About WISH

Dr. Slim Slama is an internal medicine specialist and global public health leader with extensive experience across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. As CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) at Qatar Foundation, he advances health innovation and equity worldwide.

Dr. Slama spent over a decade at the World Health Organization, where he led major initiatives on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at both regional and global levels, including in emergency settings. He co-founded the Geneva Health Forum, taught global health at the University of Geneva, and has served on the board of Doctors Without Borders Switzerland.

Dr. Slama is recognized for his leadership in integrating NCD care, humanitarian health, and climate resilience into global health systems.

Dr. Sunoor Verma directs WISH’s global partnerships and advocacy, shaping collaborations that amplify health diplomacy, policy innovation, and cross-sector leadership. With over 25 years of experience as a worldwide health diplomat and strategist, he has advised UN agencies, governments, foundations and leading universities on coalition-building, advocacy, resource mobilization and crisis response. Under his leadership three policy centres were established in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Dr. Sunoor’s career blends field-tested crisis leadership, Track II diplomacy, and a passion for equity. He has designed impactful partnerships with policymakers across continents and helped shape responses to global health crises, including pandemics and natural disasters. A former cardiothoracic surgeon, he brings precision and humanitarian service to his strategic roles. He serves as Honorary President of The Himalayan Dialogues, reflecting his commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and the empowerment of marginalised voices.

Dr. Sunoor, a dynamic public speaker and educator, is renowned for distilling complexity and fostering authentic dialogue at major forums. He is dedicated to building coalitions where health, hope, and diplomacy converge and recharges through storytelling and mentoring.

Esse quam videri- To be, rather than to seem.

Dr. Taskeen Khan is instrumental in advancing WISH’s role as a global health policy leader, channeling her expertise to shape research-driven strategies and equitable frameworks. She leads initiatives that bridge evidence-based policy with diplomatic innovation, aligning with Qatar’s vision of health as a cornerstone of global diplomacy.

Previously, as Strategic Health Lead for the Africa Europe Foundation, she orchestrated continental initiatives integrating climate action, health security, and digital health policy. At the World Health Organization, she spearheaded global NCD policy frameworks and managed health system strengthening across 47+ countries – including scaling hypertension programs to 20 nations and implementing standardized care for 17 million patients.

Her expertise spans health diplomacy, policy innovation for climate-health risks, and leading health systems transformation through strategic coalition-building and large-scale program implementation.

Committed to translating research into equitable action, she champions resilient health systems empowering communities worldwide. Beyond work, she explores cultures globally and stays active through exercise, fueling her innovative leadership.

Shaping health equity where policy, diplomacy, and grassroots resilience converge.

Faisal Ali Al-Hitmi leads WISH’s community engagement efforts, translating global health policy into local impact. He spearheads initiatives such as Doha Healthcare Week and the Innovators of Tomorrow programme, positioning them as national platforms for health education, youth innovation, and public participation.

With a background in engineering and an MBA, Faisal brings over a decade of experience in operations, administration, exhibitions, and business development—particularly in health innovation and telemedicine. His strength lies in designing and implementing systems and partnerships that turn health strategies into measurable, community-based action.

Passionate about creating inclusive, operationally sound platforms for health awareness, Faisal is also inspired by cultural heritage, the design of public spaces, and mentoring students on innovation and leadership. His work reflects a commitment to bridging policy and people for meaningful change.

Turning ideas into action by building bridges between policy and people

Maha El Akoum manages policy research and content development at WISH, focusing on advancing global health policy and fostering innovation in healthcare systems. She has served as a Research Fellow for the WISH Islamic Bioethics series and has led several national public health initiatives in Qatar.

Her expertise includes health policy, non-communicable diseases, precision health, and bioethics. Maha is committed to bridging global health ethics and policy perspectives, promoting evidence-based solutions, and advocating for ethical healthcare. A published author and former contributor to Qatar’s leading news platform, she wrote Sometimes I Worry, a children’s book on anxiety.

Maha holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the American University of Beirut and an MPH from Imperial College London. Her work is guided by a passion for storytelling and a dedication to ethical, evidence-based healthcare.

Advancing health through evidence, ethics, and storytelling.

Dr. Sanaa Alharahsheh is a seasoned Research Manager at WISH with over 20 years of experience in healthcare research, policy development, and academic teaching. She holds a Ph.D. from Wayne State University, USA. She leads national and global initiatives on healthcare, global health, and policy, bridging research, policy, and practice to deliver equity-driven solutions. Her research interests cover a wide range of critical health areas, including mental health, autism, disability inclusion, digital technology and health, workforce development, women’s health, healthy aging, community engagement, and health system development and strengthening.

