A native Palestinian, born and raised in Rafah, the Gaza Strip, Dr. Ahmed Abukhater is an award-winning author, business executive, and record-setting athlete. Ahmed Abukhater grew up in a world of environmental inequity. Raised during the Palestinian Intifada (uprising), he recognized the value of water as the sustainer of life and peace. Professionally, he is an architect, environmental scientist, and an urban and regional planner by trade. He is also the author of the book “Water as a Catalyst for Peace - Transboundary Water Management and Conflict Resolution” and the upcoming book “Palestine: Peace by Piece.” Dr. Abukhater is a noted expert in a number of areas including geospatial and navigation solutions, strategic marketing and product management, sustainable community development, and trans-boundary water resources management and conflict resolution. His work focuses on the social, economic and environmental factors that drive the 21st century urban development, geopolitical discourse, resource access and allocation, and conflict prevention and resolution. Throughout his career, he served in a variety of senior and executive positions in both governmental and nongovernmental organizations.