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EXTREME HANGOUT COP28 SPEAKERS
Here’s to all the incredible change makers joining us on The Extreme Hangout stage at COP28. It is the passion and effort of everyone here that is helping popularise the climate movement and inspiring environmental action. A massive thank you.
SPEAKERS AND STORYTELLERS
Paul Dickinson
Founder of CDP
He founded CDP in 2000 with an ambition of creating a global economic system that operates within sustainable environmental boundaries and prevents dangerous climate change. CDP represents institutional investors with assets of over US$130 trillion and uses this investor authority to persuade companies to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. In addition, CDP represents the purchasing power of over 200 corporations with aggregate purchasing spend of over $5 trillion. In response to this enormous financial authority, over 18,700 large companies representing over 60% of global market capitalization disclosed data regarding climate change as well as other environmental information covering water security, deforestation and biodiversity through CDP in 2022. This is in addition to the over 1,000 major cities, states and regions that disclosed, making CDP’s platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are driving environmental change. CDP data is purchased by Bloomberg, FTSE, MSCI, Moody’s and many other financial services providers as well as academics and NGOs.
He founded CDP in 2000 with an ambition of creating a global economic system that operates within sustainable environmental boundaries and prevents dangerous climate change. CDP represents institutional investors with assets of over US$130 trillion and uses this investor authority to persuade companies to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. In addition, CDP represents the purchasing power of over 200 corporations with aggregate purchasing spend of over $5 trillion. In response to this enormous financial authority, over 18,700 large companies representing over 60% of global market capitalization disclosed data regarding climate change as well as other environmental information covering water security, deforestation and biodiversity through CDP in 2022. This is in addition to the over 1,000 major cities, states and regions that disclosed, making CDP’s platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are driving environmental change. CDP data is purchased by Bloomberg, FTSE, MSCI, Moody’s and many other financial services providers as well as academics and NGOs.
Fiona Macklin
Senior Advisor - Groundswell
Fiona is a Senior Advisor to Groundswell, a joint project by the Bezos Earth Fund, Global Optimism, and the Systems Change Lab. Groundswell supports a diverse and distributed chorus of voices to shape a narrative of courage and possibility, which essentially says: it’s not too late to achieve our Paris goals. Previously, Fiona managed the Race to Zero campaign as part of the Climate Champions' team. She holds a Masters in International Development Studies from the University of Melbourne, following her Bachelors at the University of
Cambridge.
Fiona is a Senior Advisor to Groundswell, a joint project by the Bezos Earth Fund, Global Optimism, and the Systems Change Lab. Groundswell supports a diverse and distributed chorus of voices to shape a narrative of courage and possibility, which essentially says: it’s not too late to achieve our Paris goals. Previously, Fiona managed the Race to Zero campaign as part of the Climate Champions' team. She holds a Masters in International Development Studies from the University of Melbourne, following her Bachelors at the University of
Cambridge.
Emma Cox
Partner, Global Climate Leader
Emma is PwC UK’s Head of Purpose and leads the Sustainability & Climate Change team, which advises private and public sector clients and international institutions on the development and implementation of their sustainability strategy, reporting and assurance.
The UK team consists of 4 partners and over 100 staff who work with a broad range of UK, multinational corporate clients and International Development Programmes. Emma has a particular focus on cities and urbanisation and has worked on a wide range of infrastructure advisory projects.
Emma joined PwC in 1990 after graduating in Engineering from Cambridge, then trained as a chartered accountant
and worked as an auditor for a wide range of companies in transaction services. She was also People Partner for the firm's Advisory division, responsible for all aspects of people policy and performance and a longstanding member of the firm's Diversity Council.
Emma is PwC UK’s Head of Purpose and leads the Sustainability & Climate Change team, which advises private and public sector clients and international institutions on the development and implementation of their sustainability strategy, reporting and assurance.
The UK team consists of 4 partners and over 100 staff who work with a broad range of UK, multinational corporate clients and International Development Programmes. Emma has a particular focus on cities and urbanisation and has worked on a wide range of infrastructure advisory projects.
Emma joined PwC in 1990 after graduating in Engineering from Cambridge, then trained as a chartered accountant
and worked as an auditor for a wide range of companies in transaction services. She was also People Partner for the firm's Advisory division, responsible for all aspects of people policy and performance and a longstanding member of the firm's Diversity Council.
Dr Mae-Ling Lokko
Assistant Professor, Founder Yale School of Architecture, Yale CEA, Willow Technologies
Dr. Mae-ling Lokko is an Assistant Professor at Yale University’s School of Architecture and Yale's Center for Ecosystems in Architecture (Yale CEA). She is an architectural scientist, designer and educator from Ghana and the Philippines whose work focuses on the upcycling of agrowaste and biopolymer materials. Her research integrates a broad range of technical, environmental, social and cultural criteria to evolve contemporary material-value systems and accelerate business models for upcycling between the Global North and South. Lokko is the founder of Willow Technologies, Ltd. focused on the research, design and development of biobased building materials. Lokko was the Director for the Building Sciences Program and Assistant Professor at Rensselaer’s School of Architecture from 2018-2021. Lokko’s recent projects have been exhibited globally including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Stedelijk Museum, Netherlands; Museum of the Future, Dubai; Z33 House for Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture, Belgium and Somerset House; London.
Dr. Mae-ling Lokko is an Assistant Professor at Yale University’s School of Architecture and Yale's Center for Ecosystems in Architecture (Yale CEA). She is an architectural scientist, designer and educator from Ghana and the Philippines whose work focuses on the upcycling of agrowaste and biopolymer materials. Her research integrates a broad range of technical, environmental, social and cultural criteria to evolve contemporary material-value systems and accelerate business models for upcycling between the Global North and South. Lokko is the founder of Willow Technologies, Ltd. focused on the research, design and development of biobased building materials. Lokko was the Director for the Building Sciences Program and Assistant Professor at Rensselaer’s School of Architecture from 2018-2021. Lokko’s recent projects have been exhibited globally including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Stedelijk Museum, Netherlands; Museum of the Future, Dubai; Z33 House for Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture, Belgium and Somerset House; London.
Kidus Asfaw
CEO and Co-Founder of Build Kubik
Kidus is the co-founder and CEO of Kubik - an environmental tech company turning hard-to-recycle plastic waste into low-carbon, low-cost buildings.
Kubik’s mission is to build dignity through clean and affordable living for all - a vision that gave it the honor of Africa’s Startup of the Year.
Previously, Kidus led on technology and innovation initiatives for UNICEF. As the organizations first global
product manager, he led UNICEF's open source projects, with over 40 country deployments to support some of the largest and most criticalprogrammers to improve the lives of children. Kidus has also worked for the World Bank, Accenture, and Google.
He has an MPA from Princeton University, and studied Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. He lives
in Nairobi.
Kidus is the co-founder and CEO of Kubik - an environmental tech company turning hard-to-recycle plastic waste into low-carbon, low-cost buildings.
Kubik’s mission is to build dignity through clean and affordable living for all - a vision that gave it the honor of Africa’s Startup of the Year.
Previously, Kidus led on technology and innovation initiatives for UNICEF. As the organizations first global
product manager, he led UNICEF's open source projects, with over 40 country deployments to support some of the largest and most criticalprogrammers to improve the lives of children. Kidus has also worked for the World Bank, Accenture, and Google.
He has an MPA from Princeton University, and studied Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. He lives
in Nairobi.
Simone Mangili
Executive Director of Carbon Neutral Cities
As Executive Director of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA), Simone leads CNCA’s strategic development and initiatives aimed at supporting member cities in driving innovation and setting the course for climate-neutral cities worldwide. Having worked widely in the US, Europe and the Middle East on a broad range of initiatives aimed at securing just and climate-positive futures, Simone has over 20 years of experience across local government, nonprofits and the private sector. His passion is working with cities, stakeholders and communities at the nexus of climate change and sustainability with a strong commitment to social equity and regenerative approaches. Simone is a Visiting Fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States Cities Program, led sustainability and climate policy in the Mayor’s office of the City of Torino, implemented strategic planning processes for urban and metropolitan areas in Italy, and managed urban redevelopment, place-making and resilience projects across geographies.
As Executive Director of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA), Simone leads CNCA’s strategic development and initiatives aimed at supporting member cities in driving innovation and setting the course for climate-neutral cities worldwide. Having worked widely in the US, Europe and the Middle East on a broad range of initiatives aimed at securing just and climate-positive futures, Simone has over 20 years of experience across local government, nonprofits and the private sector. His passion is working with cities, stakeholders and communities at the nexus of climate change and sustainability with a strong commitment to social equity and regenerative approaches. Simone is a Visiting Fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States Cities Program, led sustainability and climate policy in the Mayor’s office of the City of Torino, implemented strategic planning processes for urban and metropolitan areas in Italy, and managed urban redevelopment, place-making and resilience projects across geographies.
Catriona Brady
Director of Strategy and Development at the World Green Building Council
As Director of Strategy and Development at the World Green Building Council, Catriona manages global programmes for the World Green Building Council network, consisting of 77 national member councils who represent a combined network of 46,000 member organisations. Her areas of specialism in the green building field include circular economy, health, equity and resilience, and she oversees the strategy and delivery of four global programmes at WorldGBC (Advancing Net Zero, Better Places for People, Circularity Accelerator and Sustainable Finance).
Catriona has authored a number of notable industry publications, regularly speaks at high level events amd conferences, and serves on a number of expert taskforces across areas of sustainability.
Prior to joining the World Green Building Council in May 2018, Catriona worked in environmental consultancy and as a secondary school Geography teacher. Originally from the Glasgow, she is currently based in London, United Kingdom.
As Director of Strategy and Development at the World Green Building Council, Catriona manages global programmes for the World Green Building Council network, consisting of 77 national member councils who represent a combined network of 46,000 member organisations. Her areas of specialism in the green building field include circular economy, health, equity and resilience, and she oversees the strategy and delivery of four global programmes at WorldGBC (Advancing Net Zero, Better Places for People, Circularity Accelerator and Sustainable Finance).
Catriona has authored a number of notable industry publications, regularly speaks at high level events amd conferences, and serves on a number of expert taskforces across areas of sustainability.
Prior to joining the World Green Building Council in May 2018, Catriona worked in environmental consultancy and as a secondary school Geography teacher. Originally from the Glasgow, she is currently based in London, United Kingdom.
Paul Polman
Business leader, campaigner, co-author of "Net Positive"
Paul Polman works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality.
As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), Paul demonstrated that business can profit through purpose, marrying a long-term, multi-stakeholder model with excellent financial performance. During Paul’s tenure, shareholders saw their returns increase by 290% while the company consistently ranked 1st in the world for sustainability.
Today Paul works across a range of organisations to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. This includes his work to drive systems change with Systemiq and bold new industry coalitions, including in fashion and food. He leads the UN Global Compact, is an Ambassador for the Race to Zero, and works to develop our next generation of leaders, through the Oxford University Saïd Business School, INSEAD, One Young World and others.Paul’s actively campaigns on a range of human rights issues, including promoting disability inclusion through the Valuable 500 and the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, which he set up with his wife Kim. Follow him on twitter and sign up to receive his newsletter here.More on www.paulpolman.com
Paul Polman works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality.
As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), Paul demonstrated that business can profit through purpose, marrying a long-term, multi-stakeholder model with excellent financial performance. During Paul’s tenure, shareholders saw their returns increase by 290% while the company consistently ranked 1st in the world for sustainability.
Today Paul works across a range of organisations to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. This includes his work to drive systems change with Systemiq and bold new industry coalitions, including in fashion and food. He leads the UN Global Compact, is an Ambassador for the Race to Zero, and works to develop our next generation of leaders, through the Oxford University Saïd Business School, INSEAD, One Young World and others.Paul’s actively campaigns on a range of human rights issues, including promoting disability inclusion through the Valuable 500 and the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, which he set up with his wife Kim. Follow him on twitter and sign up to receive his newsletter here.More on www.paulpolman.com
Anna Stanley
Climate Transparency at World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Anna leads the climate transparency work at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – a CEO-led organization of over 200 visionary businesses working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. She most recently built-up the Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT), bringing together stakeholders from across the public and private sector to enhance climate accountability and enable more targeted decarbonization action through the sharing of emissions data across value chains. Prior to this, Anna co-created the Seaweed for Europe coalition at sustainability think tank and consultancy firm SYSTEMIQ, seeking to transform the European industry and unlock the environmental benefits of this hidden ocean champion.
Anna is a One Young World Ambassador and was selected as one of 50 leaders under 40 who are contributing to the acceleration of the environmental and social transition in France by Le Point / Cercle de Giverny. She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a MA (Hons) in History and Management Studies before going on to qualify and work as a lawyer in the UK and Germany. Anna also spent several years at McKinsey & Company, advising on a range of sustainability topics.
Anna leads the climate transparency work at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – a CEO-led organization of over 200 visionary businesses working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. She most recently built-up the Partnership for Carbon Transparency (PACT), bringing together stakeholders from across the public and private sector to enhance climate accountability and enable more targeted decarbonization action through the sharing of emissions data across value chains. Prior to this, Anna co-created the Seaweed for Europe coalition at sustainability think tank and consultancy firm SYSTEMIQ, seeking to transform the European industry and unlock the environmental benefits of this hidden ocean champion.
Anna is a One Young World Ambassador and was selected as one of 50 leaders under 40 who are contributing to the acceleration of the environmental and social transition in France by Le Point / Cercle de Giverny. She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a MA (Hons) in History and Management Studies before going on to qualify and work as a lawyer in the UK and Germany. Anna also spent several years at McKinsey & Company, advising on a range of sustainability topics.
Fabio Friscia
Adolescent and Youth Manager at UNICEF
Fabio Friscia works at UNICEF as a global Youth Manager, supporting youth engagement in UNICEF programmes on
climate change, education and protection at global level. His area of focus includes building capacities of young leaders on advocacy and strengthening of youth organizations, developing tools and standards for youth engagement, providing technical assistance and capacity building to UNICEF staff, building partnerships with youth-led organizations.
Fabio Friscia works at UNICEF as a global Youth Manager, supporting youth engagement in UNICEF programmes on
climate change, education and protection at global level. His area of focus includes building capacities of young leaders on advocacy and strengthening of youth organizations, developing tools and standards for youth engagement, providing technical assistance and capacity building to UNICEF staff, building partnerships with youth-led organizations.
Brett Peters
Global TikTok for Good
Brett Peters is the Global Lead, TikTok for Good at TikTok. Brett leads the design and executionof TikTok's global in-app social impact content programs that elevate the important work nonprofits and social impact creators are doing on the platform. Prior to TikTok, Brett spent nearly a decade in the nonprofit space, having helped launch the It Gets Better Project in its infancy and eventually oversaw its original content strategy and development of brand and media partnerships.
Brett Peters is the Global Lead, TikTok for Good at TikTok. Brett leads the design and executionof TikTok's global in-app social impact content programs that elevate the important work nonprofits and social impact creators are doing on the platform. Prior to TikTok, Brett spent nearly a decade in the nonprofit space, having helped launch the It Gets Better Project in its infancy and eventually oversaw its original content strategy and development of brand and media partnerships.
Donia Abi Nassif
TikTok MENA Content Ops
I'm a partnership manager for Education at TikTok. I work closely with differrent Educational partners in the GCC and Levant region and equip them with the expertise to grow their presence in app. I have a Bechelor Degree in Nurtition, a teaching diploma and a masters in International Business with a minor in Marketing. Prior to TikTok I co-founded a learning platform, and also taught at a school in Dubai. My passion for Education stems in everything I do, and I carry it with me in all efforts.
I'm a partnership manager for Education at TikTok. I work closely with differrent Educational partners in the GCC and Levant region and equip them with the expertise to grow their presence in app. I have a Bechelor Degree in Nurtition, a teaching diploma and a masters in International Business with a minor in Marketing. Prior to TikTok I co-founded a learning platform, and also taught at a school in Dubai. My passion for Education stems in everything I do, and I carry it with me in all efforts.
Hisham Baeshen
Creator (chef and food)
Hisham Baeshen: A chef and food content creator, with traditional and popular food and populars around the world. The journey begins in 2014 with daily photos and blogs about food.
In 2015 he moved to video blogging regarding food and recipes. He has won many titles and awards in Social media, the latest one was (the best Cooking content creator) from Tiktok. Now he
is considered one of the most prominent international brand ambassadors and an owner for one of the most famous Saudi restaurants in Riyadh.
Hisham Baeshen: A chef and food content creator, with traditional and popular food and populars around the world. The journey begins in 2014 with daily photos and blogs about food.
In 2015 he moved to video blogging regarding food and recipes. He has won many titles and awards in Social media, the latest one was (the best Cooking content creator) from Tiktok. Now he
is considered one of the most prominent international brand ambassadors and an owner for one of the most famous Saudi restaurants in Riyadh.
Soli Bolita
Creator (family)
I'm a millennial trying to find his way through this modern days. I've been everything you could imagine, a former bureaucrat, a lawyer, and financial specialist.
After years in Mexico's financial sector, ensuring bankers' prosperity, I sought more meaningful fulfillment beyond fiscal success. So I decided to leave all that behind and to advocate to
something that I felt that could make a real change in someone else life.
That's how I decided to focus on raising my children, and to spread a positive word through TikTok
I'm a millennial trying to find his way through this modern days. I've been everything you could imagine, a former bureaucrat, a lawyer, and financial specialist.
After years in Mexico's financial sector, ensuring bankers' prosperity, I sought more meaningful fulfillment beyond fiscal success. So I decided to leave all that behind and to advocate to
something that I felt that could make a real change in someone else life.
That's how I decided to focus on raising my children, and to spread a positive word through TikTok
Destinee Wray
Creator (beauty)
Destinee is a 19 year old natural hair influencer and self taught makeup artist. Destinee is a hair beauty influencer who expresses herself through hair and makeup. Her main goal is to
create content, in hopes that young girls will begin to see the beauty in their hair. Destinee loves to connect and talk to her supporters on Tiktok and Instagram. She strives to make content that educates and entertains her audience through tutorials, funny videos, and dancing.
Destinee is a 19 year old natural hair influencer and self taught makeup artist. Destinee is a hair beauty influencer who expresses herself through hair and makeup. Her main goal is to
create content, in hopes that young girls will begin to see the beauty in their hair. Destinee loves to connect and talk to her supporters on Tiktok and Instagram. She strives to make content that educates and entertains her audience through tutorials, funny videos, and dancing.
Ana Beatriz Brito da Silva
Creator (beauty)
My name is Bia Araújo, I'm 21 years old, I currently live in Rio Branco, Acre and I love cooking. I learned several of things by myself, but in the beginning of this year I decided to acquire more knowledge and started a gastronomy course in the city of São Paulo. My story on the internet began in 2019, the year I recorded my first videos, and since then my focus has been to grow more and more, both in the production of the dishes and in the virtual space, delivering quality content to everyone who appreciates my work.
My name is Bia Araújo, I'm 21 years old, I currently live in Rio Branco, Acre and I love cooking. I learned several of things by myself, but in the beginning of this year I decided to acquire more knowledge and started a gastronomy course in the city of São Paulo. My story on the internet began in 2019, the year I recorded my first videos, and since then my focus has been to grow more and more, both in the production of the dishes and in the virtual space, delivering quality content to everyone who appreciates my work.
Nadine Zidani
Founder and CEO of Mena Impact
Nadine Zidani, founder of Dubai-based Mena Impact, is a distinguished sustainability and climate expert committed to embedding impact within organizations. Her comprehensive approach integrates Consulting, an Academy, a Hub, and a Think Tank, specifically concentrating on the MENA region.
A dynamic advocate for environmental and social causes, Nadine actively raises awareness through public speaking, impactful social media content, and hosting the Impact Talk podcast. Her multifaceted efforts significantly contribute to sustainability and foster positive societal change.
Nadine Zidani, founder of Dubai-based Mena Impact, is a distinguished sustainability and climate expert committed to embedding impact within organizations. Her comprehensive approach integrates Consulting, an Academy, a Hub, and a Think Tank, specifically concentrating on the MENA region.
A dynamic advocate for environmental and social causes, Nadine actively raises awareness through public speaking, impactful social media content, and hosting the Impact Talk podcast. Her multifaceted efforts significantly contribute to sustainability and foster positive societal change.
Prof Ahmad Taha
Head of the General Authority for Healthcare Accredication and Regulations
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hamid Taha, as the Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR), brings over forty years of experience in medicine and healthcare education. He holds a Bachelor's degree, a Master's, and a Ph.D. in General Surgery from Kasr- El Ainy, Cairo University, and has completed fellowships in vascular surgery at prestigious institutions including the University of Amsterdam and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
A leader in vascular surgery, he has published 38 papers and participated in over a hundred conferences and scientific events. His roles have included CEO of Cairo University Hospitals and Head of Vascular Surgery at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Dr. Taha also holds a professional Diploma in Healthcare and Hospital Management from the American University in Cairo. His profound contributions to the medical field are evident in his leadership, teaching, and extensive research, especially in the areas of vascular surgery and diabetic foot care.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hamid Taha, as the Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR), brings over forty years of experience in medicine and healthcare education. He holds a Bachelor's degree, a Master's, and a Ph.D. in General Surgery from Kasr- El Ainy, Cairo University, and has completed fellowships in vascular surgery at prestigious institutions including the University of Amsterdam and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
A leader in vascular surgery, he has published 38 papers and participated in over a hundred conferences and scientific events. His roles have included CEO of Cairo University Hospitals and Head of Vascular Surgery at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Dr. Taha also holds a professional Diploma in Healthcare and Hospital Management from the American University in Cairo. His profound contributions to the medical field are evident in his leadership, teaching, and extensive research, especially in the areas of vascular surgery and diabetic foot care.
