An internationally recognized leader in environmental and social sustainability, with a dual background in biochemistry and law, Baskut served two terms as United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on human rights and toxics (2014-2020), directed a quasi-governmental institute in Massachusetts focused on pollution prevention and sustainable chemistry, and practiced as a senior attorney with nonprofit organizations and law firms in the United States and Europe. He began his career as a research chemist in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, developing novel methods for synthesizing DNA- and RNA-based medicines.
Currently, Baskut is the founder and Chief Impact Advisor of Common Rights, where he provides strategic and legal advisory services to select governments, UN agencies, NGOs, early-stage companies, investors, and philanthropic donors. He has extensive experience operating in complex regulatory, political, and stakeholder environments, building sustainability commitments, finding consensus in multilateral negotiations, analyzing social and environmental risks, and developing strategies that reduce environmental impacts, improve compliance, and support healthier environments for the most vulnerable.
