Maha Al-Zu’bi 

From Rocks to Rivers: Maha Al-Zu’bi’s Journey into Water and Sustainability

Maha’s journey into the water sector began with a deep curiosity about the natural world. During her geology studies, she became fascinated by how water flows through rocks and landscapes, shaping ecosystems and sustaining life. This early exposure sparked her interest in understanding water systems and how they can be managed more cohesively and sustainably in water-scarce environments.

She later pursued a master’s degree in Environmental Science Management, focusing on wastewater treatment using low-cost technologies, particularly anaerobic systems that require less energy and maintenance—an important solution for resource-constrained countries.

Her academic journey culminated in a PhD on the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus under climate change, examining how integrated policy and governance approaches can strengthen climate resilience and improve coordination across sectors in water-scarce regions.

Her career later expanded from technical research to policy and development planning when she joined Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, where she worked on water and agriculture sector projects and strategic development initiatives. She later joined UNDP, where her work increasingly connected water management with the broader challenges of climate change, resilience, and environmental sustainability.

She also brings more than five years of experience leading academic and research initiatives, including work with the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low-Carbon Unconventional Resources at the University of Calgary, where she contributed to interdisciplinary research linking energy, water, and environmental sustainability.

Through these experiences, Maha has built a career that bridges science, policy, and practice, reflecting her commitment to shaping the policies and partnerships needed to protect water resources for future generations.

Shaping Sustainable Water Systems: Maha’s Regional Impact

Maha is a Regional Researcher in Sustainable and Resilient Water Systems at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) based in Jordan, with over 20 years of experience managing public and internationally funded projects in the water, energy, agriculture, and environmental sectors. She has collaborated with major international organizations and contributed to regional development initiatives, with a particular focus on climate governance and the WEF nexus in Central and West Asia and North Africa. At IWMI, her work focuses on translating research into practical solutions and policy-relevant knowledge products that support climate resilience, sustainable water management, and cross-sector collaboration.

She contributes to the development of policy briefs, regional assessments, and research publications that inform decision-making and strengthen the science–policy interface. Her work often brings together technical and policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and institutional perspectives to support more integrated approaches to water, agriculture, and climate challenges.

A key turning point in Maha’s career was the shift from technical fieldwork to policy and planning. Through hands-on experience in water systems, Maha recognized a gap between researchers, policymakers, and the communities most affected by environmental decisions. This realization shaped her commitment to bridging research, technical expertise, policy, and grassroots perspectives, helping ensure that scientific knowledge informs inclusive and practical solutions.

Empowered Connections: Maha’s Journey with CWiW

Maha was introduced to the CWiW community by Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General at the International Water Management Institute and a fellow CWiW member, and quickly found it to be an invaluable platform for learning, connecting, and reflecting on her work in the water sector. Being part of the community has inspired her to engage more actively, explore cross-sector dialogues, and consider organizing events that address regional challenges, including gender-related issues. Recently, she completed a paper on women’s leadership in Jordan’s water sector, highlighting the obstacles female professionals face. For Maha, CWiW has strengthened her commitment to inclusive solutions and amplified her impact across the sector.

Leading by Example: Maha’s Philosophy on Leadership and Mentorship  

For Maha, true leadership is about leading by example, demonstrating what is possible through actions rather than words. It involves mentoring and uplifting others, especially women who may doubt their abilities, by providing guidance, confidence, and recognition to help them realize their potential. Effective leadership, she emphasizes, combines critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clear communication, enabling inclusive growth and meaningful impact in the water sector.

Bridging Supply and Demand: Maha’s Vision for Water Management

Maha views water management as a careful balance between supply and demand. While resources are limited, inefficient use remains a major challenge, making demand management crucial at all levels, from households to industry. She emphasizes the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus, noting that decisions in agriculture, energy, or urban planning must consider both water availability and the energy required to deliver it. For Maha, cross-sector dialogue is essential and must be translated into actionable policies, strategies, and investment plans that integrate water, energy, and agriculture sustainably.

Driving Practical Innovation: Maha’s Integrated Approach to Water Solutions

Maha emphasizes that innovation in water is not just about technology. To make it work, supportive policies are needed, along with financial mechanisms like subsidies and the skills for users to adopt these innovations. She believes innovation should be seen as a bundle, integrating technology, policy, capacity, and finance to ensure practical and sustainable adoption.

Advice for the Next Generation: Ambition, Technology, and Breaking Barriers

Maha encourages young women to set ambitious goals and pursue them with determination. As she often reminds them, the compass was invented before the watch, so direction matters more than time. The journey may be long, but with a clear purpose, every step moves you closer to impact. She also emphasizes the power of modern technologies, including AI, to expand learning, overcome barriers, and transform ideas into real-world change.