Prof Steve Holt
Pure Health
Prof Stephen G. Holt, BSc MBBS PhD FRCP FRACP, is the Professor Director and CEO of SEHA Kidney Care (SKC) in Abu Dhabi and a Professor at Khalifa University. An acclaimed academic nephrologist, he possesses international expertise in dialysis therapies, transplantation, vascular pathology, and biochemistry, with a keen interest in clinical IT and environmental sustainability. Prof Holt has over 200 publications and a record of supervising significant research grants and higher degree projects.
Previously, he has held key roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Transplant Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia, and in various institutions across the UK, including the University of Sussex and Royal Sussex County Hospital, and the Royal Free and University College Hospitals.
Prof Stephen G. Holt, BSc MBBS PhD FRCP FRACP, is the Professor Director and CEO of SEHA Kidney Care (SKC) in Abu Dhabi and a Professor at Khalifa University. An acclaimed academic nephrologist, he possesses international expertise in dialysis therapies, transplantation, vascular pathology, and biochemistry, with a keen interest in clinical IT and environmental sustainability. Prof Holt has over 200 publications and a record of supervising significant research grants and higher degree projects.
Previously, he has held key roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Transplant Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia, and in various institutions across the UK, including the University of Sussex and Royal Sussex County Hospital, and the Royal Free and University College Hospitals.
Bassam Kaddissi
Chairman of Healthcare Sustainability in the Arab Hospitals Federation
As the Chairman of Healthcare Sustainability in the Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF), Dr. Bassam Kaddissi plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare development in the MENA region. He brings over 20 years of expertise in the design and management of diverse healthcare, educational, and commercial projects across MENA. His current position as Senior Design Manager for Healthcare Architecture at Khatib & Alami in Beirut, Lebanon, sees him overseeing projects from conception to construction, with a focus on compliance with both North American and MENA standards. Additionally, he holds membership in the Syndicate of Architects and Engineers in Lebanon. His career is marked by a deep commitment to advancing healthcare architecture, particularly in teaching facilities, acute care units, and specialty clinics.
As the Chairman of Healthcare Sustainability in the Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF), Dr. Bassam Kaddissi plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare development in the MENA region. He brings over 20 years of expertise in the design and management of diverse healthcare, educational, and commercial projects across MENA. His current position as Senior Design Manager for Healthcare Architecture at Khatib & Alami in Beirut, Lebanon, sees him overseeing projects from conception to construction, with a focus on compliance with both North American and MENA standards. Additionally, he holds membership in the Syndicate of Architects and Engineers in Lebanon. His career is marked by a deep commitment to advancing healthcare architecture, particularly in teaching facilities, acute care units, and specialty clinics.
Dr Imane Kendili
President of African Global Health
Dr. Imane Kendili is a highly accomplished and respected psychiatrist and addictologist who has made significant contributions to the field of addiction medicine. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and a graduate of Hassan II University of Medicine and Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca.
Apart from being an addiction specialist, Dr. Kendili is also actively involved in several international civil action associations and learned societies. She is a founding member of AMUSS and FMSV and has served as the president of MAPA. Currently, Dr. Kendili serves as the president of African Global Health (AGH).
In her role, she leads the charge to improve health outcomes for Africans by bringing together scientific experts, economists, lawyers, and policymakers in health, to work on a continental scale and rethink public African health policies that promote better health for all Africans by Africans.
Dr. Imane Kendili is a highly accomplished and respected psychiatrist and addictologist who has made significant contributions to the field of addiction medicine. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and a graduate of Hassan II University of Medicine and Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca.
Apart from being an addiction specialist, Dr. Kendili is also actively involved in several international civil action associations and learned societies. She is a founding member of AMUSS and FMSV and has served as the president of MAPA. Currently, Dr. Kendili serves as the president of African Global Health (AGH).
In her role, she leads the charge to improve health outcomes for Africans by bringing together scientific experts, economists, lawyers, and policymakers in health, to work on a continental scale and rethink public African health policies that promote better health for all Africans by Africans.
Dr Ahmed El Soky
Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority
Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority (former General Authority for Healthcare)- since February 2020 and Deputy Minister of Health and Population (since 2016) and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project
The first Egyptian head of WHO’s expert panel at Eastern Mediterranean committee: Ahmed El Sobky, head of the General Authority for Healthcare, has been elected to chair the World Health Organization’s expert panel at this year’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a statement. El Sobky is the panel’s first Egyptian head in its 14-year history.
· Ph.D in Diagnostic Radiology from Minufiya University, Egypt
· Master of Business Administration, ESLSCA University
· Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations, Harvard University
· Master of Public Policy and Global Health, The American University in Cairo.
Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority (former General Authority for Healthcare)- since February 2020 and Deputy Minister of Health and Population (since 2016) and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project
The first Egyptian head of WHO’s expert panel at Eastern Mediterranean committee: Ahmed El Sobky, head of the General Authority for Healthcare, has been elected to chair the World Health Organization’s expert panel at this year’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a statement. El Sobky is the panel’s first Egyptian head in its 14-year history.
· Ph.D in Diagnostic Radiology from Minufiya University, Egypt
· Master of Business Administration, ESLSCA University
· Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations, Harvard University
· Master of Public Policy and Global Health, The American University in Cairo.
Dr Ralph Chami
CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Green Future
Ralph Chami has over 32 years as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting professor positions at Williams College and the University of Victoria. He is an expert in a range of macro-financial topics including remittances, fragile states, financial inclusion, financial market development, banking regulation and risk management. Ralph recently retired from the IMF to work on climate change and biodiversity loss, developing a framework for valuing natural capital, fauna and flora, to build an equitable and nature-positive economy. He has developed the field of "Science-Based Finance℠,” and is a sought-after speaker on developing nature-positive markets. His work on valuing natural capital has been featured at TED2022, TEDx Florence, NPR, National Geographic, Financial Times, Washington Post, WEF, among others, along with peer-reviewed journals.
Ralph Chami has over 32 years as a financial economist, with 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He is the co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth, and holds visiting professor positions at Williams College and the University of Victoria. He is an expert in a range of macro-financial topics including remittances, fragile states, financial inclusion, financial market development, banking regulation and risk management. Ralph recently retired from the IMF to work on climate change and biodiversity loss, developing a framework for valuing natural capital, fauna and flora, to build an equitable and nature-positive economy. He has developed the field of "Science-Based Finance℠,” and is a sought-after speaker on developing nature-positive markets. His work on valuing natural capital has been featured at TED2022, TEDx Florence, NPR, National Geographic, Financial Times, Washington Post, WEF, among others, along with peer-reviewed journals.
Hiro Mizuno
CEO and Founder of Good Steward Partners
Mr. Hiromichi Mizuno is a Japanese financial executive and has played significant roles in the field of sustainable investments. He is the former Special Envoy of U.N. Secretary General on
Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investment, the former NonExecutive Board Member of Tesla, Inc., and the former Special Advisor to Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan. Mr.
Mizuno serves as a Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of MSCI, Independent Director to LiveWire Group, Inc. and Mission Committee Member at Danone, S.A., Mr. Mizuno previously served as an Executive Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan (GPIF), the largest pension fund in the world with AUM $1.5 trillion.
Prior to joining GPF, Mr. Mizuno was partner at Coller Capital, a London-based private equity firm. He also formerly worked for Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. in Japan, Silicon Valley, and New York.
Mr. Hiromichi Mizuno is a Japanese financial executive and has played significant roles in the field of sustainable investments. He is the former Special Envoy of U.N. Secretary General on
Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investment, the former NonExecutive Board Member of Tesla, Inc., and the former Special Advisor to Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan. Mr.
Mizuno serves as a Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of MSCI, Independent Director to LiveWire Group, Inc. and Mission Committee Member at Danone, S.A., Mr. Mizuno previously served as an Executive Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan (GPIF), the largest pension fund in the world with AUM $1.5 trillion.
Prior to joining GPF, Mr. Mizuno was partner at Coller Capital, a London-based private equity firm. He also formerly worked for Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. in Japan, Silicon Valley, and New York.
Jean Oelwang
Founding CEO of Virgin Unite
Jean is a Collaborations Architect and the founding CEO of Virgin Unite. Over the last 19 years, she has worked with partners to lead the incubation and start-up of several global initiatives, including: The Elders, The B Team, The Carbon War Room, The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite (now ORRAA), The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, 100% Human at Work, and several others.
Jean spent seventeen years helping lead mobile phone companies in South Africa, Colombia, Bulgaria, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US. She was the joint CEO of Virgin Mobile in Australia prior to starting Virgin Unite.
She co-founded the not-for-profit Plus Wonder to spark more meaningful deep connections and collaborations in the world. She is the author of the new book, Partnering.
Jean is a Collaborations Architect and the founding CEO of Virgin Unite. Over the last 19 years, she has worked with partners to lead the incubation and start-up of several global initiatives, including: The Elders, The B Team, The Carbon War Room, The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite (now ORRAA), The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, 100% Human at Work, and several others.
Jean spent seventeen years helping lead mobile phone companies in South Africa, Colombia, Bulgaria, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US. She was the joint CEO of Virgin Mobile in Australia prior to starting Virgin Unite.
She co-founded the not-for-profit Plus Wonder to spark more meaningful deep connections and collaborations in the world. She is the author of the new book, Partnering.
Naoko Ishii
Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, Director for Centre of Global Commons, Professor at the Institute for Future Initiatives
Dr. Naoko Ishii has joined University of Tokyo on August 1st 2020 as professor, executive vice president, and inaugurating
Director for Center for Global Commons, whose mission is to catalyze systems change so that human can achieve sustainable development within planetary boundaries. The Center aims at playing a much more active role in mobilizing movements of multi-stakeholders towards a shared goal of nurturing stewardship of Global Commons.
Prior to joining the university, she served the GEF (Global Environment Facility) as CEO and Chairperson from 2012 to 2020. She formed GEF’s first mid-term strategy, GEF 2020, with strong focus on transformation of key economic systems.
She entered Ministry of Finance, Japan, in 1981 and served as Deputy Vice Minister of Finance, Japan for 2010-2012. She also worked at the IMF and the World Bank.
She obtained BA in economics and Ph. D in international studies, both from the University of Tokyo.
Dr. Naoko Ishii has joined University of Tokyo on August 1st 2020 as professor, executive vice president, and inaugurating
Director for Center for Global Commons, whose mission is to catalyze systems change so that human can achieve sustainable development within planetary boundaries. The Center aims at playing a much more active role in mobilizing movements of multi-stakeholders towards a shared goal of nurturing stewardship of Global Commons.
Prior to joining the university, she served the GEF (Global Environment Facility) as CEO and Chairperson from 2012 to 2020. She formed GEF’s first mid-term strategy, GEF 2020, with strong focus on transformation of key economic systems.
She entered Ministry of Finance, Japan, in 1981 and served as Deputy Vice Minister of Finance, Japan for 2010-2012. She also worked at the IMF and the World Bank.
She obtained BA in economics and Ph. D in international studies, both from the University of Tokyo.
Hindou Oumarou
President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is an expert in the adaptation and mitigation of indigenous peoples to climate change. She is a member of the Mbororo pastoralist people in Chad and President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT).
She led several concrete projects that improved access to basic need of indigenous peoples, while promoting their unique contribution to the protection of the environment. 3D participatory mapping, for instance, helps to prevent resources-based conflicts in one of the poorest and most vulnerable region of the world. She is an advocate for the greater inclusion of indigenous people and their knowledge and traditions in the global movement to fight the effects of climate change.
Hindou received the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award and was appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate. She serves as a Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues; Member of the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC); Member of the Advisory Committee to the Secretary-General’s 2019 Climate Action Summit; and Conservation International Senior Indigenous Fellow. In 2019, she was listed by Time Magazine as one of 15 women championing action on climate change.
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is an expert in the adaptation and mitigation of indigenous peoples to climate change. She is a member of the Mbororo pastoralist people in Chad and President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT).
She led several concrete projects that improved access to basic need of indigenous peoples, while promoting their unique contribution to the protection of the environment. 3D participatory mapping, for instance, helps to prevent resources-based conflicts in one of the poorest and most vulnerable region of the world. She is an advocate for the greater inclusion of indigenous people and their knowledge and traditions in the global movement to fight the effects of climate change.
Hindou received the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award and was appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate. She serves as a Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues; Member of the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC); Member of the Advisory Committee to the Secretary-General’s 2019 Climate Action Summit; and Conservation International Senior Indigenous Fellow. In 2019, she was listed by Time Magazine as one of 15 women championing action on climate change.
Oriele Frank
Co-Founder & Chief Product & Sustainability Officer at ELEMIS
As one of the ELEMIS co-founders, Oriele’s professional marketing background and love of science, nature, different cultures, sustainability, CSR and alternative therapies has led to the development of a brand that is always one step-ahead of the industry.
Oriele is on the Board of Directors at ELEMIS, of which was B Corp certified in January 2023, working on elevating the sustainability and CSR vision for the brand globally and overseeing the next generation of innovative, results-driven skin, body and wellness products, researching cutting-edge technologies that will enable ELEMIS to continue to be the No1 premium British Skincare Brand.
Change and industry wide collaboration is at the heart of Oriele’s work. Oriele is a proud member of the Steering Committee of the B Corp Coalition, Sustainability Pillar President of Sustainability at CEW UK and the Co-Chair of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition at The British Beauty Council.
As one of the ELEMIS co-founders, Oriele’s professional marketing background and love of science, nature, different cultures, sustainability, CSR and alternative therapies has led to the development of a brand that is always one step-ahead of the industry.
Oriele is on the Board of Directors at ELEMIS, of which was B Corp certified in January 2023, working on elevating the sustainability and CSR vision for the brand globally and overseeing the next generation of innovative, results-driven skin, body and wellness products, researching cutting-edge technologies that will enable ELEMIS to continue to be the No1 premium British Skincare Brand.
Change and industry wide collaboration is at the heart of Oriele’s work. Oriele is a proud member of the Steering Committee of the B Corp Coalition, Sustainability Pillar President of Sustainability at CEW UK and the Co-Chair of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition at The British Beauty Council.
Kevin Mtai
Co-Founder and Global Development Director at Earth Uprising
Kevin Mtai is a Kenyan climate defender and environmentalist. He is the Co-Founder and Global Development Director at Earth Uprising, where he focuses on advocating for climate education initiatives in world and Kenya. Kevin is also a co-founder of KEAN, which helps activists and environmental sustainability leaders, and participates in Fridays for Future International, prioritizing the MAPA. He also coordinates the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, facilitating discussions on climate change's loss and damage.
Kevin Mtai is a Kenyan climate defender and environmentalist. He is the Co-Founder and Global Development Director at Earth Uprising, where he focuses on advocating for climate education initiatives in world and Kenya. Kevin is also a co-founder of KEAN, which helps activists and environmental sustainability leaders, and participates in Fridays for Future International, prioritizing the MAPA. He also coordinates the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, facilitating discussions on climate change's loss and damage.
Karla Godoy da Costa Lima
Executive Secretary of Sustainable Development of Pernambuco
Karla Godoy, born in a Pernambuco favela, aspires to promote sustainable development and combat poverty and inequality in marginalized communities in Brazil and globally, all while
championing environmental preservation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in
International Relations from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) and completed her Master's degree in Development Practice as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Minnesota.
From a young age, she engaged in founding Social Enterprises and environmental protection. Karla co-founded EcoCiclo, manufacturing Brazil's first 100% biodegradable sanitary pad and empowering over 2,000 socially vulnerable women.
She has previously worked with the Rainforest Alliance on sustainable development projects in Guatemala and at the Latino Community of Minnesota. Before joining the Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Fernando de Noronha, she worked on economic and financial projects for sustainable agricultural businesses at the Latin Economic Development Center in Minnesota, USA.
Karla Godoy, born in a Pernambuco favela, aspires to promote sustainable development and combat poverty and inequality in marginalized communities in Brazil and globally, all while
championing environmental preservation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in
International Relations from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) and completed her Master's degree in Development Practice as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Minnesota.
From a young age, she engaged in founding Social Enterprises and environmental protection. Karla co-founded EcoCiclo, manufacturing Brazil's first 100% biodegradable sanitary pad and empowering over 2,000 socially vulnerable women.
She has previously worked with the Rainforest Alliance on sustainable development projects in Guatemala and at the Latino Community of Minnesota. Before joining the Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Fernando de Noronha, she worked on economic and financial projects for sustainable agricultural businesses at the Latin Economic Development Center in Minnesota, USA.
Kehkashan Basu
Founder-President of Green Hope Foundation
Kehkashan Basu, M.S.M. is an iconic global influencer, educator, environmentalist, champion of women and children’s rights, One Young World Ambassador, TEDx speaker, Climate Reality Mentor, author, musician, peace and sustainability campaigner. She is the recipient of Canada's Meritorious Service Medal and the only Canadian to win the International Children’s Peace Prize. A Forbes 30 Under 30, Kehkashan is a United Nations Human Rights Champion, a National Geographic Young Explorer, a UNCCD Land Hero, a UN Habitat Young City Champion, and one of Canada's Top25 Women of Influence.
Kehkashan is the Founder-President of global social innovation enterprise Green Hope Foundation, that works at a grassroots level in 28 countries, empowering over 500,000 young people and women, especially those from vulnerable communities, in the sustainable development process. She has spoken at over 500 United Nations and other global fora. She is currently an MBA Candidate at Cornell University.
Kehkashan Basu, M.S.M. is an iconic global influencer, educator, environmentalist, champion of women and children’s rights, One Young World Ambassador, TEDx speaker, Climate Reality Mentor, author, musician, peace and sustainability campaigner. She is the recipient of Canada's Meritorious Service Medal and the only Canadian to win the International Children’s Peace Prize. A Forbes 30 Under 30, Kehkashan is a United Nations Human Rights Champion, a National Geographic Young Explorer, a UNCCD Land Hero, a UN Habitat Young City Champion, and one of Canada's Top25 Women of Influence.
Kehkashan is the Founder-President of global social innovation enterprise Green Hope Foundation, that works at a grassroots level in 28 countries, empowering over 500,000 young people and women, especially those from vulnerable communities, in the sustainable development process. She has spoken at over 500 United Nations and other global fora. She is currently an MBA Candidate at Cornell University.
Mavis Mainu
Executive Officer to the CEO and Gender Expert at Climate Analyics
Mavis works at Climate Analytics as an Executive Officer to the CEO and Gender Expert. Mavis holds a double master’s degree in development studies and governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany and women and gender studies from Saint Mary´s University, Canada. She has expertise on gendered differentiated impact of climate change and climate policy and has contributed to many research projects on these topics. She has led and designed the implementation of community- based climate change adaptation projects in Africa, aimed at helping women farmers in Africa adapt to climate impacts. She has also led and designed the implementation of rural electrification projects in West Africa and Latin America, helping many rural communities gain access to sustainable energy and lighting. She is also a Co-founder of Oak Foundation Ghana. Through Oak Foundation Mavis promotes entrepreneurship as a key instrument to financial independence among women and the youth of Ghana through agribusiness and vocational training initiatives. Mavis has full rounded experience, a combination of on the ground project implementation experience, international policy level experience and high-level management experience. She is Climate Reality Leader, a DAAD scholar, a one Young World Ambassador, Queens Young Leader, an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a 2020 mentee of the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition.
Mavis works at Climate Analytics as an Executive Officer to the CEO and Gender Expert. Mavis holds a double master’s degree in development studies and governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany and women and gender studies from Saint Mary´s University, Canada. She has expertise on gendered differentiated impact of climate change and climate policy and has contributed to many research projects on these topics. She has led and designed the implementation of community- based climate change adaptation projects in Africa, aimed at helping women farmers in Africa adapt to climate impacts. She has also led and designed the implementation of rural electrification projects in West Africa and Latin America, helping many rural communities gain access to sustainable energy and lighting. She is also a Co-founder of Oak Foundation Ghana. Through Oak Foundation Mavis promotes entrepreneurship as a key instrument to financial independence among women and the youth of Ghana through agribusiness and vocational training initiatives. Mavis has full rounded experience, a combination of on the ground project implementation experience, international policy level experience and high-level management experience. She is Climate Reality Leader, a DAAD scholar, a one Young World Ambassador, Queens Young Leader, an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a 2020 mentee of the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition.
Abideen Olasupo Opeyemi
Executive Director Brain Builders International
Olasupo Abideen is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the intersection of Climate Change, Clean Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With a strong academic background in environmental science and a deep understanding of AI's transformative potential, Abideen has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. As the founder of a sustainability-focused tech startup, Abideen has channelled his expertise to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between clean technologies and AI, driving sustainable practices in various sectors. His work exemplifies his commitment to mitigating climate change and its impact through cutting-edge, data-driven strategies. Abideen's advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship, as he actively participates in high-impact events and discussions, serving as a thought leader in the climate and tech communities. His collaborative approach and forward-thinking mindset make him a valuable asset in promoting the adoption of clean technologies and AI as powerful tools for environmental preservation and a sustainable future.
Olasupo Abideen is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the intersection of Climate Change, Clean Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With a strong academic background in environmental science and a deep understanding of AI's transformative potential, Abideen has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. As the founder of a sustainability-focused tech startup, Abideen has channelled his expertise to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between clean technologies and AI, driving sustainable practices in various sectors. His work exemplifies his commitment to mitigating climate change and its impact through cutting-edge, data-driven strategies. Abideen's advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship, as he actively participates in high-impact events and discussions, serving as a thought leader in the climate and tech communities. His collaborative approach and forward-thinking mindset make him a valuable asset in promoting the adoption of clean technologies and AI as powerful tools for environmental preservation and a sustainable future.
