Munir Merali Email & Phone Number

Dubai, Ae

Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland

Why Elevate ExistsFarming as we know it is changing.The global food system has developed into an incredible machine, capable of feeding billions of people with an enormous variety of food, at the lowest prices and highest levels of safety in human history. But that same system also leaves 800 million people heavily malnourished, and a further 1.6 billion either undernourished or suffering from obesity. We waste a full third of our food, we destroy our soils through intensive farming, and we use up water faster than it can be replenished. Meanwhile, extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and geopolitical conflicts - both hot and cold - are putting supply chains under extreme stress. Elevate Farms’ purpose – the reason we exist – is to contribute to a much needed transformation of our food system. Our mission is to design, build and operate vertical farms that grow incredibly flavourful, highly nutritious foods, and to do so at scale and in a way that contributes positively to people and planet. Understanding that we are just one part of a bigger systems shift, we believe in collaboration with other food systems solutions and regenerative practices wherever possible.Our state-of-the-art facilities combine proprietary LED light technology, photobiology, and robotic automation to create a farming system that truly elevates conventional agriculture. The technology behind our facilities is based on 26 years of academic research and a combination of scientific disciplines working at the forefront of their respective fields - including our co-founder, Per Aage Lyssa. The insights from his research not only lead to our highly efficient automation system, they also allow us to optimise plant growth by controlling light, water, airflow and climate in our farms so that the plants morphological growth generates the perfect balance between yield, nutrients and flavour.The scale and speed required for real change can be daunting - but it's also a huge opportunity.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

When kids can do math, they can do anything.JUMP Math is an award-winning charitable organization that believes every child can achieve their full potential through an understanding and appreciation of math. Our evidence-based grades K-8 learning program and professional teaching resources and support empower educators to help every child in every classroom develop confidence, understanding and a love of math.Every child can be good at mathThat’s the belief – confirmed by science – that inspires the JUMP Math philosophy and approach.Founded in 2002 by Dr. John Mighton, JUMP Math is an award-winning charitable organization empowering educators and students to understand and love math in Canada, the United States and other countries worldwide. Equity is at our core. Our resources are uniquely structured to support every teacher to engage every student in every math class.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Arabian Institute for Climate Change is a visionary initiative aimed at addressing the region’s critical climate challenges through education, research, and innovation in climate technologies. The institute is committed to preparing a skilled workforce capable of developing sustainable solutions to environmental issues specific to the Arab world, including water scarcity, rising temperatures, and desertification. By bridging industry, government, and academia, the institute will spearhead the Arab world’s transition to a resilient and sustainable future.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates And Toronto, Canada,

SAMENA works at the intersection of technology and creativity, with a keen interest in areas such as generative AI, data science, and climate technology ventures. SAMENA actively collaborates with governmental bodies, private and public sector entities, as well as multilateral development and donor organizations to leverage AI and data analytics in addressing critical environmental challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and guiding industrial transformation towards a more sustainable future. This is by ensuring ethical and responsible use of technology, advocating for equitable distribution of AI's benefits, and mitigating its potential adverse impacts.

South Asia

Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Office of the Resident Diplomatic Representative plays a crucial role in implementing the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Country Policy for Bangladesh, managing a diverse portfolio of development and economic projects that address critical issues of national, regional, and strategic significance.AKDN’s presence in Bangladesh extends nearly seven decades, during which time it has worked to strengthen early childhood development, pre-tertiary education, and financial services. Notably, AKDN established a jute mill industry that was once one of the largest industries in the country, launched a venture capital and development organization, and became the major shareholder of Habib Bank Ltd, contributing to job creation, skill development, and economic growth.Additionally, AKDN has supported local NGOs, building their organizational capacities in critical areas such as planning, financial management, and gender equality. This has bolstered civil society’s role in fostering a participatory approach to development. The Network’s early childhood development programs have reached over 33,000 children, and approximately 700 pre-primary teachers have been trained.In 2013, a Protocol of Cooperation was signed with the Government of Bangladesh, reinforcing an earlier agreement from 1993 to strengthen collaboration in economic, social, and cultural development.The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka recently opened on its 17-acre award-winning campus. The Academy upholds the legacy of the Aga Khan School, Dhaka, which has provided high-quality education to the city's youth for over 30 years.Among the Office’s key achievements is the establishment of strong relationships with local and regional governments, the diplomatic and international community, development partners, and investors. These partnerships are vital to AKDN’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Bangladesh.

