Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy: Sustainability and ESG Leadership

Sustainability is no longer just an idea. It has become a daily need for businesses, governments, and communities across the world. At the heart of this movement are leaders who dedicate their lives to making work safer, cleaner, and healthier. One such leader is Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy, widely known as “Captain Terra.”

For over two decades, Dr. Elidrisy has worked across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond to build strong practices in safety, health, and environmental care. He has guided industries like oil, gas, and construction to take real steps toward protecting both people and the planet.

Why does his work matter? Because issues like climate change, workplace safety, and responsible business practices affect us all. His efforts show how a single person, with skill and commitment, can help shape a safer future.

To understand his journey, think of three simple goals that guide his mission:

• Protect people – making sure workers and communities stay safe.
• Protect the planet – reducing harm to air, water, and land.
• Promote progress – helping companies grow while staying responsible.

Dr. Elidrisy’s story is about more than career success. It’s about showing others that real change is possible when knowledge meets action. His title “Captain Terra” reflects this role—someone steering efforts to keep Earth safe for the next generation.

From Sudan to Global Impact: The Early Years

Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy’s journey began in Sudan, where he first stepped into the field of health, safety, and environmental care (HSE). His early career shaped the values that guide him today—protecting people, protecting nature, and creating safer workplaces.

He started with local projects, working with NGOs and international partners to bring safety standards into everyday practice. These first roles taught him how strong rules and clear training can save lives. They also showed him that real change happens when communities, workers, and leaders work together.

One of his first big breaks came when he joined Shell for a training placement. There, he learned practical ways to manage oil spills, handle waste, and reduce pollution. That short experience opened the door to larger responsibilities in Sudan’s growing oil and gas sector.

Over the years, Dr. Elidrisy took on leadership roles in major companies and the Sudanese Ministry of Petroleum. He built safety systems, trained inspection teams, and introduced new methods to manage waste and protect the environment. By the time he was leading national projects, he was not just managing risks—he was shaping policies that improved safety for thousands of workers and surrounding communities.

Key lessons from his early years include:

• Start local, think global – work that begins in one community can set examples for many others.
• Hands-on learning matters – training in real situations builds stronger skills than classroom study alone.
• Strong systems save lives – clear rules and regular checks prevent accidents and protect workers.
• Collaboration is key – lasting progress comes when governments, companies, and people share the same goals.

These early experiences in Sudan gave him the foundation to later take his work beyond national borders. What began as a mission in his home country soon grew into a global journey, earning him the name “Captain Terra.”

Building Sustainable Systems in Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry is known for its risks. From drilling to refining, every step can affect workers, communities, and the environment. For Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy, this sector became the place where he built and tested systems that made safety and sustainability real.

In Sudan, he worked with SUDAPAK Petroleum, White Nile Petroleum, and the Ministry of Petroleum. His role was clear: create strong health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices that companies could follow every day. These systems reduced accidents, improved waste handling, and helped the country meet global safety and environmental standards.

He focused on practical changes that made a difference:

• Setting safety rules – building HSE policies and procedures from the ground up.
• Training teams – preparing inspectors, managers, and field workers to follow best practices.
• Managing waste – introducing systems for handling oil spills, produced water, and industrial waste.
• Protecting nature – monitoring air, water, and soil to reduce the impact of oil operations.
• Emergency readiness – leading drills and response plans to prepare for fires, spills, and other risks.

His work also reached beyond the companies. At the Ministry of Petroleum, he guided policies that shaped how all oil operators in Sudan managed safety and the environment. This meant stronger rules for contractors, clear reporting on accidents, and open communication between the government, industry, and local communities.

What made these systems strong was their balance. They protected workers and the environment while still allowing companies to grow. Dr. Elidrisy showed that safety and sustainability are not extra steps—they are part of good business.

These years in oil and gas gave him global recognition as someone who could turn complex industries into safer and cleaner operations. They also prepared him for the next stage of his career, where he carried these lessons into larger international projects.

Expanding Horizons: Qatar and Beyond

After years of building safety and environmental systems in Sudan, Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy carried his experience to Qatar. The move marked a new chapter where he worked with global companies and national projects, helping them bring stronger sustainability and safety practices into their daily operations.

In Qatar, he held leadership roles with Salam Technology, ASTAD Project Management, Italconsult SpA, and later the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). Each role gave him a larger stage to apply what he had learned while adapting to new challenges.