Rana Hajirasouli
Founder of The Surpluss
Rana Hajirasouli is the founder of UAEs’ first B2B climate-tech platform, The Surpluss, specializing in the adoption of digital industrial symbiosis in resource intensive sectors. Equipped with 12+ years industry experience spanning marine conservation, litigation, and petrochemicals manufacturing, she has presented at 50+ international conferences and frequently writes thought leadership articles on industrial climate action. She holds an LLM, M.Phil, and more recently, an Mst, and has won several innovation awards, securing a US Patent for methodology for cross-sectoral collaboration. She is currently studying towards a PhD in Industrial Resilience Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where her research aims to produce a novel collaborative framework for net zero using complex adaptive systems. Rana is GRI/GHG/SEA/Biomimicry accredited and is passionate about teaching biomimicry as a means to untangle complex problems.
Rana Hajirasouli is the founder of UAEs’ first B2B climate-tech platform, The Surpluss, specializing in the adoption of digital industrial symbiosis in resource intensive sectors. Equipped with 12+ years industry experience spanning marine conservation, litigation, and petrochemicals manufacturing, she has presented at 50+ international conferences and frequently writes thought leadership articles on industrial climate action. She holds an LLM, M.Phil, and more recently, an Mst, and has won several innovation awards, securing a US Patent for methodology for cross-sectoral collaboration. She is currently studying towards a PhD in Industrial Resilience Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where her research aims to produce a novel collaborative framework for net zero using complex adaptive systems. Rana is GRI/GHG/SEA/Biomimicry accredited and is passionate about teaching biomimicry as a means to untangle complex problems.
Pearly Ingkakul
Partner at AI & Robotics Ventures
Pеarly Ingkakul stands out as a dynamic figurе in thе world of businеss dеvеlopmеnt and innovation. As thе Co-Foundеr of Nеobank in Bangkok, Thailand, Pеarly has playеd a pivotal rolе in propеlling this FinTеch startup into a prominеnt position within thе Asia-Pacific markеt. Hеr visionary approach in stratеgic lеadеrship has not only еnhancеd businеss opеrations but also fostеrеd a culturе еmphasizing valuе optimization and imprеssivе rеturns on invеstmеnt.
In hеr rolе as Sеnior Global Partnеrship Liaison at AI and Robotics Vеnturеs, Pеarly has dеmonstratеd еxcеptional skill in crеating vital connеctions. Shе еffеctivеly coordinatеs with C-Lеvеl еxеcutivеs, govеrnmеnt agеnciеs, and invеstors, aligning еach projеct with stratеgic goals. This rolе showcasеs hеr adеptnеss in handling thе complеxitiеs of program opеrations, financе, and supply chain managеmеnt.
Pеarly’s influеncе еxtеnds bеyond corporatе rеalms. Hеr tеnurе with thе Unitеd Nations Global Compact (UNGC) as thе youngеst Exеcutivе Dirеctor globally highlights hеr dеdication to sustainablе businеss practicеs and corporatе rеsponsibility on an intеrnational lеvеl.
Bеyond hеr profеssional pursuits, Pеarly is dееply committеd to sociеtal bеttеrmеnt. Hеr voluntееr еfforts includе tеaching English in Bangkok's undеrsеrvеd arеas, facilitating child adoption procеssеs, and contributing to conflict rеsolution initiativеs in Thailand's rеd zonе rеgions. Thеsе еndеavors rеflеct hеr profound dеdication to making a significant impact on sociеty.
Pеarly is not just a businеss lеadеr; shе is an innovator, a stratеgist, and a humanitarian. Hеr divеrsе contributions makе hеr an invaluablе assеt to any organization.
Pеarly Ingkakul stands out as a dynamic figurе in thе world of businеss dеvеlopmеnt and innovation. As thе Co-Foundеr of Nеobank in Bangkok, Thailand, Pеarly has playеd a pivotal rolе in propеlling this FinTеch startup into a prominеnt position within thе Asia-Pacific markеt. Hеr visionary approach in stratеgic lеadеrship has not only еnhancеd businеss opеrations but also fostеrеd a culturе еmphasizing valuе optimization and imprеssivе rеturns on invеstmеnt.
In hеr rolе as Sеnior Global Partnеrship Liaison at AI and Robotics Vеnturеs, Pеarly has dеmonstratеd еxcеptional skill in crеating vital connеctions. Shе еffеctivеly coordinatеs with C-Lеvеl еxеcutivеs, govеrnmеnt agеnciеs, and invеstors, aligning еach projеct with stratеgic goals. This rolе showcasеs hеr adеptnеss in handling thе complеxitiеs of program opеrations, financе, and supply chain managеmеnt.
Pеarly’s influеncе еxtеnds bеyond corporatе rеalms. Hеr tеnurе with thе Unitеd Nations Global Compact (UNGC) as thе youngеst Exеcutivе Dirеctor globally highlights hеr dеdication to sustainablе businеss practicеs and corporatе rеsponsibility on an intеrnational lеvеl.
Bеyond hеr profеssional pursuits, Pеarly is dееply committеd to sociеtal bеttеrmеnt. Hеr voluntееr еfforts includе tеaching English in Bangkok's undеrsеrvеd arеas, facilitating child adoption procеssеs, and contributing to conflict rеsolution initiativеs in Thailand's rеd zonе rеgions. Thеsе еndеavors rеflеct hеr profound dеdication to making a significant impact on sociеty.
Pеarly is not just a businеss lеadеr; shе is an innovator, a stratеgist, and a humanitarian. Hеr divеrsе contributions makе hеr an invaluablе assеt to any organization.
Frederico Perez
Founder and CEO at Selvitas
Frederico is an innovative social enreprenuer and environmental advocate with a commitment to addressing global climate challenges. he is the Founder of Selvitas, a company that streamlines nature-based solutions to promote social equity and combat deforestation in Latin America. Additionally, he has advanced pulic policies to support market based mechanisms as a consultant for the International Trade Center (ITC) of the United Nations. Building on his work at a venture capital fund, he is designing a tech and climate startup accelaration in Colombia along with ITC and the Government of South Korea. An active member of his local community in Colombia, Federico has led several youth-focused intiatives. A recognized IUCN Young Changemamker, Federico has spoken at prominent forums including One Young World. He's a recipient of multile fellowships and scholorships from prestigious institutions worldwide. His academic credentials include a Bechelor's in Economics from Michigan State University, a MicroMaster from MIT in Sipply Chain Management, and ongoing studies in Tropical Forest Landscapes at Yale School of Environment.
Frederico is an innovative social enreprenuer and environmental advocate with a commitment to addressing global climate challenges. he is the Founder of Selvitas, a company that streamlines nature-based solutions to promote social equity and combat deforestation in Latin America. Additionally, he has advanced pulic policies to support market based mechanisms as a consultant for the International Trade Center (ITC) of the United Nations. Building on his work at a venture capital fund, he is designing a tech and climate startup accelaration in Colombia along with ITC and the Government of South Korea. An active member of his local community in Colombia, Federico has led several youth-focused intiatives. A recognized IUCN Young Changemamker, Federico has spoken at prominent forums including One Young World. He's a recipient of multile fellowships and scholorships from prestigious institutions worldwide. His academic credentials include a Bechelor's in Economics from Michigan State University, a MicroMaster from MIT in Sipply Chain Management, and ongoing studies in Tropical Forest Landscapes at Yale School of Environment.
Billie Dumailang
Co-Founder and Trustee of the Masungi
Billie Dumaliang is a co-founder and trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, an award-winning non-stock, non-profit conservation organization protecting a prehistoric pinnacle karst formation and endemic biodiversity through education and geotourism. Initially a 430 hectare project, it has grown to finance and restore some 3000 hectares of degraded forests which serves as the last green corridor East of Metro Manila. In 2022, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation won the prestigious Inspire Award at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Awards for speaking truth to power and building youth-led movements towards watershed rehabilitation. Billie is a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact in Asia Honoree, one of the 50 Rising Stars in ESG by the Women of the Future Programme, a winner of the Changing Your Mind Travel Awards by Vanity Fair London, and was named as Warrior of the Year by Esquire Philippines in 2021 together with her sister Ann. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Management-Honors Program of the Ateneo de Manila University in 2014 with a minor in German Studies.
Billie Dumaliang is a co-founder and trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, an award-winning non-stock, non-profit conservation organization protecting a prehistoric pinnacle karst formation and endemic biodiversity through education and geotourism. Initially a 430 hectare project, it has grown to finance and restore some 3000 hectares of degraded forests which serves as the last green corridor East of Metro Manila. In 2022, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation won the prestigious Inspire Award at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Awards for speaking truth to power and building youth-led movements towards watershed rehabilitation. Billie is a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact in Asia Honoree, one of the 50 Rising Stars in ESG by the Women of the Future Programme, a winner of the Changing Your Mind Travel Awards by Vanity Fair London, and was named as Warrior of the Year by Esquire Philippines in 2021 together with her sister Ann. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Management-Honors Program of the Ateneo de Manila University in 2014 with a minor in German Studies.
Ana Kreacic
Partner, Chief Knowledge Officer, Oliver Wyman and Chief Operating Officer, Oliver Wyman Forum
Ana Kreacic is a Partner and Chief Knowledge Officer of Oliver Wyman and COO of the Oliver Wyman Forum – a platform for engaging business, public policy, and societal leaders to act on shared challenges.
Ana has over 20 years of consulting and operating experience with companies globally. Known for her ability to blend customer insight with business strategy and leadership effectiveness, she steers companies to become more customer and employee-centric organizations. Her current work explores the opportunities and challenges stemming from changing consumer and workforce needs and behaviors across generations. Ana regularly convenes senior leaders across sectors to discuss pressing issues and high impact solutions.
A frequent speaker and author, Ana’s work has been featured in the World Economic Forum, Wall Street Journal, and MIT Sloan, to name a few. Ana is passionate about empowering women, mentoring, refugee and immigrant causes, and education. Ana holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland.
Ana Kreacic is a Partner and Chief Knowledge Officer of Oliver Wyman and COO of the Oliver Wyman Forum – a platform for engaging business, public policy, and societal leaders to act on shared challenges.
Ana has over 20 years of consulting and operating experience with companies globally. Known for her ability to blend customer insight with business strategy and leadership effectiveness, she steers companies to become more customer and employee-centric organizations. Her current work explores the opportunities and challenges stemming from changing consumer and workforce needs and behaviors across generations. Ana regularly convenes senior leaders across sectors to discuss pressing issues and high impact solutions.
A frequent speaker and author, Ana’s work has been featured in the World Economic Forum, Wall Street Journal, and MIT Sloan, to name a few. Ana is passionate about empowering women, mentoring, refugee and immigrant causes, and education. Ana holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland.
Saeed Alremeithi
UNICEF Youth Advocate and Co-Founder of The Organic Farm
Saeed Alremeithi is a co-founder of an organic farm, content creator, and UNICEF youth advocate. His mission is to demonstrate the simplicity of living a sustainable life and highlight its significance as our future. As an influential figure in sustainability, Saeed educates and inspires others through his engaging content. He utilizes various platforms to promote eco-friendly practices and empower individuals to make a positive impact. With a strong commitment to the environment, Saeed's efforts as a UNICEF youth advocate further emphasize the importance of addressing pressing environmental issues. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, Saeed aims to inspire a greener world and encourage others to embrace sustainable living.
Saeed Alremeithi is a co-founder of an organic farm, content creator, and UNICEF youth advocate. His mission is to demonstrate the simplicity of living a sustainable life and highlight its significance as our future. As an influential figure in sustainability, Saeed educates and inspires others through his engaging content. He utilizes various platforms to promote eco-friendly practices and empower individuals to make a positive impact. With a strong commitment to the environment, Saeed's efforts as a UNICEF youth advocate further emphasize the importance of addressing pressing environmental issues. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, Saeed aims to inspire a greener world and encourage others to embrace sustainable living.
Razan Bashiti
CEO, INJAZ UAE
Razan Bashiti provides leadership for all INJAZ UAE’s initiatives as the CEO. The INJAZ UAE team works with students to implement programs in middle schools, high schools and universities. INJAZ UAE helps to prepare youth in the UAE for success in the global economy as young entrepreneurs in the country. Razan brings to INJAZ UAE fifteen years of experience in strategy and business planning. Seven of those years were spent within the education sector leading initiatives for online learning and training and content development.
Razan Bashiti provides leadership for all INJAZ UAE’s initiatives as the CEO. The INJAZ UAE team works with students to implement programs in middle schools, high schools and universities. INJAZ UAE helps to prepare youth in the UAE for success in the global economy as young entrepreneurs in the country. Razan brings to INJAZ UAE fifteen years of experience in strategy and business planning. Seven of those years were spent within the education sector leading initiatives for online learning and training and content development.
Kelvin Blake Massingham
Director, Risk and Resilience, FSD Africa
Kelvin is Director of Risk and Resilience at FSD Africa, where he is responsible for driving financial market development in Africa to increase resilience and create pathways for green finance to flow towards a net-zero and nature-positive future.
Kelvin is a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and has 25 years’ experience in financial services in emerging markets. Prior to joining FSD Africa, Kelvin held various senior executive roles in the private sector including CEO of a life insurance company in Tanzania, Regional Director for a digital health company in Kenya and co-founder of a fintech start-up in India and Pakistan.
Kelvin is Director of Risk and Resilience at FSD Africa, where he is responsible for driving financial market development in Africa to increase resilience and create pathways for green finance to flow towards a net-zero and nature-positive future.
Kelvin is a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and has 25 years’ experience in financial services in emerging markets. Prior to joining FSD Africa, Kelvin held various senior executive roles in the private sector including CEO of a life insurance company in Tanzania, Regional Director for a digital health company in Kenya and co-founder of a fintech start-up in India and Pakistan.
Anas Bukhash
Entrepreneur and Interviewer
Interviewer, serial entrepreneur, and mentor are all titles that follow Anas Bukhash. Provocative with a purpose, Anas has been acknowledged for his ability to spot trends, uncover hidden opportunities, and for the courage to take on risks. In 2014, with the explosion of social media in the region, Anas was the 1st in the UAE to start an influencer marketing agency by founding Bukhash Brothers, which has grown to become a renowned digital marketing agency that builds brands and escalates its digital growth. Four years later, Anas launched #ABtalks; a celebrity talk show that discovers the human behind the title. A YouTube show, with 3 seasons currently streaming on Netflix, that consistently challenges the status quo and brings humanity to the forefront. Today, #ABtalks is the #1 show of its kind in the MENA EXTREME HANGOUT region, with over 1 million subscribers, 1 billion YouTube impressions, and 14 million hours of watch time. His other entrepreneurial ventures include - CHALK, the first unisex hair salon of its kind empowering men and women to express themselves, and Not (So) Guilty, an F&B concept that offers sentimental Emirati favorites with a twist. Anas's work has been recognized globally by a diverse audience, including features in publications such as Forbes Middle East, Entrepreneur Magazine, Esquire, VOGUE, GQ, and more. Currently boasting over 1 million followers on Instagram, from the youth across the world, celebrities, ministers, business professionals, and key opinion leaders, he leverages his platform to provoke thought and change for the better. Through his lectures and TEDx talks, Anas inspires people to take their chances and create a life fueled by their passion.
Interviewer, serial entrepreneur, and mentor are all titles that follow Anas Bukhash. Provocative with a purpose, Anas has been acknowledged for his ability to spot trends, uncover hidden opportunities, and for the courage to take on risks. In 2014, with the explosion of social media in the region, Anas was the 1st in the UAE to start an influencer marketing agency by founding Bukhash Brothers, which has grown to become a renowned digital marketing agency that builds brands and escalates its digital growth. Four years later, Anas launched #ABtalks; a celebrity talk show that discovers the human behind the title. A YouTube show, with 3 seasons currently streaming on Netflix, that consistently challenges the status quo and brings humanity to the forefront. Today, #ABtalks is the #1 show of its kind in the MENA EXTREME HANGOUT region, with over 1 million subscribers, 1 billion YouTube impressions, and 14 million hours of watch time. His other entrepreneurial ventures include - CHALK, the first unisex hair salon of its kind empowering men and women to express themselves, and Not (So) Guilty, an F&B concept that offers sentimental Emirati favorites with a twist. Anas's work has been recognized globally by a diverse audience, including features in publications such as Forbes Middle East, Entrepreneur Magazine, Esquire, VOGUE, GQ, and more. Currently boasting over 1 million followers on Instagram, from the youth across the world, celebrities, ministers, business professionals, and key opinion leaders, he leverages his platform to provoke thought and change for the better. Through his lectures and TEDx talks, Anas inspires people to take their chances and create a life fueled by their passion.
Juliet Davenport
Founder and Former CEO of Good Energy
Juliet Davenport is an experienced entrepreneur and Non-Executive Director. She specialises in businesses looking for solutions to climate change. She was the founder and CEO of Good Energy Group PLC for 20 years before exiting and now has a variety of roles that interface to climate change, including President of the Energy Institute, Commissioner of The Crown Estate, Chair of ConnectedKerb, and Non Executive Director of TAG and Abatable Inc.
Juliet Davenport is an experienced entrepreneur and Non-Executive Director. She specialises in businesses looking for solutions to climate change. She was the founder and CEO of Good Energy Group PLC for 20 years before exiting and now has a variety of roles that interface to climate change, including President of the Energy Institute, Commissioner of The Crown Estate, Chair of ConnectedKerb, and Non Executive Director of TAG and Abatable Inc.
Benedicte Hennebo
VP Marketing and Strategy International of Vontier
Benedicte joined Vontier in 2022 and is VP Marketing and Strategy at Vontier International, the international arm of Vontier, a global industrial technology company focused on smarter transportation and mobility. In her role, she is responsible for defining, and implementing the strategic growth of Vontier’s brands outside of North Americas and Europe, with a current focus on Gilbarco Veeder Root and Invenco by GVR.
Benedicte brings more than 20 years of indepth experience in complex project sales marketing and business transformation across the financial services, ICT and the IoT automation sectors gained during her years at Honeywell, British Telecom Group and Dun & Bradstreet.
She holds a B.A. and Masters in Linguistics, an MBA in International Corporate Planning and a Certificate in AI Applied to Business from MIT and is based in Dubai with her husband and two daughters. Keen cyclist and contemporary art lover, she enjoys spending her time with her family on desert trips or art exhibitions.
Benedicte joined Vontier in 2022 and is VP Marketing and Strategy at Vontier International, the international arm of Vontier, a global industrial technology company focused on smarter transportation and mobility. In her role, she is responsible for defining, and implementing the strategic growth of Vontier’s brands outside of North Americas and Europe, with a current focus on Gilbarco Veeder Root and Invenco by GVR.
Benedicte brings more than 20 years of indepth experience in complex project sales marketing and business transformation across the financial services, ICT and the IoT automation sectors gained during her years at Honeywell, British Telecom Group and Dun & Bradstreet.
She holds a B.A. and Masters in Linguistics, an MBA in International Corporate Planning and a Certificate in AI Applied to Business from MIT and is based in Dubai with her husband and two daughters. Keen cyclist and contemporary art lover, she enjoys spending her time with her family on desert trips or art exhibitions.
Emilie McGlone
Director of Peace Boat US
Emilie McGlone has been working with Peace Boat since 2004 and currently is the United Nations liaison and Director of the New York-based office of Peace Boat US, a non-profit organization working to promote peace, sustainable development and respect for the environment through educational programs organized onboard the Peace Boat, a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and works in partnership with UN representatives, Nobel Peace Laureates and community leaders from around the world to create opportunities for international cooperation focused on environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and peace education. Emilie works to foster youth education and develops specific programs to learn about important global issues onboard the Peace Boat.
Emilie McGlone has been working with Peace Boat since 2004 and currently is the United Nations liaison and Director of the New York-based office of Peace Boat US, a non-profit organization working to promote peace, sustainable development and respect for the environment through educational programs organized onboard the Peace Boat, a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and works in partnership with UN representatives, Nobel Peace Laureates and community leaders from around the world to create opportunities for international cooperation focused on environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and peace education. Emilie works to foster youth education and develops specific programs to learn about important global issues onboard the Peace Boat.
Henk Rogers
Founder Blue Planet Alliance
Henk Rogers is one of the world’s leading advocates for reducing humankind’s dependence on fossil fuel. He is the founder of the Blue Planet Alliance, an organization working with countries around the world to help them legislatively mandate a commitment to using 100% renewable energy by 2045. The Alliance’s sister organization, the Hawaii-based Blue Planet Foundation, established by Rogers in 2008, worked diligently with stakeholders to successfully pass the nation’s first 100% renewable-energy law, requiring the State of Hawaii to commit to 100% clean energy by 2045. The Foundation’s efforts led to 22 U.S. states and two territories adopting similar legislation.Prior to focusing on environmental protection, Henk was a pioneer in the video game industry and is best known as the man who turned Tetris into an international phenomenon. The story of his high-stake negotiations with the Soviet Union and Nintendo is the subject of the Apple TV+ blockbuster, “Tetris.
Henk Rogers is one of the world’s leading advocates for reducing humankind’s dependence on fossil fuel. He is the founder of the Blue Planet Alliance, an organization working with countries around the world to help them legislatively mandate a commitment to using 100% renewable energy by 2045. The Alliance’s sister organization, the Hawaii-based Blue Planet Foundation, established by Rogers in 2008, worked diligently with stakeholders to successfully pass the nation’s first 100% renewable-energy law, requiring the State of Hawaii to commit to 100% clean energy by 2045. The Foundation’s efforts led to 22 U.S. states and two territories adopting similar legislation.Prior to focusing on environmental protection, Henk was a pioneer in the video game industry and is best known as the man who turned Tetris into an international phenomenon. The story of his high-stake negotiations with the Soviet Union and Nintendo is the subject of the Apple TV+ blockbuster, “Tetris.
