CLASP
Where Law, Sustainability, and Peace Converge
Centre for Climate, Law, Sustainability, and Peace (CLASP)
ABOUT US
Centre for Climate, Law, Sustainability, and Peace (CLASP) is a global consulting firm based in Toronto, Canada. We are dedicated to providing expert guidance on a wide range of issues related to the environment, biodiversity, human rights, climate change, industry 4.0, intellectual property, and sustainable development. Our mission is to empower companies, governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to navigate the complexities of today’s global challenges with informed, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
At CLASP, we believe that a harmonious relationship between society, nature, and law is essential for a peaceful and prosperous world. Our team of experts works tirelessly to craft strategies that address critical issues such as climate change, good governance, human rights, rule of law, digital transition, data governance and sustainable development ensuring that our clients are not only compliant but also leaders in sustainable practices.
OUR SERVICES
01.
Strategic Consulting
Development of environmental and climate change strategies
Governance and human rights strategy formulation
Intellectual property management for sustainability-focused businesses
Sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) planning
02.
Research and Analysis
Conducting comprehensive studies on environmental law and policy
Research on the impact of artificial intelligence on sustainability
Analysis of agriculture, indigeneity, and political ecology
Reports on sustainable development law and policy
03.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Offering mediation and alternative dispute resolution services for individuals and organizations
Handling cross-boundary disputes with a focus on sustainability
Facilitating peaceful resolutions at reasonable costs
04.
Training and Capacity Building
Workshops and seminars on climate change and sustainability
Capacity building for organizations in governance, environmental management, and sustainable practices
05.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
Campaigns to raise awareness on critical environmental and sustainability issues
Advocacy for stronger policies on climate change and human rights
06.
Sustainability Audits and Assessments
Environmental impact assessments
Sustainability audits for businesses and organizations
Climate risk assessments and adaptation planning
07.
Policy Development and Advisory
Advising governments and organizations on policy development
Drafting legislation and guidelines related to climate, law, and sustainability
08.
Life Skills
Guidance on integrating sustainable technologies into business operations
Support for green tech and AI-driven sustainability solutions
At CLASP, we are committed to driving change and fostering sustainability in every project we undertake. Our goal is to be your trusted partner in building a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world.
Legal Opinions
Providing expert legal opinions on issues related to environment, biodiversity, nature conservation, climate change, human rights, intellectual property, and data governance.
Comprehensive analysis and advisory on legal matters concerning sustainable development, biodiversity, and nature conservation.
Litigation Support
Offering strategic support for litigation involving environmental, climate change, human rights, and intellectual property disputes.
Assistance in the preparation of legal arguments, evidence gathering, and case strategy development.
Regulatory Compliance
Advising on compliance with environmental laws, climate change regulations, data governance standards, and intellectual property laws.
Helping clients navigate complex legal frameworks related to sustainability, biodiversity, and nature conservation.
Contract Drafting and Review
Drafting and reviewing contracts with a focus on environmental obligations, intellectual property rights, data governance, and human rights protections.
Ensuring that agreements are aligned with sustainable practices and legal standards.
Policy and Legislative Advisory
Providing advisory services to governments and organizations on the development of laws and policies related to climate change, environmental protection, intellectual property, and sustainable development.
Drafting legislation and policy frameworks that promote sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and peace.
Dispute Resolution
Offering mediation and alternative dispute resolution services for conflicts, especially those related to cross-boundary environmental issues, human rights, and intellectual property.
Facilitating peaceful resolutions that align with sustainability and legal best practices.
Environmental and Climate Litigation
Representing clients in legal actions related to environmental damage, climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and nature conservation.
Advocating for robust legal protections and sustainable solutions through litigation.
Intellectual Property Protection
Advising on the protection and management of intellectual property rights in the context of sustainable innovation and data governance.
Supporting clients in enforcing their intellectual property rights while promoting ethical and sustainable practices.
These legal services underscore CLASP’s commitment to integrating legal expertise with sustainability and innovation, ensuring that clients are equipped to address the legal challenges of today’s complex global landscape.
OUR PEOPLE
Together, we rise higher, build stronger, and shine brighter — because we are the heart of every success.
Dr. Md. Mahatab Uddin
Founder & Chief Coordinating Officer
Area of Expertise: International Environmental Law, Climate Change Law, Intellectual Property Law, Technology Law, Data Governance, Sustainability, Mediation
Mahatab Uddin, Ph.D. in Public International Law on Climate Change and Sustainable
Development (Aarhus), LL.M (Intellectual Property Law) (Stockholm), MSc (Sustainable
Development) (Uppsala), and PGC (ADR) (Guelph-Humber), is an expert in
international environmental law, climate change law, intellectual property law, and
technology law. He has extensive experience working with various branches of public
international law related to climate change, technology transfer and sustainable
development. He gained his postdoctoral research experience in renewable energy,
artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture from legal and ethical perspectives at
the University of Southern Denmark, the University of Guelph, Canada, and the Centre
for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Waterloo, Canada. He is also a
trained mediation practitioner.
