Education

Dr. Zerfishan Adnan

Principal

International Maarif Schools Islamabad

Islamabad · English, Urdu

Biography

Dr. Zerfishan Adnan is an accomplished educational leader, sustainability advocate, and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) practitioner with over 25 years of experience in education and institutional leadership. She currently serves as Principal at International Maarif Schools Islamabad, where she leads academic excellence, school development, teacher growth, and student-centred learning. An IB-certified professional and advocate for internationally minded, lifelong learners, she is committed to integrating sustainability, global citizenship, innovation, and student agency into education. Her work in sustainability and environmental education has received recognition from UNESCO APCEIU, and she has actively promoted climate action, responsible consumption, waste reduction, and community engagement through student-led initiatives. Her professional recognitions include the Women Icon Award for Sustainability and Leadership, Educator of the Year Award at the World Education Summit, Thailand, and recognition for her contributions to Global Citizenship Education. She is also a Global Schools Advocate, a certified GCED practitioner, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, a Certified Impact Rater, and a professional development trainer. Beyond school leadership, Dr. Adnan serves as Divisional Commissioner, Urban IBSA, and contributes to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Governor Youth Ambassador Programme of CDRS. Her leadership philosophy centres on empowering teachers, amplifying student voice, fostering innovation, and preparing young people to become responsible global citizens who use their knowledge and skills for the prosperity of humanity.

Areas of expertise

• My areas of expertise include educational leadership and institutional development
• international curricula and programme implementation
• Global Citizenship Education (GCED)
• sustainability and climate action
• teacher professional development

Key achievements

ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITION AS GLOBAL LEADER AND CLIMATE ACTIVIST 1. UNESCO APCEIU (April 2026): Selected among 30 Asia-Pacific educators for Deepened GCED Capacity Building Training 2. Solutionary Micro Credential (May 2025): Earned Solutionary certification from the Institute of Humane Education, USA, to empower youth and communities as changemakers for sustainability. 3. Climate Ambassador (May 2025): Appointed by the Center for Climate Diplomacy to lead initiatives in climate governance and environmental leadership. 4. Governor Youth and Senior Goodwill Ambassador CDRS (April 2025): Designated national ambassador leader to oversee youth empowerment programs aligned with the 2030 SDG Agenda. 5. Women Icon Award – Sustainability & Leadership (Feb 2025): Recognized by Her Startup for outstanding contributions to environmental advocacy, women’s empowerment, and responsible leadership. 6. Divisional Commissioner Urban – Islamabad Boy Scouts (Jan 2025): Appointed to align urban scouting with national policies, expanding youth engagement in civic and environmental initiatives. 7. South Asia Top 50 Power Women (Dec 2024): Honored by SAPSAA for groundbreaking contributions in leadership, CSR, and sustainable development. 8. International Keynote Speaker – Istanbul Education Summit (Dec 2024): Represented Pakistan among global leaders, presenting on equity in education before participants from 108 countries. 9. Global Schools Advocate – UN SDSN (Nov 2024): Appointed to integrate SDGs and ESD across schools; named Advocate of the Month for exemplary leadership. 10. GCED Global Impact Project – UNESCO APCEIU (2024): Selected as one of 12 global educators to implement impactful Global Citizenship Education initiatives. 11. Honorary Doctorate in Education – Maryland State University (2024): Awarded for visionary leadership, inclusive school reform, and dedication to sustainable education. 12. Educator of the Year – World School Summit (July 2024): Recognized internationally for a 23-year impactful career promoting SDGs, youth engagement, and innovation in education. 12.Additional Recognitions from External Organization: • Letter of appreciation by WWF for dedicated efforts in fostering environmental awareness and sustainability. • Letter of Acknowledgement by Federal Directorate of education, Government of Pakistan for session conduction on Climate Sustainability • Letter of Acknowledgement from CDRS for contributions toward sustainable future • Appreciation letter for Zero Waste Project Gallery from Turkish Maarif Foundation • Shield of Recognition from Kashmir Youth Forum for raising awareness for peace. • Excellence in Climate Action Leadership recognition by Pak Mission Society • Shield for North Top Contributor from Tetra Pak, WWF Schools Awareness Drive

International experience

Asia

UNESCO APCEIU :Selected among 30 educators from Asia-Pacific countries by UNESCO APCEIU and completed Deepened GCED Capacity Building Training (2026 Korea) Lead a group of 15 Students to Turkiye for youth exchange program Sep 2025 Declare as Global School Advocate for Global School Program for ESD practices ,UN SDSN (2024) Received Educator of the Year award by World School Summit (2024) for sustainable practices . UNESCO APECIU :Capacity buiding training on GCED 2024,Selected among 12 Educators in Asia, Africa, and the Arab region who turned their passion for positive change into impactful action. Selected as International Keynote Speaker – Istanbul Education Summit (2024) Received title of Micro Solutionary by Institute of Humane Education USA Attended a professional development workshop Singapore . Lead a group of 10 students to vietnam for World Scholar Cup .

Engagement interests

Speaker · Panelist · TV / Radio · Podcast · Mentor · Training

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