Miami, USA – The Nobel Sustainability Trust has awarded its 2025 Medal of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability to two global leaders whose influence is shaping the future of environmental governance. The 2025 medals were conferred upon H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality of the State of Qatar. The honor recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing sustainability across both national and international arenas.
H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad: A Transformational Leader Across the Rio Conventions
H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad is celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to environmental policy and multilateral cooperation. Her career spans leadership roles across all three major environmental conventions that originated from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, covering climate, biodiversity, and land.
Her tenure includes several landmark achievements:
- Minister of Environment for Egypt from 2018 to 2025, during which she oversaw sweeping reforms that strengthened environmental governance, advanced national strategies on waste management, improved air quality, and introduced innovative climate finance mechanisms
- Chair of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, guiding global biodiversity negotiations during a pivotal moment
- President of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el Sheikh, where she played a central role in shaping the trajectory of global climate diplomacy
With her recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, Dr. Fouad now leads the global effort to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification at a time when the world faces mounting environmental crises. Few global leaders have held significant roles across all three Rio Conventions. This gives her a uniquely comprehensive understanding of how climate, nature, and land are deeply interconnected. The Nobel Sustainability Trust recognized her for extraordinary contributions to environmental governance at both the national and international levels and for her commitment to tackling the most urgent sustainability challenges of our era.
H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya: Advancing National Sustainability in Qatar
H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya is honored for his leadership in strengthening Qatar’s sustainability agenda. Since assuming the role of Minister of Municipality in 2024, he has directed ambitious initiatives designed to modernize municipal systems, enhance environmental stewardship, and align national development with long term sustainability goals.
Under his leadership, Qatar has advanced:
- Integrated waste management and circular economy solutions that convert waste into clean energy, fertilizer, and reusable materials
- Large scale zero waste initiatives, including groundbreaking achievements at major international sporting events
- National programs that elevate environmental responsibility within public services and community development
Minister Al Attiya’s work reflects Qatar’s growing regional leadership in sustainable development. His efforts highlight the importance of aligning environmental ambition with practical implementation. The Nobel Sustainability Trust recognized him for outstanding leadership in strengthening Qatar’s commitment to sustainability and for driving impactful public sector innovations.
Bridging Global Frameworks and Local Action
The recognition of Dr. Fouad and Minister Al Attiya at the 2025 Nobel Sustainability Trust Summit underscores a central truth about sustainability today. Solutions require both the global vision that shapes international frameworks and the national level implementation that delivers real world impact. Their leadership demonstrates how these two spheres can reinforce one another to advance a more resilient and balanced future.
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