Dr. Uddin's scholarly works have been featured in prestigious journals, including those
from Yale Law School, San Diego Law School, The George Washington University Law
School, Pace Law School, and San Francisco Law School. He is the author of the book
Climate Change Law, Technology Transfer, and Sustainable Development, published
by Routledge, UK (2021), and the lead author of the upcoming book Artificial
Intelligence, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Intellectual Property Law. Additionally, he is
the sole editor of the forthcoming book International Law, Climate Change, and
Bangladesh (Springer, December 2024) and serves as the Chief Editor of the IP &
Brand Bulletin, a biannual online magazine.
Dr. Uddin has taught at universities across Asia, Europe, and North America. He
currently holds positions as an adjunct professor and postdoctoral researcher at the
University of Guelph, Canada, where his research focuses on developing legal
frameworks for AI-driven climate-smart agricultural practices. He can be reached at
mahatab@uoguelph.ca
Barrister Zakir Hossain Sarker
Director, Law and Human rights Division [Toronto]
Area of Expertise: Law, Human rights, Mediation
Zakir Hossain Sarker is a distinguished Barrister and Solicitor licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, Canada, with extensive expertise in mediation. Holding a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and significant international legal experience, Zakir excels in navigating complex mediation processes. His varied background includes serving as a Human Rights Advisor for ActionAid Denmark, showcasing his skill in managing nuanced negotiations with precision and tact.
Mr. Sarker has presented his insights at prominent global forums, such as the United Nations Human Rights Office and UNESCO, where his contributions to the legal community have been widely recognized. Known for his compassionate approach and exceptional active listening skills, he fosters constructive dialogue and effective resolutions. Fluent in multiple languages, Zakir connects with clients from diverse backgrounds, enhancing his mediation effectiveness. Affiliated with leading legal associations, he is dedicated to providing outstanding mediation services focused on client satisfaction and achieving optimal outcomes. His deep expertise and commitment make him a highly effective mediator.
Golam Mostafa, MSS
Director, Program [Toronto]
Area of Expertise: Public Administration, Settlement, Employment, Mediation
Golam Mostafa brings a wealth of experience as a social work professional and a strong background in non-profit organizations in Toronto, making him an excellent fit for mediation practice. Over the past 14 years, he has been dedicated to tackling settlement, employment, and mental health issues within the South Asian community. His previous roles with Care International and Transparency International Bangladesh, where he championed human rights, social justice, and good governance, highlight his commitment to facilitating dialogue and finding resolutions.
Mr. Mostafa’s educational credentials include a degree in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka, a post-graduate diploma in public policy from Erasmus University in the Netherlands, and a diploma in social work from George Brown College in Toronto. This robust educational foundation, combined with his practical experience, equips him with the essential skills for effective mediation.
His multicultural perspective and expertise in addressing diverse social issues enable him to foster constructive discussions and achieve harmonious outcomes in mediation settings. Golam Mostafa is well-prepared to contribute positively to mediation practices.
Moshtaq Ahmed, MBA, CPA
Director, Planning [Toronto]
Area of Expertise: Business Administration, Sustainable Business Management, Mediation
Moshtaq Ahmed is a seasoned Chartered Accountant (CPA) and MBA professional with over 20 years of experience across government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), focusing on program management, project planning, strategic planning, and budgeting.
Previously, Mr. Ahmed held influential roles in the Bangladesh Government, working with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Forest. His efforts significantly advanced financial governance and program implementation. He is also a specialist in climate financing, driving transformative climate action in developing countries through innovative partnerships and flexible financing solutions. His expertise is showcased in his participation in global seminars and Conferences of the Parties (COPs).
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Ahmed is a dedicated social worker and educator, teaching business courses at various universities. His oratory skills and motivational speaking are well-regarded, and he is known for crafting effective strategies that drive success. Moshtaq’s holistic career counseling approach blends professional goals with personal values, making him a valuable asset to CLASP, where his guidance continues to inspire and lead.
