Osman Kocini: A Leading Voice in Climate Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Global Climate Action
Osman Kocini stands out as an influential expert in climate finance, sustainable infrastructure, and decarbonisation. His career blends technical expertise with strategic advisory roles, positioning him at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Recognised internationally for his leadership and innovation, Osman’s journey encompasses key roles at global institutions such as UNOPS and Capgemini Invent, complemented by strong academic credentials from prestigious UK universities. This article explores Osman Kocini’s professional trajectory, educational background, honours, and contributions to global sustainability initiatives.
Early Education and Academic Foundations
Osman Kocini’s educational journey laid a strong foundation for his expertise in sustainability and environmental management. He earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management from the University of Leeds, where he graduated in 2017. His undergraduate studies were not only academically rigorous but also enriched by intercultural experiences; he participated in an international exchange programme in Environmental Science focused on Urban Air Pollution at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and completed a summer study abroad in International Business at Aarhus University.
Following his undergraduate degree, Osman advanced his academic credentials by pursuing a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainable Development at University College London (UCL), specifically within the renowned Bartlett Faculty of Built Environment. Completing this MSc in 2018, he deepened his understanding of complex environmental challenges, sustainable development policies, and climate adaptation strategies.
During his time at university, Osman actively engaged in leadership and environmental initiatives. At the University of Leeds, he was an Intercultural Ambassador, facilitating networking events and promoting the internationalisation of sustainability efforts. At UCL, he participated in an IEMA-approved Environmental Auditing Programme, conducting environmental audits in line with ISO 14001 standards, demonstrating early hands-on experience in environmental management systems.
Professional Experience and Global Impact
Osman’s career trajectory reflects a strong focus on sustainability consulting, climate policy, and infrastructure decarbonisation.
UNOPS Advisor on the 2030 Agenda
Since September 2024, Osman serves as an Advisor for the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), where he contributes to the organisation’s climate and sustainability initiatives aligned with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a member of the prestigious “30 Below 30” cohort, Osman advises on global frameworks such as the UN Pact for the Future, climate finance mechanisms, and the Loss and Damage Fund designed to support vulnerable nations affected by climate change.
His responsibilities include contributions to three UNOPS Mission Hubs focused on infrastructure, technology, and energy, where he plays a pivotal role in integrating sustainable practices into development projects. Osman is also one of the focal points for climate resilience strategies targeting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a group especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Through this role, Osman is actively shaping climate adaptation policies that enhance resilience in fragile environments.
Consultant at Capgemini Invent: Sustainable Futures
Osman has been a Consultant at Capgemini Invent since June 2022, working within their Sustainable Futures team based in London. His role involves advising a broad spectrum of clients, including energy utilities, public sector organisations, financial services, and consumer goods companies, on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies.
With a focus on sustainable energy transition, transport decarbonisation, and ESG data management, Osman leverages innovative, data-driven approaches to help clients achieve measurable sustainability outcomes. He has been instrumental in managing ESG transformation programmes and sustainability reporting, bridging technical analysis with strategic implementation.
Osman’s thought leadership is further exemplified by his public speaking engagements at leading industry conferences where he discusses carbon markets, public policy, and ESG reporting. His expertise ensures clients can navigate the complex intersection of sustainability regulations and market-driven opportunities effectively.
Environmental Consultant at Mott MacDonald
Before joining Capgemini Invent, Osman honed his consulting skills at Mott MacDonald, where he worked for over three years in environment and social consultancy. His focus was on environmental and social impact assessments (EIA/ESIA) and human rights impact assessments (HRIA) for large infrastructure projects across sectors such as aviation, rail, energy, and civil engineering.
In this role, Osman collaborated closely with international teams and adhered to international standards, including the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) ESG guidelines. His work contributed to ensuring that development projects complied with environmental safeguards and social responsibility standards, crucial for sustainable infrastructure financing and implementation.
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
Osman Kocini’s commitment to climate action and sustainability has earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions:
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World Bank Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador 2024: Selected among the top 150 young climate leaders globally, this accolade reflects Osman’s role in high-level climate finance discussions, including participation in the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings and Innovate4Climate.
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UNOPS 30 Below 30: Recognised as part of a dynamic group of young leaders advising UNOPS on global challenges linked to sustainable development and climate resilience.
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Global Talent at UNLEASH 2023: Chosen from over 10,000 applicants worldwide to participate in the UNLEASH SDG Innovation Lab in Rwanda, where he contributed to developing a tech prototype aimed at supporting renewable energy entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
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Climate Policy Lab Delegate at Mediterranean Dialogues Rome 2024: Among 20 selected climate experts and innovators, Osman contributed to shaping policy recommendations on climate innovation, which were presented to Italy’s Special Envoy for Climate Change.
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Sally Macgill Memorial Prize: Awarded for achieving the highest dissertation mark at the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment during the 2016/2017 academic year.
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EU Scholarship Award: One of 38 recipients selected by the British Council and the European Union for outstanding performance during a rigorous scholarship process.
Contributions to Climate Policy and Public Discourse
Osman’s expertise spans several critical areas within climate and sustainability discourse:
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Climate Finance and Carbon Markets: Through his advisory roles and conference presentations, Osman provides insights into financing mechanisms that accelerate low-carbon transitions and promote sustainable investment.
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Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Transition: He actively engages in projects and policy dialogues focused on decarbonising transport and energy sectors, addressing some of the hardest-to-abate industries.
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Climate Resilience for Vulnerable Regions: As a focal point for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within UNOPS, Osman develops climate resilience frameworks to mitigate the impacts of climate change on these highly vulnerable nations.
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Public Speaking and Thought Leadership: Osman’s presentations at global forums such as the Rome MED Dialogues, Farnborough International Airshow, and the UN City Copenhagen highlight his commitment to disseminating knowledge on climate technology adoption, ESG strategies, and sustainable finance.
Conclusion
Osman Kocini exemplifies a modern climate leader whose multidisciplinary expertise bridges technical environmental science, finance, policy, and innovation. His academic grounding from UCL and the University of Leeds provided the knowledge base, while his professional experiences at Mott MacDonald, Capgemini Invent, and UNOPS have enabled him to translate theory into impactful action.
His work continues to influence climate adaptation and mitigation strategies worldwide, particularly in sectors critical to global sustainability such as energy, transport, and infrastructure development. Recognised by leading institutions for his leadership and innovation, Osman remains a key figure in the ongoing effort to address the climate crisis through practical solutions, strategic advisory, and inspiring advocacy.
As climate challenges intensify, experts like Osman Kocini play an essential role in shaping a sustainable future, making his contributions invaluable both within and beyond the sustainability community.
