Climate Change Advisory Board
The Climate Change Advisory Board (CCAB) at WESS serves as a strategic think tank guiding the integration of climate resilience and environmental sustainability across the organization’s multisectoral programming. The CCAB provides high-level advice on aligning WESS’s development and humanitarian interventions with emerging climate challenges, national policy frameworks, and global good practices. Moreover, the CCAB supports WESS in identifying climate risks and opportunities across its work in livelihoods, education, WASH, child protection, and disaster risk reduction. It facilitates cross-sectoral dialogue, promotes climate-informed planning, and helps shape funding strategies and partnerships that enhance community resilience.
Mr. Pervez Iqbal Safi is a distinguished development professional with over 30 years of experience in humanitarian and development sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of WESS, where he has led the organization to new heights in program delivery, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, WESS has successfully implemented over 150 projects, supported by nearly 40 multilateral, bilateral, UN, and international NGO partners. These initiatives span a wide range of thematic areas, including environment, climate change, alternative energy, livelihoods, protection, education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and Natural Resource Management (NRM).
A recipient of multiple accolades, including an award from IUCN for environmental leadership and recognitions from UNHCR and CIDA, Mr. Safi has been instrumental in steering WESS into renewable energy and local governance sectors. He has represented Pakistan at various international forums, including those organized by the UN and IUCN, where he has consistently advocated for climate resilience and sustainable development. Deeply committed to community driven development, his work aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning WESS as a key player in advancing climate adaptation efforts in Balochistan and beyond.
Mr. Azhar Saeed is a seasoned expert in sustainable development and climate change adaptation, with over 30 years of experience advising governments, development agencies, and civil society across Pakistan and Afghanistan. He holds an MBA from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET). Over the course of his career, Mr. Saeed has worked with leading international institutions including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UNDP, EU, USAID, UN Women, AKF and a large number of INGOs and NGOs. He has led major national initiatives on governance reform, social protection, and climate-resilient livelihoods, and has designed monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting (MELR) frameworks for some of Pakistan’s most complex development programs. In addition to his role at WESS, Mr. Saeed has served as an advisor and board member for numerous development organizations across Pakistan, contributing to institutional strategy, policy formulation, and climate mainstreaming. He brings to WESS a deep commitment to inclusive, locally grounded, and climate-smart development that protects vulnerable communities and ecosystems.”
Dr. Amjad Rashid is a seasoned development professional and former Finance Minister (Caretaker) Balochistan, with 30+ years of leadership in governance, human rights, and social development. A Ph.D. in International Relations, he holds an MSc from LSE UK and an LLB from UoB. He is serving as the CEO of Taraqee Foundation, Two terms as Chairperson IUCN National Committee, and former VP of Amnesty International Pakistan. Dr. Amjad Rashid has led 8,500+ projects benefiting over 6 million people, mobilized over PKR 10 billion in development funding, and contributed to key policy reforms.
Dr. Muhammad Arshad is Deputy Country Representative and International Researcher IWRM at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI- Pakistan). Dr Arshad co leads water security agenda across range of projects at IWMI Pakistan Portfolio to address challenges related to water systems at the national scale. He comes with 25 years of experience in Technical Assistance, policy analysis and project formulation of water and climate projects. He served as Senior Water specialist with UNICEF, UNDP, FAO and several international development organizations. His current focus at IWMI is Integrated Water Resource Management. Dr. Arshad completed PhD in Integrated Water Resource Management (ANU, Australia, 2015), MS in Environmental Science (ANU, Australia, 2008) and a BS in Civil Engineering (BUET, Khuzdar Pakistan, 1993). He has published ten peer reviewed scientific papers and numerous technical reports on water technology, water science and policy.
Dr. Rashida Panezai is a nationally recognized public health leader and the elected President of Rahnuma–FPAP, affiliated with International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), London. She has over 25 years of experience in family planning (FP), sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and women’s empowerment, particularly in underserved regions like Baluchistan. Dr. Panezai has been instrumental in policy advocacy, resource mobilization, and strategic planning with both government and civil society. She played a key role in promoting child marriage legislation, FP-2020, and SDG commitments. A decorated social sector professional, she holds prestigious awards including the President’s Award and Lifetime Achievement in Women Development. She has worked with global donors including UNDP, UNHCR, GIZ, DAHW, and PPAF. Her leadership has advanced universal access to reproductive health, and inclusion of marginalized populations. As a doctor, policymaker, and activist, she continues to be a vocal force for rights-based, people-centered health systems. Dr. Panezai is fluent in English, Urdu, Pashto, and Persian, and holds degrees from Liverpool, Quetta, and Bolan Medical College.