With a robust career in finance, diplomacy and sustainability, Rza currently serves as a Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), coordinating the work of COP29 International Advisory Committee. NGIC is an international organization with over 100 former and current heads of state or government to discuss global issues and propose recommendations to policymakers.

Up until recently Rza has served as a Commercial and Financial Advisor at bp plc in London, leading asset management and shareholder management for Lightsource bp (Solar) in Low Carbon Energy Finance sector, as well as was part of the M&A of full acquisition of Lightsource bp by bp.  Previously, Rza built and led bp’s sustainability-related group-level partnerships and initiatives as an External Engagement and Partnering Manager, and developed policy positions on Just Transition, sustainability, and climate change as a Policy Development and Implementation Manager.

In earlier roles, Rza was a planning and commercial analyst for bp, managing relationships and negotiations with governments and external partners in West Africa and operationalizing JV Agreements for the GTA deepwater LNG Project in West Africa.

In the banking sector, Rza served as a private banker for Andbank and Credit Andorra SA, creating and managing significant portfolios of assets under management. His earlier career includes roles as a Youth Delegate from Azerbaijan to the United Nations, and as a Development Officer at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, where he successfully fundraised to establish the first endowment fund in Azerbaijan.

Rza is a Schwarzman Scholars alumnus, holding a Master of Management in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University, with a concentration in Economics and Business. He also has a MA in Diplomacy and International Affairs from the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the Academy of Public Administration. Fluent in multiple languages, including Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish, Rza is an Associate Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science and recognised as a Sustainability Integrator and SDG Champion by UNDP, Mohammad Yunus Centre and other prominent organisations. He lived in 9 countries, trave;ling to over 80.