In this article, Cityscape Intelligence introduces you to some of the influential women leading the charge towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future in Bahrain, while also giving you a sneak peek into a few of the distinguished speakers set to participate in this year's Cityscape Bahrain event.
Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of Country Programme, UN-Habitat
Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni is Head of UN-Habitat Country Programme in the Kingdom of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates. Joining the UN-Habitat in 2014, Lonardoni has served as a policy advisor, special assistant at the Executive Office and most recently, the Coordinator of the World Urban Forum – the UN-Habitat’s global conference that examines of the most pressing issues facing the world: urbanisation and its impact on cities, economies and climate change. Over the last decade, she has advised ministers, mayors and high-level decision makers in more than 10 countries and worked with the World Bank as an Urban and Housing expert.
Dr. Fay Abdulla Al Khalifa, President, Bahrain Smart City Society
Dr. Fay Abdulla Al Khalifa is the President of the Bahrain Smart City Society and has been a big proponent of sustainable organisational change in both the public and private sector. Under her remit as President of the BSCS, Dr Al Khalifa together with a group of volunteers bring their skills, knowledge and network together in a focused and targeted way looking at Bahrain’s smart city initiatives, smart business models, infrastructure, technology deployment, policies and legislation. With a passion for smart urbanism, Dr Al Khalifa is the first Bahraini GRI certified sustainability professional and won the prestigious Golden Lion award for Bahrain at the Venice Biennially in 2010.
Nadia Al Qassab, PRM, SCR, Senior Lecturer, Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance
While in the banking and finance sector, Nadia Al Qassab plays a pivotal role in overseeing the risk and Sustainability Academy at the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance. The Academy was launched to provide sustainable development awareness programmes, develop human capital’s competency in sustainability and offer sustainability transformation advisory services.
Daneh Al Rayes, Vice President, Smart Way Consultancy
With over two decades of experience, Daneh Al Rayes is one of the leading voices of smart and sustainable solutions in Bahrain. Vice President of Smart Way Consultancy, Al Rayes has advocated for smart solutions across various sectors from real estate to retail. Co-chairing the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit, Al Rayes was the former Director at the Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and has been at the forefront of Bahrain’s smart city narrative.
Zeeba Askar, President, CFA Society Bahrain
Zeeba is a seasoned banking professional with over two decades of experience, excelling in areas such as strategic asset management, private equity, corporate finance, and sustainable development investments. She currently holds the role of President at CFA Society Bahrain, serves as a Board Member and Treasurer at the Bahrain Association of Banks, and is a Board Member at Infracorp. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at institutions like BIBF and Ithmaar Banking Group, where she served as Investment Director. Zeeba's commitment to professional growth is evident in her Certificate in ESG Investing from CFA Institute and her Certified GRI Sustainability Professional status. With qualifications including a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Delaware, USA, an Executive MBA from the University of Bahrain, and a CFA Charterholder, Zeeba has consistently held senior-level positions in the banking and real estate industry.