Khadija Stewart
Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador and BPA Global Ambassador
Khadija Stewart is an ocean enthusiast and climate specialist from Trinidad and Tobago using innovative storytelling as a catalyst to raise awareness and mobilize behavior change. She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development from SOAS University of London as well as a 2nd MSc in Sustainable Development and Management Studies from Kingston University London. Throughout her environmental journey, she became a Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador. Presently, she is the founder of Ecovybz Environmental Creatives a company focused on opening access to environmental knowledge, building young leaders and developing impactful environmental content creation centered on Climate Change, Ocean Conservation and Water Resources.
Khadija Stewart is an ocean enthusiast and climate specialist from Trinidad and Tobago using innovative storytelling as a catalyst to raise awareness and mobilize behavior change. She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development from SOAS University of London as well as a 2nd MSc in Sustainable Development and Management Studies from Kingston University London. Throughout her environmental journey, she became a Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador. Presently, she is the founder of Ecovybz Environmental Creatives a company focused on opening access to environmental knowledge, building young leaders and developing impactful environmental content creation centered on Climate Change, Ocean Conservation and Water Resources.
Francisco Lara-Fletes
Youth for SDGs scholar from Costa Rica
Francisco Lara is from Costa Rica and serves as Advisor for The Iris Project providing mentorship to youth-led projects; he collaborates with Peace Boat US and is currently a Global Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance. Fran also joined the 114th Peace Boat’s global voyage as part of the “Youth for the SDGs” educational program that took place while the ship sailed from Panama to Mexico, in Latin America. After getting involved almost 5 years ago in the climate movement as Country Coordinator for Fridays For Future, Francisco started to show special interest in marine life, mainly because in 2020, he co-led a campaign to prohibit trawling in his country. He focuses on climate and ocean governance and international climate policy and the linkages with climate justice and political ecology. Francisco has been a delegate for youth summits and Climate Change Negotiations, as the Youth4Climate Event in Milan in 2021, COP26 in Scotland; and SB58th in Bonn. He is a Political Science Student from the University of Costa Rica.
Francisco Lara is from Costa Rica and serves as Advisor for The Iris Project providing mentorship to youth-led projects; he collaborates with Peace Boat US and is currently a Global Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance. Fran also joined the 114th Peace Boat’s global voyage as part of the “Youth for the SDGs” educational program that took place while the ship sailed from Panama to Mexico, in Latin America. After getting involved almost 5 years ago in the climate movement as Country Coordinator for Fridays For Future, Francisco started to show special interest in marine life, mainly because in 2020, he co-led a campaign to prohibit trawling in his country. He focuses on climate and ocean governance and international climate policy and the linkages with climate justice and political ecology. Francisco has been a delegate for youth summits and Climate Change Negotiations, as the Youth4Climate Event in Milan in 2021, COP26 in Scotland; and SB58th in Bonn. He is a Political Science Student from the University of Costa Rica.
Abideen Olasupo Opeyemi
Executive Director Brain Builders International
Olasupo Abideen is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the intersection of Climate Change, Clean Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With a strong academic background in environmental science and a deep understanding of AI's transformative potential, Abideen has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. As the founder of a sustainability-focused tech startup, Abideen has channelled his expertise to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between clean technologies and AI, driving sustainable practices in various sectors. His work exemplifies his commitment to mitigating climate change and its impact through cutting-edge, data-driven strategies. Abideen's advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship, as he actively participates in high-impact events and discussions, serving as a thought leader in the climate and tech communities. His collaborative approach and forward-thinking mindset make him a valuable asset in promoting the adoption of clean technologies and AI as powerful tools for environmental preservation and a sustainable future.
Olasupo Abideen is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the intersection of Climate Change, Clean Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With a strong academic background in environmental science and a deep understanding of AI's transformative potential, Abideen has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. As the founder of a sustainability-focused tech startup, Abideen has channelled his expertise to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between clean technologies and AI, driving sustainable practices in various sectors. His work exemplifies his commitment to mitigating climate change and its impact through cutting-edge, data-driven strategies. Abideen's advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship, as he actively participates in high-impact events and discussions, serving as a thought leader in the climate and tech communities. His collaborative approach and forward-thinking mindset make him a valuable asset in promoting the adoption of clean technologies and AI as powerful tools for environmental preservation and a sustainable future.
Tariq Al-Olaimy
Managing Director at 3Bl Associates
Tariq Al-Olaimy is the Managing Director of an ecosystem of social and planetary enterprises with impact in 90+ countries, including 3BL Associates, Diversity on Board, Public-Planet Partnerships, Recipes for Wellbeing, and Post-Growth Social Innovation. Based in Bahrain, Tariq holds advisory and board roles with organizations such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UNEP & FAO), The UN Climate Change High-Level Champions - Race to Resilience Campaign, the 1t.org Youth Hub, the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community, and the EAT Forum - the leading science-based global platform for transforming food systems.
He is among the first 100 certified Biomimicry specialists globally, one of the first 10 to complete an international master's in post-growth economics policy, and studied at an alternative divinity school with a focus on justice and spiritual ecology..
Tariq Al-Olaimy is the Managing Director of an ecosystem of social and planetary enterprises with impact in 90+ countries, including 3BL Associates, Diversity on Board, Public-Planet Partnerships, Recipes for Wellbeing, and Post-Growth Social Innovation. Based in Bahrain, Tariq holds advisory and board roles with organizations such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UNEP & FAO), The UN Climate Change High-Level Champions - Race to Resilience Campaign, the 1t.org Youth Hub, the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community, and the EAT Forum - the leading science-based global platform for transforming food systems.
He is among the first 100 certified Biomimicry specialists globally, one of the first 10 to complete an international master's in post-growth economics policy, and studied at an alternative divinity school with a focus on justice and spiritual ecology..
Joy Egbe
Co-Founder Newdigit Technologies
Joy Egbe is a social entrepreneur, renewable energy researcher, Sustainability consultant and climate activist. With 8 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of Newdigit Technologies and worked as the Chief Impact Officer with a vision to eradicate energy poverty in Nigeria. A United Nations Academic Impact fellow and UN Youth Climate Champion Green Ticket awardee. Joy's commitment to combating climate change and advocating for sustainable development has earned her various recognitions and awards.
Her remarkable efforts in providing energy solutions have been acknowledged as one of the top ten green innovations by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC). She served as Youth4Climate Delegate and has contributed to the development of different youth climate policy papers and Manifestos. She convenes the Climate Chatroom; an online informal climate conversation that addresses climate issues and crises.
Joy is passionate about eradicating energy poverty in Africa by building sustainable solutions that will protect our planet and the people.
Joy Egbe is a social entrepreneur, renewable energy researcher, Sustainability consultant and climate activist. With 8 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of Newdigit Technologies and worked as the Chief Impact Officer with a vision to eradicate energy poverty in Nigeria. A United Nations Academic Impact fellow and UN Youth Climate Champion Green Ticket awardee. Joy's commitment to combating climate change and advocating for sustainable development has earned her various recognitions and awards.
Her remarkable efforts in providing energy solutions have been acknowledged as one of the top ten green innovations by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC). She served as Youth4Climate Delegate and has contributed to the development of different youth climate policy papers and Manifestos. She convenes the Climate Chatroom; an online informal climate conversation that addresses climate issues and crises.
Joy is passionate about eradicating energy poverty in Africa by building sustainable solutions that will protect our planet and the people.
Karla Godoy da Costa Lima
Executive Secretary of Sustainable Development of Pernambuco
Karla Godoy, born in a Pernambuco favela, aspires to promote sustainable development and combat poverty and inequality in marginalized communities in Brazil and globally, all while championing environmental preservation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) and completed her Master's degree in Development Practice as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Minnesota.
From a young age, she engaged in founding Social Enterprises and environmental protection. Karla co-founded EcoCiclo, manufacturing Brazil's first 100% biodegradable sanitary pad and empowering over 2,000 socially vulnerable women.
She has previously worked with the Rainforest Alliance on sustainable development projects in Guatemala and at the Latino Community of Minnesota. Before joining the Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Fernando de Noronha, she worked on economic and financial projects for sustainable agricultural businesses at the Latin Economic Development Center in Minnesota, USA.
Karla Godoy, born in a Pernambuco favela, aspires to promote sustainable development and combat poverty and inequality in marginalized communities in Brazil and globally, all while championing environmental preservation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) and completed her Master's degree in Development Practice as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Minnesota.
From a young age, she engaged in founding Social Enterprises and environmental protection. Karla co-founded EcoCiclo, manufacturing Brazil's first 100% biodegradable sanitary pad and empowering over 2,000 socially vulnerable women.
She has previously worked with the Rainforest Alliance on sustainable development projects in Guatemala and at the Latino Community of Minnesota. Before joining the Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Fernando de Noronha, she worked on economic and financial projects for sustainable agricultural businesses at the Latin Economic Development Center in Minnesota, USA.
Kate Brandt
CSO Google
Kate Brandt serves as Google's Chief Sustainability Officer and leads sustainability across Google's worldwide operations, products and supply chains. Kate partners with Google's data centers, real state, supply chain, and product teams to ensure the company is capitalizing on opportunities to advance sustainability.
Previously Kate served as the the United State's first federal Chief Sustainability Officer, Advisor at the Department of Energy, Director for Energy and Environment in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, and Energy Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy.
Kate serves on the boards of BSR, Restor, and the Corporate Eco Forum.
Kate received a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar. She graduated with honors from Brown University.
Kate Brandt serves as Google's Chief Sustainability Officer and leads sustainability across Google's worldwide operations, products and supply chains. Kate partners with Google's data centers, real state, supply chain, and product teams to ensure the company is capitalizing on opportunities to advance sustainability.
Previously Kate served as the the United State's first federal Chief Sustainability Officer, Advisor at the Department of Energy, Director for Energy and Environment in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, and Energy Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy.
Kate serves on the boards of BSR, Restor, and the Corporate Eco Forum.
Kate received a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar. She graduated with honors from Brown University.
Jacob Beautemps
German Youtuber and reseacher
Jacob Beautemps is a German YouTuber and researcher. He completed his Master of Education in Physics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne, where he is now researching the topic of "Learning with Videos" as part of his doctoral thesis.
On his YouTube channel Breaking Lab, he explains scientific topics and new technologies to the masses. With over three million views per month, the channel is one of the largest science channels in Germany. Jacob is also a regular face on several german TV shows and produces his own documentaries for german television.
In 2020, he founded YouTopia, the largest livestream on the topic of sustainability in Germany. YouTopia now takes place annually, and the first edition started in France in 2021.
Jacob Beautemps is a German YouTuber and researcher. He completed his Master of Education in Physics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne, where he is now researching the topic of "Learning with Videos" as part of his doctoral thesis.
On his YouTube channel Breaking Lab, he explains scientific topics and new technologies to the masses. With over three million views per month, the channel is one of the largest science channels in Germany. Jacob is also a regular face on several german TV shows and produces his own documentaries for german television.
In 2020, he founded YouTopia, the largest livestream on the topic of sustainability in Germany. YouTopia now takes place annually, and the first edition started in France in 2021.
Alice Aedy
Co-Founder and CEO, Earthrise Studio
Alice Aedy is Co-Founder and CEO of Earthrise, an impact-driven media company for people + planet pioneering innovative multimedia storytelling. Alice is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, photographer and campaigner focused on human stories of climate and social justice.
Alice Aedy is Co-Founder and CEO of Earthrise, an impact-driven media company for people + planet pioneering innovative multimedia storytelling. Alice is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, photographer and campaigner focused on human stories of climate and social justice.
Lea D'oriol
Founder and Executive Director of Oceanic Global
Arizona Muse
Founder of DIRT charity
Arizona’s modelling odyssey, that includes gracing the covers of over 40 international Vogue magazines and engaging with brands such as Prada, YSL and Chanel, ignited an exploration into the creation and lifecycle of clothing and products, leading to a profound awakening. She delved deep into the reality of production, the individuals involved, and the overpowering impact on our planet. Despite her supermodel success, she discovered her deepest connection, both metaphorically and literally, in the soil.
While excelling in the modelling realm, she wholeheartedly embraced soil regeneration and founded DIRT Charity. She now leverages her expertise to consult with brands, assisting them in integrating sustainability into their core strategies to minimize their environmental footprint. Her life's purpose revolves around raising awareness about the climate crisis and championing climate solutions.
Today, Arizona Muse serves as the Founder of DIRT Charity, a Sustainability Consultant, Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace, and an Advisory Board Member of both The Sustainable Angle and The Biodynamic Demeter Alliance.
Arizona’s modelling odyssey, that includes gracing the covers of over 40 international Vogue magazines and engaging with brands such as Prada, YSL and Chanel, ignited an exploration into the creation and lifecycle of clothing and products, leading to a profound awakening. She delved deep into the reality of production, the individuals involved, and the overpowering impact on our planet. Despite her supermodel success, she discovered her deepest connection, both metaphorically and literally, in the soil.
While excelling in the modelling realm, she wholeheartedly embraced soil regeneration and founded DIRT Charity. She now leverages her expertise to consult with brands, assisting them in integrating sustainability into their core strategies to minimize their environmental footprint. Her life's purpose revolves around raising awareness about the climate crisis and championing climate solutions.
Today, Arizona Muse serves as the Founder of DIRT Charity, a Sustainability Consultant, Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace, and an Advisory Board Member of both The Sustainable Angle and The Biodynamic Demeter Alliance.
Aole Miller
Co-Artistic Director of the Theatre of Others
Dr. Budi Miller is the Co-Artistic Director of The Theatre of Others. He is an UNESCO designated master teacher of mask work. He has been an actor-director-writer-teacher in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Australia, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia since 1992. He is the first African American ceremonial mask dancer of Bali and is the Southeast Asian and Australian Regional Director of the Fitzmaurice Institute. He coached Michelle Williams for her Academy Award nominated performance in Ang Lee's film Brokeback Mountain.
Dr. Budi Miller is the Co-Artistic Director of The Theatre of Others. He is an UNESCO designated master teacher of mask work. He has been an actor-director-writer-teacher in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Australia, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia since 1992. He is the first African American ceremonial mask dancer of Bali and is the Southeast Asian and Australian Regional Director of the Fitzmaurice Institute. He coached Michelle Williams for her Academy Award nominated performance in Ang Lee's film Brokeback Mountain.
Arwa Hezzah
Student at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Arwa is an actor, singer, and musician currently pursuing a degree in Musical Theater from Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.
Arwa is an actor, singer, and musician currently pursuing a degree in Musical Theater from Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.
Tori Tsui
Climate Justice Organiser and author. Campaigner and organiser with Stop Rosebank, Climate Live, Earth Percent and the Climate Resilience Project
Tori Tsui is a climate justice organiser and writer from Hong Kong. She is the author of ‘It’s Not Just You’ which explores the intersections between mental health and climate change. She is a campaigner and organiser with the Stop Rosebank coalition, Climate Live, Earth Percent and the Climate Resilience Project.
Tori Tsui is a climate justice organiser and writer from Hong Kong. She is the author of ‘It’s Not Just You’ which explores the intersections between mental health and climate change. She is a campaigner and organiser with the Stop Rosebank coalition, Climate Live, Earth Percent and the Climate Resilience Project.
Jess Rogers
Co-Founder and Creative Director of Carbon Jacked
Jess Rogers is a presenter, commentator and content creator across sport, sustainability & adventure. She works with the likes of Sky Sports, Eurosport, SailGP, Extreme E and many more. Jess is also Co-Founder and Creative Director of environmental start-up Carbon Jacked - where they believe that saving the planet shouldn't be boring. They help businesses, sports and individuals creatively combat change. In particular, Jess and the team are exceptionally passionate about getting people clued up on sustainability & inspiring them to get out into nature - they produce punchy content, add spice to sustainability & have a platform that does just that.
Jess Rogers is a presenter, commentator and content creator across sport, sustainability & adventure. She works with the likes of Sky Sports, Eurosport, SailGP, Extreme E and many more. Jess is also Co-Founder and Creative Director of environmental start-up Carbon Jacked - where they believe that saving the planet shouldn't be boring. They help businesses, sports and individuals creatively combat change. In particular, Jess and the team are exceptionally passionate about getting people clued up on sustainability & inspiring them to get out into nature - they produce punchy content, add spice to sustainability & have a platform that does just that.
Prince Oussou Lio Appolinaire
Prince DJAKA Atawévi, High Dignitary of the Royal Court of the Tolinu
OLA) is a Prince DJAKA Atawévi, High Dignitary of the Royal Court of the Tɔlinu. Writer Geographer-Naturalist, he is an expert in Community development and Jurisprudence of the land. He works for the enhancement of indigenous knowledge, the culture of peoples and the protection of forests and sacred sites. Founder of the Nature and culture clubs, he is currently the president of the Research and Action Group for Well-being (GRABE-BENIN) and is a member of the African Collective for Earth Jurisprudence.
OLA) is a Prince DJAKA Atawévi, High Dignitary of the Royal Court of the Tɔlinu. Writer Geographer-Naturalist, he is an expert in Community development and Jurisprudence of the land. He works for the enhancement of indigenous knowledge, the culture of peoples and the protection of forests and sacred sites. Founder of the Nature and culture clubs, he is currently the president of the Research and Action Group for Well-being (GRABE-BENIN) and is a member of the African Collective for Earth Jurisprudence.
Aya Khourshid
Independent climate and social researcher
from Egypt and Palestine is an independent climate and social researcher. Her work revolves around accelerating climate finance flows to the Global South. Aya is currently pursuing a master’s in Degrowth and Political Ecology. Her areas of research include accelerating paradigm shifts,social innovation and imagination, and building the alternative economy of the future. She also focuses on Ecological Debt, Debt cancellation and debt relief for the climate. She also works on incubating transformative regenerative solutions that draw up on indigenous knowledge that put community at the heart. She is currently part of the RiseTogether initiative which is a collective of organizations with a mission to regenerate egypt, with a focus on water conservation and greening the desert.
from Egypt and Palestine is an independent climate and social researcher. Her work revolves around accelerating climate finance flows to the Global South. Aya is currently pursuing a master’s in Degrowth and Political Ecology. Her areas of research include accelerating paradigm shifts,social innovation and imagination, and building the alternative economy of the future. She also focuses on Ecological Debt, Debt cancellation and debt relief for the climate. She also works on incubating transformative regenerative solutions that draw up on indigenous knowledge that put community at the heart. She is currently part of the RiseTogether initiative which is a collective of organizations with a mission to regenerate egypt, with a focus on water conservation and greening the desert.
Dr Wanka Inti (Gersom Paredes)
Member of the Great Council of the Eagle and the Condor
(Gerson Paredes). He is the son of ancestral healers from the Wanka nation, department of Junín-Peru. He is a Member of the Great Council of the Eagle and the Condor, led by the Otomí Tolteka leader Mindahi Bastida,which he represented, participating in the COP 26 in Glasgow-Scotland and COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
He is Member of the Inka Council of the Musuq Tawantinsuyu,led by the Inka Tito Q'osñipa. Is Leader of the original peoples of Tawantinsuyu-Peru and Member of the sacred Circle of wise grandmothers and Grandfathers of Mother Earth.
He is Spiritual advisor of the National Confederation of Communities Affected by Mining and Hydrocarbons CONACAMHI-Peru. Is Protector of the Waka Ychsma-Maranga and teacher at the National University of San Marcos UNMSM-Lima-Perú. He is Organizer of the Inti Raymi, ceremonies of Father Sun and of solar and lunar ceremonies.
He is an ancestral dream healer. He is hypnotherapist, member of the Peruvian Association of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis APHCE.
(Gerson Paredes). He is the son of ancestral healers from the Wanka nation, department of Junín-Peru. He is a Member of the Great Council of the Eagle and the Condor, led by the Otomí Tolteka leader Mindahi Bastida,which he represented, participating in the COP 26 in Glasgow-Scotland and COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
He is Member of the Inka Council of the Musuq Tawantinsuyu,led by the Inka Tito Q'osñipa. Is Leader of the original peoples of Tawantinsuyu-Peru and Member of the sacred Circle of wise grandmothers and Grandfathers of Mother Earth.
He is Spiritual advisor of the National Confederation of Communities Affected by Mining and Hydrocarbons CONACAMHI-Peru. Is Protector of the Waka Ychsma-Maranga and teacher at the National University of San Marcos UNMSM-Lima-Perú. He is Organizer of the Inti Raymi, ceremonies of Father Sun and of solar and lunar ceremonies.
He is an ancestral dream healer. He is hypnotherapist, member of the Peruvian Association of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis APHCE.
David Garrido
Sky Sports Presenter
David Garrido is a Sky Sports presenter with almost 25 years’ experience in the industry, and a leading communicator and content-maker in sport and sustainability. He made the award-nominated documentary, “Football’s Toughest Opponent”, which explores the relationship between the beautiful game and the climate crisis, and he also has his own ongoing episodic series, “Playing For The Planet”, which is into its third season and profiles elite athletes and their journeys in sustainability.
David also works externally with various clients as a climate and sustainability host, moderator and content-creator - they include UEFA, SailGP, McLaren, Envision Racing, Formula E and EV manufacturer Polestar.
More broadly in his career, David has covered football World Cups, Euros, Champions League finals, Wimbledon tennis Championships, Formula 1 Grand Prix and Ashes series over a decade at the BBC, and after joining Sky in 2011, David also hosted live Premier League, EFL and LaLiga matches.
David Garrido is a Sky Sports presenter with almost 25 years’ experience in the industry, and a leading communicator and content-maker in sport and sustainability. He made the award-nominated documentary, “Football’s Toughest Opponent”, which explores the relationship between the beautiful game and the climate crisis, and he also has his own ongoing episodic series, “Playing For The Planet”, which is into its third season and profiles elite athletes and their journeys in sustainability.
David also works externally with various clients as a climate and sustainability host, moderator and content-creator - they include UEFA, SailGP, McLaren, Envision Racing, Formula E and EV manufacturer Polestar.
