Medani P. Bhandari is a globally recognized environmental scholar, policy expert, and academic leader with over four decades of experience in sustainability, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and social transformation. Holding a PhD from Syracuse University and five Master's degrees in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Sociology, Anthropology, and Ecology, he integrates natural and social sciences to address complex socio-ecological challenges through interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy.

Bhandari has collaborated extensively with the United Nations system, serving in leadership and advisory roles with UNEP, contributing to UNFCCC, UNEA, IPCC, IPBES, and GEF initiatives. He has authored or edited around 40 books and published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers on environmental governance, climate policy, and sustainable development.

He has held senior academic leadership positions, including Vice President, Dean, and Program Director, and is currently Principal of Kathmandu Forestry College. His work across 40+ countries reflects a lifelong commitment to equitable, science-based solutions for planetary sustainability and human well-being.