Dr. Alharahsheh has secured competitive funding, built strategic partnerships with leading institutions, and published in high-impact journals. Her expertise includes research design, policy analysis and development, data analysis, strategic planning, and project leadership, making her a trusted voice in advancing evidence-based health policy. She is also an ad hoc reviewer for various scientific journals and a frequent presenter at national and international conferences.

A strategic thinker and dedicated mentor, Dr Alharahsheh champions inclusive health systems through cross-cultural collaboration. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys travel, reading, photography, and competitive volleyball.

Champion health innovation that leaves no one behind—driven by evidence, empowered through collaboration, and sustained by strategic leadership and mentorship, from local insight to global impact.

Ekta Bansal is pivotal in operational strategy, financial planning, and big event delivery at WISH. With over 24 years of experience, she brings diligence and leadership to WISH’s flagship summits and international programmes. Her expertise spans financial stewardship, risk management, event operations, and human capital planning.

Before joining WISH, Ekta held key roles within Qatar Foundation’s finance division, managing insurance portfolios, supplier validation, and policy enhancement. She is known for aligning cross-functional operations with the organisation’s long-term vision, ensuring each initiative advances WISH’s mission.

Outside work, Ekta enjoys exploring new knowledge, cooking, and spending time with family. Her commitment to operational excellence and people-centred leadership makes her a cornerstone of WISH’s success.

Operational excellence is built on quiet leadership, clear purpose, and relentless follow-through.

تشغل إسراء مجدي منصب رئيس الشراكات الاستراتيجية وسياسات الصحة في «ويش»، حيث تشرف على جهود التعاون بين القطاعات المختلفة لتعزيز العمل الجماعي في مجال الصحة العالمية.

تتمتع إسراء بخبرات تمتد لتسع سنوات في العمل الإنساني والتنموي في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا والعالم، وتركّز في عملها على بناء الشراكات التي تحقق أثراً مستداماً. بدأت إسراء مسيرتها المهنية متدربةً في منظمة «يونيسف» بالسودان، حيث بدأت أولى خطواتها المهنية، ثم تولّت مناصب مختلفة في صندوق قطر للتنمية ومؤسسة قطر الخيرية والأمم المتحدة. ومن خلال جهودها الاستراتيجية في مجال المناصرة وبناء الشراكات، ساهمت في تعزيز المبادرات المؤسسية في مجالات تعليم الفتيات، ورعاية الأطفال، وحقوق اللاجئين، والرياضة من أجل التنمية والسلام، والعمل المناخي في أكثر من 25 دولة، خاصة في المناطق الهشة التي تعاني من النزاعات.

تحمل إسراء درجة الماجستير في دراسات النزاعات والعلاقات الدولية من جامعة «ألفونسو العاشر» في إسبانيا، وحاصلة أيضاً على تأهيل مهني في قيادة الاستدامة من جامعة كامبريدج. تتحدث إسراء العربية والإنجليزية والفرنسية والإسبانية، ولديها شغف كبير بالعمل الإنساني الهادف الذي يعزز قيم الشمول والعدالة والمساواة في العالم. تهوى السفر وممارسة رياضة «البيلاتس» والعزف على الطبول.

إذا أردت أن تصل سريعاً، فسر وحدك. وإذا أردت أن تبلغ الآفاق، فسر مع الآخرين.

As Community Development Officer, Faras Almeer identifies community needs to advocates for, and coordinates with partners to deliver effective solutions. His responsibilities include event coordination, management, and design, ensuring community voices are central to WISH’s strategy.

Faras began his career in policy research at the Doha International Family Institute, later joining WISH as a research officer before transitioning to his current role. His cultivated awareness of social issues and experience in partner-driven initiatives enable him to champion equitable and accessible healthcare.

An avid artist, Faras integrates creativity into his work, notably as lead artist for the World Cup 2022 Friendship Bench initiative—a collaborative mental health programme. His unique blend of policy expertise and artistic vision strengthens WISH’s approach to community engagement.

Empowering communities through creativity and collaboration.

Newton Kamau is a self-motivated administrative professional with over twelve years of experience supporting senior managers in dynamic office environments. He ensures the smooth delivery of WISH’s mandate through meticulous planning, scheduling, meeting follow-up, travel coordination, and general office support.

Before joining WISH, Newton worked in the fast-paced travel industry, achieving high customer satisfaction and revenue growth through expert knowledge and a calm demeanour. His adaptability and attention to detail are assets in managing complex logistics and supporting organisational efficiency.

Away from the office, Newton enjoys an abundant life, finding pleasure in solitude, music, and spending time with friends and family. His dedication to excellence behind the scenes is integral to WISH’s daily operations.

Efficiency behind the scenes, excellence in every detail.