Dr Omniya el Baghdadi | Nature Positive Cities

Dr Omniya el Baghdadi is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 13 years of experience in research and consultancy in Australia and Egypt, and she is passionate about building capacity for resilient and liveable cities. Omniya holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Economics and we sat down with her to chat about sustainability, the parallels between the two countries and what we can do as regular urban dwellers.

Can you tell us more about Chemonics Egypt Consultants and your role as Senior Sustainability Consultant?

Since 1992, Chemonics Egypt (CE) Consultants has been one of the few firms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region solely focused on the green economy. We've been leading the way in sustainability and making a real difference. Sure, the work is challenging, but it's incredibly rewarding to know that we're contributing to a more sustainable future.

CE has built a strong presence across the MENA region, with projects in 18 countries, including 10 in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean regions. We've worked with international development organisations, banks, private equity funds, governments, and private industrial facilities. Our specialties include sustainable energy, waste management, sustainable water resources, and sustainable agriculture and food production—all crucial for a greener future.

As a senior consultant, I lead large-scale projects with leading development agencies like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). My job involves guiding government entities, private sector organisations, and NGOs as they create strategies, action plans, toolkits and roadmaps to address complex environmental and social sustainability issues. It's a role that calls for creativity, resilience, and a real passion for making a difference. Every day is different and brings its own challenges, but it's also full of opportunities to really change things for the better. What gets me most excited is seeing the actual impact of our work in communities and the wider region. Knowing that what I do contributes to a more sustainable and fairer world—that's what keeps me going.

It's truly a pivotal and exciting time to be a sustainability consultant.

It may be a surprise to some, but Egypt and Australia share many climate challenges. What can Australia learn from Egyptian sustainability practices and vice versa?

Egypt and Australia are both on the front lines of climate change, facing similar physical climate risks such as extreme temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, rising sea levels, as well as transitional climate risks. These climate issues significantly impact key sectors such as mining (with its transitional risks), manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, all integral to the economies of both nations. Also, with large populations living along their coastlines, both nations are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with climate change.

I think Australia can learn from Egypt’s approach to translating their National Climate Change Strategy 2050 into action through the Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) Program. This initiative aims to facilitate Egypt's green transition by focusing on nine priority projects that are part of the first phase, which address water, food, and energy. Through this program, Egypt has successfully attracted support from donors, multilateral development banks, and the private sector, mobilising climate finance to fund these critical projects. This approach demonstrates the importance of aligning climate action with national priorities and mobilising resources effectively to make a tangible impact. It’s well known that climate finance is crucial for advancing climate action, but it's just as important to ensure that the funds are directed toward the most critical projects. This involves carefully prioritising projects and ensuring they align with a country's broader climate strategy.

Egypt could also benefit from Australia's Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous communities have lived on this continent for tens of thousands of years, developing a deep understanding of the land and how to manage it sustainably. In south-eastern Australia, for example, Indigenous burning techniques have been used to manage forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic bushfires, demonstrating a valuable strategy for adapting to climate change. Integrating this ancestral knowledge into climate action plans could help create more effective and sustainable solutions.

What emerging issues will have the greatest impact in the sustainability space in the next 5-10 years?

Water Scarcity. Water scarcity is one of the most pressing sustainability challenges, with projections indicating that many regions will face severe water shortages in the next decade. As populations grow and climate change disrupts traditional weather patterns, managing water resources is crucial.

Green Skills. The transition to a green economy demands a workforce skilled in sustainable practices and technology. This shift involves training workers in green skills, such as renewable energy installation, sustainable construction, and environmental management. Preparing the workforce for this transition is crucial, as it not only supports sustainability goals but also creates new job opportunities in emerging green industries.

Social Equity and Environmental Justice. Social equity and environmental justice are increasingly central to sustainability discussions. Environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalised and low-income communities. Addressing these disparities requires policies that ensure fair access to resources and equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Promoting social equity and environmental justice involves engaging communities, creating inclusive policies, and fostering equitable development.

In your opinion, what is one major barrier to delivering more economically viable sustainability projects?

If I had a magic wand, the one barrier I would remove would be the short-term focus in economic and business planning.

This mindset often prioritises immediate profits over long-term sustainability and can lead to underinvestment in environmentally friendly technologies and practices. By removing this barrier, decision-makers can avoid this reductionist approach and would be more inclined to invest in projects with longer-term returns, leading to greater adoption of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and other eco-friendly initiatives.

This shift could help ensure that sustainability projects not only benefit the environment but also provide stable, long-term economic gains.

Do you have any recommendations for how city dwellers can minimise their impact on the environment?

In 2024, the narrative around sustainability has evolved beyond clichéd phrases like "consume less" and "save water." While these actions remain important, what truly propels us forward is a culture of curiosity and inquiry. It's about asking the right questions and delving into the interconnectedness of our actions and their broader impacts.

Instead of simply accepting the status quo, we need to cultivate a mindset that constantly questions and explores. This means thinking beyond our immediate surroundings and considering the bigger picture.

For example, rather than viewing a tree solely as part of the landscape, we should inquire about the multitude of services it offers—carbon sequestration, oxygen production, habitat provision, and erosion control. Similarly, understanding the role of local biodiversity goes beyond mere appreciation of nature; it involves recognising the intricate web of relationships that support ecosystems and sustain life. By asking questions about our local biodiversity, we uncover its significance in pollination, pest control, soil fertility, and even cultural heritage.

We should also question how we consume and confront the reality of our waste streams and question where our waste ends up. This inquiry extends beyond the bin to consider the entire lifecycle of products—from production to disposal. By understanding the destinations of our waste, whether it be landfill, recycling facilities, or the natural environment, we gain insight into the environmental consequences of our consumption patterns.

By fostering a culture of curiosity and posing thoughtful questions, we can deepen our understanding of sustainability and empower ourselves to make informed decisions. It's through this exploration of interconnectedness and inquiry into the intricacies of our actions – where we have no choice but to confront our decisions and actions – that we pave the way for a more sustainable future.

What insights did you gain from your time at university?

My time at QUT holds some of my most cherished memories, both personally and professionally.

On the professional front, QUT challenged me to think critically and approach problems with a questioning mindset. I learned to consider not just theoretical concepts but also how they could be applied practically in real-world situations. This emphasis on real-world applications prepared me well for the challenges I have faced in my career, instilling a mindset of problem-solving and adaptability.

On a personal level, QUT introduced me to some of the kindest and most supportive individuals. These friendships and connections taught me the invaluable lesson of mentorship, illustrating how a supportive network can profoundly impact one's journey. Through these relationships, I gained a deeper understanding of the principles of kindness and compassionate leadership—qualities that have significantly influenced my approach to both personal and professional interactions (special shoutout to Cheryl Desha, Karyn Gonana, Les Dawes, and Doug Hargreaves).

Who is an individual that inspires you?

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories. She’s also the first woman to hold this role. I admire her courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She possesses qualities that I deeply respect and strive to emulate in my daily life: a courageous spirit, a relentless pursuit of fairness, and a profound sense of empathy.

The world needs more women like her—individuals who inspire us to be better, do better, and to take a stand for justice.

QUT degree - Doctor of Philosophy (2016)

Do you have a question for Omniya? Connect with her on LinkedIn.

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent those of QUT.}