Dr. Aida Karazhanova (Ph.D.) is a policy and research professional with extensive experience across the UN system and academia in Asia and the Pacific and the CIS. She combines strategic foresight with hands-on policy, analytical work, and project design, translating digital innovation into practical solutions that strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development.

At the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), she contributed to high-level policy dialogues and ministerial processes on digital public services, digital public infrastructure, climate-digital linkages, disaster risk reduction, and regional integration. Her work focused on ICT for development, including implementation of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (AP-IS) Action Plan (2022–2026), and engagement with task forces on the digital economy and climate.

Previously, she worked with UNDP and UNEP RRC.AP on sustainable development strategies, and on urban water governance and inclusive development within the Asia-Pacific Water Forum network.

Dr. Karazhanova is a TAG member at GLC4HSR and a regular speaker at regional youth and policy forums. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.