Governing Board Elections 2024

Biographical data

With a visionary spirit and passionate for global progress, Ismail has carved a remarkable path over the course of two decades on the landscape of cross cultural relations, investment promotion, and sustainable development. A consummate leader, speaker, and moderator, Ismail has graced prestigious platforms such as the UNCTAD World Investment Forum, the Annual Investment Meeting in the UAE, the World Economic Forum in Davos, the CIFIT in Xiamen, and the Africa Partnership Conference.

With a career spanning the private sector, government, and global NGOs, Ismail epitomizes a rare combination of excellence. As a seasoned entrepreneur and dealmaker, he possesses the diplomatic finesse of a strategist, climate activist, and result-oriented professional. As the driving force behind the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), representing over 110 countries, he spearheaded a transformative strategy in 2014, enhancing membership value through institutional partnerships, financial integrity, and efficiency, while pioneering the organization's transition to intergovernmental organization (IGO) status.

Ever committed to global engagement, Ismail has orchestrated the last decade of WAIPA World Investment Conferences in collaboration with renowned global entities such as ILO, UNIDO, the World Bank, WEF and many others. He has been instrumental in organizing, partnering, and speaking at events, as well as initiating and implementing projects across more than 80 countries.

Driven by a deep-seated belief in leaving no one behind, Ismail is a multilingual professional dedicated to fostering international collaboration and sustainable economic development, ensuring that the fruits of progress are enjoyed by all.

What does Ecolint mean to you?

Ecolint holds a special place in my heart as the chosen educational institution for my two daughters. For me, Ecolint is more than just a school; it's a cornerstone in shaping my daughters into global citizens with a broader worldview and a deep appreciation for diversity.

In opting for Ecolint, my intention is to provide my daughters with an education that goes beyond traditional boundaries. The school's commitment to fostering a multicultural environment, promoting linguistic diversity, and nurturing independent learners aligns seamlessly with my vision.

Ecolint, with its mission to prepare students for active participation in diverse communities and its emphasis on addressing global challenges, mirrors my aspirations. The school's dedication to instilling values of citizenship and making a positive impact on the world resonates strongly with my belief in raising socially responsible individuals.

I see Ecolint as a partner in instilling not only academic knowledge but also crucial life skills and values for all students. The focus on cross-cultural understanding, sustainability, and excellence reflects my desire to provide my kids with a well-rounded education that extends beyond textbooks.

In essence, Ecolint is a beacon for cultivating a sense of global awareness and responsibility. It represents a community where they can flourish academically, embrace diverse perspectives, and ultimately contribute meaningfully to the world.

What skills/expertise can you bring to the School?

As a candidate for the Ecolint Governing Board, I offer a diverse array of skills beyond my expertise, particularly in cross-cultural relations and international business diplomacy, that can significantly benefit our school community:

1. Leadership: With leadership experience across various sectors and as a leader in global organizations, I bring strong leadership skills to the table. I can inspire, motivate, and guide our community towards achieving common goals.
2. Diplomacy and Communication: My diplomatic finesse and experience as a speaker and moderator in international conferences highlight my exceptional communication skills. I can effectively communicate complex ideas and bridge cultural divides within the school community.
3. Strategic Thinking: As a strategist and initiator of transformative strategies for organizations like WAIPA, I possess the ability to think critically and strategically. Having reported to a Steering Committee formed of 14 countries for a decade, and initiating, creating, and implementing several strategic plans at WAIPA, I can contribute valuable insights to the school's long-term planning and development.
4. Result-Oriented Approach: I do focus on achieving results. I can instil a results-oriented mindset encouraging excellence and tangible outcomes.
5. Global Engagement: With a track record of global engagement and projects in over 80 countries, I can further contribute to the global perspective of our community. I can promote cross-cultural understanding, diversity, and inclusivity within the school community.
6. Commitment to Sustainability: As a passionate climate activist I am fully committed to sustainability. I can advocate for environmentally-friendly practices within the community and promote sustainability projects and campaigns.
    

Overall, my skills and expertise can significantly contribute to the Governing Board's objectives, particularly in communication, strategic planning, results orientation, global engagement, advocacy and commitment to sustainability.

Understanding that the Governing Board focuses on long-range and strategic issues, and not specific management, personnel, or curricular issues, how would you support the Ecolint Mission if you were elected to the Governing Board?

If elected to the Governing Board of the International School of Geneva (Ecolint), I would approach supporting the Ecolint mission from a strategic standpoint, focusing on overarching objectives and long-term initiatives. Here's how I envision contributing:

1. Strategic Partnerships: I would actively seek opportunities to forge strategic partnerships with organizations that share Ecolint's values and objectives.
2. Policy Advocacy: I would engage in advocacy efforts at local, national, and international levels to promote policies that support the Ecolint mission.
3. Global Outreach: Leveraging my experience in global engagement, I would work to expand Ecolint's global outreach efforts. This could involve increasing the school's visibility on the international stage, fostering connections with schools and organizations worldwide, and promoting cultural exchange programs that enrich the educational experience for students.
4. Strategic Resource Allocation: I would advocate for strategic resource allocation that prioritizes initiatives aligned with the Ecolint mission.
5. Long-Term Planning: I would contribute to the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans that advance the Ecolint mission. This could involve conducting regular reviews of the school's progress towards its goals, identifying areas for growth and improvement, and adjusting strategic priorities as needed to ensure alignment with the evolving needs of the school community.
    

Overall, as a member of the Governing Board, with a strategic and forward-thinking approach I will be further supporting the Ecolint mission, working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance the school's goals and uphold its commitment to excellence, diversity, and global citizenship.
 