More broadly in his career, David has covered football World Cups, Euros, Champions League finals, Wimbledon tennis Championships, Formula 1 Grand Prix and Ashes series over a decade at the BBC, and after joining Sky in 2011, David also hosted live Premier League, EFL and LaLiga matches.
Rishi Jain
Director of Impact at Liverpool FC
Rishi is Liverpool FC’s Director of Impact, and leads the Club’s approach to sustainability through the lens of equality, diversity and inclusion and environmental sustainability; aiming to ensure that the club leads the way on and off the pitch.
In 2022, Rishi presented at the United Nations in New York at the launch of the UN’s Game Plan: implementing a plan of action to counter hate speech through engagement with sport. He has worked in partnership with the United Nations and multiple international organisations to implement this work across the globe.
In 2023, Rishi was named on the Pride Power List, and in 2020, he was named on the Global Diversity List. His previous work led to recognition at the European Diversity Awards, North West Football Awards, and Inclusive Companies Awards.
Prior to joining Liverpool FC, Rishi held roles at Manchester United, Kick It Out and The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board.
Rishi is Liverpool FC’s Director of Impact, and leads the Club’s approach to sustainability through the lens of equality, diversity and inclusion and environmental sustainability; aiming to ensure that the club leads the way on and off the pitch.
In 2022, Rishi presented at the United Nations in New York at the launch of the UN’s Game Plan: implementing a plan of action to counter hate speech through engagement with sport. He has worked in partnership with the United Nations and multiple international organisations to implement this work across the globe.
In 2023, Rishi was named on the Pride Power List, and in 2020, he was named on the Global Diversity List. His previous work led to recognition at the European Diversity Awards, North West Football Awards, and Inclusive Companies Awards.
Prior to joining Liverpool FC, Rishi held roles at Manchester United, Kick It Out and The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board.
Nicole Robinson
Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer
of &Beyond
Nicole is the Chief Marketing Officer of &Beyond Travel, an impact and conservation-driven travel company which operates numerous lodges and luxury tours across Africa, South America, and Asia. She has been at the helm of andBeyond’s marketing team as the CMO for 8 years and has been with the company for 24 years. She is a strategist and implementer with a track record of delivering innovative products, insightful analytics and impactful storytelling. Her broad experience at &Beyond includes Finance, technology, risk management, Product strategy, brand partnerships, impact strategy & reporting, digital marketing & PR.
of &Beyond
Nicole is the Chief Marketing Officer of &Beyond Travel, an impact and conservation-driven travel company which operates numerous lodges and luxury tours across Africa, South America, and Asia. She has been at the helm of andBeyond’s marketing team as the CMO for 8 years and has been with the company for 24 years. She is a strategist and implementer with a track record of delivering innovative products, insightful analytics and impactful storytelling. Her broad experience at &Beyond includes Finance, technology, risk management, Product strategy, brand partnerships, impact strategy & reporting, digital marketing & PR.
Joana Balsemão
Councillor for Climate Action of Cascais
Joana, mother of three young adults, is trained in International Relations (BS) and Environmental Change and Managment (MSc, Oxford University). She has over 20 years of experience in the field of sustainability both in govenment (local, national and EU level) and the non-profit sector.
Currently serving as Councilor for the Environment for the Portuguese City of Cascias, a leading city of climate and decarbonization policies with a practitioner approach to provide visible impacts on energy transition and resilience for the local communities and investor.
Joana, mother of three young adults, is trained in International Relations (BS) and Environmental Change and Managment (MSc, Oxford University). She has over 20 years of experience in the field of sustainability both in govenment (local, national and EU level) and the non-profit sector.
Currently serving as Councilor for the Environment for the Portuguese City of Cascias, a leading city of climate and decarbonization policies with a practitioner approach to provide visible impacts on energy transition and resilience for the local communities and investor.
Oliver Stone
Director of Nuclear Now
Award-winning writer/director of over 20 feature films, among them some of the most influential of the last decades. Some have been at deep odds with conventional myth—including “Platoon” (1986), “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989), “JFK” (1991), “Natural Born Killers” (1994), and “Nixon” (1995).
His documentaries include three on Fidel Castro— “Comandante” (2003), “Looking for Fidel” (2004), and “Castro in Winter” (2012); one on South America, “South of the Border” (2009), featuring Hugo Chavez and six other Presidents in a continent undergoing huge social changes; and “Persona Non Grata” (2003), on Israel-Palestine relations.
Later documentaries include “The Untold History of the United States” (2012), a 12-hour interrogation of accepted U.S. history; “The Putin Interviews” (2017), a four-part conversation with the Russian President; “JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass” (2021), a re-examination of the assassination in the wake of his landmark film; and this year’s urgent “Nuclear Now.”
Award-winning writer/director of over 20 feature films, among them some of the most influential of the last decades. Some have been at deep odds with conventional myth—including “Platoon” (1986), “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989), “JFK” (1991), “Natural Born Killers” (1994), and “Nixon” (1995).
His documentaries include three on Fidel Castro— “Comandante” (2003), “Looking for Fidel” (2004), and “Castro in Winter” (2012); one on South America, “South of the Border” (2009), featuring Hugo Chavez and six other Presidents in a continent undergoing huge social changes; and “Persona Non Grata” (2003), on Israel-Palestine relations.
Later documentaries include “The Untold History of the United States” (2012), a 12-hour interrogation of accepted U.S. history; “The Putin Interviews” (2017), a four-part conversation with the Russian President; “JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass” (2021), a re-examination of the assassination in the wake of his landmark film; and this year’s urgent “Nuclear Now.”
Isabelle Boemeke
The World's First Nuclear Influence
Stefano Buono
CEO of Newcleo
A nuclear physicist and successful entrepreneur, Stefano started his career working for 10 years with Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia at CERN and CRS4, in the field of Accelerator Driven Systems and nuclear waste transmutation. In 2002, he founded Advanced Accelerator Applications, listed on NASDAQ until its acquisition by Novartis for $3.9 bn. In 2021, he cofounded and incorporated UK-headquartered nuclear technology company newcleo, of which he is CEO.
He is the Chairman of various organisations, and the founder of Elysia Capital, his single family office. He is the author of numerous scientific publications, and received his Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Turin.
A nuclear physicist and successful entrepreneur, Stefano started his career working for 10 years with Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia at CERN and CRS4, in the field of Accelerator Driven Systems and nuclear waste transmutation. In 2002, he founded Advanced Accelerator Applications, listed on NASDAQ until its acquisition by Novartis for $3.9 bn. In 2021, he cofounded and incorporated UK-headquartered nuclear technology company newcleo, of which he is CEO.
He is the Chairman of various organisations, and the founder of Elysia Capital, his single family office. He is the author of numerous scientific publications, and received his Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Turin.
Grace Stanke
Miss America 2023
Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 was recently named the “new face of nuclear energy,” by The Wall Street Journal, signifying a significant shift toward a new generation of voices in the representation and advocacy for clean and sustainable energy sources. Stanke, crowned Miss America 2023 in December 2022, and a nuclear engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is leading a conversation in the way American's perceive and embrace nuclear energy.
As Miss America, Stanke has demonstrated her dedication to environmental causes and commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. “It’s the industry that saved my dad twice from cancer,” Stanke said, referring to radiation and other treatments. “It powers 20% of America.”
Throughout the past year, Stanke has been traveling the world advocating for “Clean Energy, Cleaner Future” where she is participating in educational campaigns and conferences, speaking engagements, and collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting a clean energy future.
Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 was recently named the “new face of nuclear energy,” by The Wall Street Journal, signifying a significant shift toward a new generation of voices in the representation and advocacy for clean and sustainable energy sources. Stanke, crowned Miss America 2023 in December 2022, and a nuclear engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is leading a conversation in the way American's perceive and embrace nuclear energy.
As Miss America, Stanke has demonstrated her dedication to environmental causes and commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. “It’s the industry that saved my dad twice from cancer,” Stanke said, referring to radiation and other treatments. “It powers 20% of America.”
Throughout the past year, Stanke has been traveling the world advocating for “Clean Energy, Cleaner Future” where she is participating in educational campaigns and conferences, speaking engagements, and collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting a clean energy future.
Anthony Bennett
CEO of Reboot the Future
Anthony Bennett is Chief Executive Officer of Reboot the Future, a sustainability NGO based on the wisdom, “Treat Others, and the Planet, as you would wish to be treated). He is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and Chelsea School of Art and Design. He has worked across the sustainability, educational and cultural sectors, interests which he now unifies at Reboot. He is co-author with Kim Polman of, ‘Values for a Life Economy’, and a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts.
Anthony Bennett is Chief Executive Officer of Reboot the Future, a sustainability NGO based on the wisdom, “Treat Others, and the Planet, as you would wish to be treated). He is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and Chelsea School of Art and Design. He has worked across the sustainability, educational and cultural sectors, interests which he now unifies at Reboot. He is co-author with Kim Polman of, ‘Values for a Life Economy’, and a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts.
Kay Vasey
Founder of MeshMinds
Kay Poh Gek Vasey is a tech lawyer turned entrepreneur in the immersive media space, encompassing gaming, augmented and virtual reality and space design. Her company, MeshMinds, has created immersive experiences with partners such as the UN Environment Programme, Meta and Apple, building climate awareness and cultural literacy amongst millions of youth around the world. In 2023, at ArtScience Museum in Singapore, she launched ‘Sky Farm Island’, Roblox's first sustainable farming game set in Asia to motivate children to cultivate and consume healthy homegrown food; and ‘Aquasia’, an immersive metaworld inspiring young minds about future human habitats amid rising sea levels. Kay also provides strategic guidance on designing ‘games for good’, education in the metaverse, digital sustainability, and the future of art and creativity
Kay Poh Gek Vasey is a tech lawyer turned entrepreneur in the immersive media space, encompassing gaming, augmented and virtual reality and space design. Her company, MeshMinds, has created immersive experiences with partners such as the UN Environment Programme, Meta and Apple, building climate awareness and cultural literacy amongst millions of youth around the world. In 2023, at ArtScience Museum in Singapore, she launched ‘Sky Farm Island’, Roblox's first sustainable farming game set in Asia to motivate children to cultivate and consume healthy homegrown food; and ‘Aquasia’, an immersive metaworld inspiring young minds about future human habitats amid rising sea levels. Kay also provides strategic guidance on designing ‘games for good’, education in the metaverse, digital sustainability, and the future of art and creativity
Russell Reed
Conservation program manager at Virunga National Park. He is also a founding member and former Head of Sustainability and Impact at Sway.
Interdisciplinary environmentalist dedicated to fostering a more equitable environmental movement. Conservation program manager at Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest and most biodiverse national park. Building a US subsidiary enterprise commercializing conflict- and deforestation-free food products from Congolese farmers to foster peace and economic development around the park. Founding member and former Head of Sustainability & Impact at Sway, winner of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize, where he helped bring a seaweed-based plastic replacement to market entry. Involved in equity-driven environmental initiatives, including spearheading an Indigenous-led seaweed industry in Colombia with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance and advising glass recycling and coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana. Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard with highest honors in Geography & Development and a secondary field in African Studies & Kiswahili, becoming the university’s first geography graduate in over 70 years. Also received his master's as part of the inaugural Anthropocene Studies cohort at the University of Cambridge.
Interdisciplinary environmentalist dedicated to fostering a more equitable environmental movement. Conservation program manager at Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest and most biodiverse national park. Building a US subsidiary enterprise commercializing conflict- and deforestation-free food products from Congolese farmers to foster peace and economic development around the park. Founding member and former Head of Sustainability & Impact at Sway, winner of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize, where he helped bring a seaweed-based plastic replacement to market entry. Involved in equity-driven environmental initiatives, including spearheading an Indigenous-led seaweed industry in Colombia with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance and advising glass recycling and coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana. Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard with highest honors in Geography & Development and a secondary field in African Studies & Kiswahili, becoming the university’s first geography graduate in over 70 years. Also received his master's as part of the inaugural Anthropocene Studies cohort at the University of Cambridge.
Disha Ravi
Climate and environmental justice activist who founded Fridays For Future India in 2019
Disha Ravi is a climate and environmental justice activist who founded Fridays For Future India in 2019. She was named as "The Climate Change Agent" in the Forbes Women Power List in 2021 and as one of the 9 Indian climate warriors paving the path for a more sustainable tomorrow by Vogue India.
Disha became an activist after seeing her family impacted by the water crisis she became an activist advocating for better policies and governance for the climate and environmental sector. Disha is a writer, passionate about making sure the voices of MAPA (the Most Affected People and Areas) are heard in climate conversations.
Disha Ravi is a climate and environmental justice activist who founded Fridays For Future India in 2019. She was named as "The Climate Change Agent" in the Forbes Women Power List in 2021 and as one of the 9 Indian climate warriors paving the path for a more sustainable tomorrow by Vogue India.
Disha became an activist after seeing her family impacted by the water crisis she became an activist advocating for better policies and governance for the climate and environmental sector. Disha is a writer, passionate about making sure the voices of MAPA (the Most Affected People and Areas) are heard in climate conversations.
Larissa Pinto Moraes
Executive Director at Engajamundo
A black woman from the Brazilian Amazon region, Larissa acts as one of the heads of Engajamundo, a youth-led organization that works with social and environmental issues. In her climate justice activism, she is interested in discussions about the impacts that climate crisis has on marginalized groups and the power of resilience these communities have on withstanding and protecting the environment.
A black woman from the Brazilian Amazon region, Larissa acts as one of the heads of Engajamundo, a youth-led organization that works with social and environmental issues. In her climate justice activism, she is interested in discussions about the impacts that climate crisis has on marginalized groups and the power of resilience these communities have on withstanding and protecting the environment.
Laya Pthunuri
Award winning innovator, scientific researcher and environmentla conservationist
LAYA IS AN AWARD-WINNING INNOVATOR, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONIST, BRIDGE-BUILDING BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL PROPOSALS AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION.
Laya has been passionate about our planet since the young age of 12, researching urban agricultural methods and strengthening the aquatic mangrove ecosystem near her hometown in India. She developed sustainable solutions such as an exhaust filter to neutralize vehicular emissions, microbial fuel cell to generate electricity and natural clay-based 3D printing inks that are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Laya collaborated with the Rowland Institute at Harvard to examine the phenomenon of locust invasion through an engineering lens. She also studied the future of the sustainable pulp and paper industry in a European context with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and is currently formulating antibacterial water filters for small-scale vertical farms at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Laya presented her work at the 7th Undergraduate Research Academy and spoke at the occasion of World Food Prize Leadership Summit – Borlaug Dialogue 2020. Laya’s efforts earned her the following honors: National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements 2016, YONO SBI 20 under 20 ‘Promising Game Changer’, National Geographic Young Explorer 2020 and DARWIN200 Leader.
LAYA IS AN AWARD-WINNING INNOVATOR, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONIST, BRIDGE-BUILDING BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL PROPOSALS AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION.
Laya has been passionate about our planet since the young age of 12, researching urban agricultural methods and strengthening the aquatic mangrove ecosystem near her hometown in India. She developed sustainable solutions such as an exhaust filter to neutralize vehicular emissions, microbial fuel cell to generate electricity and natural clay-based 3D printing inks that are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Laya collaborated with the Rowland Institute at Harvard to examine the phenomenon of locust invasion through an engineering lens. She also studied the future of the sustainable pulp and paper industry in a European context with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and is currently formulating antibacterial water filters for small-scale vertical farms at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Laya presented her work at the 7th Undergraduate Research Academy and spoke at the occasion of World Food Prize Leadership Summit – Borlaug Dialogue 2020. Laya’s efforts earned her the following honors: National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements 2016, YONO SBI 20 under 20 ‘Promising Game Changer’, National Geographic Young Explorer 2020 and DARWIN200 Leader.
Jeremiah Thoronka
Inventor and innovator. A UN Fellow and speaker at key climate change events
Jeremiah, raised in Sierra Leone amidst energy poverty, created Optim Energy at 17—a device generating clean power from heat, vibrations, and weather. His innovation electrified over 1,500 citizens and 9,000 students from 2017 to 2022. Expanding his impact, he's now piloting a mini solar grid for free electricity in Makawo. Garnering global recognition, Jeremiah won the 2021 Global Student Prize and other accolades for his development work. A United Nations Fellow and a speaker at key climate change events, he's active in climate and clean growth networks while pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Innovation and Sustainability.
Jeremiah, raised in Sierra Leone amidst energy poverty, created Optim Energy at 17—a device generating clean power from heat, vibrations, and weather. His innovation electrified over 1,500 citizens and 9,000 students from 2017 to 2022. Expanding his impact, he's now piloting a mini solar grid for free electricity in Makawo. Garnering global recognition, Jeremiah won the 2021 Global Student Prize and other accolades for his development work. A United Nations Fellow and a speaker at key climate change events, he's active in climate and clean growth networks while pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Innovation and Sustainability.
Mitzi Tan
International spokesperson of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Phillippines, the Fridays For Future of the Philippines
Mitzi Jonelle Tan is a full-time climate justice activist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is the convenor and international spokesperson of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), the Fridays For Future (FFF) of the Philippines. She is also an organizer with FFF International and FFF MAPA (Most Affected Peoples and Areas) making sure that voices from the Global South are heard, amplified, and given space. A strong voice on anti-imperialism, anti-colonization, and the intersectionality of the climate crisis, she is committed to changing the system and building a world that prioritizes people and planet, not profit, through collective action.
Mitzi Jonelle Tan is a full-time climate justice activist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is the convenor and international spokesperson of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), the Fridays For Future (FFF) of the Philippines. She is also an organizer with FFF International and FFF MAPA (Most Affected Peoples and Areas) making sure that voices from the Global South are heard, amplified, and given space. A strong voice on anti-imperialism, anti-colonization, and the intersectionality of the climate crisis, she is committed to changing the system and building a world that prioritizes people and planet, not profit, through collective action.
Gareth Thomas
PhD MRSB, and is a versatile academic at the NHM recognised for his impactful research
Gareth Thomas, PhD MRSB, is a versatile academic at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, with expertise spanning diverse environmental science fields. He's recognised for his impactful research, evident through publications in respected journals and participation in prestigious international conferences.
Dr. Thomas' contributions extend to the commercial sector, where he has pioneered a groundbreaking data-licensing initiative at the Natural History Museum, fostering collaborations with global organisations across various industries.
His passion for biodiversity and environmental conservation shines through his active involvement in policy development, public outreach, and advocacy. Dr. Thomas influence resonates in his contributions to national and international policy papers, as well as his participation in panel discussions with youth climate and nature activists. His multifaceted approach and extensive network establish him as a key figure in environmental science, conservation, and biodiversity, leaving an enduring legacy.
Gareth Thomas, PhD MRSB, is a versatile academic at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, with expertise spanning diverse environmental science fields. He's recognised for his impactful research, evident through publications in respected journals and participation in prestigious international conferences.
Dr. Thomas' contributions extend to the commercial sector, where he has pioneered a groundbreaking data-licensing initiative at the Natural History Museum, fostering collaborations with global organisations across various industries.
His passion for biodiversity and environmental conservation shines through his active involvement in policy development, public outreach, and advocacy. Dr. Thomas influence resonates in his contributions to national and international policy papers, as well as his participation in panel discussions with youth climate and nature activists. His multifaceted approach and extensive network establish him as a key figure in environmental science, conservation, and biodiversity, leaving an enduring legacy.
Richard Sabin
Principle Curator, Mammals, NHM
Richard Sabin is a Principal Curator of Mammals at the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, where he has worked since 1992. His curatorial work primarily focuses on the study of cetaceans using the NHM’s world-class research collections. Richard collaborates with colleagues internationally, generating new data from old Museum specimens. He is currently exploring historical contaminants and stress levels in baleen whales using wax earplugs and sperm whale population structure using teeth.
He supports wildlife conservation, UK and international law enforcement through his endangered species identification work and is NHM advisor to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme.
He has developed exhibitions, published scientific papers in a variety of key journals and written books and chapters in works for non-specialist audiences.
He works closely with the arts and humanities exploring ‘hidden’ histories of collections and is dedicated to diversifying museum audiences. He is committed to public engagement and has worked extensively with broadcast media organisations.
Richard Sabin is a Principal Curator of Mammals at the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, where he has worked since 1992. His curatorial work primarily focuses on the study of cetaceans using the NHM’s world-class research collections. Richard collaborates with colleagues internationally, generating new data from old Museum specimens. He is currently exploring historical contaminants and stress levels in baleen whales using wax earplugs and sperm whale population structure using teeth.
He supports wildlife conservation, UK and international law enforcement through his endangered species identification work and is NHM advisor to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme.
He has developed exhibitions, published scientific papers in a variety of key journals and written books and chapters in works for non-specialist audiences.
He works closely with the arts and humanities exploring ‘hidden’ histories of collections and is dedicated to diversifying museum audiences. He is committed to public engagement and has worked extensively with broadcast media organisations.
Daphne Frias
25 y/o activist working to deconstruct the silos between disability and the climate crisis with a public health approach
Daphne Frias is a 25-year-old activist. An unapologetic Latina, she is committed to highlighting the diversity of her community. Daphne has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair to ambulate and is fiercely proud to be a loud champion for disabled people. She is active in the fight against gun violence, for voting rights and tackling the climate crisis. Her work deconstructs the silos between disability and the climate crisis with a public health approach. At COP26 she was a key panellist in a New York Times conversation moderated by Emma Watson. She was recently appointed to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope Advisory Board where she has amplified the voice of young activists across the museum’s work. Daphne recently served as a head accessibility consultant for The March to End Fossil Fuels in New York which gathered over 75,000 people. She has no intention of backing down until the health of our earth is secure.
