Izabella Koziell

I protect the pulse of the planet through all my work at ICIMOD but perhaps most visibly through my work raising global awareness of the HKH region. This region supports vast populations for whom we are committed to deliver new solutions and new investment. These are meant to help the pulse to be as strong as it can be and for it to be recognized for the vital function it serves. What happens here in the HKH matters to the rest of the world.

I have many favourites but will mention just two here.

The first is that I am fortunate to work with some inspiring people. They are a diverse team of true professionals.  And I am referring here not just to the people who work directly at ICIMOD, but the people within the eight governments and numerous other organisations with whom we work.

The second is that I feel strongly that my work here helps make a difference to the mountain peoples’ lives and livelihoods.

A lot. I’ve worked across the African and South Asian regions and lived in Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya and Tanzania, and through all the roles I’ve played, I’ve been able to fulfill my passion in making a difference to people’s lives.  Outside of work, I love hiking and cycling, growing vegetables (we have a large garden here in Nepal), and of course my children.

As I have got older this list has got longer so I will try and summarise!

I’ve worked for more than 30 years at the juncture of climate, environment, and development with CGIAR, FCDO (when it was DFID), the International Institute for Environment and Development and the Lutheran World Service. During this time, I’ve held numerous leadership positions in the UK, Africa and South Asia on policy, programs and research management.

My last position was as a Director of the Water, Land and Ecosystems Program based at the International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI) headquarters in Sri Lanka, where I led a global research for development program connecting 11 CGIAR centres, FAO and the RUAF foundation.