International Advisory Committee
UNSW-GWI receives advice from an international panel of renowned global water experts, spanning many sectors and geographies. The International Advisory Committee is comprised of:
Daniel Lambert, Executive Manager - Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Unitywater
Daniel is a Chair, Director, Water Engineer and Humanitarian. Prior to his executive role at Unitywater he was Arup's Australasia Water Leader. He is a founder and director of a key water NGO and an Officer in the Royal Australian Engineers. He is passionate about developing water and sanitation solutions for communities which deliver positive social, environmental and economic outcomes. Recognised through numerous awards and as an industry thought leader, Daniel’s contribution to engineering and the water sector has been profound. He has delivered industry leading projects, provided leadership through key industry roles (locally and internationally), mentored and supported the development of water professionals and actively promoted the industry (in the media, through schools and universities).
Birgitta Liss Lymer, Director, Water Resources, Stockholm International Water Institute
Birgitta has more than fifteen years of experience from international development cooperation in the areas of freshwater, coastal and marine management. Before joining SIWI in 2011, Birgitta worked for different UN agencies, leading project activities ranging from WASH service delivery in Somalia for UNICEF, intergovernmental cooperation on coastal and marine environmental protection in Southeast Asia for UN Environment and regional fisheries management in West Africa for FAO. At SIWI, she has led several multi-stakeholder initiatives, including the setting up of and running the Action Platform for Source-to-Sea Management during its first five years in operation. Birgitta holds a Master of Science in Aquatic and Environmental Engineering from Uppsala University, Sweden.
David Molden, Director General, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Kathmandu, Nepal
David is a development specialist with more than 30 years of experience in designing, planning, executing, and monitoring programmes on water management, livelihoods, environment, and ecosystem services. He has worked in several Hindu Kush-Himalayan countries, including China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, and has experience in projects in the Indus, Ganges, Yellow, Mekong, Yangtze, and Amu and Syr Darya river basins.
Rod Naylor, Executive General Manager, Water Services, Downer
Sydney, Australia
Rod Naylor has over 30 years’ experience in the water industry in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Rod has worked in both the public and private sectors in consulting, operations and capital project delivery, and in operational, executive and project governance roles as well as serving as a company Director of Veolia Water and its subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity and other advisory roles.
Nicola Nelson, Director Research, the Greater Sydney Commission
Sydney, Australia
Nicola is responsible for leading and overseeing the research program for the Greater Sydney Commission to support thought leadership, strategic planning and decision making. Previously Manager of Research and Innovation at Sydney Water, Nicola has over 20 years’ experience managing complex science, research and development programs for industry and government. She has worked across multiple industry sectors including agribusiness, health, biotechnology, creative industries and for 15 years in the water industry. Nicola is an active collaborator in the Australian Water industry with lead roles in driving research and innovation, technology development and climate change adaptation.
Pech Sokhem, Executive Director, Cambodia Development Resource Institute
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Dr. Pech Sokhem is currently the Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI). CDRI celebrates its 30th anniversary in June 2020. It has steadfastly maintained its status as a leading independent development policy research institute in Cambodia, the region and beyond. Since its establishment, CDRI has earned a well-deserved reputation from academics, policymakers and development practitioners for high standards of rigor and integrity in its research.
Tom Soo (Chair)
Consultant, Water Policy Group
Tom is a senior executive with experience in sustainability, natural resources sciences, policy, and water resources management at an international level.
Michael Spencer, Research Fellow, Monash Business School and Board Member, Alliance for Water Stewardship
Melbourne, Australia
Michael has extensive experience with the establishment and management of social and environmental standard setting organisations.
Louise Whiting, Senior Water Management Specialist, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
Bangkok, Thailand
Louise Whiting joined RAP as a Senior Water Management Specialist effective in October 2018. Louise will lead the Land and Water program for Asia Pacific. Louise is an experienced policy-maker, program developer and project manager at national and international levels, specialising in water resources management and policy as it relates to irrigation and food production, climate change, environmental flows and ecosystem services.
Dr William Young, Water Leader, World Bank
Washington DC, USA
Bill Young has been the Asian and Global leader of the World Bank water program for several years. Bill is well connected internationally and in a good position to identify where Australian organisations can play a role globally.