M. M. Khalekuzzaman , LL.M
Director- Legal Division [ Dhaka]
Area of Expertise: Law, Human rights, Mediation, Sustainability
M. M. Khalekuzzaman, Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, holds a law degree [LL. B (Hon’s)] and an LL.M from the University of Chittagong. He began his career as a Programme Organiser at Ain O Salish Kendra, a prominent NGO with ECOSOC consultative status, focusing on bridging gender gaps and analyzing gender policies. Subsequently, he worked at Grameenphone as an Acquisition Soliciting Officer, where he was responsible for developing corporate strategy. For the past fourteen years, Mr. Khalekuzzaman has served as a courtroom lawyer at the Supreme Court, handling civil, criminal, and constitutional cases. His academic zeal kept him engaged in research work, and his articles, commentaries, and opinions were frequently published in the national dailies and international think tank platforms. Additionally, he engages in policy advocacy, contributing to various discussions on legal and social issues.
Dr. SM Munjurul Hannan Khan
Consultant
Area of Expertise: Nature Conservation, Climate Change, Sustainability
SM Munjurul Hannan Khan, Ph.D., is a prominent climate change expert who previously served as Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and as Director General of the Department of Environment in Bangladesh. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM). Dr. Khan has also held the position of Senior Expert at the IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Nature. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including climate change, forest and wildlife management, pollution control, sustainable energy, biodiversity conservation, and community development.
Dr. Khan played a crucial role in shaping key environmental strategies in Bangladesh, including the Climate Adaptation: Good Practices in Bangladesh 2019, the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2009, and the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) 2009. He also served as Bangladesh’s Lead Negotiator at the UNFCCC, Co-Chair of the IPCC Conflict Resolution Sub-Group, and Co-Chair of the Loss and Damage negotiations under the UNFCCC. Dr. Khan is an alumnus of Harvard University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Dhaka.
Dr. Mohammad Hasan
Consultant
Area of Expertise: Environmental Justice, Labour Relation, Indigeneity
Dr. Mohammad Hasan brings a rich blend of academic and practical experience to his role as a consultant at Climate, Law, Sustainability, and Peace. With a Ph.D. in Law from Osgoode Hall Law School (2020), an MA in Legal Studies from Carleton University (2013), and an LL. B with honors and an LL.M from the University of Dhaka Law Faculty (2005), his expertise aligns seamlessly with our firm’s mission.
Before joining our team, Dr. Hasan was a professor at various law schools in Bangladesh, where he significantly contributed to the academic development of both undergraduate and graduate students. His policy research expertise deepened during his time at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), where he served as a resident fellow and was awarded the International Law Research Program doctoral fellowship.
Dr. Hasan’s doctoral research explored the intersection of environmental decision-making and Indigenous peoples’ rights, particularly in the context of resource development. His work included an in-depth analysis of mining conflicts, such as the prominent open-pit coal project in Bangladesh, exposing issues of corporate corruption.
With a forward-looking perspective, Dr. Hasan is dedicated to addressing toxic colonialism and advocating for stronger state regulation of corporations. He is a staunch supporter of the rights of Indigenous peoples and minority communities, reflecting our firm’s commitment to social justice. Outside of his professional life.
Dr. H. M. Tuihedur Rahman
Consultant
Area of Expertise: Environment, Climate Change, Agriculture, Sustainability
Dr. H. M. Tuihedur Rahman is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, where his work centers on environmental governance and policy analysis. He earned his PhD in renewable resources from McGill University and has authored over 30 research papers and book chapters on topics like sustainable natural resource management, climate vulnerability, and participatory environmental governance.
His research is featured in top-tier journals, including Ecological Economics, Land Use Policy, Regional Environmental Change, and Environmental Management. Dr. Rahman is currently co-editing a book on institutional diversity in environmental management, scheduled for publication by CRC Press soon. In addition to his research, he serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Society and Natural Resources and holds an Adjunct Professorship at Saint Mary’s University. Dr. Rahman’s extensive academic contributions and ongoing projects make him a significant figure in the field of environmental governance.
Dr. Khondokar Humayun Kabir
Consultant
Area of Expertise: Environment, Climate Change, Agriculture, Sustainability
Dr. Khondokar Humayun Kabir is a seasoned researcher specializing in agricultural extension and education, with degrees from Bangladesh Agricultural University and a PhD from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Guelph, Canada, focusing on the intersection of climate, law, sustainability, and peace.
Dr. Kabir’s research, funded by DAAD, has made significant strides in capacity development for participatory forest management. In 2021, he was awarded an International Climate Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his pioneering work at the University of Hamburg. He collaborates with international partners including DAAD, the University of Hohenheim, Universität Hamburg, and Texas A&M University.