Daphne Frias is a 25-year-old activist. An unapologetic Latina, she is committed to highlighting the diversity of her community. Daphne has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair to ambulate and is fiercely proud to be a loud champion for disabled people. She is active in the fight against gun violence, for voting rights and tackling the climate crisis. Her work deconstructs the silos between disability and the climate crisis with a public health approach. At COP26 she was a key panellist in a New York Times conversation moderated by Emma Watson. She was recently appointed to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope Advisory Board where she has amplified the voice of young activists across the museum’s work. Daphne recently served as a head accessibility consultant for The March to End Fossil Fuels in New York which gathered over 75,000 people. She has no intention of backing down until the health of our earth is secure.
Rachel Parent
Founder of Kids Right to Know
Rachel Parent is a speaker, journalist, and the founder of Kids Right to Know (KRTK). KRTK is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating youth about healthy food, food transparency and labelling, regenerative agriculture, the connection between food production, environmental issues, and human rights. She's brought the message of GMO labelling and regenerative agriculture to media and publications around the world, including a well-publicized debate with host Kevin O’Leary on CBC Television. She is a two time TEDx presenter and has been internationally recognized as an environmental speaker and awarded for her work. She is the Director of Gen-Earth, an environmental event platform, that has created pop up events and documentary showcases. Rachel is presently dedicated to teaching about regenerative agriculture practices through the new Kids Right to Know community garden and education program, where children and adults alike learn how to grow their own food, reconnect with nature, protect pollinators, and regenerate the soil.
Rachel Parent is a speaker, journalist, and the founder of Kids Right to Know (KRTK). KRTK is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating youth about healthy food, food transparency and labelling, regenerative agriculture, the connection between food production, environmental issues, and human rights. She's brought the message of GMO labelling and regenerative agriculture to media and publications around the world, including a well-publicized debate with host Kevin O’Leary on CBC Television. She is a two time TEDx presenter and has been internationally recognized as an environmental speaker and awarded for her work. She is the Director of Gen-Earth, an environmental event platform, that has created pop up events and documentary showcases. Rachel is presently dedicated to teaching about regenerative agriculture practices through the new Kids Right to Know community garden and education program, where children and adults alike learn how to grow their own food, reconnect with nature, protect pollinators, and regenerate the soil.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun-Githae
Climate Change and it's impact on the fight against Malaria.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun is a 13 year old climate and environmental activist from Kenya. She has most recently been appointed a Zero Malaria Ambassador, and features in their latest climate and malaria campaign with fellow ambassador, David Beckham.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun is a 13 year old climate and environmental activist from Kenya. She has most recently been appointed a Zero Malaria Ambassador, and features in their latest climate and malaria campaign with fellow ambassador, David Beckham.
Jefferson Ngugi Kangacha
Agriculturalist, social entrepreneurship enthusiast
Jeff is a Kenyan agriculturalist, social entrepreneurship enthusiast and technology optimist. As a fourth-generation smallholder farmer, he is passionate about how emerging technologies can revolutionize the agri-food systems of developing economies. Currently, Jeff is a fourth-year student and research scholar at Cornell University where he is pursuing a dual major in International Agriculture and Information Science.
Prior to joining Cornell University, Jeff co-founded the Eden Hub - an agribusiness enterprise in controlled environment agriculture. Besides managing hydroponic production systems, Jeff established a social impact initiative within E-Hub to support lunch programs in local primary schools and curated an apprenticeship program on climate smart agriculture for high school youth. Beyond agriculture, Jeff also serves in think tanks to amplify youth movements creating systemic change.
As the President of Teennation Africa, he managed a portfolio of campaigns in Kenya and Nigeria to promote the inclusion of youth in political leadership and the development of public policy. Jeff has been recognized as a 2018 Global Teen Leader and a distinguished African Young Leadership Fellow by the Teen General Assembly
Jeff is a Kenyan agriculturalist, social entrepreneurship enthusiast and technology optimist. As a fourth-generation smallholder farmer, he is passionate about how emerging technologies can revolutionize the agri-food systems of developing economies. Currently, Jeff is a fourth-year student and research scholar at Cornell University where he is pursuing a dual major in International Agriculture and Information Science.
Prior to joining Cornell University, Jeff co-founded the Eden Hub - an agribusiness enterprise in controlled environment agriculture. Besides managing hydroponic production systems, Jeff established a social impact initiative within E-Hub to support lunch programs in local primary schools and curated an apprenticeship program on climate smart agriculture for high school youth. Beyond agriculture, Jeff also serves in think tanks to amplify youth movements creating systemic change.
As the President of Teennation Africa, he managed a portfolio of campaigns in Kenya and Nigeria to promote the inclusion of youth in political leadership and the development of public policy. Jeff has been recognized as a 2018 Global Teen Leader and a distinguished African Young Leadership Fellow by the Teen General Assembly
Bodhi Patil
Founder of InnerLight, Co-Founder of Ocean Uprise
Bodhi is a UN-recognized, award-winning GenZ ocean-climate “Solutionist” dedicated to improving the interconnectedness between ocean health and human health. He is the Founder & CEO of Inner Light, empowering a generation to build resilience from the inside out for people and planetary wellbeing. He is co-creator/cofounder of Ocean Uprise and SeaDragon Studios and advises several love-based climate organizations on a mission to protect our blue planet. He has been featured by the United Nations, Forbes, Economist Impact, Wildlife Conservation Society, Oceanic Global, and has presented to world leaders at over 10 global climate conferences. Connect with him and learn more about his mission here.
Bodhi is a UN-recognized, award-winning GenZ ocean-climate “Solutionist” dedicated to improving the interconnectedness between ocean health and human health. He is the Founder & CEO of Inner Light, empowering a generation to build resilience from the inside out for people and planetary wellbeing. He is co-creator/cofounder of Ocean Uprise and SeaDragon Studios and advises several love-based climate organizations on a mission to protect our blue planet. He has been featured by the United Nations, Forbes, Economist Impact, Wildlife Conservation Society, Oceanic Global, and has presented to world leaders at over 10 global climate conferences. Connect with him and learn more about his mission here.
Eric Njuguna
Nairobi based youth climate justic organiser. An Advisory board member at Climate Vanguard
Eric Njuguna is Nairobi - based youth climate justice organizer fighting for a just and equitable fossil free future. They are a youth champion of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty and an advisory board member at climate vanguard.
Eric Njuguna is Nairobi - based youth climate justice organizer fighting for a just and equitable fossil free future. They are a youth champion of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty and an advisory board member at climate vanguard.
Liz Courtney
Media reporter and Director of Youth Content COP28
Liz Courtney is an award-winning social entrepreneur and documentary-maker with a passion for using storytelling to drive social and environmental change. With over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and communication, Liz changed her stilettos for snow boots in 2009, and today leads the narrative on social change in the climate sector, utilizing innovative digital and experiential content to inform communities, governments, and policies in high-risk regions. Her impactful work has earned her recognition, including being awarded 100 Women of Influence for her role in bringing youth together for "Youth4Planet” at COP21 in Paris in 2015, taking the first indigenous youth to Antarctica, creating The Sustainable Sports Program for Youth in NSW, and writing and directing a new anime series for youth “Earth Girl Mission”. Liz was also inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 2016. delivered a TEDx talk on "lateral thinking for Climate Solutions” and presented at the UN Oceans Conference in 2022 in Lisbon Portugal on our Changing Oceans.
Liz Courtney is an award-winning social entrepreneur and documentary-maker with a passion for using storytelling to drive social and environmental change. With over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and communication, Liz changed her stilettos for snow boots in 2009, and today leads the narrative on social change in the climate sector, utilizing innovative digital and experiential content to inform communities, governments, and policies in high-risk regions. Her impactful work has earned her recognition, including being awarded 100 Women of Influence for her role in bringing youth together for "Youth4Planet” at COP21 in Paris in 2015, taking the first indigenous youth to Antarctica, creating The Sustainable Sports Program for Youth in NSW, and writing and directing a new anime series for youth “Earth Girl Mission”. Liz was also inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 2016. delivered a TEDx talk on "lateral thinking for Climate Solutions” and presented at the UN Oceans Conference in 2022 in Lisbon Portugal on our Changing Oceans.
Emma Askew
Founder Earth Minutes
Emma is an environmental researcher, creative communicator and the Founder/Director of Earth Minutes. She has driven impactful communication projects at a national to international level, from the World Congress of Soil Science to SHE Changes Climate (2021-2022). Ultimately, she aims to push the boundaries of the accessibility and sustainability of environmental communication, to drive the future of environmental thinking and learning.
Emma is an environmental researcher, creative communicator and the Founder/Director of Earth Minutes. She has driven impactful communication projects at a national to international level, from the World Congress of Soil Science to SHE Changes Climate (2021-2022). Ultimately, she aims to push the boundaries of the accessibility and sustainability of environmental communication, to drive the future of environmental thinking and learning.
Kalpana Arias
Founder of Nowadays on Earth
Kalpana Arias is a technologist, urban gardener, climate activist, ecosomatics and food growing educator, writer, speaker and the founder of Nowadays On Earth, a social enterprise advocating for contact with nature in the digital age. Alongside Nowadays On Earth, Kalpana campaigns for urban nature and nature rights through urban rewilding projects and tech policy reforms, has been researching technological ecologies for over 7 years, delivered a global TED talk, spoken at the United Nations and The Eden Project, and is a trustee for GROW charity. Kalpana is currently an environmental consultant for corporations and governments and works with leading charities, institutions, brands and grassroot change-makers.
Kalpana Arias is a technologist, urban gardener, climate activist, ecosomatics and food growing educator, writer, speaker and the founder of Nowadays On Earth, a social enterprise advocating for contact with nature in the digital age. Alongside Nowadays On Earth, Kalpana campaigns for urban nature and nature rights through urban rewilding projects and tech policy reforms, has been researching technological ecologies for over 7 years, delivered a global TED talk, spoken at the United Nations and The Eden Project, and is a trustee for GROW charity. Kalpana is currently an environmental consultant for corporations and governments and works with leading charities, institutions, brands and grassroot change-makers.
Annie Greene
WAFF Director of Programs
As WAFF's Director of Programs, Annie oversees strategic development and intersections for the ever-expanding WAFF array of programs. She has led WAFF's cornerstone program,
Three Dot Dash, for eight years. During that time, she has directed five summits in New York, three virtual summits worldwide, onboarded 250 new community members, and expanded the program's presence into more than 30 new countries. She also designs and evolves the program's curriculum on an annual basis. Annie co-designed Youth to the Table, a WAFF program designed to foster intergenerational collaboration by bringing diverse young leaders to powerful spaces such as UNGA, COP, and WEF. She is also a co-author of WAFF's Global Study, "Collaboration Across Generations: Insights, Challenges, and Best Practices." Annie's expertise is in management, community engagement, program development, facilitation, and production, and she is always exploring new ways to learn, grow, and contribute to her global community. Her priority is to ensure that the WAFF community of like-minded yet diverse changemakers remains engaged, supported, challenged, and at the top of their game! She is proudly from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and easily swayed by art, live music, and spicy food.
As WAFF's Director of Programs, Annie oversees strategic development and intersections for the ever-expanding WAFF array of programs. She has led WAFF's cornerstone program,
Three Dot Dash, for eight years. During that time, she has directed five summits in New York, three virtual summits worldwide, onboarded 250 new community members, and expanded the program's presence into more than 30 new countries. She also designs and evolves the program's curriculum on an annual basis. Annie co-designed Youth to the Table, a WAFF program designed to foster intergenerational collaboration by bringing diverse young leaders to powerful spaces such as UNGA, COP, and WEF. She is also a co-author of WAFF's Global Study, "Collaboration Across Generations: Insights, Challenges, and Best Practices." Annie's expertise is in management, community engagement, program development, facilitation, and production, and she is always exploring new ways to learn, grow, and contribute to her global community. Her priority is to ensure that the WAFF community of like-minded yet diverse changemakers remains engaged, supported, challenged, and at the top of their game! She is proudly from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and easily swayed by art, live music, and spicy food.
Laalitya Acharya
Founder of The Nereid Project
Laalitya is the founder of The Nereid Project, an organization working to end the water crisis through research, advocacy, and policy initiatives. She has developed the Nereid research/device which is a novel method to detect microbial contamination in water through artificial intelligence. This enables communities to always be safe and aware about the water quality in their area. Laalitya is currently implementing this device in her hometown in Ohio, in India, and through Engineers Without Borders (EWB). The Nereid Project also hosts regular Water Summits” to facilitate conversation about how we can all end the water crisis. The organization also hosts STEM education programming for students in the local community and online. Finally, she works to use the legislative arm to codify the right to water in law - in order to ensure that all people have access to safe and clean water.
As a student at Columbia University studying biomedical engineering and political science - she is passionate about integrating science and policy together, as seen in her water advocacy. She is a strong believer that, as a globe, we need to bring science-backed initiatives into the real world. Laalitya has already worked extensively in this sphere by working with US Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer on the CHIPS and Science Act, US Congressman Jerry Nadler, Ohio State Representative Rachel Baker, and Columbia University Democrats. All of these experiences have solidified her belief that whether to be public health, climate change, or more - science and policy must become interwoven.
Laalitya is the founder of The Nereid Project, an organization working to end the water crisis through research, advocacy, and policy initiatives. She has developed the Nereid research/device which is a novel method to detect microbial contamination in water through artificial intelligence. This enables communities to always be safe and aware about the water quality in their area. Laalitya is currently implementing this device in her hometown in Ohio, in India, and through Engineers Without Borders (EWB). The Nereid Project also hosts regular Water Summits” to facilitate conversation about how we can all end the water crisis. The organization also hosts STEM education programming for students in the local community and online. Finally, she works to use the legislative arm to codify the right to water in law - in order to ensure that all people have access to safe and clean water.
As a student at Columbia University studying biomedical engineering and political science - she is passionate about integrating science and policy together, as seen in her water advocacy. She is a strong believer that, as a globe, we need to bring science-backed initiatives into the real world. Laalitya has already worked extensively in this sphere by working with US Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer on the CHIPS and Science Act, US Congressman Jerry Nadler, Ohio State Representative Rachel Baker, and Columbia University Democrats. All of these experiences have solidified her belief that whether to be public health, climate change, or more - science and policy must become interwoven.
Yashasvi Raj
PhD Student in Climate Engineering
Yashasvi is a PhD Student in Climate Engineering at the University of Cambridge, dedicated to empowering the next generation of climate innovators and to engineering solutions to humanity's greatest threat, anthropogenic climate change.
His current research focuses on refreezing the Arctic by increasing the ‘brightness’ and light-scattering properties of marine clouds using only seawater. Previously, as a research assistant at MIT, he worked on several projects including solarpowered and thermoelectric alternatives to kerosene lamps and a green desalination cogeneration device capable of producing both potable water and clean electricity. He was also a founding member of a clean-tech start-up aimed at offsetting emissions related to hydrogen fuel.
Additionally, he is passionate about expanding access to quality STEM education for disadvantaged and underserved demographics. Through international workshops and establishing a STEM outreach society called Hands-On, he has personally facilitated activities for 5000+ children globally and created accessible curriculum materials reaching many more.
Yashasvi is a PhD Student in Climate Engineering at the University of Cambridge, dedicated to empowering the next generation of climate innovators and to engineering solutions to humanity's greatest threat, anthropogenic climate change.
His current research focuses on refreezing the Arctic by increasing the ‘brightness’ and light-scattering properties of marine clouds using only seawater. Previously, as a research assistant at MIT, he worked on several projects including solarpowered and thermoelectric alternatives to kerosene lamps and a green desalination cogeneration device capable of producing both potable water and clean electricity. He was also a founding member of a clean-tech start-up aimed at offsetting emissions related to hydrogen fuel.
Additionally, he is passionate about expanding access to quality STEM education for disadvantaged and underserved demographics. Through international workshops and establishing a STEM outreach society called Hands-On, he has personally facilitated activities for 5000+ children globally and created accessible curriculum materials reaching many more.
Andile Mnhuni
2022 Africa's Brightest Young Mind
Jess Teutonico
WAFF Executive Director
As Executive Director of We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), co-founded by legendary music producer and multi-Grammy winner, Nile Rodgers, Jess Teutonico helps lead one of the world's most influential global networks of youth - social entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and creatives from 100+ countries who are working across cultures, borders and policies to solve some of the world's biggest issues today. Through highly sought-after accelerator programs including Three Dot Dash, Youth To The Front, Youth To The Table and TEDxTeen, as well as building new frameworks of intergenerational leadership models, and a highly sought-after mentoring program, WAFF has helped create and nurture one of the most hopeful narratives in our world today: youth.
As Executive Director of We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), co-founded by legendary music producer and multi-Grammy winner, Nile Rodgers, Jess Teutonico helps lead one of the world's most influential global networks of youth - social entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and creatives from 100+ countries who are working across cultures, borders and policies to solve some of the world's biggest issues today. Through highly sought-after accelerator programs including Three Dot Dash, Youth To The Front, Youth To The Table and TEDxTeen, as well as building new frameworks of intergenerational leadership models, and a highly sought-after mentoring program, WAFF has helped create and nurture one of the most hopeful narratives in our world today: youth.
João Dinis
Director for Climate action for the city of Cascais.
João Dinis has been developing climate change action and sustainable development strategies through innovative approaches on spatial planning, technology and governance models for the last 15 years. By managing local strategies for climate change, partnerships and stakeholders are brought in a multi-specialist and multi-institutional approach to develop a roadmap towards a resilient future.
This resulted in a frontrunning experience which led to the implementation of over 40 climate actions in the last 5 years for the city of Cascais, the development of monitoring and digital tools which help both citizens and risk related stakeholders, nature-based solutions which significantly contributed to the quality of life of citizens and also for smooth mobility solutions, governance models with established processes and a comprehensive set of communication tools aiming towards environmental awareness for all socio-demographic target audiences.
This integrated approach has also been leveraged by an extensive and broad experience in leading pilot cases for EU financed projects (Horizon 2020/Europe, EEA Grants and FP7) as well as Portuguese funding (Environmental Fund, POSEUR program) with over 20 financed projects in the last decade alone.
João Dinis has been developing climate change action and sustainable development strategies through innovative approaches on spatial planning, technology and governance models for the last 15 years. By managing local strategies for climate change, partnerships and stakeholders are brought in a multi-specialist and multi-institutional approach to develop a roadmap towards a resilient future.
This resulted in a frontrunning experience which led to the implementation of over 40 climate actions in the last 5 years for the city of Cascais, the development of monitoring and digital tools which help both citizens and risk related stakeholders, nature-based solutions which significantly contributed to the quality of life of citizens and also for smooth mobility solutions, governance models with established processes and a comprehensive set of communication tools aiming towards environmental awareness for all socio-demographic target audiences.
This integrated approach has also been leveraged by an extensive and broad experience in leading pilot cases for EU financed projects (Horizon 2020/Europe, EEA Grants and FP7) as well as Portuguese funding (Environmental Fund, POSEUR program) with over 20 financed projects in the last decade alone.
Iris Albulet
Project and communication manager
Spirit of Football and “The Ball” use the power of football to advocate for climate action.
As a Football for Good organization, Spirit of Football applies the power of football for positive social change. The organization works on integration and inclusion and offers sustainability education workshops in Germany and worldwide. The global sustainability project “One Ball, One World” took The Ball across 21 countries in 13 months, from London to the FIFA Women’s World Cup – learning about and advocating for climate action. Over 12,000 signatures and pledges for sustainability and gender equality were collected on the way.
Iris is responsible for Project and Communication Management at Spirit of Football and co-led the The Ball journey. She is a footballer herself; and since she has previously been active in the Arab world, she is now especially excited to convey The Ball’s sustainability message at COP28 in Dubai.
Spirit of Football and “The Ball” use the power of football to advocate for climate action.
As a Football for Good organization, Spirit of Football applies the power of football for positive social change. The organization works on integration and inclusion and offers sustainability education workshops in Germany and worldwide. The global sustainability project “One Ball, One World” took The Ball across 21 countries in 13 months, from London to the FIFA Women’s World Cup – learning about and advocating for climate action. Over 12,000 signatures and pledges for sustainability and gender equality were collected on the way.
Iris is responsible for Project and Communication Management at Spirit of Football and co-led the The Ball journey. She is a footballer herself; and since she has previously been active in the Arab world, she is now especially excited to convey The Ball’s sustainability message at COP28 in Dubai.
Aprajita Ashish
Plant Based Treaty Regional Coordinator for Asia
I am devoted to advocating for animals, climate, and health, and addressing their intersectionality. My role as a Campaigner at the Plant Based Treaty exemplifies my dedication to promoting sustainable living practices. Additionally, as the Regional Liaison of Asia at The Save Movement, I extend my advocacy globally. Holding a BSc. in Mathematics and a Master's in Social Work and Counselling, I have a diverse educational background. My professional experience includes human resources in a corporate environment, highlighting my people management skills. Beyond this, as a passionate artist committed to holistic well-being, my advocacy spans environmental, human, and non-human animal issues, reflecting my multifaceted approach to creating positive change.
I am devoted to advocating for animals, climate, and health, and addressing their intersectionality. My role as a Campaigner at the Plant Based Treaty exemplifies my dedication to promoting sustainable living practices. Additionally, as the Regional Liaison of Asia at The Save Movement, I extend my advocacy globally. Holding a BSc. in Mathematics and a Master's in Social Work and Counselling, I have a diverse educational background. My professional experience includes human resources in a corporate environment, highlighting my people management skills. Beyond this, as a passionate artist committed to holistic well-being, my advocacy spans environmental, human, and non-human animal issues, reflecting my multifaceted approach to creating positive change.
