Akhteruzzaman Sano is an internationally recognized expert in gender mainstreaming and climate change, with over 25 years of global experience working across sectors. He has successfully led transformative projects for prominent organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and various United Nations agencies. Between 2017 and 2023, Sano served as Chair of the GEF Civil Society Organizations Network, where he championed the integration of gender leadership in GEF policies and investments.

An advocate for gender equity, Sano has focused his work on embedding gender perspectives into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate resilience, and adaptation strategies. As the lead author of the Master Plan on Gender and Climate Change (2018–2030), he conducted groundbreaking economic analyses, illustrating the financial advantages of gender mainstreaming in climate-smart agriculture, sanitation, and water resource management. His expertise extends to empowering women as drivers of climate resilience, pollution control, inclusive net-zero transitions, and fostering regional cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) by 2030. His work continues to shape innovative approaches toward sustainable development and equitable climate solutions.