Commonwealth Secretary-General Appoints Manahel Thabet as Science and Technology Special Envoy

Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations Patricia Scotland announced Thursday the selection of Saudi Professor Manahel Thabet as her special envoy for science and technology, citing Thabet’s distinguished expertise, scientific achievements, and contributions in the fields of science and technology.

The Commonwealth of Nations includes 56 countries with a population of more than 2.5 billion around the world. The organization seeks to bring closer understanding between peoples regarding the goals of sustainable development, advanced technologies, coexistence, and peace, and it is considered one of the most prestigious organizations in elite political and scientific circles.

Professor Manahel will link the organization’s member states to achieve sustainable development goals by facilitating communication and exchange of knowledge and expertise, as well as directing efforts to develop scientific and technical research, adopting best practices, enhancing the use of technologies to address environmental challenges, enhancing economic cooperation, and developing policies. She also will formulating the legal framework to promote innovation and support capacity building of scientists and professionals in the member states.

Professor Manahel is among the most distinguished Saudi figures who holds several senior positions, including as advisor to the president of King Abdul Azeez City for Science and Technology (KACST); president of the Economic Forum for Sustainable Development; founder and president of Consortium Consultants, a premier consultancy firm providing tools and techniques to grow businesses on a global scale specialized in data banks, financial engineering, sustainable economic rewiring, and futurism; deputy director of the Institute for Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at Imperial College; vice president of the World Intelligence Network (WIN); and vice-chancellor of the UK Gifted Academy.