Hristo Dikanski
HRISTO DIKANSKI
Professional career:
2020–2025 Held the most senior technical position in sustainable development at the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an international network employing 90,000 people across 30 countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Led a team of 20 experts across Asia and Africa, including India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Uganda, and Syria. Developed and oversaw the implementation of AKDN’s global “Climate and Environment 2030” strategy.
Was responsible for policy development, institutional coordination, and the management of complex multilateral partnerships with governments, United Nations agencies, and international financial institutions.
His work covered initiatives in sustainable healthcare, education, energy, agriculture, culture, and disaster risk management. Developed joint programmes with governments in Asia and Africa, including sustainable housing in Pakistan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Afghanistan.
2017–2019 Led sustainable infrastructure and urban development projects in the United Kingdom at Ove Arup & Partners, including work on the £60 billion High Speed 2 railway project, the expansion of Heathrow Airport, and other major infrastructure initiatives.
2012–2016 Led sustainability work at the national level at Network Rail, United Kingdom.
Additional Professional Activities:
2022–2025 Served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the FPAK pension fund, with assets valued at CHF 35 million.
Served as a reviewer for the World Health Organization’s Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) initiative.
Education:
2018 PhD in Sustainable Engineering and Energy Systems, University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
2012 Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
2022 Completed the Advanced Management Programme, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Languages:
Fluent in English and French.
Married with one child.