Geneva, Switzerland And Toronto, Canada

Innovations in Health Care Delivery, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, International Trade, and Diplomacy.• Prevently.com: Early investor and advisor for Internet-based startup company which aims to become the premier global health and wellness platform that empowers consumers with the information, products, and personalized care. When launched, the company will provide consumers with reviewed health content, approved health products, and telemedicine consultations which are complemented by a world-class suite of health apps whose data is integrated into a centralized patient profile. • Health Care “Hubs”: Investor and co-founder of company to establish outpatient based medical services to meet the emerging health care needs of the diverse and growing population in Southern Ontario, Canada.• Mobile - Health Connectivity: Research underway to create an affordable mobile interface and technology platform to help manage health and wellness. Combined with other traditional services, the model aims to help early detect, actively monitor and effectively manage - using state of the art suit of wearable technology. Aim is to help improve-on health outcomes, while reducing overall health care costs. • International Trade and Investments: Advising governmental agencies and private equity companies on investment prospects and other opportunities in emerging markets including, Central/South Asia and Eastern Africa.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The Office of the Resident Representative is responsible for the implementation of AKDN’s Country Policy while overseeing and facilitating a diverse portfolio of development and economic projects and issues of national, regional and of strategic importance. These range from health to education, economic development to microfinance, disaster risk mitigation to cross-border cooperation initiatives.In his capacity, the Resident Representative plays a critical role in working with both the government and all our stakeholders including the private sector, and development partners such as; The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, IFC, EBRD, and International Donor Agencies among others. In addition, I was closely involved in promoting regional cooperation working on cross-border and other regional issues dealing with healthcare, education, trade, and energy development connecting Central Asia to Afghanistan and beyond. Moreover, I was responsible for cultivating and managing relations with various district, provincial and national governmental authorities on a number of construction and other developmental projects - including the establishment of the University of Central Asia - in the region.Key achievements include: establishing cordial and effective relations with key partners including; local and regional governments, diplomatic and international community, development partners, and investors. As part of the regional cooperation strategy, helped establish cross-border programs including cross-border trade, construction of various border bridges, opening of numerous border markets, implemented number of cross border health and education programs, and facilitated transmission of hydro-power energy to Northern Afghanistan. Other projects included; construction and opening of a new five-star hotel, launching and rebranding of a mobile telecom company, and advancing proposals related to the development of the hydro-power energy potential.

Islamabad, Pakistan

As part of the AKDN group of entities, the AKF office and the CEO in Pakistan was responsible to help support and coordinate development of the country strategy, provide technical assistance, engender innovation, oversee quality assurance, promote institutional strengthening, support efforts to help mobilize resources, and provide grant management services and accountability to the government, international and local donors, and development partners. In addition to the above, the AKF Office was responsible for promoting the Foundation's goals and objectives to key development and donor agencies, philanthropists, leaders in the private sector and government, media, as well as the general public. The Office was also responsible to develop and implement a detailed plan for building external relations with high net worth individuals, foundations, diplomatic and international community, and develop promote partnerships with the corporate sector inline with their CSR objectives.The Office was also responsible for mobilizing resources to help support various AKDN initiatives in the country. In this context, the CEO led efforts in managing, coordinating and implementing strategy with local and international donor agencies, government and private funding - to help sustain and advance programmatic activities, including the preparation of high-quality proposals, negotiations, timely reporting, fulfilling all terms and conditions of the grants, and organizing monitoring and evaluation missions and sharing analysis with key stakeholders. Key achievements include; the establishment of the micro finance ordinance and the first national bank for micro finance in the country, launch of Pakistan Centre of Philanthropy to channel indigenous giving towards sustainable development, a National Exam Board to help ensure quality of education, and early childhood development programs in rural areas, etc.

Toronto, Canada

As founder and CEO, was responsible to develop and implement strategies to help develop and establish various businesses related to health care in Toronto, Canada. In addition to operating and managing franchised pharmacy operations, was involved in a number of startups including private ventures n the cities of Toronto, Oakville, Ottawa, and Markham. As part of the business development and competitive advantage, developed a number of disease management protocols (diabetes, asthma, cardio-vascular, etc) to help cultivate and manage large patient loyalty base and to help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. In this process, also developed a number of preferred provider agreements with large employers and insurance companies - to help better manage pharmaceutical and health care costs while at the same time, providing high quality medical services and products. Worked with various urban hospitals to create one of the first public private partnerships in Canada - with the aim to help to increase revenue base while providing high quality outpatient care services. Together with other health care specialists, was early investor and co-founder to help construct and establish one of the first outpatient based medical services in the region. A site with multi-disciplanary services was established in the City of Markham - to help meet the emerging health care needs of the diverse and growing population. Services included but not limited to; family medicine and other specialty clinics, diagnostic services, pharmacy, physiotherapy, wellness center, etc. As part of a strategy to help independent pharmacy owners, helped establish and Chaired the Board of a non-profit organization to help collectively - leverage economies of scale and marketing strength to effectively compete with local chain operators and other branded retail pharmacy operators in Ontario.

Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Studies

Crisis Management For Leaders

Crisis Management for Leaders From HBS Website: These recent weeks have been a time of unprecedented change for all of us as we have.

Global Alumni Leadership Summit, Educational Leadership And Administration, General

Global Alumni Leadership Summit, Educational Leadership And Administration, General

Advanced Management Program, Leadership, Strategy, Management

Fundamentals Of Diplomatic Practice

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa), International Relations And Affairs

Understanding The New World Of Health Care

Program On Negotiations For Senior Executives

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Pharmacy

The Climate Boot Camp, Climate Change

The Climate Boot Camp is designed for people who are deeply concerned about the climate crisis and want to take action, but need to know.

Creating Climate Ventures, Climate Change

Activities and Societies: Harvard Innovation Labs