationally scalable potential by bridging the knowledge, policy and technology gaps, and creating opportunities and projects in collaboration with businesses, municipalities and localities, government ministries, academia and other NGOs. The NGO works to create significant motivation for impactful action among people and businesses who understand the urgency to act to curb the climate crisis, pollution and biodiversity. During her years at Zalul, the organization became central and dominant in the public discourse and turned the issues of protecting the marine environment and combating industrial
Rahat Mohammad
UAE UAE
He is a project finance professional specializing in renewable energy and climate mitigation. As the founder and CEO of INNOX Financial Institutions, C O F I R M, and Nasrin Group, he leads sustainable investments across global markets, including the MENA region. He is also the Co-founder of Sponsor — an AI-driven climate fintech platform accelerating investments in climate projects. His focus is on innovative financial solutions, sustainable growth, and cross-border partnerships.
He is a project finance professional specializing in renewable energy and climate mitigation. As the founder and CEO of INNOX Financial Institutions, C O F I R M, and Nasrin Group, he leads sustainable investments across global markets, including the MENA region. He is also the Co-founder of Sponsor — an AI-driven climate fintech platform accelerating investments in climate projects. His focus is on innovative financial solutions, sustainable growth, and cross-border partnerships.
Rahat Mohammad
UAE
UAE
He is a project finance professional specializing in renewable energy and climate mitigation.
As the founder and CEO of INNOX Financial Institutions, C O F I R M, and Nasrin Group, he leads sustainable
Maya Jacobs
Israel
Israel
Maya Jacobs is an environmental activist and entrepreneur.
After serving for 10 years as the CEO of the Zalul (“Clear” in Hebrew) and turning the NGO dedicated to the protection of Israel’s seas, streams
Frank Tetzel
Germany
Germany
Frank Tetzel is a seasoned expert in journalism, industrie transformation and sustainable development. Since 2001, he has led Image Network, offering editorial and consulting services for newspapers, magazines, and online products in sectors
David Salama
Switzerland
Switzerland
Qualified legal counsel by background, I hold degrees in both civil law and common law and have been practicing in oil & gas and power out of Switzerland. For the past 20 years, I have
Ethy Levy
Israel
Israel
Professional Background: Based in Israel and strongly connected in the vibrant Israeli eco-system accross (a) government: ex Advisor to the President of the State of Israel, Innovation Authority, (b)the private sector: VC’s,
Abbas Kazmi
UAE
UAE
A multi award winning serial entrepreneur and investor who founded his first of several successful companies at 16. Abbas has been chosen as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Standout, as a Maserati 100, as one
Prof. Shlomo Hasson
Israel
Israel
Shlomo Hasson is professor emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he teaches and carries out his research. For 40 years he taught at the department of Geography, the Institute of Urban
Zakaria ALbizane
Morocco
Morocco
Zakaria ALBIZANE is a passionate entrepreneur and expert in asset management, with a strong focus on renewables portfolios. With a background in civil engineering and a master’s degree in corporate finance, Zakaria brings
Dr. Hassan Heshmat
Iraq, UK
Iraq, UK
Dr. Hasan Heshmat Managing Director of Hydro-C Ltd, Holding BDS University of Baghdad, college of dentistry and MPhil degree from Strathclyde University – Engineering Dept. with several certificates in business management
Prof. Dr. Salah Arafa
Egypt
Egypt
Professor Salah Arafa is a tenured faculty member at the Physics Department, School of Sciences and Engineering of the American University in Cairo (AUC). He joined AUC in 1968. Before joining
Sylvia Parienté
Morocco, Israel
Morocco, Israel
Sylvia Parienté is a Moroccan Israeli – French professional with over 25 years of
experience in international expansion management in Africa. With a strong
background in various sectors, including infrastructure projects,
Dr. Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Dr Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo is currently Senior Advisor Sahel and Power Africa at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Prior to this position he was the Minister of Energy and Mine of