His work in Qatar focused on turning safety and sustainability into clear business practices. He introduced methods that companies could follow to protect both their workers and the environment. He also guided projects that supported Qatar’s national goals for sustainable development.

Some key areas of his work included:

• Health and safety leadership – managing programs that reduced risks in construction, oil, and gas projects.
• Environmental care – building systems to cut emissions, manage waste, and monitor resources.
• Sustainability planning – supporting companies in meeting Qatar’s vision for cleaner growth.
• Training and mentoring – preparing teams to carry safety and environmental knowledge into their daily work.
• Global standards – aligning local projects with international best practices in ESG and HSE.

At the Qatar Free Zones Authority, his role grew even more impactful. He managed ESG, HSE, and sustainability programs that supported international companies setting up operations in Qatar. This work ensured that growth in the Free Zones also respected people’s health and the environment.

His years in Qatar showed how local and international goals can connect. By linking global standards with national projects, Dr. Elidrisy helped create a safer and more responsible business environment. These achievements also reinforced his reputation as a global leader in sustainability and safety.

Leadership in Global Safety Organizations

Safety is not only managed within companies. It also depends on strong organizations that set global standards and bring experts together. Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy has played a key role in these groups, shaping how safety and sustainability are practiced worldwide.

One of his most visible roles was with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in Qatar. He served as Vice Chair and later as Chair, leading the branch for several years. In this position, he guided programs that helped safety professionals share knowledge, improve skills, and raise awareness across industries.

He also became an active voice in international groups such as:

• ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) – serving as an ambassador to spread awareness about accident prevention.
• FIIRSM (Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) – supporting the growth of global safety networks.
• CFIOSH (Chartered Fellow of IOSH) – showing recognition as one of the highest-ranking safety professionals.

Through these roles, Dr. Elidrisy brought his experience from Sudan, Qatar, and other regions into global conversations. He showed how lessons from oil, gas, and construction projects could help shape safety practices in different countries.

His leadership in these organizations had practical impact:

• Sharing best practices – helping professionals learn from real cases of risk management.
• Raising standards – promoting stronger rules for health, safety, and environmental care.
• Building networks – connecting experts from different fields to solve common challenges.
• Training leaders – mentoring younger professionals to grow into safety champions.

By serving in these global roles, Dr. Elidrisy strengthened the link between local action and international standards. His work proved that safety is not limited by borders. What protects workers in one country can inspire safer practices in another.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Behind Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy’s career is a strong record of study and training. He combined practical fieldwork with education from some of the world’s leading universities. This mix gave him the tools to guide both companies and governments in safety and sustainability.

He studied in several top programs:

• MIT Sloan School of Management – specialized in sustainability leadership.
• Harvard Business School – focused on leadership and organizational strategy.
• University of Cambridge – learned circular economy and sustainability strategies.
• University of Oxford – studied advanced management and leadership skills.
• University of Manchester – earned a Master’s in pollution and environmental control.

His studies were not limited to theory. Each program added skills he later applied in the field. For example, his training in greenhouse gas accounting helped him design clear steps for companies to track and cut emissions. His leadership courses gave him tools to guide teams through cultural and behavioral change.

Beyond university studies, Dr. Elidrisy earned many international certifications, including:

• Chartered Fellow of IOSH (CFIOSH) – highest recognition for safety professionals.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP®) – global standard for safety practice.
• Project Management Professional (PMP®) – linking safety goals with project delivery.
• GHG Assessor and ESG Specialist – supporting climate action and sustainable reporting.
• OSHA and HAZMAT Trainer – preparing teams to manage risks in high-hazard industries.

These qualifications show his broad knowledge across health, safety, environment, and sustainability (HSE and ESG). They also highlight his ability to bridge technical expertise with leadership.

His academic and professional growth sends a clear message: learning never stops. By combining study with fieldwork, he set an example for professionals who want to make a lasting impact in safety and sustainability.

Championing ESG and Future-Ready Leadership

Today, businesses are expected to do more than make profits. They are asked to protect the environment, treat workers fairly, and support communities. This is where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards come in. Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy has been one of the voices leading this shift, showing how ESG can guide companies toward safer and more responsible growth.

His work in ESG goes beyond checklists. He focuses on making these ideas part of how companies operate every day. For him, ESG is not only about reports—it is about action that protects people and the planet.

