Our Team

Ms. Kai is the Manager and Advisor of UNDP’s climate change projects at the Ministry of Environment where she works closely with the Lebanese government on designing and implementing climate policies and promoting policy reforms. Through providing strategic support, she guided the development and implementation of various programs, laws and regulations. As part of the official Lebanese delegation, she has been negotiating international climate change agreements for 20 years, including the Paris Agreement.  

Ms. Kai regularly contributes to the broader sustainability landscape through academic contributions, speaking, and mentoring students and young professionals. 

Ms. Kai holds degrees in Environmental Health and Technology from the American University of Beirut and in econoic development from Harvard Kennedy School for Government.

Ms. El Chemaly is a Project Associate at UNDP’s climate change project at the Ministry of Environment, where she supports the advancement of Lebanon’s climate change portfolio. Since 2018, she has contributed to the development of national climate policies and strategies, including the preparation of Lebanon’s Nationally Determined Contributions, while supporting climate awareness initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Through her work in project coordination, strategic communications, and technical reporting, she facilitates collaboration between government institutions, development partners, and other key stakeholders to advance Lebanon’s climate agenda. 

Ms. El Chemaly holds a master's degree in diplomacy and strategic Negotiations and is an experienced trainer in communication, leadership, negotiation, and volunteerism. 

Mr. Maakaron is the Project Associate of UNDP’s climate change projects at the Ministry of Environment, where he supports the effective implementation of climate and environmental initiatives through financial, procurement, and operational management. Through providing administrative and financial support, he contributes to the timely delivery of projects, ensuring compliance with UNDP procedures and donor requirements. Mr. Maakaron regularly supports the implementation of Lebanon’s climate change portfolio by managing procurement processes, financial planning, budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and coordination with government institutions, technical experts, implementing partners, and service providers. 

Mr. Maakaron holds a master’s degree in Finance from the American University of Beirut, with expertise in project management, financial administration, and procurement. 

Ms. El Hayek is a Legal Consultant with extensive experience working with national and local authorities. She is working with UNDP’s climate change projects at the Ministry of Environment to advance environmental governance, strengthen legal frameworks, and support the development of climate policies. Through providing legal and strategic support, she contributes to the drafting of legislation, institutional reforms, and adaptation initiatives that promote transparency, sustainable development, and climate resilience. Ms. El Hayek regularly contributes to environmental governance through legal advisory services, project management, and stakeholder engagement, working with policymakers, municipalities, the private sector, and local communities. 

Ms. El Hayek holds a law degree and specializes in environmental law, governance, and sustainable development.