Professor Husna Ahmad, PhD, OBE: A Visionary in Faith-Based Leadership and Sustainable Development
Professor Husna Ahmad, PhD, OBE, is a highly respected academic leader and advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. With a decades-long career, she has become a globally recognised voice for integrating faith-based perspectives into solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Educational and Academic Background
Professor Husna Ahmad earned her PhD in International Environmental Law from the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her research focused on the intersection of law, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation, providing her with the expertise to address global ecological and humanitarian challenges.
Her academic foundation has enabled her to bridge the gap between academic discourse and practical solutions, particularly in developing countries and marginalized communities. She is also an Honorary Fellow at the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion at the University of Birmingham, where she contributes to scholarship on the role of religion in public life.
Professional Leadership and Roles
- Chief Executive Officer of Global One 2015
As the CEO of Global One 2015, a faith-based international NGO, Professor Husna Ahmad has pioneered innovative programs addressed issues like maternal health, education, water and sanitation, and livelihoods for women.
The organisation operates with a unique approach, leveraging Islamic principles to design sustainable and culturally sensitive interventions that empower women and promote community development. Projects under her leadership include distributing eco-friendly hygiene kits for women, providing training in sustainable agriculture, and delivering health education in underprivileged areas across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Group CEO of the Faith Regen Foundation (formerly)
In her previous role as Group CEO of the Faith Regen Foundation, Professor Ahmad worked extensively to combat social exclusion in the UK. The foundation focused on reducing poverty, increasing employment opportunities, and fostering interfaith cooperation to promote community harmony.
Her tenure was marked by initiatives that brought together people of diverse faiths to collaborate on shared goals, demonstrating how faith-based organizations can contribute to social cohesion and inclusion.
- Secretary-General of the World Muslim Leadership Forum
Professor Husna Ahmad leads this global platform, which convenes leaders from Muslim communities to discuss pressing global issues, including poverty alleviation, education, and governance. She has been instrumental in promoting innovative leadership within the Muslim world, advocating for gender equity and sustainability in decision-making processes.
- Coordinator for the Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC)
In collaboration with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, Professor Husna Ahmad coordinates partnerships between NGOs and civil society organizations across the Global South. This role involves facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations, and mobilizing resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Advocacy for Environmental Sustainability
A passionate environmentalist, Professor Husna Ahmad has championed the role of faith-based organizations in addressing climate change. She believes religious teachings provide powerful frameworks for promoting environmental stewardship and ethical resource management.
Professor Husna Ahmad has spoken at high-level events, including United Nations climate conferences, where she has emphasized the role of faith in mobilizing communities toward climate action. She has also authored works exploring Islamic perspectives on ecological responsibility, encouraging faith communities to become leaders in sustainability efforts.
Recognition and Honors
Professor Husna Ahmad was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her exceptional contributions to interfaith work and social justice. This honour underscores her impactful leadership in fostering community resilience and advocating for the rights of marginalised groups.
Her achievements have also earned her recognition as a leading voice in sustainable development, faith-based advocacy, and gender equity.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Professor Husna Ahmad has authored several influential publications that delve into the intersections of faith, development, and the environment. These include:
- Books: Her works highlight Islamic perspectives on sustainability, interfaith cooperation, and gender empowerment.
- Articles and Reports: She frequently contributes to policy briefs, journals, and thought leadership platforms, offering insights on how faith-based approaches can promote sustainable development.
Core Areas of Focus
Professor Husna Ahmad’s work centres on the following key themes:
- Women’s Empowerment: She advocates for women’s rights and agency, particularly within faith-based contexts, ensuring they are integral to decision-making processes.
- Sustainable Development: Her leadership emphasizes solutions rooted in cultural and religious values to address poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges.
- Interfaith Collaboration: By fostering dialogue and cooperation between faith communities, she has built bridges that promote peace and shared understanding.
- Community-Led Development: Her projects prioritize community ownership and grassroots participation, ensuring lasting impact.
Global Influence and Vision
Professor Husna Ahmad’s influence extends across continents. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous global forums, including United Nations events, the World Economic Forum, and interfaith summits. Her vision is to create a world where faith communities are at the forefront of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
With her unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and passion for social change, Professor Husna Ahmad continues to inspire and provide solutions for the challenges facing humanity today.