Sheelah Bearfoot
Wisdom Keepers
Sheelah Bearfoot is a co-founder of Ties to La Tierra. She graduated with a degree in Genetics and Plant Biology from UC Berkeley in 2016. During her time at Berkeley, she was privileged to serve as a research apprentice on a food sovereignty project with the Klamath Tribes and compete on/direct Speech at Berkeley. The speech team gave her a national platform for advocacy, and she was able to break into white-dominated spaces and educate hundreds of people on environmental and medical racism against Native communities. She's Chiricahua Apache, and worked at the Native American Health Centre in San Francisco for two years as a diabetes-focused health educator before earning a Master of Health Science (MHS) in Environmental Health at Johns Hopkins, where she continued her focus on Indigenous health disparities
Sheelah Bearfoot is a co-founder of Ties to La Tierra. She graduated with a degree in Genetics and Plant Biology from UC Berkeley in 2016. During her time at Berkeley, she was privileged to serve as a research apprentice on a food sovereignty project with the Klamath Tribes and compete on/direct Speech at Berkeley. The speech team gave her a national platform for advocacy, and she was able to break into white-dominated spaces and educate hundreds of people on environmental and medical racism against Native communities. She's Chiricahua Apache, and worked at the Native American Health Centre in San Francisco for two years as a diabetes-focused health educator before earning a Master of Health Science (MHS) in Environmental Health at Johns Hopkins, where she continued her focus on Indigenous health disparities
Debbie Buyaki
Sustainability leader at the United People Global
Debbie Buyaki goes by many hats, but her recent preference has been that of a tree planter, founding a project that now covers six of the seven continents, going into thousands of trees and a few notable awards still on the same.
She is passionate about the environment and over the years have watched that passion grow into different aspects starting off as an ecosystem restorer, now to a climate justice champion. She believes the war against the climate crisis needs to be fought on all possible angles and battles collectively. Each role stepping up to contribute to the collective goal of averting the climate crisis altogether. By this, she recently also has been involved heavily in fighting the war from the legal battlefield, focusing on the Ecocide Law to protect the environment against mass damage and offering a deterrent strategy to add on to the existent climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By this she has had her hope stirred up in protecting the children, youth and even indigenous persons through legislation.
On another sphere, as per her research with the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy started a podcast; Flight Over Nature’s View. It is a climate centered podcast, delving into the various aspects of the climate crisis, and ultimately to inspire hope.
Her backgrounds are in Criminal Justice & Criminology and International Law.
Debbie Buyaki goes by many hats, but her recent preference has been that of a tree planter, founding a project that now covers six of the seven continents, going into thousands of trees and a few notable awards still on the same.
She is passionate about the environment and over the years have watched that passion grow into different aspects starting off as an ecosystem restorer, now to a climate justice champion. She believes the war against the climate crisis needs to be fought on all possible angles and battles collectively. Each role stepping up to contribute to the collective goal of averting the climate crisis altogether. By this, she recently also has been involved heavily in fighting the war from the legal battlefield, focusing on the Ecocide Law to protect the environment against mass damage and offering a deterrent strategy to add on to the existent climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By this she has had her hope stirred up in protecting the children, youth and even indigenous persons through legislation.
On another sphere, as per her research with the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy started a podcast; Flight Over Nature’s View. It is a climate centered podcast, delving into the various aspects of the climate crisis, and ultimately to inspire hope.
Her backgrounds are in Criminal Justice & Criminology and International Law.
Beth Doherty
Cambridge University Student Law student, she works to empower students to engage in the climate crisis
Beth is a climate advocate from Dublin, Ireland. She has been involved in climate activism since 2019, beginning as an organiser of the school strikes. Since then, she has worked nationally and internationally on climate justice, including a case which overturned Ireland's climate legislation and the national strategy for Education for Sustainable Development.
She is currently studying law at the University of Cambridge. In her first two years of university, she researched and presented a special thematic report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on the link between the climate crisis and children's rights in Ireland. Since coming to the UK, she has campaigned for better climate policy at Cambridge and has conducted research for the British Antarctic Survey and Global Choices. She is currently working with Global Choices to draft legal and policy proposals to protect the Central Arctic Ocean. As Vice President of the Cambridge Climate Society, she works to empower students to engage with the climate crisis. She is driven by a passion for justice and a liveable future.
Beth is a climate advocate from Dublin, Ireland. She has been involved in climate activism since 2019, beginning as an organiser of the school strikes. Since then, she has worked nationally and internationally on climate justice, including a case which overturned Ireland's climate legislation and the national strategy for Education for Sustainable Development.
She is currently studying law at the University of Cambridge. In her first two years of university, she researched and presented a special thematic report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on the link between the climate crisis and children's rights in Ireland. Since coming to the UK, she has campaigned for better climate policy at Cambridge and has conducted research for the British Antarctic Survey and Global Choices. She is currently working with Global Choices to draft legal and policy proposals to protect the Central Arctic Ocean. As Vice President of the Cambridge Climate Society, she works to empower students to engage with the climate crisis. She is driven by a passion for justice and a liveable future.
Saoirse Exton
Member of the UN Secretary General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Saoirse is an 18 year old climate justice activist from Limerick, Ireland. She began climate striking in 2019 when she founded her local branch of the Fridays for Future global movement. Saoirse believes that restructuring our global economies is necessary to combat colonialist ideas of extractivism and exploitation towards planet and people. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 inaugural winners of the Rise programme for her work researching and rewriting Irish mythology to bring traditionally suppressed narratives about women and queer characters to the forefront. As a Gaeilgeoir (Irish-language speaker), Saoirse believes that by reconnecting with our traditional languages and storytelling, we can reestablish the concept of Earth as sacred and create policy and practices that facilitate reciprocity with ecosystems. Saoirse is the youngest member of the UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
Saoirse is an 18 year old climate justice activist from Limerick, Ireland. She began climate striking in 2019 when she founded her local branch of the Fridays for Future global movement. Saoirse believes that restructuring our global economies is necessary to combat colonialist ideas of extractivism and exploitation towards planet and people. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 inaugural winners of the Rise programme for her work researching and rewriting Irish mythology to bring traditionally suppressed narratives about women and queer characters to the forefront. As a Gaeilgeoir (Irish-language speaker), Saoirse believes that by reconnecting with our traditional languages and storytelling, we can reestablish the concept of Earth as sacred and create policy and practices that facilitate reciprocity with ecosystems. Saoirse is the youngest member of the UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
Lea Main-Klingst
Client Earth, Public International Law Lawyer
Lea is a lawyer for international law and fundamental rights with ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a legal environmental charity that uses the power of the law to protect life on Earth.
Lea is a lawyer for international law and fundamental rights with ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a legal environmental charity that uses the power of the law to protect life on Earth.
Arabella Willing
Head of Conservation Outreach and Citizen Science
Arabella heads up the Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science team at Emirates Nature-WWF. A marine biologist by background, Arabella is known for her work with Hawksbill turtles as well as the enthusiasm with which she leads some of UAE’s most exciting environmental outreach programmes.
Her primary focus is on harnessing the power of community, to create transformative impact that leads to an optimistic future for our planet and society. To this end, she steers the development and implementation of a wide range of hands-on experiences, engaging digital activities, dialogue, field volunteering and citizen science initiatives. These include Emirates Nature-WWF’s civil society mobilization programme Leaders of Change, which uses experiential learning to equip and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to take action towards a net zero and nature positive future. As well as numerous citizen science initiatives which allow the general public to contribute to scientific research and conservation work.
Arabella heads up the Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science team at Emirates Nature-WWF. A marine biologist by background, Arabella is known for her work with Hawksbill turtles as well as the enthusiasm with which she leads some of UAE’s most exciting environmental outreach programmes.
Her primary focus is on harnessing the power of community, to create transformative impact that leads to an optimistic future for our planet and society. To this end, she steers the development and implementation of a wide range of hands-on experiences, engaging digital activities, dialogue, field volunteering and citizen science initiatives. These include Emirates Nature-WWF’s civil society mobilization programme Leaders of Change, which uses experiential learning to equip and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to take action towards a net zero and nature positive future. As well as numerous citizen science initiatives which allow the general public to contribute to scientific research and conservation work.
Laila Abdulatif
Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif is the Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, the local environment NGO charity that works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations. She is a highly respected Emirati conservationist, with over 13 years of experience driving innovation, scalability and strategic multistakeholder collaboration to ensure transformative impact for climate and nature.
Laila is a member of the COP28 Advisory Committee, through which she advises the COP28 President on science-based solutions for conservation, sustainability and the green economy. An industry disruptor with a proven aptitude for growth, she is also part of the UAE’s Circular Economy Council, the WWF Innovation Committee and serves as Chair of the WWF Asia Pacific 25 (AP25) – a coalition of 25 offices working together to catalyze innovation and impact.
Laila firmly believes in the importance of an activated civil society, one that acknowledges the vital connection between nature and humanity, and is inclusive of youth as well as local indigenous communities. Under her stewardship, Emirates Nature-WWF earned cabinet recognition as an environmental charity in the UAE.
In the lead up to COP28 and beyond, she is spearheading numerous pioneering initiatives that include the UAE-tailored alliance of non-state actors for climate action (UACA) as well as the nation’s flagship climate adaptation project (Nature-based Solutions).
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif is the Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, the local environment NGO charity that works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations. She is a highly respected Emirati conservationist, with over 13 years of experience driving innovation, scalability and strategic multistakeholder collaboration to ensure transformative impact for climate and nature.
Laila is a member of the COP28 Advisory Committee, through which she advises the COP28 President on science-based solutions for conservation, sustainability and the green economy. An industry disruptor with a proven aptitude for growth, she is also part of the UAE’s Circular Economy Council, the WWF Innovation Committee and serves as Chair of the WWF Asia Pacific 25 (AP25) – a coalition of 25 offices working together to catalyze innovation and impact.
Laila firmly believes in the importance of an activated civil society, one that acknowledges the vital connection between nature and humanity, and is inclusive of youth as well as local indigenous communities. Under her stewardship, Emirates Nature-WWF earned cabinet recognition as an environmental charity in the UAE.
In the lead up to COP28 and beyond, she is spearheading numerous pioneering initiatives that include the UAE-tailored alliance of non-state actors for climate action (UACA) as well as the nation’s flagship climate adaptation project (Nature-based Solutions).
Kartik Taneja
EVP - Head of Payments and Consumer Lending
Kartik has led large and complex businesses in the payments and lending space. He currently leads the payments business at Mashreq bank – where he and his team are at the heart of a digital transformation in this business. His previous assignment was to lead the global product function for credit cards and personal loans at Standard Chartered. In this role, he drove strategy and multimarket product engineering and business initiatives across 24 Asian and African markets. Prior to this, Kartik led the regional cards and loans business at Standard Chartered for the ASEAN region and has held GM roles in multiple Asian markets. Kartik credits his success to his exposure to multiple verticals besides P&L Management- such as Analytics, Risk Management, Marketing and Sales. He is passionate about combining data, technology and customer insight to experimentation leading to creative and profitable new products and services. Kartik holds an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Delhi, A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Delhi Technological University. He also has completed management programs from Harvard and Oxford. Kartik believes in pursuing truth, beauty and adventure.
Kartik has led large and complex businesses in the payments and lending space. He currently leads the payments business at Mashreq bank – where he and his team are at the heart of a digital transformation in this business. His previous assignment was to lead the global product function for credit cards and personal loans at Standard Chartered. In this role, he drove strategy and multimarket product engineering and business initiatives across 24 Asian and African markets. Prior to this, Kartik led the regional cards and loans business at Standard Chartered for the ASEAN region and has held GM roles in multiple Asian markets. Kartik credits his success to his exposure to multiple verticals besides P&L Management- such as Analytics, Risk Management, Marketing and Sales. He is passionate about combining data, technology and customer insight to experimentation leading to creative and profitable new products and services. Kartik holds an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Delhi, A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Delhi Technological University. He also has completed management programs from Harvard and Oxford. Kartik believes in pursuing truth, beauty and adventure.
Stacey Alvarez de la Campa
Community Manager and Program Coordinator at Island Innovation
Stacey is the Community Manager and Program Coordinator at Island Innovation. She is also leading the development of the Island Innovation Academic Council and is the Lead Facilitator of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy. She has degrees in Law and Literature, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Island Studies with the University of Malta.
Stacey is the Community Manager and Program Coordinator at Island Innovation. She is also leading the development of the Island Innovation Academic Council and is the Lead Facilitator of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy. She has degrees in Law and Literature, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Island Studies with the University of Malta.
Kerese Elliot
Founder of ClutchED
As a Political Science bachelor and fashion designer, Kerese’s project aims to reuse old materials to create bags or clothing. Kerese has founded a sustainable fashion brand, ClutchED, which is geared towards achieving SDG 9. ClutchED uses scrap pieces of designer fabric from local clothing stores to create bags. She is also intent on pursuing projects that tackle issues with water scarcity which plague her island of St. Kitts, and is currently researching the possibility of alleviating this scarcity through the construction of a desalination facility powered by renewable energy.
As a Political Science bachelor and fashion designer, Kerese’s project aims to reuse old materials to create bags or clothing. Kerese has founded a sustainable fashion brand, ClutchED, which is geared towards achieving SDG 9. ClutchED uses scrap pieces of designer fabric from local clothing stores to create bags. She is also intent on pursuing projects that tackle issues with water scarcity which plague her island of St. Kitts, and is currently researching the possibility of alleviating this scarcity through the construction of a desalination facility powered by renewable energy.
Dejea Lyons
Global Development and Sustainablity Student
Dejea is a Global Development and Sustainability student from the Cayman Islands. She has previously worked with Protect Our Future, a youth-led organization in the Cayman Islands, that successfully campaigned against a government cruise berthing facility initiative. She has also worked at the Cayman Islands Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resilience and as a Planeteer Alliance Ambassador.
Dejea is a Global Development and Sustainability student from the Cayman Islands. She has previously worked with Protect Our Future, a youth-led organization in the Cayman Islands, that successfully campaigned against a government cruise berthing facility initiative. She has also worked at the Cayman Islands Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resilience and as a Planeteer Alliance Ambassador.
Oriana Wouters
Policy advisor for the government of Aruba
Oriana is an Aquaculture and Marine Resources MSc graduate, policy advisor for the government of Aruba and a concerned citizen with a passion for research and justice matters working on a syntropic agroforest project in Aruba, where she helps build food forests in a semi-arid climate system that aim to become self-sustaining . Through collaboration with different partners, she has been able to teach syntropic agroforestry principles to the Aruban community, as well as climate adaptation methods that help strengthen food security and carbon sequestration.
Oriana is an Aquaculture and Marine Resources MSc graduate, policy advisor for the government of Aruba and a concerned citizen with a passion for research and justice matters working on a syntropic agroforest project in Aruba, where she helps build food forests in a semi-arid climate system that aim to become self-sustaining . Through collaboration with different partners, she has been able to teach syntropic agroforestry principles to the Aruban community, as well as climate adaptation methods that help strengthen food security and carbon sequestration.
Riddhi Samtani
Environmental specialist and Project Coordinator for Environmental Protection in the Carribean
As an environmental specialist, Riddhi works across a portfolio of climate change mitigation and adaptation projects ensuring that environmental and social frameworks are integrated from design, build and implementation. One of her university research projects explored collecting data that indicated climate change in her home country. Working with the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, she compiled her research by conducting PADI certified scuba-diving to gather data on water toxicology, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. Riddhi built on her scientific studies to apply her talents to real-world issues at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. for six months. In her free time, Riddhi works as a project coordinator for Environmental Protection in the Caribbean on a data collection project titled, ‘Why Do We Litter, Sint Maarten?’
As an environmental specialist, Riddhi works across a portfolio of climate change mitigation and adaptation projects ensuring that environmental and social frameworks are integrated from design, build and implementation. One of her university research projects explored collecting data that indicated climate change in her home country. Working with the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, she compiled her research by conducting PADI certified scuba-diving to gather data on water toxicology, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. Riddhi built on her scientific studies to apply her talents to real-world issues at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. for six months. In her free time, Riddhi works as a project coordinator for Environmental Protection in the Caribbean on a data collection project titled, ‘Why Do We Litter, Sint Maarten?’
James Ellesmoore
CEO of Island Innovation
Léa Weimann
Co-lead Youth for Ecocide Law
Léa Weimann is an eco-activist, climate law specialist, and co-lead of Youth for Ecocide Law. Her deep-rooted passion for environmental protection was born growing up in Cape Town, South Africa. Her journey has carried her across continents, allowing her to spearhead environmental campaigns in South Africa, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Currently, she a first year PhD Law Candidate at the University of Cambridge working on international environmental law. She also holds a Master of Law (LL.M) and a MA (Honours) in International Relations & Sustainable Development. With over five years of experience in hosting and running radio shows and podcasts, Léa is a versatile advocate for her cause. Her creative side shines through in her poetry book, "Dear Earth," which beautifully merges art and environmental activism. Her unwavering passion revolves around driving societal change and using the law to ensure a habitable planet for all.
Léa Weimann is an eco-activist, climate law specialist, and co-lead of Youth for Ecocide Law. Her deep-rooted passion for environmental protection was born growing up in Cape Town, South Africa. Her journey has carried her across continents, allowing her to spearhead environmental campaigns in South Africa, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Currently, she a first year PhD Law Candidate at the University of Cambridge working on international environmental law. She also holds a Master of Law (LL.M) and a MA (Honours) in International Relations & Sustainable Development. With over five years of experience in hosting and running radio shows and podcasts, Léa is a versatile advocate for her cause. Her creative side shines through in her poetry book, "Dear Earth," which beautifully merges art and environmental activism. Her unwavering passion revolves around driving societal change and using the law to ensure a habitable planet for all.
Mary Fellowes
Founder of GreenWith Studio
Mary Fellowes is a fashion industry veteran and sustainability change-maker. After 25 years in the fashion industry she pivoted her career to ESG, attending Cambridge’s Sustainable Leadership course and subsequently founding GreenWith Studio, a sustainability consultancy to luxury brands.
Mary Fellowes is a fashion industry veteran and sustainability change-maker. After 25 years in the fashion industry she pivoted her career to ESG, attending Cambridge’s Sustainable Leadership course and subsequently founding GreenWith Studio, a sustainability consultancy to luxury brands.
Susi Smither
Founder of The Rock Hound
With over fifteen years’ experience in the jewellery trade Susi has honed her skills starting with a short course in jewellery making at Central Saint Martins through to becoming a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 2023.
Having always been a conscious consumer it wasn’t until Susi embarked on two life-changing field trips to Sri Lanka and Tanzania to gain a deeper understanding of sourcing gems that she fully grasped the disparity between mine and market and the dark secrets of the jewellery industry. She set out to create a jewellery brand with responsible sourcing at the heart of all her purchasing decisions and launched The Rock Hound in 2015.
Since launching the brand Susi has received multiple industry accolades in the US and UK including New Designer of the Year 2017 at the UK Jewellery Awards and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s Ethical Collection of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
She’s been a member of Fair Luxury since 2019 who are a collaboration of jewellery industry changemakers with a vision for a responsible and sustainable future through educating and advocating change.
With over fifteen years’ experience in the jewellery trade Susi has honed her skills starting with a short course in jewellery making at Central Saint Martins through to becoming a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 2023.
Having always been a conscious consumer it wasn’t until Susi embarked on two life-changing field trips to Sri Lanka and Tanzania to gain a deeper understanding of sourcing gems that she fully grasped the disparity between mine and market and the dark secrets of the jewellery industry. She set out to create a jewellery brand with responsible sourcing at the heart of all her purchasing decisions and launched The Rock Hound in 2015.
Since launching the brand Susi has received multiple industry accolades in the US and UK including New Designer of the Year 2017 at the UK Jewellery Awards and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s Ethical Collection of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
She’s been a member of Fair Luxury since 2019 who are a collaboration of jewellery industry changemakers with a vision for a responsible and sustainable future through educating and advocating change.
Coco Baraer Panazza
Founder and CEO of Cercle
Coco is the founder and CEO of Cercle, the luxury fashion rental and resale platform that makes circular consumption as aspiring as buying new. The business provides a tech and logistics solution for brands to sustainably optimise their distribution, especially their end of line inventory and for consumers to generate earnings from their closets.
Before building Cercle, Coco's wide- ranging international experience with global brands including those under Estee Lauder, LVMH and Kering portfolios made her an expert in strategic partnerships, sales and customer experience. An expertise she is now leveraging at Cercle to build a distinctive brand and scale the business.
Coco is the founder and CEO of Cercle, the luxury fashion rental and resale platform that makes circular consumption as aspiring as buying new. The business provides a tech and logistics solution for brands to sustainably optimise their distribution, especially their end of line inventory and for consumers to generate earnings from their closets.
Before building Cercle, Coco's wide- ranging international experience with global brands including those under Estee Lauder, LVMH and Kering portfolios made her an expert in strategic partnerships, sales and customer experience. An expertise she is now leveraging at Cercle to build a distinctive brand and scale the business.
Tetyana Mulesa
Co-Founder and Managing Director of CICON
Tanya Mulesa has built a 15-year career in Sustainability across Renewable Energy, Carbon Markets, Mining, and most recently - Fashion. Previously Commercial Manager at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, she is now running a technology company CICON. CICON digitises consumer products’ care labels and connects them to the right post-consumer services: care, repair, resell, donation, and recycling.
Tanya holds a Masters Degree in Economics and Business from University College London.
Tanya Mulesa has built a 15-year career in Sustainability across Renewable Energy, Carbon Markets, Mining, and most recently - Fashion. Previously Commercial Manager at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, she is now running a technology company CICON. CICON digitises consumer products’ care labels and connects them to the right post-consumer services: care, repair, resell, donation, and recycling.
Tanya holds a Masters Degree in Economics and Business from University College London.
Nastya Donec
CICON representative
Nastya is a commercial manager in the medical equipment industry, and a part-time model.
She is representing CICON on the Extreme Hangout stage and in the Media Hub.
