Dr. Sarwat Chowdhury brings a global perspective to climate action, sustainability, equity, and gender inclusion, shaped by her upbringing in Bangladesh and over two decades of international leadership. She currently teaches environmental and social sustainability at UC Irvine and holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy from the University of Maryland, with additional degrees and certificates from Harvard, Baylor, Berea College, and UCLA. Her career includes senior roles at the World Bank and UNDP, where she directed climate and environmental programs across 45 countries on six continents. A seasoned policy advisor, economist, and program manager, her expertise spans climate adaptation and mitigation, climate justice, renewable energy, ESG reporting, disaster and natural resource management, and regenerative economies.