Umar is an early career researcher and youth leader specializing in agriculture, climate change adaptation and supply chain management. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Greenwich, his research focuses on managing disruptive shocks affecting agri-food supply chains and resilience building. Umar's work reflects his deep commitment to resolve global challanges including food security, climate change, digitalization of global food systems, mental health and wellbeing of the global youth. Umar holds an MSc in Conservation and Rural Development from University of Kent, UK and a BSc Hons. in Agriculture from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. During his academic journey, Umar has won some highly prestigious scholarships including the Commonwealth Scholarship for MSc and the Vice Chancellor Scholarship for his PhD.

He currently serves as a President of the Doctoral Society at the University of Greenwich, where he provides leadership to foster an inclusive academic environment for PhD students. Umar is a country informant research associate for the Asia-Europe Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative by Asia-Europe Foundation and an Executive Member of the Board of Directors for British-Pakistani Student portal at Pakistan High Commission in London. Internationally, Umar has engaged in science and policy forums, including recently at the World Food Forum (WFF) 2024 hosted by FAO in Rome and the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) 2023 in Berlin.