Artificial Intelligence (AI)

WASD has a long and distinguished history of promoting sustainable development (SD) through research, policy engagement, capacity building, and international collaboration. Over the years, WASD has developed into a trusted consultancy provider, supporting institutions, governments, and organisations in addressing emerging global challenges. Through its specialist institute (LISD), WASD offers expert consultancy services to advance innovation and support the strategic adoption of AI across sectors and industries. AI is rapidly transforming every discipline and sector, including healthcare, engineering, finance, manufacturing, public administration, education, and the creative industries. Its expanding influence is reshaping how organisations operate, how decisions are made, and how innovation is delivered. As AI technologies continue to evolve at pace, understanding and adopting AI has become essential for organisations seeking to remain competitive, efficient, and future-ready. AI is now critical to driving productivity, improving decision-making, enhancing service delivery, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. Governments, businesses, and institutions that effectively harness AI can improve operational efficiency, strengthen strategic planning, and deliver greater value to stakeholders while remaining adaptable in an increasingly digital and data-driven global environment. Through our consultancy, WASD and LISD support countries and organisations in developing AI strategies, governance frameworks, readiness assessments, implementation roadmaps, workforce capability plans, and ethical AI adoption models. We help clients build the institutional capacity required to integrate AI effectively, responsibly, and sustainably across their operations and strategic priorities. What makes our services unique is our strategic and interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in sustainability, technology, policy, governance, and organisational transformation. Our consultancy is delivered by world-class experts, academics, and industry specialists with international experience in AI strategy and implementation. This enables WASD and LISD to provide tailored, high-impact solutions that empower countries and organisations to harness AI confidently and responsibly in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Prof. Allam Ahmed (Founding President WASD) UK

Allam is a Professor of Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development; Founding President of World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) (2003); Founding Director of SDGs Universities International Initiative (SDGsUNI) (2020) Founding Director of Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute (MEKEI) (2012); Founder, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Transfer of Technology...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityLeadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityHealthcare LeadershipHealthcare Marketing & SustainabilityDigital Marketing & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & SustainabilityMarketing & SustainabilityHalal Marketing & SustainabilityIslamic Digitalisation & SustainabilityBusiness AdministrationSustainability, Diplomacy & UNPublic Health & SustainabilityClimate Change, Policy & Sustainability

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development GoalsVoluntary National ReviewsClimate ChangeHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge ManagementHealth and WellbeingHealthcare LeadershipPublic HealthPolicy and StrategyPublic PolicyBusiness and ManagementMarketing
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Dr Gale Rigobert (Former Minister) St Lucia

She is the former Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in Saint Lucia (2016-2021). Prior to becoming a parliamentary representative, a position she held on to for over nine (9) years (2011-2021), she was a government senator for a short period, which followed her role as advisor...

Teaching and Research

Leadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & SustainabilitySustainability, Diplomacy & UNClimate Change, Policy & Sustainability

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development GoalsClimate ChangeHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge ManagementPolicy and StrategyPublic PolicyBusiness and Management
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Samia Melhem (Global Lead Digital Development World Bank) USA

Samia Melhem is a Lead Policy Specialist at the World Bank’s Digital Development and AI Vice Presidency, based in Washington DC. She manages digital government transformation operations, leveraging technologies to improve delivery of public services in all sectors. She is currently leading a large digital government investment project portfolio, and regional...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityLeadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityIslamic Fintech & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & SustainabilityIslamic Digitalisation & SustainabilitySustainability, Diplomacy & UN

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development GoalsVoluntary National ReviewsHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge ManagementPolicy and StrategyPublic Policy
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Prof. Hongmei (Mary) He (University of Salford) UK

Prof. Hongmei (Mary) He (FHEA, SIEEE) is Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Robotics in the School of Science, Engineering, and Environment at the University of Salford (Mary He | University of Salford) and Turing Liaison Academic for membership of the Salford Turing University Network. She is a passionate advocate...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityHealthcare LeadershipDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & Sustainability

Advisory and Consultancy

Higher EducationDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceHealthcare Leadership
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Prof. Manuel Frutos-Perez (Cambridge Education Group Digital) UK

Manuel is the Chief Academic Officer at the digital division of Cambridge Education Group. He works developing partnerships with prestigious universities and helping them widen the reach of their educational activities, taking full advantage of the possibilities offered by high-quality online learning provision and international markets. He is also responsible...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityLeadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityBusiness Administration

