Voices of Change is a SAWA interview series highlighting leaders across the MENA region who are shaping the future of sustainability. Through short conversations, we explore the ideas, experiences, and motivations behind their work. Each feature offers insight into the people driving change across sectors and regions, while creating space for shared learning within the SAWA community.
Najia Qazi
“Don't wait until you have the word “sustainability” in your job title to start asking the questions. The people who are good at this are usually the ones who couldn't stop pulling at a thread in whatever they were already doing, a material that didn't make sense, a supply chain that seemed wasteful, a business model that only worked because it was ignoring a cost somewhere. Follow that instinct before you have a formal reason to, and before anyone gives you permission. The job title tends to catch up with the questions eventually, not the other way around.”
Ibrahim Kronfol
Ibrahim Kronfol is a sustainability leader and LEED Fellow with over two decades of experience shaping high-performance buildings and sustainable infrastructure through his work with DAR and the global green building community. He serves as Vice-Chair of the WorldGBC MENA Regional Network and founded Green Leaders, advancing climate action through innovative solutions, school sustainability awareness programs, water conservation initiatives, and youth engagement across the region.
Nadine Zidani
Nadine Zidani is an impact entrepreneur and strategic advisor working across sustainability, innovation, and ecosystem building in the MENA region. With experience at EY and Emirates Group, she now leads high-impact initiatives through MENA Impact and supports startups as a Venture Partner at Korra Ventures. SAWA spoke with Nadine about entrepreneurship, purpose-led careers, and building change across the region.
