The George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies mourns the loss of Dr Douglass Carmichael, a cherished member of our International Advisory Board whose remarkable intellectual range enriched our thinking immeasurably.

Doug brought uncommon clarity to GIOAS's work on climate change, rural development, and geopolitics. His conviction that meaningful futures must be built from the ground up, rooted in local communities rather than imposed from above, resonated deeply with our commitment to bottom-up development approaches. Through his counsel and his visionary book Gardenworld Politics, Doug challenged us to reimagine humanity's relationship with nature as an opportunity to address food, shelter, and morale together. In that process, he envisioned the potential to rebuild community, meaning, and dignity.

A physicist turned psychoanalyst, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor to institutions from the White House to the World Bank, Doug never lost sight of what mattered most: creating a future we can all participate in and find attractive, even amidst difficulty. His warmth, wisdom and relentless curiosity will be profoundly missed.

In the words of Ms Loh Peixin, who worked closely with Doug:

It is hard to imagine a world without Douglass Carmichael. He had not only a brilliant mind but also a profound understanding of human connections. Doug's genuine enjoyment and love of people and his ability to listen with empathy have made a real difference on many lives. Being part of his story has enriched my own, deepening my appreciation for the world. His words, “things will happen that you never imagine,” are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

We honour his memory by continuing the conversations he inspired. Learn more about his work at carmichaelconversation.com.