Advisory and Consultancy

Higher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge Management
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Prof. Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE (Liverpool John Moores University) UK

Prof Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE has 30+ years experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning. In 2020, Prof Al-Jumeily was appointed by her majesty “THE QUEEN to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, “OBE- Ordinary Officers of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order” for the “Services...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityLeadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityHealthcare LeadershipIslamic Fintech & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityIslamic Digitalisation & SustainabilityBusiness Administration

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development GoalsHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceHealthcare LeadershipDiagnostic RadiologyPolicy and StrategyPublic PolicyBusiness and Management
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Prof. Arshi Naim (London Institute of Sustainable Development) UK

Prof. Dr. Arshi Naim is recognized among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University and Elsevier, is a distinguished academic with over 23 years of experience in business management, digital marketing, higher education, quality assurance, and academic leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, an MBA in Marketing...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityDigital Marketing & SustainabilityIslamic Fintech & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & SustainabilityMarketing & SustainabilityHalal Marketing & SustainabilityIslamic Digitalisation & SustainabilityBusiness Administration

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable Development GoalsVoluntary National ReviewsHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationArtificial IntelligenceBusiness and ManagementMarketing
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Miryem Salah (Founder and CEO AIMETECH) UK

Miryem Salah is an AI enthusiast yet realist with a rare proven subject matter expertise at scale. Having led on major transformation across IT, digital, data, analytics and AI globally in private, public sectors. She is was the former Director for digital, data & AI transformation, Managing Director for the...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityWomen Leadership & Sustainability

Advisory and Consultancy

DigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial Intelligence
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Dr Rawad Hammad (University of East London) UK

Rawad is a computer scientist with 20 years of experience in academic research, teaching, industry and leadership. Research interests include the use of Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and disruptive technologies for Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), e-health and Smart Cities. His expertise lies in the application of innovative technologies from Artificial Intelligence,...

Teaching and Research

AI, Data Science & SustainabilityLeadership, Public Policy & SustainabilityIslamic Fintech & SustainabilityDigitalisation & SustainabilityIslamic Digitalisation & SustainabilityBusiness Administration

Advisory and Consultancy

Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development GoalsHigher EducationE-LearningDigitalisationDigital TransformationArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge ManagementPolicy and StrategyBusiness and Management
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Miryem Salah (London - UK) is the director for Digital, Data & AI Transformation, Managing Director for the MSP sales channel of Vodafone Business IT hubs at VodafoneThree.Having led on major transformation across IT, digital, data, analytics and AI globally in private, public sectors. Miryem operates at the intersection of strategy, execution, culture, and impact-the space where she has consistently delivered the greatest value. She brings end‑to‑end ownership: setting direction, aligning capital and talent, and taking full accountability for outcomes. Her experience spans sectors and geographies, with leadership across the full enterprise agenda. Miryem brings strong financial and commercial acumen, with deep expertise in capital allocation, business case development, operating model design, and benefits realisation. She has led complex, multinational organisations through change under pressure-modernising infrastructure, integrating cultures, and delivering measurable improvements in customer experience, efficiency, and profitability. Building high‑performing, inclusive leadership teams with clarity, pace, and accountability. She is deeply committed to sustainability, diversity, and developing future leaders. Miryem is known for authentic leadership, decisive action, and strong stakeholder engagement at the shareholder, board & investor level.
Professor Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE (Liverpool - UK) has 30+ years experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning. In 2020, Prof Al-Jumeily was appointed by her majesty “THE QUEEN to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, “OBE- Ordinary Officers of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order” for the “Services to Scientific Research”. Within healthcare field Prof Al-Jumeily developed SMART applications for disease diagnosis and management that are currently used by patients in the UK, UAE and Iraq. On the scientific community level, Prof Al-Jumeily established the eSystems Engineering Society (eSES) that has contributors from researchers and scientists at worldwide. The eSES activities include intelligent patient management system; datasets and databanks; DeSE annual and international conference; accredited professional courses; and the International Journal of Data Science and Advanced Analytics. On the research funding level, Prof Al-Jumeily attracted more than £7.5M of funding and published >350 publications.
Samia Melhem (Washington - USA) is a Lead Policy Specialist at the World Bank’s Digital Development and AI Vice Presidency, based in Washington DC. She manages digital government transformation operations, leveraging technologies to improve delivery of public services in all sectors. She is currently leading a large digital government investment project portfolio, and regional research on Digital Skills for Jobs; as well as AI’s impact on the digital economy. During her career at the WBG, Samia managed digital transformation projects/operations in East and Central Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. She authored several publications on Telecoms Policy and Regulation, Digital government, Digital Economy, Digital Capabilities and Skills, Cloud computing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Open data, PPP, and Bridging the gender digital divide. In May 2025, Samia received an award from the Arab League for her Digital Economy work in the MENA region. In addition to her current role at the World Bank, Samia started teaching at George Washington University.
Professor Allam Ahmed (London - UK) is a Professor of Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development; Co-Founder of SMART KM MODEL: An Integrated Knowledge Management Framework for Organizational Excellence and led the implementation of the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa Knowledge Management Framework Musharaka. Founding President of WASD; SDGs Universities Initiative; Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute; Fellow Faculty of Public Health, UK; Fellow Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK; and Fellow Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Development, Australia. Prior to QMUL, Prof. Ahmed spent 15 years at the University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit (1st science and policy think tank in the UK) where he established and led Sussex’s most successful postgraduate programme MSc International Management.
Dr Ibrahim Alfaki (UAE) is an Associate Professor of statistics in the Department of Statistics and Business Analytics at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). His research focuses on applied econometrics, spatial and statistical modeling, and data-driven policy analysis, with particular applications in road safety systems, economic and financial analytics, and the measurement of knowledge-based economies. His work emphasises the use of quantitative and data analytics methods, such as time series and econometric modeling, to support evidence-based decision-making and institutional performance evaluation. Professor Alfaki has contributed to national policy research, including the UAE Human Development Reports, in collaboration with government and international organizations. He has also served on the Scientific Committee of the Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre. In addition, he is a member of editorial advisory boards of several international journals, including WJEMSD, WJSTSD, and IJIKMMENA. His work reflects a sustained contribution to statistical applications in sustainable development and public policy.

