UN Academic Impact Recognized Initiative

Dean & Director • Consultant • Academician

Dr. Altaf Hussain Samo

I serve as Dean of the Faculty of Management and Media Sciences at Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited), leading academic strategy, faculty development, research, and global partnerships. With over two decades of experience, my work focuses on entrepreneurship ecosystems, AI in Business, green entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven development. I have designed and led large-scale initiatives benefiting 125,000+ youth and marginalized individuals through entrepreneurship education and workforce development. Previously, as Professor and Director of the EDC, I established a UN-recognized eco-entrepreneurship program. I have mobilized over USD 3 million in international funding and collaborated with partners including the EU, British Council, UNDP, UNODC, ADB, and ITC, while also contributing internationally through academic roles and capacity-building programs in research, innovation, and higher education.

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Skills & Expertise

Transformative Leadership

I don't just lead institutions—I transform them. With a deep understanding that education is the most powerful tool for social change, I've guided AACSB-accredited universities to become catalysts for community empowerment and innovation.

Bridge Builder & Connector

I believe in the power of human connection. By building bridges between USAID, UNDP, UNICEF, and leading universities worldwide, I've created networks that don't just share knowledge—they create lasting partnerships that change lives.

Future-Forward Visionary

I see a world where business success and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. My green entrepreneurship programs don't just teach sustainability—they inspire a new generation of leaders who understand that profit and planet can thrive together.

Individuals Empowered

Projects Managed

International Partners

UN & International Recognitions

Professional Journey

Dean, Faculty of Management and Media Sciences

Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited)

Leading the Faculty of Management and Media Sciences at Sukkur IBA University, overseeing academic strategy, quality assurance, faculty development, research, student success, and external engagement.

Director, Executive Development Center

Director, Executive Development Center (EDC)

Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited)

Leading the EDC with a multifaceted approach in leadership, consultancy, and project management. I focus on innovation, team empowerment, and sustainable growth in academic and professional communities.

International Partnerships & Collaborations

USAID, UNDP, UNICEF, EU, British Council

Established strategic partnerships with leading international organizations and universities including University of Sussex UK, Sapienza University Italy, and Shippensburg University USA.

Green Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Climate Action & Rural Development

Pioneered green entrepreneurship programs, SME innovation initiatives, and youth-centered development projects. Focused on sustainable business models and climate action.

Achievement

UN Academic Impact Recognition

Youth Eco-Development Project

Successfully empowered over 15,000 individuals from marginalized communities. The Youth Eco-Development Project was recognized by the UN as a United Nations Academic Impact initiative.

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Features

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Dean & Director

Experienced director with expertise in leadership, project management, and strategic planning.

Consultant

I support governments, universities, NGOs, and development partners to design, implement, and evaluate high-impact programs in youth development, entrepreneurship, education reform, and climate action.

Academician

Dedicated educator and researcher in fields of business, climate change, and lifelong learning.

Projects

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Entrepreneurship Development Program

This program was designed to strengthen entrepreneurial mindsets provide practical business skills and support early-stage enterprise growth among participants from marginalized communities. The launc... Read More

Duration: August2025

Organization: Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO)

Skills: Entrepreneurship, youth Development

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Developing Research Excellence Framework

This project aims to develop a Research Excellence Framework (REF) for Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with Prof. Jeremy Hall renowned expert in research evaluation and p... Read More

Duration: 2025-2026

Organization: British Council / HEC Pakistan

Skills: Research

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Education

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Degree: Teaching New Venture Leadership, Entrepreneurship

Duration: 2016 - 2016

Skills: Global Entrepreneurship Teacher Boot Camp, Project Management, Analysis, Entrepreneurship

University of Uttara (AACSB Accredited)

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

Duration: 2012 - 2015

Skills: CEDI, Proposal Writing, Project Management, Analysis, Training, Python (Programming Language), Research, Statistical Data Analysis

Certificates

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Google Data Analytics Specialization

Platform: Coursera

Issued Date: Apr 2023

Credential ID: K5B5V7CZKNV5

Prepare Data for Exploration

Platform: Coursera

Issued Date: Mar 2023

Expires: Dec 2030

Credential ID: GXZCWE93GL87

Skills: Data Analysis

Honors and Awards

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THINC Fellowship

Issuer: Tencent and Viva la Vida

Date Issued: Dec 2023

Associated With: Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited)

Description: THINC (Technology, Humanity, Inclusion, Nurture, Changemakers) fellowship powered by Tencent and Viva la Vida. It brings together a diverse community of leaders from over 30 countries, including entrepreneurs, influencers, scholars, artists, politicians, investors, and activists. THINC fellows engage in intellectual discussions on the intersection of technology and humanity, embark on projects with significant social impact, and cultivate a close-knit network of the brightest minds worldwide.

