Schola Nova takes immense pride in celebrating alumni whose journeys continue to inspire our students and uplift communities around the world. Today, we spotlight Mohammad Farrae, a development professional, sustainability advocate, and global food systems specialist whose work stands at the forefront of climate action and community resilience. His trajectory reflects perseverance, vision, and the transformative power of purpose-driven education.
Driving Global Change Through Sustainable Food Systems
Mohammad currently serves as the Scientific Director of the AIM for Scale Secretariat, a global platform dedicated to advancing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and resilience for vulnerable populations. In this leadership role, he helps shape policies, partnerships, and scientific pathways that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and environmental sustainability.
His work is not only technical; it is deeply human-centered. Through global collaborations and strategic foresight, Mohammad is contributing to a future where agricultural systems are equitable, resilient, and environmentally responsible.
A Global Career Rooted in Purpose and Sustainability
Mohammad’s expertise spans:
• Sustainable development
• Food systems transformation
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Policy innovation and global partnerships
Before joining AIM for Scale, he served as Senior Specialist for Food Systems Partnerships at COP28, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening international commitments toward climate resilience. His contributions supported global initiatives to enhance food security, improve agricultural systems, and build climate-adaptive ecosystems.
Across his career, he has collaborated with world-leading institutions, including:
• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• University of Notre Dame
• U.S. Embassy–supported development programmes
• Gates Foundation–supported initiatives in Pakistan
Through these engagements, Mohammad has built a portfolio of work that bridges research, policy, and community-driven solutions.
Academic Excellence: From Islamabad to Notre Dame
Mohammad’s academic journey is as inspiring as his professional one.
He holds a Master of Global Affairs in Sustainable Development from the University of Notre Dame (USA) one of the world’s top institutions for global policy and development studies.
His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which laid the groundwork for his analytical thinking, technical rigor, and systems-based approach to problem-solving.
A Journey That Started at Schola Nova
Mohammad joined Schola Nova in Grade 7, at a time when he had transitioned between multiple schools and faced academic challenges. What followed was a turning point in his life.
At Schola Nova, he found a nurturing environment where individual attention, patient guidance, and personalised learning helped him rediscover his confidence. His teachers recognized his potential long before he did, providing the encouragement and structure he needed to excel.
He completed his O-Levels at Schola Nova and went on to earn a full scholarship for A-Levels at one of Islamabad’s leading institutions. From there, he pursued engineering at NUST, followed by a career that has taken him to global platforms and international leadership roles culminating in his graduate studies at Notre Dame.
His journey is a powerful reminder that the right school environment can transform a child’s trajectory.
Shaping Global Food Systems and Strengthening Communities
Today, Mohammad’s work revolves around designing and implementing strategies that support climate-resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems worldwide. His efforts directly contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening agricultural ecosystems, and supporting communities most impacted by climate change.
Through his work, he represents the values that Schola Nova holds dear integrity, innovation, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful global impact.
A Schola Novian Who Inspires
Mohammad Farrae embodies what it means to be a Schola Novian: a compassionate leader, a lifelong learner, and an individual committed to creating positive change.
His story reassures our students that:
• Struggles are stepping stones
• Potential grows when nurtured
• Purpose can lead you across the world
• Excellence is a journey shaped by resilience and heart
Mohammad continues to inspire the Schola Nova family, reminding us that great futures often begin with small moments of belief — the kind that teachers extend, classrooms nurture, and students eventually live out on the global stage.