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Aliza Ayaz

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Aliza Ayaz
Ayaz at the UK House of Lords, 2024
Born14 June
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Alma materYale University, University College London
Occupation(s)International climate activist, sustainability consultant
Years active2017–present
Websitewww.alizaayaz.com

Aliza Ayaz is an international climate activist, business and sustainability consultant[1][2] and a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.[3] She jointly won the United Kingdom Youth Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability Award at University College London (UCL), and has spoken at United Nations, London International Model United Nations, and UK Parliamentary events.[2][4][5] She is a member of the National Youth Council Pakistan.[5][6] She is known for setting up the Climate Action Society at UCL[2] which helped inspire UK-wide youth action against climate change, leading to the climate emergency declaration at the UK Parliament.[5][7][8] In October 2020 she was appointed as the United Nations youth ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13), the first Pakistani student to have received this honour.[9][10][11][12][13]

Early life and education

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Ayaz was born in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and has lived most of her life around the Middle East.[14] Before moving to London, she studied at Karachi Grammar School[14][15] and Dubai British School.

She studied at University College London for her bachelor's degree[16] followed by an MSc in infectious disease epidemiology.[17]

Career

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While a student, Ayaz founded the Climate Action Society (CAS) at UCL in 2018.[18][19] Ayaz heads a series of London-based conferences, workshops, campaigns and the annual "Sustainability Symposium"[20] hosted at UCL to engage the UK wide youth in pushing for climate resilience.[21]

Ayaz organised workshops to motivate positive changes in climate-related behaviours with a range of experts given her passion to tackle the climate change health impacts as an emerging cause of morbidity that became apparent during her undergraduate studies.[22] With her team at Climate Action Society,[23] she is known to have facilitated diversity and inclusion in the fight against climate change through organising BME-focused networking dinners and conferences;[24] and Ayaz was invited to a governmental round-table discussion by Lola Young, Baroness Young of Hornsey.[25] The first UK-wide "Sustainability Symposium" which won the Students' Union "Event of the Year" award was introduced by her.[26] The Symposium's concept connects various disciplines such as engineering and art to participate in the mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change.[27]

Ayaz worked on rolling out the UK Kickstart Scheme with Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer at HM Treasury), providing funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.[8][28] Simultaneously, she was also involved with the UK Green Homes Grant given her passion for tackling fuel poverty and carbon emissions.[29][30]

Ayaz was invited to the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival to design the Festival's sustainability strategy.[31] Ayaz was the only British Pakistani and the youngest attendee at the Marché du Film and spoke on a panel about the importance of film production to be environmental conscious.[32]

Ayaz was awarded the "Professional Leadership in Banking & Finance" award by Women In Management UK at the House of Lords in London in March , 2024[33] for her role as the Executive Director of Climate Action Society & business consultant, thus becoming the youngest person to have won this award in history.

Personal life

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Ayaz was born on 14 June. Ayaz resides between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and London, England[34] with friends and family, but is often travelling.[35] She credits her parents Mohammad Ayaz and Dr. Rana Najmi for her success and inspiration.[36]

Other work and media involvement

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Ayaz is involved with global health policy initiatives at UCL's department under the Vice-Provost (Health) David Lomas. She is currently enrolled on an undergraduate program for Population Health Sciences at UCL.[34]

She has written about universities' carbon-neutrality policies.[37]

Ayaz has been covered in CNN, BBC,[38] Geo TV, ARY News, The Express Tribune,[39] The Pakistan Daily,[40][41] Parlho Pink,[42] The Women Journal, The News International, Daily Pakistan,[43][44] LexGaze Weekly,[45] and in other media on subjects including sustainable fashion, environmental consultancy and student entrepreneurship.[5][7][25][46][47]

She was ranked number three on The Pakistan Daily's 30 under 30 list in 2021.[48] Ayaz regularly participates at global climate forums on behalf of the UK Government and previously spoke at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).[49][50][51]

Ayaz is often interviewed on lifestyle related climate topics, and has spoken extensively on how Gen-Z cope with climate anxiety.[52] Ayaz is a frequent speaker in the corporate sector, invited by organisations to assist them with their sustainability goals.[53] She has delivered keynotes at significant conferences such as the ESG and Climate Summit 2023.[54]

Ayaz has been involved in the Ayaz Rana Foundation, a charity launched in 2022 to provide assistance to the impoverished and the deprived.[55]

Aliza has been invited to speak at The Economist Sustainability Week in 2024 as the only youth sustainability leader.[56] She regularly mentors students, such as through the University of Leeds careers events and participates in regional events, such as International Women’s Day celebrations.[57]

Ayaz participated in the Green Futures Showcase on behalf of UK Government and Bradford City Council, engaging with young students to highlight green careers and sustainability's importance in various industries.[58]

Recognised as an industry Diversity & Inclusion leader, Ayaz has been invited to speak at notable conferences including the Sustainability LIVE 2024 summit,[59] where she spoke about the intersection of social impact within corporate strategies.[60]