Global Goodwill Ambassador (Humanitarian) Pakistan

Issuer: Richard Di Pilla, Founder Global Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation

Date Issued: Oct 2018

Associated With: Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited)

Description: Nominated Global Goodwill Ambassador (Humanitarian) Pakistan by Richard Di Pilla for work on promoting and creating education, training opportunities for youth with a special focus on girls from humble backgrounds in rural areas of Pakistan, aiming to make the world a better place as Director of EDC Sukkur IBA.

Links: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/activity:6454119308007141376/ https://www.globalgoodwillambassadors.org/

Experiences

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Dean Faculty of Management and Media Sciences

Company: Sukkur IBA University(AACSB Accredited)

Employment Type: Full Time

Duration: Feb 2026-present

Location: Pakistan

Lead the Faculty of Management and Media Sciences at Sukkur IBA University, overseeing academic strategy, quality assurance, faculty development, research, student success, and external engagement

Skills: Academic LeadershipStrategy

Director (Professor) Executive Development Center

Company: Sukkur IBA University (AACSB Accredited)

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: Dec 2015 - Present

Location: Pakistan

Designed and managed a diverse array of development, research, consultancy, and training programs, thereby significantly impacting over 15,000 individuals, particularly youth and marginalized communit... Read More

Skills: SQLResearchTraining & DevelopmentProblem SolvingEntrepreneurshipStatistical Data AnalysisHigher Education AdministrationPeople ManagementProposal WritingAnalysisOrganization SkillsTrainingProject ManagementProject CoordinationPython (Programming Language)Higher Education Leadership

Publications

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Toward sustainable smart agriculture in a developing country: An empirical analysis of green firms determinants

Journal: Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility

Publication Date: 2024-09-24

Description: Green entrepreneurship's role in achieving socio-economic and environmental objectives has garnered significant scholarly attention. Yet, the internal and external factors influencing green agric... Read More

Other Authors: Yes

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Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) , Pakistan Report.2023

Journal: GUESSS

Publication Date: 2023-06-01

Description: For its tenth edition, the GUESSS Survey 2023 has drawn participation from 57 countries and received 226,000 responses overall, demonstrating its growing worldwide reach. In Pakistan 354 students from... Read More

Other Authors: No

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Recommendations Received

Prof Dr Ajit Patil (Teacher)

Mumbai, India 2018-09-25

Accolades: 'LinkedIn Top Voice Award', Management Consultant & Writer, Leadership Coach, Corporate & Academic Trainer, 'Top-75 Influential Marketing Professors in the World'

Prof Dr. Altaf Samo is a rare Nationalist intellect who returned to Pakistan after completing his education at world-renowned universities overseas. He is an MIT Entrepreneurship Teacher Fellow and MIT Launch Club mentor with over 20 years of experience as an Academician, Project Head, Consultant, and Trainer. Through his work at the Executive Development Centre at IBA University in Sukkur, Pakistan, he trains and empowers entrepreneurs, focusing on economically backward regions. His special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs is critical in a developing country like Pakistan. The LinkedIn post by Dr. Ajit on Dr. Altaf received significant attention, reaching nearly 5,500 professionals and receiving over 115 likes, comments, or shares. He is now considered a hero in India and is more than a friend to Dr. Ajit Patil.

Connection to Altaf: Prof Dr Ajit Patil was ALTAF’s teacher

- Prof Dr Ajit Patil

Rowan Bosworth-Davies (Colleague)

N/A 2010-03-04

Accolades: Financial Crime Expert Consultant

Altaf Samo is a rare professional who not only understands the language of modern project administration but also executes it effectively. Known for his integrity, Altaf manages multiple project elements seamlessly, making it look effortless. He is multi-talented and highly motivated, and it was a privilege to work with him on a long and challenging project.

Connection to Altaf: Rowan worked with ALTAF on the same team

- Rowan Bosworth-Davies

Languages

English French Sindhi Urdu

Get in Touch for Consulting Services

Email

altaf@iba-suk.edu.pk

Location

Executive Development Center (EDC) Campus 2, Sukkur IBA University