Shabbir Ahsan is a Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, with extensive expertise in environmental and social risk management, social safeguards, and inclusive development. His work focuses on the implementation of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), grievance redress mechanisms (GRM), gender-based violence (GBV) risk management, occupational health and safety (OHS), and the supervision of complex development operations. He has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into environmental and social risk management through the application of Environmental and Social AI (ESAI), supporting the analysis of complex project documentation, including ESIAs, resettlement plans, grievance records, supervision reports, and policy frameworks. His work aims to strengthen evidence-based decision-making while enhancing the effectiveness of project supervision and safeguarding outcomes.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Ahsan contributed to the implementation of the World Bank-financed NARI Project, supporting skills development and employment opportunities for women from Northern Bangladesh in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Earlier in his career, he served as an officer in the Bangladesh Army, where he gained extensive experience in leadership, logistics, humanitarian response, and the implementation of major national initiatives. He also served as a United Nations peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was deployed in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the Gulf War. His professional interests include the application of artificial intelligence in social development, inclusive stakeholder engagement, social risk management, and strengthening the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities in development processes. He is committed to advancing innovative, people-centered approaches that promote inclusion, accountability, and sustainable development.