Speaking engagements

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Aliza Ayaz has been a sought-after speaker at numerous notable events, showcasing her expertise in climate resilience, leadership, and social impact. She has participated in over 300 conferences, often being the youngest speaker and one of the few women on panels. [61] Some of her key speaking engagements include:

  • Pioneering Climate-Resilient Communities 2023 by the Institute for Government & Public Policy (IGPP), where she contributed alongside policymakers and thought leaders. [62]
  • Leadership Masterclass: Leading Through Climate Change, hosted by Airmic, a prominent organization focused on leadership development in the risk and insurance sectors. [63]
  • For Thought 2021, a summit gathering global innovators, policymakers, and corporate leaders to discuss pressing issues, including climate change. [64]
  • A lecture at Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, inspiring the next generation of leaders. [65]
  • A keynote at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Transcultural Psychiatry Special Interest Group Conference, emphasizing the intersection of mental health and environmental change. [66]
  • Festival of Education 2022, a significant platform for educators and influencers shaping the future of learning. [67]
  • ClientEarth Summit 2022, where she participated in the panel discussion "Impactful Youth: How Can We Be the Change We Want to See," exploring how young people can contribute towards a better future through career choices, advocacy, innovation, and other areas. [68]

Awards and judging roles

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Aliza Ayaz has been recognized for her contributions and achievements with several awards and judging roles:

  • Oliver Hare Altruism Award (2020): Presented by Olly's Future and the Students' Union UCL, this award honors UCL students who demonstrate exceptional initiative, empathy, and altruism within the university community. Aliza was recognized for her efforts during the COVID-19 crisis, including raising funds for the jobless and facilitating distance learning resources for students. [69]
  • UCL Student Award for Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability (2019): As the founder and Executive Chair of UCL's Climate Action Society, Aliza was acknowledged for her leadership in promoting sustainability initiatives and partnering with organizations like the United Nations to advocate for climate action. [70]
  • Professional Leadership in Banking & Finance Award (2024): Awarded by Women In Management UK at the House of Lords in London, this accolade recognized Aliza's role as the Executive Director of Climate Action Society and her contributions as a business consultant. [71]
  • She was a finalist for the “One to Watch” Award at the British Muslim Awards 2024, which celebrates exceptional talent and leadership within the UK's Muslim community. [72]

Judging roles

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  • PMI Pinnacle Awards: Aliza served as a judge for the PMI Pinnacle Awards, which honor excellence in pension management, judging pension funds and insurance companies from across the United Kingdom. [73]
  • Solutions for the Planet Competition: She served as a judge for the Solutions for the Planet competition, supporting young student innovators in developing sustainable solutions to global challenges. This is a UK national school competition inviting over 300 schools to participate. [74]
  • Iris Prize: Aliza has been a judge for the Iris Prize, one of the largest sustainability funding competitions in the world, for two consecutive years. [75] [76]

Research papers

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  • Najmi, Rana; Ayaz, Aliza (1 January 2021). "An Investigation of the Relationships between Ethnicity and Occupational Classes with Mental Wellbeing in the UK: Cross-Sectional Findings from the Health Survey for England 2014-16". Journal of MAR Pulmonology. 2 (1).[77]

References

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  61. ^ alizaayaz_ (12 March 2024). "At just 25, I've rocked the mic at 300 events worldwide, becoming a fixture on the speaking circuit. My calendar? Jam-packed. The twist? I'm often the youngest voice in the room, sometimes the keynote, a badge wear with pride. It's not just about being booked; it's about being re-booked, a testament to the buzz around my talks. Being the youngest means living under the spotlight - making every setback MORE pronounced every success feel amplified. My age brings alongs with it doubts about my expertise, followed by stunned eyebrows and satisfied smiles. It drives me to ace my prep, ensuring my talks aren't just heard but felt, blending information with inspiration to showcase my unique angle. This spotlight isn't just for show; it's my stage for pushing boundaries and sparking change, all while juggling the high-wire act of expectations and scrutiny. This visibility is humbling. It underscores the impact of representation, and the role each of us can play in empowering the next generation of leaders & thinkers. Immersed in a sea of expertise, I'm a sponge, soaking up insights from every direction. And the cherry on top? Inspiring others, especially young dreamers who see a bit of their path in mine. Their messages, a blend of thanks and hope, remind me of my "why." Receiving messages from individuals who share that my story encouraged them to pursue their dreams or speak up in their own circles is a powerful reminder of why I do what do. Here's to empowerment, sustainability, and making waves. Thank you to my team for hair, make up and personal assistance on the day #WomenEmpowerment #Sustainability #AlizaAyaz #haalizaunited". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
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  77. ^ Najmi, Rana; Ayaz, Aliza (1 January 2021). "An Investigation of the Relationships between Ethnicity and Occupational Classes with Mental Wellbeing in the UK: Cross-Sectional Findings from the Health Survey for England 2014-16". Journal of MAR Pulmonology. 2 (1). Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
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