KARACHI: Pakistani entrepreneur Faraz Khan, who was conferred with the prestigious Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in November for his services to UK-Pakistan relations, said on Sunday he plans to introduce “innovative approaches” in the fields of impact investment and climate advocacy for a more sustainable future. 

Prince William conferred the MBE award on Khan during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in November for his “services to UK/Pakistan relations,” the UK government said on its website. Khan is the chief executive officer (CEO) and partner at Spectreco— a technology, data, and advisory firm that simplifies and accelerates sustainability and economic, social, and governance (ESG) transitions.

Born in Pakistan’s southwestern Quetta city, Khan earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Karachi, before traveling to the UK for his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Lincoln University from 1998-2000. 

According to Faraz, he has over 25 years of experience in multi-stakeholder investments, ESG policy, and impact development. He is also the founder and director of Social, Entrepreneurship & Equity Development (SEED) Ventures, an investment and impact development organization in emerging markets. 

As per his LinkedIn profile, Khan has transformed the group into a sustainable organization, which has achieved a turnover of $40 million for SEED and its portfolio companies over the past decade.

“I view this honor as a catalyst for fostering collaborative opportunities and partnerships that will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of both nations,” Khan said about the MBE award, speaking to Arab News over the phone from Dubai. 

He added that the MBE award underscored the positive impact of his endeavors in strengthening ties between Pakistan and the UK in ESG and climate advocacy.

“I am actively exploring innovative approaches in the realms of impact investment, social enterprise, and climate advocacy,” he said. “To address the evolving challenges our world faces. I am committed to advancing initiatives that align with our vision for a sustainable future.”

Impact investments are investments made to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.

Khan said the realization that every action can bring about a “positive ripple effect” became the driving force behind his commitment to the fields of impact investment and social enterprise.

The Pakistani entrepreneur hoped Spectreco would contribute to a “greener, more resilient” future. 

“In the urgent landscape of climate action, we champion ESG initiatives, spearhead climate investments, and navigate the complex terrains of sustainable development, propelling Spectreco as a torchbearer in the global pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.”