The Ecolint Governing Board is the key governance body of the International School. What is your understanding of the tasks you are called upon to perform in this context? And, what particular skills and experience would you draw on to fulfil this role?

The role on the Ecolint Governing Board involves strategic leadership, financial stewardship, partnership building, advocacy, and representation.

Considering my particular skills and experiences I am confident I can play an important role in shaping the future of the International School of Geneva and advancing its mission of providing an education of excellence for all students.

My experience in promoting financial integrity and efficiency can be invaluable in ensuring that financial resources are managed responsibly and strategically, supporting the school's mission and priorities. I’ve been reporting to an international board formed of 14 countries since almost a decade on mid-long term strategic vision, annual budgeting and operational achievements. Over the years financial transformation ensured the current sustainable and independent model that I’ve initiated/implemented. I can help shape initiatives and plans that align with the school's overarching objectives, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Leveraging my network and experience in global relations, investment, and sustainable development, I can seek out opportunities to form strategic alliances with organizations, institutions, and stakeholders that share the school's values and objectives.

Finally, as a representative of the school, I will have the opportunity to advocate for its interests and values on the global stage. As a seasoned, speaker, and moderator at prestigious international forums, I can effectively communicate the school's mission, achievements, and contributions to a broader audience.
 

Fair and equitable access to an education of excellence such as that of the International School of Geneva is at the heart of the objectives on which the Governing Board must focus. What might your thoughts be on this matter at this time? Do you have any particular expertise that you could draw upon in such societal matters?

I have dedicated years to promoting equity, inclusivity and diversity in my current role, spearheading projects tailored for (Least Developed Countries - LDCs, ACP - Asia Caribbean Pacific) more than 80 countries, focused on sustainable development, climate FDI, women empowerment, and decent job creation. My guiding principle has always been to "leave no one behind".

As the leader of a global NGO with members spanning 110 countries, I maintain close collaboration with UN Agencies and other international organizations, steadfast in our collective commitment to overcoming global inequities.

It is imperative that we ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. No child should feel excluded or isolated. Given the multicultural composition and high turnover rate of our school, concerted efforts between teachers, parents, and management are essential. This may entail implementing programs to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, nurturing a culture of inclusivity and respect, and addressing barriers to access and participation.
 

Ecolint aims to ensure a framework that serves to provide a distinctive high quality international education through which all students are helped to develop their abilities to the highest level of the potential. In your opinion, what are the different elements that are critical to this framework (buildings, interior and exterior spaces; technical supports and equipment; management team, teachers, and administrative staff; or others...)?

A comprehensive curriculum provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills, while the learning environment fosters collaboration and exploration. Integration of modern technology prepares students for the digital age, and comprehensive support services, including language support and mental health resources, ensure that students receive personalized support to meet their diverse needs.

While these components are indeed essential for providing top-level education, I firmly believe that qualified and dedicated educators are the cornerstone of our educational framework. They play a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of our students, unlocking their potential through expertise and commitment. While state-of-the-art materials have their place, it is the talent and dedication of teachers that truly make a difference, even in challenging circumstances.

A skilled educator can work wonders with the resources available, inspiring and guiding students to reach their fullest potential regardless of limitations. Our role in the community should be to pave the way for them, providing necessary technical or logistical support and eradicating potential limitations to achieve excellence in education.
 

Ecolint embraces diversity and honours the unique voice and personal experience of all members of the community. What do you think of this statement in terms of your experience as a member of the community? In your opinion what should be the role of the Governing Board in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Foundation?

As a member of the Ecolint community, I fully endorse its dedication to embracing diversity and valuing the unique perspectives of all members. In my experience, this commitment has fostered an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and respected.

The Governing Board can play an important role in further strengthening diversity and inclusion within the Foundation by advocating for diverse representation in decision-making processes and allocating resources strategically to support diversity initiatives, such as funding scholarships for underrepresented students and organizing multicultural events etc. Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress towards diversity and inclusion goals are indeed necessary, with the Board holding school leadership accountable for advancing these priorities.

On an important note, Ecolint has precious values and sacred experience in diversity and inclusion. I believe it can be disseminated beyond the Foundation’s borders.

Ecolint could consider forming further partnerships with other schools, institutions and organizations that are interested in promoting diversity and inclusion. By working together, they can leverage each other's strengths and resources to have an even greater impact through multi agency projects.

Overall, by sharing their expertise and experiences with other schools, Ecolint can contribute to create a more inclusive and welcoming educational environment for students all around the world. Ecolint's leading role for those initiatives would also strengthen it's brand value which can potentially return as potential room for further financial sustainability detailed under last question above.
 

Are you aware of the financial information related to the Foundation? While efforts have been made, what else can be done in your opinion, to make the Foundation more sustainable in the long term continuing to ensure affordable fee structures while providing qualitative inclusive education in an effort to make global citizens and optimum capital development efforts?

Ensuring long term sustainability while providing the affordable fee structure and top quality education is indeed an important challenge.  Providing scholarships and financial aid to ensure access for students from diverse backgrounds is additionally important taking Ecolint’s vision into account as mentioned above.

Solutions are systematically obvious such as resource diversification, donations and partnerships, efficiency is resource management etc which I believe is being implemented already at the Foundation.

What is key here would be to further strengthen the ties with partners, donors, alumni community and furthering new projects and programs. My organisation WAIPA was depending %70 on one single source 10 years ago and now we are fully independent thanks to sponsorships, grants, projects and revised fee structure.

Long term financial sustainability is possible but it requires time, effort, energy, brilliant ideas and lots of strong partners. There is not one single recipe working for all conditions but after studying carefully I am confident good solutions can be found also taking into account overarching values and unique position of our Foundation. 
 

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