Professor Narinder Kakar has devoted over 50 years of his professional career to sustainable development, climate change, and education for peacebuilding – including more than 30 years of service with the United Nations Development Programme in countries including Yemen, Guyana, Turkey, China, and the Maldives. He was awarded a golden plaque by the UN in recognition of his contributions to world development.

As IUCN Observer to the United Nations, Professor Kakar advocated for environmental conservation at the UN General Assembly. The President of the UN General Assembly designated him to chair the high-level thematic debate preceding Rio+20 in 2012 – an exceptional appointment for a non-member-state professional. He contributed actively to the formulation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2013-2014 and served as Chairman of the UN Joint Appeals Board. The University for Peace conferred upon him the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished academic service.