Dr Saleemul Huq Appointed to UN’s Scientific Advisory Board

Prof. Dr. Saleemul Huq, a renowned specialist on the global climate, has been chosen to serve as one of the external members of the United Nations' (UN) new Scientific Advisory Board.

According to a UN news release, the Board's formation was announced on Thursday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

According to a news statement on Friday, Saleemul Huq also serves as the head of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) and a professor in the department of environmental science and management at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as one of the external members of the UN's Scientific Advisory Board. This further strengthens my commitment to advancing climate science and finding sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. Together, we can make a difference and drive positive change for a sustainable future," said Prof Huq.

The Board, which is based on a hybrid model, is made up of a group of seven distinguished scientists with experience applying their knowledge, especially in the humanities, as well as another group of leading scientists from other UN agencies, the rector of the UN University, and the tech envoy.

The Board will serve as a focal point for a network of scientific networks and provide guidance to UN officials on scientific and technological developments, how to capitalize on their advantages, and how to minimize any hazards.

The six other external members of the board are: Prof Yoshua Bengio from Université de Montréal, Canada; Prof Sandra Díaz from Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Prof Fei-Fei Li from Stanford University, USA; Prof Alan Lightman from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA; Prof Thuli Madonsela from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; and Prof Thomas C Südhof from the Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.

They have expertise in a wide range of fields, such as molecular and cellular physiology, law, humanities, computer science, ecology, and human-centered artificial intelligence.

"Progress in science and technology can help with attempts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, but it also raises ethical, legal, and political issues that call for global answers. As stated in the UN news release, Guterres' Scientific Advisory Board "will strengthen the role of the United Nations as a credible source of data and evidence and provide advice to me and my senior management team."

"Heartfelt congratulations to Prof Dr Huq on his prestigious appointment to the UN's Scientific Advisory Board. It is recognition of his expertise in global climate issues and a testament to his dedication and hard work in the field. As the Director of ICCCAD at IUB, Dr Huq has been a guiding force in shaping sustainable solutions. We are proud to have him as a distinguished member of our family,” said Tanweer Hasan, PhD, Vice Chancellor of IUB.