Speaker detail

Erfan Ali

Dr. Erfan Ali is the first Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of UN-Habitat, based in Istanbul. He has been serving in this capacity since December 18, 2025. Professional Experience: He brings over 25 years of leadership experience in sustainable urban development, disaster risk reduction, urban resilience, governance reform, and post-crisis recovery across United Nations and government institutions. Key Professional Milestones: - UN-Habitat HQ (Nairobi): Prior to his current role, he served as Chief of Staff and Acting Director of the Regional Programme Division, providing strategic oversight of the organization’s global and country operations. - Regional Director for Arab States (2019–2023): Led UN-Habitat’s largest regional portfolio, guiding strategies on urban resilience, humanitarian response, and housing recovery in crisis-affected settings. - Iraq Country Programme Head (2013–2018): Managed complex stabilization and urban recovery programs, focusing on land governance and shelter solutions for displaced populations. - UNDP & IOM Advisor: Served as Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor with UNDP in Jordan and as Shelter Advisor with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). - Government Leadership (Syria): Former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Regional Planning Commission, leading national spatial frameworks and EU/EIB-funded municipal modernization programs. Academic Background: - PhD: Regional and Urban Planning from Université Paris-Est, France. - Master’s Degree: Project Management from the University of Damascus. Summary: Dr. Ali’s career reflects a strong integration of technical expertise in urban development, high-level policy leadership, and operational experience in complex emergency and development settings worldwide.