What do people do during War?

In the midst of war's despair and chaos, it's easy to abandon personal goals and aspirations due to the relentless barrage of conflict and distressing news. However, the key is to persist and refuse to let the chaos dictate your future. During Lebanon's civil war, which lasted nearly two decades, I focused on my education, immersing myself in mathematics and science despite societal discouragement and a lack of female role models. Initially aiming to be a science teacher, my aspirations grew as I overcame challenges, ultimately leading me to an unexpected and fulfilling path.

Biography

I am a Member of Parliament and a leading expert in climate change and pollution control, hailing from Lebanon. With a Ph.D. in Physical Science from the University of Southern California, I spent over 20 years as a professor at the American University of Beirut, specializing in air pollution and the chemical analysis of inhalable particles from both tobacco and non-tobacco products. My work in grassroots, evidence-based research had a direct impact on the community and paved the way for my transition into politics, leading to my election to the Lebanese Parliament in 2022.

My primary focus includes leading a 243-day sit-in to urge MPs to elect a president, co-founding the Environmental Justice Unit to address environmental cases, and proposing legislative amendments. My advocacy efforts have resulted in the establishment of a primary healthcare center and the Diplomacy Unit, both aimed at tackling corruption and mismanagement, with the goal of securing international support for accountability.

Education

Ph.D. Physical Science, 1994-1999, University of Southern California, CA.
M.S. Analytical Chemistry 1992-1994, California State University, Long Beach, CA.
B.S. Chemistry 1982-1986, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Awards

Nominated among 11 Guide to Municipal Solid waste management prominent women scientists in the Mediterranean, 2023
Nominated Apolitical’s 12 Most Influential People in Climate Justice 2021
Nominated Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy 2021
Nominated 100 Best Influential Women for the Year 2019 by BBC 2019
The National Order of the Cedar from the President of the Lebanese Republic 2019
The Honorary Cedar Shield from the Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon 2019
L’Oreal-UNESCO International Award for Women in Science 2019
BBC top 100 most influential women in 2019
Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research Award in the Environmental Category 2016           

Publications

Documentation transforms actions and insights into tangible evidence, ensuring they can influence change, inform others, and stand the test of time. Without it, even the most impactful efforts risk being forgotten.

Google Scholar: 159 articles, 7665 citations, h-index 43, i10-index 99
 Publications at the AUB-Nature Conservation center: 20

Summits

Conferences, workshops, and summits offer vital opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate with experts, and share valuable insights with a wider audience. Participating in these events allows us to contribute to collective efforts that inspire meaningful change globally.
MEDNIGHT Gala - 8th EWORA Conference “Global Female Leadership and the Future of Universities”

The European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) held its 8th conference in collaboration with Kadir Has University, Istanbul, and Istanbul Technical University(ITU). As a keynote speaker, I highlighted my dual role as a scientist and community activist, bridging academia with action research and diplomacy. The conference, which focused on "Global Female Leadership and the Future of Universities," was particularly memorable for me as I also received an award in recognition of my contributions.

COP 28

COP28 was especially significant as it marked the completion of the first 'global stocktake' of global efforts to combat climate change under the Paris Agreement. As a national delegate, I attended meetings and witnessed firsthand the critical discussions on the urgent need to make progress on climate change, particularly addressing the pressing issue of loss and damage, including the establishment of a dedicated fund.

International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP)

I had the privilege of attending the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) Meeting at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics(ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. We focused on aligning IBSP’s goals with global science priorities, identifying strategic partners, and exploring collaboration opportunities. The discussions also covered ways to support global STEM education and promote STEM literacy and innovation, all alongside an esteemed group of scientists.

The 2023 Global Women Leaders Summit

I had the privilege of joining the 2023 Global Women Leaders Summit, chaired by Secretary Hillary Clinton and Ambassador Melanne Verveer. This Summit offers a confidential space for women leaders to reflect, share experiences, and develop strategies for political success. Co-organized by The Rockefeller Foundation and Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the event features sessions on governance, navigating social media challenges, and addressing broader issues like climate change.

11th World Women University Presidents Forum (WWUPF) “Global Security and Global Development: Responsibilities of Higher Education Leadership

Attending the 11th WWUPF Forum in ZhengZhou, China, was truly inspiring. This event continues the tradition of building a global network and support platform for leaders, academics, and practitioners in higher education and women’s leadership. Since 2001, WWUPF has successfully organized ten major forums in China and eleven sub-forums worldwide.

4th edition of FemParl Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

The two-day conference on women's leadership in climate action offered a unique chance to convene women parliamentarians and policy shapers from the MENA region to support inclusive, locally driven climate initiatives. As a FemParl MENA IV delegate, I engaged with fellow women leaders—parliamentarians, politicians, municipal representatives, and leaders from civil society and the private sector—actively participating in discussions and presenting my work as a panelist.

Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Science Diplomacy  

The Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Science Diplomacy, co-organized by the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Commission, focused on the state, challenges, and opportunities of science diplomacy in the Mediterranean. As a scientist-turned-parliamentarian, I contributed to these crucial discussions.

The Eighth Plenary Meeting of the WHO Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet)

I attended the 2023 WHO Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet) Plenary Meeting in Minneapolis, where over 50 participants from 21 countries gathered. TobLabNet, established by WHO in 2005, is a global network of labs focused on testing nicotine and tobacco products.

New York Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum (STI)

At the 8th Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum on May 4th, 2023, at the UN Assembly Hall in New York, I spoke at the session "Breaking Down Barriers – Closing the Gender Gap in Science and Technology." I also met with top UN officials to discuss Lebanon's failure to meet the SDGs and the severe violations of democracy and human rights by the current rulers.

Plenary talk at Global Evidence Summit 2024 

I am honored to be a keynote speaker at the Global Evidence Summit in Prague, which aims to create a multidisciplinary platform for exchanging ideas on producing, summarizing, and disseminating evidence to inform policy and improve lives globally.


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info.najatmp@gmail.com

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