WorldFish
Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, has been named to the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders list. Now in its second year, the list recognises leaders worldwide who are delivering innovative and scalable solutions to the climate crisis and shaping a more sustainable future.
Dr. Essam was honoured for his leadership in advancing sustainable aquatic food systems as a key solution to global challenges including food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change. Under his direction, WorldFish has strengthened partnerships across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific to scale science-based innovations that improve livelihoods, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainable resource management.
“I am honoured to be listed on the Forbes 2025 Sustainability Leaders List. Aquatic foods are rich in nutrients, low in emissions, and already nourishing billions while supporting the livelihoods of millions—yet they have long been overlooked in food systems discourse and the climate agenda. Our work at WorldFish is changing that. This recognition brings them into the spotlight where they belong, at the centre of efforts for a resilient, sustainable food future,” said Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed.
A major focus of Dr. Essam’s leadership has been bridging the vast gap in Africa’s aquatic food production compared to Asia. As a champion of South–South collaboration, he leads the cross-country adaptation of scalable innovations through the Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway, a seven-year project funded by the UK Government.
Alongside being named to the Forbes list, Dr. Essam will speak at the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders Summit on 22 September in New York and at the UN General Assembly’s Global Center on Adaptation Leaders’ Dialogue on 25 September.
An environmental economist with over two decades of experience in sustainable development, natural resource governance, and international climate policy, Dr. Essam previously held senior roles at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and has advised governments, UN agencies, and global coalitions on ocean sustainability and climate justice.