Bengaluru, 4 September 2025: STEER World, a global leader in materials transformation technologies, today announced the appointment of Mr. Ovais Sarmad, former Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to its Advisory Board.
With over three decades of expertise spanning climate policy, migration, and global governance, Mr. Sarmad brings a unique and powerful perspective on institutional transformation and sustainable development. During his tenure at the UNFCCC, he played a central role in reinforcing the Paris Agreement’s implementation and was deeply involved in marquee climate negotiations from COP23 through COP27, including the creation and operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. Prior to that, at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), he held senior leadership roles, including Chief of Staff and Director of Resource Management, during a 27-year tenure that saw significant institutional reforms and global-scale policy development.
A Chartered Management Accountant (UK) and a graduate of Osmania University, India, Mr. Sarmad currently serves as Vice-Chair of the GHG Protocol Steering Committee and advises on sustainability, climate action, and youth engagement. He brings to STEER World a strong commitment to sustainable development and deep insight into building impactful, values-driven institutions.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, Managing Director & Chief Knowledge Officer, STEER World, said, “We are deeply honoured to welcome Mr. Sarmad to our Advisory Board. His extensive experience in guiding global policy and governance, coupled with his strong values-driven approach, will help us strengthen our mission of innovating technologies that transform materials responsibly. At STEER World, we believe in developing solutions that advance not just industry, but also society and the environment and Mr. Sarmad’s guidance will be instrumental in shaping this journey.”
Sharing his thoughts on joining STEER World, Mr. Ovais Sarmad said, “I am delighted to join the STEER World Advisory Board. STEER World’s commitment to sustainable technologies in advanced materials, polymers, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and food resonates strongly with my own belief in purposeful innovation. I look forward to contributing to STEER World’s mission of creating scalable, impactful solutions that align industrial growth with environmental responsibility.”