Professor Manuel Frutos-Perez (Cambridge - UK) is the Chief Academic Officer at the digital division of Cambridge Education Group. He leads the strategic planning process across a wide portfolio of Higher Education partnerships, with a focus on international market intelligence, academic excellence, and outstanding learner support. He is also a Visiting Professor in Online Education and Digital Innovation at the University of Hull, UK, and a Visiting Professor in Digital Learning at the Academic Practice Directorate, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Manuel is an international technology expert promoting the advancement of learning and teaching in Higher Education, and regularly delivers thought leadership keynotes at international events.
Professor Arshi Naim (London - UK) is recognised among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University and Elsevier, is a distinguished academic with over 23 years of experience in business management, digital marketing, higher education, quality assurance, and academic leadership. A prolific researcher, she has published 115+ Scopus-indexed papers in high impact journals and contributed to academic books with leading publishers such as Wiley, Springer, Elsevier, Emerald, Taylor & Francis, IGI Global, Nova Science, and Bentham Science.
Dr Rawad Hammad (London - UK) is a computer scientist with 20 years of experience in academic research, teaching, industry and leadership. Research interests include the use of Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and disruptive technologies for Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), e-health and Smart Cities. His expertise lies in the application of innovative technologies from Artificial Intelligence, Semantics, Business Process Management, and Data Management in multi-disciplinary application domains including TEL and e-health. Rawad is the leader of two MSc Programmes and a Technology-Enhanced Learning Research Group. He is also co-director and co-founder of a newly established Smart Health Centre at the University of East London. Moreover, Rawad has been working on large-scale collaborative EU and international projects such as: DECUMANUS, TRANSFER and SmartTech which established collaboration with international partners from UK, Japan, Germany, Finland, the EU and the Middle East. Moreover, Rawad delivered a few keynote speeches and received a considerable number of research awards, the latest was the outstanding paper 2021 by Emerald Publishing. He is an executive committee member of the international society of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED), and a panel member of different research journal/conference communities such as EC-TEL, IARIA, WASD, MEKEI, in addition to IEEE, ACM.
Ambassador (Ret) Dr Petru Dumitriu (Geneve - Switzerland) is a Former Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Council of Europe to the United Nations in Geneva. Currently Senior Fellow and Lecturer on Multilateral Diplomacy postgraduate courses, Diplo Foundation/University of Malta. Former member of the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit and Editor of numerous reports including: Strengthening the policy research uptake in service of the 2030 Agenda for SD, Role of PPPs in the Implementation of Agenda 2030, Knowledge Management in the UN System