Dr. Yousaf Riaz is an accomplished scholar and visionary leader with a multifaceted career spanning academia, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. His professional journey began with a profound interest in nature, working with the highly socialized and industrious honeybees. This early experience followed his Master’s in the Science of Economics from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, where he observed and learned the principles of equity, equality, and resource optimization from bee societies. These lessons became the foundation for his lifelong commitment to fostering sustainable systems.
Dr. Riaz pursued advanced studies to deepen his knowledge and impact, earning an MS in Management Sciences and a PhD in Environmental Economics, demonstrating an enduring commitment to intellectual growth and societal contribution.
Pioneering Contributions and Leadership
Dr. Riaz has trained over 3,000 individuals from rural areas in beekeeping and agro-based cottage industries, collaborating with national and international development organizations. His initiatives included establishing market channels and designing sustainable business models that empowered trainees and trainers to thrive in their ventures.
As CEO of The DOER Trust, Islamabad, he led a multidisciplinary team of trainers, evaluators, and auditors, supporting churches, para-church organizations, and development groups in aligning their operations with their missions.
Dr. Riaz further expanded his expertise to the microscopic world, pioneering nature-based solutions for wastewater and organic waste treatment. As the Founding Director of the National Institute of Bio-remediation (NIB) under the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, he supervised multiple MS and PhD research projects. His bio-remediation models gained international recognition, being successfully implemented locally and in collaboration with OIC and SAARC forums.
In 2015, his contributions to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions earned him the prestigious Presidential Award for his outstanding services.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Dr. Riaz is the author of two insightful books:
- “Sustainability through Optimum Utilization of Existing Resources”
- “The Responsibility Ignored: Water and Wastewater Economy of Pakistan”
These works reflect his passion for addressing critical environmental challenges and advocating for sustainable practices.
Joining TILTI
Dr. Riaz’s dedication to learning and sharing knowledge resonates deeply with the mission of the International Leadership Training Institute (TILTI). His alignment with TILTI’s goals exemplifies his unwavering commitment to societal betterment and driving positive change through facilitation, education, and leadership development.
Dr. Yousaf Riaz is a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to merge knowledge with action, demonstrating that intellectual curiosity and societal responsibility can profoundly transform communities and ecosystems.
