About
I am a researcher in marine and maritime policy and a UN Climate Change negotiator with a background in maritime law, a broader interest in sustainable development, and an expertise in translating research into policy-informing evidence.
I come from a flexible background. I studied French and Lebanese Law and specialised in Maritime Law, and have had diverse experiences in the private and public legal sectors, most notably with the Lebanese and UK Parliaments.
At the University of Southampton, I am a marine and maritime policy research fellow within the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute where I continue to conduct research around ocean governance and the regulation of human activities in and around the ocean. I am currently involved in a multi-disciplinary research project as part of the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre, where I am researching the legal and regulatory aspects of the transport of CO2 to support the implementation of the UK Government's Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage plans. I have also developed a specialisation in designing and delivering policy engagement activities to ensure that research projects led by the marine and maritime research community at the University inform current and future local, national and international policies. My wider research interests include ocean governance, behaviour change and international climate change policy, climate justice, and the decarbonisation of shipping.
I have also been part of Public Policy|Southampton, the University of Southampton's dedicated unit which aims to support researchers with increasing the policy impact of their research activities through building and maintaining strategic partnerships with local, national and international policymakers. I have been involved in policy-informing research projects during which I collected and analysed data, and presented my research outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
My experiences deepened my understanding of the interplay between research, law, and policy, equipping me with the knowledge and skillsets to contribute actively to environmental policymaking at local, regional, and international levels. As a result, I have become part of the University of Southampton's delegation to UNFCCC sessions since COP26, and of the Lebanese delegation since COP28, where I now serve as lead negotiator for the Just Transition Work Programme.
In all my efforts, I strive to champion peace, justice, equality, environmental stewardship and sustainability, working toward a better and more inclusive world for all.