In his recent roles, especially at the Qatar Free Zones Authority, he worked with global companies to design sustainability strategies that matched international standards. He also helped them find ways to cut emissions, manage waste, and report their progress in clear and honest ways.

Some of the key areas he champions include:

• Climate action – reducing greenhouse gas emissions through better tracking and reporting.
• Workplace safety – linking ESG goals with strong health and safety practices.
• Cultural change – building awareness so employees at all levels support sustainability.
• Responsible growth – showing companies that long-term success comes from caring for both people and nature.
• Leadership training – guiding managers to understand ESG and turn it into real steps.

Dr. Elidrisy also connects his ESG work with his background in safety and risk management. This mix helps companies see how protecting workers and protecting the environment go hand in hand.

His vision for the future is clear. Companies must prepare now for stricter climate rules, stronger safety standards, and growing public demand for accountability. By promoting ESG, he is helping leaders build businesses that are not only successful today but also ready for the future.

Recognition, Publications, and Advocacy

Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy’s career has been marked not only by leadership roles but also by recognition from global safety and sustainability groups. His voice is heard in conferences, training programs, and professional networks where he shares lessons learned from decades of fieldwork.

His recognition reflects both his expertise and his influence:

• ROSPA Ambassador – promoting accident prevention and safe practices worldwide.
• Chartered Fellow of IOSH (CFIOSH) – one of the highest honors for safety professionals.
• Fellow of IIRSM (FIIRSM) – acknowledgment of his role in global risk and safety management.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP®) – international standard for advanced safety leadership.

Beyond awards, Dr. Elidrisy has made his mark through writing and public speaking. He has contributed to articles and shared insights on sustainability, ESG, and workplace safety. His talks often focus on turning safety and environmental care into everyday habits within organizations.

His advocacy work shows up in three main ways:

• Raising awareness – spreading knowledge about how safety and sustainability improve business and community life.
• Mentoring professionals – guiding younger leaders to see safety and ESG as core parts of their careers.
• Public speaking – addressing conferences and workshops to inspire change in how industries treat safety and the environment.

By sharing knowledge through advocacy and publications, Dr. Elidrisy extends his influence far beyond his direct roles. His message is simple: safety and sustainability are shared responsibilities, and real progress happens when knowledge is passed forward.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainability Leadership

The future of business and community life will depend on how leaders respond to challenges like climate change, workplace safety, and responsible growth. Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy believes that the next phase of sustainability leadership must focus on action, not just promises.

His vision for the coming years highlights three clear directions:

• Climate responsibility – companies must measure and cut emissions, not just report them.
• Stronger safety culture – workers everywhere deserve safe conditions, no matter the industry or country.
• ESG as daily practice – sustainability should be part of daily operations, not only yearly reports.

For Dr. Elidrisy, future-ready leadership means teaching organizations to connect business success with social and environmental care. He sees a growing need for leaders who can:

• Link safety and sustainability in one system.
• Guide teams through behavioral change that makes safety a habit.
• Build trust with communities by being open about risks and results.

He often reminds younger professionals that leadership in sustainability requires patience and persistence. Quick fixes rarely work. Real progress comes from steady actions that build over time.

Looking ahead, his mission is clear: help companies, governments, and professionals prepare for a future where responsibility, safety, and climate action are non-negotiable. In his role as “Captain Terra,” he continues to steer global conversations toward a safer and greener path.

Conclusion: A Life Dedicated to Safer, Sustainable Futures

Dr. Ahmed Elidrisy’s story shows how one career can shape change across industries and countries. From his first steps in Sudan to his leadership roles in Qatar and beyond, he has stayed focused on a simple mission: protect people, protect the planet, and guide organizations toward responsible growth.

His journey highlights three key lessons:

• Safety and sustainability go together – protecting workers and caring for the environment are linked.
• Learning never ends – strong leadership grows from combining study with real-world practice.
• Global action starts local – change in one company or community can inspire wider progress.

Known as “Captain Terra,” he has built a reputation as both a leader and a teacher. His work in ESG, HSE, and sustainability has touched businesses, governments, and professional networks. More importantly, it has inspired others to see safety and environmental care as everyday responsibilities.

Looking forward, his legacy is not only about past achievements. It is about preparing the next generation of leaders to carry the work forward. His career is proof that responsibility and growth can walk side by side, and that a safer, more sustainable future is within reach when knowledge leads to action.