His research interests are broad, covering topics like information disorder in agri-food, climate change, digitalization in advisory services, urban agriculture, and a rights-based approach to development. Currently, his Banting postdoctoral research focuses on understanding agricultural stakeholders’ perspectives on climate change misinformation and developing strategies to combat it. Dr. Kabir’s diverse expertise is instrumental in advancing global sustainability and peace.
Dr. Mohamed Abdul Baten
Consultant
Area of Expertise: Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Sustainability
Dr. Mohamed Abdul Baten is a distinguished consultant with expertise in anthropology and environmental policy, strongly aligned with the mission of Climate, Law, Sustainability, and Peace. He earned his PhD from the University of Maine, USA, and holds a Master’s degree from the Stockholm Resilience Centre at the University of Stockholm, Sweden. His research focuses on natural resource policy, traditional knowledge management, and Indigenous identity politics.
During his master’s program, Dr. Baten conducted significant research on the degradation of Indonesian mangrove commons due to poorly defined property rights, highlighting his dedication to addressing urgent environmental challenges. As a lecturer at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Dhaka, he imparts his knowledge to future environmental leaders.
Dr. Baten’s commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond academia; he has represented local communities at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Additionally, as a Senior Research Associate at Unnayan Onneshan, a forward-thinking policy think tank in Bangladesh, he continues to advance sustainable development and environmental justice. Dr. Baten’s work makes substantial contributions to the field of environmental policy.
Dr. Md Abdul Awal Khan
Consultant & Director- Program [Dhaka]
Area of Expertise: Environmental law, Climate Change, Human rights
Dr. Md Abdul Awal Khan is a distinguished figure in legal academia, research, and training, with a focus on Climate, Law, Sustainability, and Peace. Currently an Associate Professor at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dr. Khan has been a dedicated legal educator since 2005, including serving as Chairperson of the Department of Law at Eastern University, Dhaka.
He earned his PhD in Law from Western Sydney University, Australia, specializing in climate change law, human rights, and international law. During his tenure as a Research Fellow at Western Sydney University, Dr. Khan made significant contributions to legal scholarship. His global academic engagements include serving as an Erasmus Mundus Visiting Scholar at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and the University of Roehampton, London, UK.
Dr. Khan is also affiliated with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) in Sweden, reflecting his commitment to promoting human rights worldwide. His extensive publication record in leading international journals underscores his dedication to advancing critical legal issues at the intersection of climate, law, sustainability, and peace.
Hasan Mahmud
Director – IT
Hasan Mahmud is a dynamic IT professional based in London, UK, specializing in Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and Data Visualization. With a strong academic foundation in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Business Administration, Hasan blends technical expertise with strategic insight to drive business success through innovative IT solutions.
He excels in developing and implementing solutions that offer businesses a competitive edge. Hasan’s diverse educational background gives him a unique combination of technical skills and business acumen, allowing him to effectively navigate complex data landscapes.
Hasan is actively involved in research, focusing on areas like Learning Analytics, Ubiquitous Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Human-Computer Interaction. His career has spanned roles including IT Administrator, E-commerce Manager, Software Developer/Trainer, Data Science Trainer, and Data Analyst, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of IT operations and data management.
With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, an MSc in Information Systems, and an MBA, Hasan has a robust academic foundation. He is proficient in Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Excel, and Machine Learning, and has deep expertise in data visualization, analysis, AI, and digital media.]
Mission
At CLASP, our mission is to guide and empower individuals, organizations, and governments to address global challenges through innovative, sustainable, and legally sound solutions. We aim to foster harmony between law, society, and nature, driving transformative change for a more equitable, peaceful, and resilient world.
Vision
We envision a world where legal frameworks, sustainability, and peace converge to create a balanced and prosperous global community. CLASP strives to be a leading force in promoting sustainability, advancing human rights, and protecting the environment through informed governance and responsible innovation.
Goals
- To be the global leader in providing legal and strategic guidance on climate change, human rights, and sustainable development.
- To integrate cutting-edge technology, including AI and green innovations, into sustainability solutions for businesses and governments.
- To promote peace, sustainability, and governance as interconnected pillars of a stable global society.
- To drive public awareness and foster capacity-building initiatives that encourage leadership in sustainable practices.
- To bridge legal and policy frameworks between the Global North and South, ensuring equitable climate solutions.
Values
- Sustainability: We are dedicated to solutions that protect and enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
- Peace: We believe that peace is essential for development and strive to resolve conflicts and promote justice.
- Integrity: Our approach is founded on transparency, ethical standards, and accountability.
- Innovation: We embrace technological advancements and creative solutions to address complex global challenges.
- Collaboration: We value partnerships and collective efforts that enable meaningful change across borders.
- Justice: Promoting human rights and ensuring equity in access to legal and environmental protections is at the heart of our work.