Nastya is a commercial manager in the medical equipment industry, and a part-time model.
She is representing CICON on the Extreme Hangout stage and in the Media Hub.
Anna Pushkarska
Repair Specialist
Anna is a Repair Specialist working at CICON as a Freelance Repairs Executive.
She lives in the UK as a Refugee from Ukraine.
Anna is a Repair Specialist working at CICON as a Freelance Repairs Executive.
She lives in the UK as a Refugee from Ukraine.
Juliet Kinsman
Sustainability editor, Condé Nast Traveller
Juliet Kinsman has been an editor, journalist and broadcaster for almost three decades. The first Sustainability Editor of Condé Nast Traveller and the driving force behind the Standard's new sustainable-travel channel, she's written and edited many travel guidebooks, recently 'The Green Edit:
Travel — Easy Tips for the Eco Friendly Traveller' (Ebury) and 'The Bucket List: Eco Experiences' (Rizzoli). Founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, in 2015 she felt compelled to amplify sustainability stories from boutique eco hotels; she celebrates her favourites on BoutecoLoves.com. Her purpose-led non-profit consultancy Bouteco has produced the climate podcast series Funny Old World and the documentary, 'Changing Worlds in the Atlas Mountains' about the charity, Education for All, in Morocco.
Juliet Kinsman has been an editor, journalist and broadcaster for almost three decades. The first Sustainability Editor of Condé Nast Traveller and the driving force behind the Standard's new sustainable-travel channel, she's written and edited many travel guidebooks, recently 'The Green Edit:
Travel — Easy Tips for the Eco Friendly Traveller' (Ebury) and 'The Bucket List: Eco Experiences' (Rizzoli). Founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, in 2015 she felt compelled to amplify sustainability stories from boutique eco hotels; she celebrates her favourites on BoutecoLoves.com. Her purpose-led non-profit consultancy Bouteco has produced the climate podcast series Funny Old World and the documentary, 'Changing Worlds in the Atlas Mountains' about the charity, Education for All, in Morocco.
Kathy Morrissey
Stansted Airport Planning and Insights Director
Kathy’s is responsible for planning and business strategy at Stansted Airport. She started her career in engineering and has combined this with 15 years experience in environmental management, CSR, carbon management and sustainability working with a range of organisations include airports. More recently she spent 6 years running Engineering Operations at Stansted Airport before taking on her current role as Planning and Insights Director. She also has extensive non-exec experience with a large housing association dedicated to supporting and empowering young people and communities.
She has maintained her passion for, and interest in sustainability and carbon neutrality and matches this for her commitment to working for diversity and gender equity in decision making. She is the chair of the company’s women’s network and particularly advocates for women in leadership, science and technology.
Kathy’s is responsible for planning and business strategy at Stansted Airport. She started her career in engineering and has combined this with 15 years experience in environmental management, CSR, carbon management and sustainability working with a range of organisations include airports. More recently she spent 6 years running Engineering Operations at Stansted Airport before taking on her current role as Planning and Insights Director. She also has extensive non-exec experience with a large housing association dedicated to supporting and empowering young people and communities.
She has maintained her passion for, and interest in sustainability and carbon neutrality and matches this for her commitment to working for diversity and gender equity in decision making. She is the chair of the company’s women’s network and particularly advocates for women in leadership, science and technology.
Julia Gulatee
One Young World Climate Ambassador
Julia India Gulatee is One Young World Climate Ambassador, advocating for sustainable practices and collaborating with key decision-makers to shape and promote effective climate policies for a resilient future.
Through her years in the Fashion industry with a french luxury brand, she has worked extensively on the implementation of the French Circular Economy law, the Climate Resiliency law and the initiatives of the European Green Deal. Before joining the private sector, Julia spent three years working in international engagement for Ambassador Eisen, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Julia India Gulatee is One Young World Climate Ambassador, advocating for sustainable practices and collaborating with key decision-makers to shape and promote effective climate policies for a resilient future.
Through her years in the Fashion industry with a french luxury brand, she has worked extensively on the implementation of the French Circular Economy law, the Climate Resiliency law and the initiatives of the European Green Deal. Before joining the private sector, Julia spent three years working in international engagement for Ambassador Eisen, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Daniela Silva
Founder of Aldeias project in the Amazon
Environmentalist, black feminist, educator and creator of the Aldeias project, Daniela Silva was raised in the Aparecida neighborhood, in the low-lying area of the Altamira streams, a characteristic setting on the outskirts of Amazonian cities. Her interest in the fight for human rights and social and environmental causes emerged with the first rumors of the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, in community meetings, where leaders such as Bishop Dom Erwin and Antônia Melo denounced the threat of the construction of this infrastructure project, which would, in the future, brutally impact the Amazonian identity and the way of life of the communities.
Environmentalist, black feminist, educator and creator of the Aldeias project, Daniela Silva was raised in the Aparecida neighborhood, in the low-lying area of the Altamira streams, a characteristic setting on the outskirts of Amazonian cities. Her interest in the fight for human rights and social and environmental causes emerged with the first rumors of the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, in community meetings, where leaders such as Bishop Dom Erwin and Antônia Melo denounced the threat of the construction of this infrastructure project, which would, in the future, brutally impact the Amazonian identity and the way of life of the communities.
Jose Villalobos
Climate and LGBTQ+ activist
I am a racialized non-binary person from Mapastepec small town in Chiapas (a state in the south of Mexico). In april 2019 I started the local movement Fridays For Future Chiapas, organizing strikes, marches and climate education forums. I also collaborated with the national movement Fridays for the Future Mexico organizing marches and protests in the country's capital. I have had the opportunity to go to two climate change COPs, the first was the COP26 in Glasgow as part of MAPA ( Most Affected People and Areas), and last year at COP27 with FFF Mexico.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to be part of the creation of the first shelter for the LGBTQ+ migrant community in Tapachula Chiapas, a city on the border with Guatemala. Now I find myself working with projects focused on LGBTQ+ climate resilience and the migrant people in my community.
I am a racialized non-binary person from Mapastepec small town in Chiapas (a state in the south of Mexico). In april 2019 I started the local movement Fridays For Future Chiapas, organizing strikes, marches and climate education forums. I also collaborated with the national movement Fridays for the Future Mexico organizing marches and protests in the country's capital. I have had the opportunity to go to two climate change COPs, the first was the COP26 in Glasgow as part of MAPA ( Most Affected People and Areas), and last year at COP27 with FFF Mexico.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to be part of the creation of the first shelter for the LGBTQ+ migrant community in Tapachula Chiapas, a city on the border with Guatemala. Now I find myself working with projects focused on LGBTQ+ climate resilience and the migrant people in my community.
Marine Tanguy
CEO @mtartagency: The art sector’s leading talent agency
Marine launched Certified B Corporation, MTArt Agency in 2015, following a career in visual arts in London and LA. MTArt agency is worth £35 million and is the art sector's leading talent agency representing some of the most talented, forward-thinking artists in the world. The agency looks to support, promote and enable artists to work with the broadest canvas possible, from working with brands to public art and fine art institutions. The agency works with global organisations and cities, nurturing an international community of art-lovers and collectors as well as diverse brands ranging from Apple to Hyundai and even the World Cup.
Marine is a passionate advocate for the role of the artist in guiding the public through a world flooded with visual noise and the agency seeks to ensure artists are rightly recognised as the spokespeople for a visual age. As a business person, Marine was awarded Forbes 2018 30 under 30 Europe: Art & Culture, UK entrepreneur of the year for the 2019 NatWest Awards and Woman of the Year 2021 by the magazine WOTC. She is a writer and keynote speaker on contemporary art and art investment. Her talks include two TEDx Talks on how to transform cities with art and how social media visuals affect our minds and she is presently writing a book published by Penguin on ‘the visual diet’.
Marine launched Certified B Corporation, MTArt Agency in 2015, following a career in visual arts in London and LA. MTArt agency is worth £35 million and is the art sector's leading talent agency representing some of the most talented, forward-thinking artists in the world. The agency looks to support, promote and enable artists to work with the broadest canvas possible, from working with brands to public art and fine art institutions. The agency works with global organisations and cities, nurturing an international community of art-lovers and collectors as well as diverse brands ranging from Apple to Hyundai and even the World Cup.
Marine is a passionate advocate for the role of the artist in guiding the public through a world flooded with visual noise and the agency seeks to ensure artists are rightly recognised as the spokespeople for a visual age. As a business person, Marine was awarded Forbes 2018 30 under 30 Europe: Art & Culture, UK entrepreneur of the year for the 2019 NatWest Awards and Woman of the Year 2021 by the magazine WOTC. She is a writer and keynote speaker on contemporary art and art investment. Her talks include two TEDx Talks on how to transform cities with art and how social media visuals affect our minds and she is presently writing a book published by Penguin on ‘the visual diet’.
Emilie McGlone
Director of Peace Boat US
Emilie McGlone has been working with Peace Boat since 2004 and currently is the United Nations liaison and Director of the New York-based office of Peace Boat US, a non-profit organization working to promote peace, sustainable development and respect for the environment through educational programs organized onboard the Peace Boat, a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and works in partnership with UN representatives, Nobel Peace Laureates and community leaders from around the world to create opportunities for international cooperation focused on environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and peace education. Emilie works to foster youth education and develops specific programs to learn about important global issues onboard the Peace Boat.
Emilie McGlone has been working with Peace Boat since 2004 and currently is the United Nations liaison and Director of the New York-based office of Peace Boat US, a non-profit organization working to promote peace, sustainable development and respect for the environment through educational programs organized onboard the Peace Boat, a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and works in partnership with UN representatives, Nobel Peace Laureates and community leaders from around the world to create opportunities for international cooperation focused on environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and peace education. Emilie works to foster youth education and develops specific programs to learn about important global issues onboard the Peace Boat.
Khadija Stewart
Peace Boat Ocean and Blue Planet Alliance Ambassador
Khadija Stewart is an ocean enthusiast and climate specialist from Trinidad and Tobago using innovative storytelling as a catalyst to raise awareness and mobilize behavior change. She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development from SOAS University of London as well as a 2nd MSc in Sustainable Development and Management Studies from Kingston University London. Throughout her environmental journey, she became a Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador. Presently, she is the founder of Ecovybz Environmental Creatives a company focused on opening access to environmental knowledge, building young leaders and developing impactful environmental content creation centered on Climate Change, Ocean Conservation and Water Resources.
Khadija Stewart is an ocean enthusiast and climate specialist from Trinidad and Tobago using innovative storytelling as a catalyst to raise awareness and mobilize behavior change. She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development from SOAS University of London as well as a 2nd MSc in Sustainable Development and Management Studies from Kingston University London. Throughout her environmental journey, she became a Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador. Presently, she is the founder of Ecovybz Environmental Creatives a company focused on opening access to environmental knowledge, building young leaders and developing impactful environmental content creation centered on Climate Change, Ocean Conservation and Water Resources.
Francisco Lara-Fletes
Youth for the SDGs scholar
Francisco Lara is from Costa Rica and serves as Advisor for The Iris Project providing mentorship to youth-led projects; he collaborates with Peace Boat US and is currently a Global Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance. Fran also joined the 114th Peace Boat’s global voyage as part of the “Youth for the SDGs” educational program that took place while the ship sailed from Panama to Mexico, in Latin America.
After getting involved almost 5 years ago in the climate movement as Country Coordinator for Fridays For Future, Francisco started to show special interest in marine life, mainly because in 2020, he co-led a campaign to prohibit trawling in his country. He focuses on climate and ocean governance and international climate policy and the linkages with climate justice and political ecology.
Francisco has been a delegate for youth summits and Climate Change Negotiations, as the Youth4Climate Event in Milan in 2021, COP26 in Scotland; and SB58th in Bonn. He is a Political Science Student from the University of Costa Rica.
Francisco Lara is from Costa Rica and serves as Advisor for The Iris Project providing mentorship to youth-led projects; he collaborates with Peace Boat US and is currently a Global Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance. Fran also joined the 114th Peace Boat’s global voyage as part of the “Youth for the SDGs” educational program that took place while the ship sailed from Panama to Mexico, in Latin America.
After getting involved almost 5 years ago in the climate movement as Country Coordinator for Fridays For Future, Francisco started to show special interest in marine life, mainly because in 2020, he co-led a campaign to prohibit trawling in his country. He focuses on climate and ocean governance and international climate policy and the linkages with climate justice and political ecology.
Francisco has been a delegate for youth summits and Climate Change Negotiations, as the Youth4Climate Event in Milan in 2021, COP26 in Scotland; and SB58th in Bonn. He is a Political Science Student from the University of Costa Rica.
Salome Zajbert
Youth for the SDGs scholar
Salome is a Red Sea activist working on her city’s strategy to be plastic free and reach climate neutrality by 2030. She currently works at the municipality of Eilat and in EcoPeace Middle East (NGO) where she respectively works on climate city plans, partnerships, ACE, ocean literacy, peace building and community engagement. She has studied Middle Eastern studies, Islamology and languages. She is a policy team member of YOUNGO Ocean’s Voice Working Group and has participated in the Youth for the SDGs program created by Peace Boat US and endorsed by the Ocean Decade. Through the ShaRED Sea program whose goal is to protect the Red Sea from plastic, she has led community based projects in Aqaba and Eilat involving local diving centers, beach restaurants and bakeries to support them in becoming more eco-responsible.
Salome is a Red Sea activist working on her city’s strategy to be plastic free and reach climate neutrality by 2030. She currently works at the municipality of Eilat and in EcoPeace Middle East (NGO) where she respectively works on climate city plans, partnerships, ACE, ocean literacy, peace building and community engagement. She has studied Middle Eastern studies, Islamology and languages. She is a policy team member of YOUNGO Ocean’s Voice Working Group and has participated in the Youth for the SDGs program created by Peace Boat US and endorsed by the Ocean Decade. Through the ShaRED Sea program whose goal is to protect the Red Sea from plastic, she has led community based projects in Aqaba and Eilat involving local diving centers, beach restaurants and bakeries to support them in becoming more eco-responsible.
Tiffany Delport
Marine Conservation Specialist
Dr. Delport is a Marine Conservation Specialist engaged in the management of large-scale mangrove, coral, endangered marine species, and environmental education initiatives in the MENA Region.
Dr. Delport currently sits as Global Ambassador for the One Billion Tree-Planting Initiative and is Founder of The Possibilities Project: Eco-Edition, a National Youth Engagement Initiative supporting inclusion in STEM education in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Delport is a Marine Conservation Specialist engaged in the management of large-scale mangrove, coral, endangered marine species, and environmental education initiatives in the MENA Region.
Dr. Delport currently sits as Global Ambassador for the One Billion Tree-Planting Initiative and is Founder of The Possibilities Project: Eco-Edition, a National Youth Engagement Initiative supporting inclusion in STEM education in the United Arab Emirates.
Paris Norriss
Adventure TV Host
Paris Norriss, an acclaimed Dubai-based TV personality, is the host of the widely acclaimed show "Guy in Dubai." With apresence on platforms like AmazonPrime, OSN, and Emirates Airlines ICE and Dubai One TV; Paris uncovers the exciting and ever changing facets of the UAE and as well as other countries with "Guy In the Sky".
Paris's determination knows no bounds. In a remarkable feat, he triumphantly completed the Pacific Row Challenge in 2023, firmly establishing himself as one of the select few to conquer the arduous 4,800-kilometer journey. His relentless spirit and commitment to conquering challenges inspire others to reach for the extraordinary.
Paris Norriss, an acclaimed Dubai-based TV personality, is the host of the widely acclaimed show "Guy in Dubai." With apresence on platforms like AmazonPrime, OSN, and Emirates Airlines ICE and Dubai One TV; Paris uncovers the exciting and ever changing facets of the UAE and as well as other countries with "Guy In the Sky".
Paris's determination knows no bounds. In a remarkable feat, he triumphantly completed the Pacific Row Challenge in 2023, firmly establishing himself as one of the select few to conquer the arduous 4,800-kilometer journey. His relentless spirit and commitment to conquering challenges inspire others to reach for the extraordinary.
David Shukman
Climate consultant
David Shukman is a highly experienced moderator, speaker and consultant on climate issues working with sectors from shipping to consumer goods and from finance to Formula 1.
For nearly twenty years, he led the BBC’s coverage of the environment reporting for flagship TV and radio programmes and the BBC website.
A pioneer of broadcasting from remote locations including the Amazon and Antarctica, David is praised by Sir David Attenborough as “a leader in raising awareness about the most important issue facing humanity - the climate emergency.”
COP28 will be his twelfth UN climate summit.
David is a Visiting Professor in Practice at the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics and is on the advisory boards of Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and of The Goals House.
David’s book, ‘An iceberg as big as Manhattan’, describes the realities of reporting from the climate frontlines.
David Shukman is a highly experienced moderator, speaker and consultant on climate issues working with sectors from shipping to consumer goods and from finance to Formula 1.
For nearly twenty years, he led the BBC’s coverage of the environment reporting for flagship TV and radio programmes and the BBC website.
A pioneer of broadcasting from remote locations including the Amazon and Antarctica, David is praised by Sir David Attenborough as “a leader in raising awareness about the most important issue facing humanity - the climate emergency.”
COP28 will be his twelfth UN climate summit.
David is a Visiting Professor in Practice at the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics and is on the advisory boards of Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and of The Goals House.
David’s book, ‘An iceberg as big as Manhattan’, describes the realities of reporting from the climate frontlines.
Daniel Stander
Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors, Resilience Cities Network
Daniel is special advisor to the United Nations on sustainable finance. He is also deputy chair of Resilient Cities Network and a senior fellow at The Atlantic Council.
Daniel is special advisor to the United Nations on sustainable finance. He is also deputy chair of Resilient Cities Network and a senior fellow at The Atlantic Council.
Solitaire Townsend
Sustainability expert
Solitaire is a renowned sustainability expert who works with some of the worlds’ most influential organisations. She is Co-founder & Chief Solutionist at Futerra and Trustee of the Solutions Union. In 2023 she was named ‘Agency Lead of the Year’ at Adweek’s Sustainability Awards. Her popular TED talk, Forbes column and most recent book – The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future – are available to find online.
Solitaire is a renowned sustainability expert who works with some of the worlds’ most influential organisations. She is Co-founder & Chief Solutionist at Futerra and Trustee of the Solutions Union. In 2023 she was named ‘Agency Lead of the Year’ at Adweek’s Sustainability Awards. Her popular TED talk, Forbes column and most recent book – The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future – are available to find online.
Charlot Magayi
Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves
Charlot is the Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, a 2022 Earthshot Prize Winner. Orphaned at the age of 10, Charlot grew up in Mukuru, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, and became a mother at age 16. Charlot was moved to provide safer cooking technologies for her community when her daughter got burned by a traditional stove. She has been recognized and awarded by Global Citizen, World Bank and United Nations. She was among the 100 most influential Young Africans in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Charlot believes in a toxin- and smoke-free world and has dedicated her time, skills, and experience to fighting household air pollution. Her company, Mukuru Clean Stoves, has manufactured and distributed over 400,000 life saving cookstoves, impacting the lives of 2,000,000 Kenyans living in poverty. Charlot is an Echoing Green Fellow, an Africa Business Hero, a Global Good Fund Fellow, a Stanford Global Energy Hero, a Forbes under 30 lister and a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst. She sits on the board of three international funds.
Charlot is currently building a 300,000 square foot sustainable energy campus in Kenya and developing a malaria fighting fuel.
Charlot is the Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, a 2022 Earthshot Prize Winner. Orphaned at the age of 10, Charlot grew up in Mukuru, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, and became a mother at age 16. Charlot was moved to provide safer cooking technologies for her community when her daughter got burned by a traditional stove. She has been recognized and awarded by Global Citizen, World Bank and United Nations. She was among the 100 most influential Young Africans in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Charlot believes in a toxin- and smoke-free world and has dedicated her time, skills, and experience to fighting household air pollution. Her company, Mukuru Clean Stoves, has manufactured and distributed over 400,000 life saving cookstoves, impacting the lives of 2,000,000 Kenyans living in poverty. Charlot is an Echoing Green Fellow, an Africa Business Hero, a Global Good Fund Fellow, a Stanford Global Energy Hero, a Forbes under 30 lister and a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst. She sits on the board of three international funds.
Charlot is currently building a 300,000 square foot sustainable energy campus in Kenya and developing a malaria fighting fuel.
Matz Stigezelius
Founder & Chairman of TAKUMI
Mats is the Founder & Chairman of TAKUMI, a pioneering influencer marketing platform. Mats is also a Partner at Rainmaking and a Co-founder of Startupbootcamp, the global accelerator program. Currently, he's channeling his passion for sustainability into Terra, a novel pre-seed climate investment fund under the Startupbootcamp umbrella. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Mats was a strategy consultant at McKinsey and a VP in Private Equity. Prior to starting his career, Mats was in the Finnish Airforce and received a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Manchester University. Mats lives in Buckinghamshire, UK, with his wife Sarah and their 3 teenage children. Outside of work, Mats can be found mountain biking, powder skiing or playing tennis (badly).
Mats is the Founder & Chairman of TAKUMI, a pioneering influencer marketing platform. Mats is also a Partner at Rainmaking and a Co-founder of Startupbootcamp, the global accelerator program. Currently, he's channeling his passion for sustainability into Terra, a novel pre-seed climate investment fund under the Startupbootcamp umbrella. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Mats was a strategy consultant at McKinsey and a VP in Private Equity. Prior to starting his career, Mats was in the Finnish Airforce and received a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Manchester University. Mats lives in Buckinghamshire, UK, with his wife Sarah and their 3 teenage children. Outside of work, Mats can be found mountain biking, powder skiing or playing tennis (badly).
Emma Barber
Managing Director of DGrade
Emma has a fashion retail background. Starting as a buyer at Costco Wholesale in 1999, buying high end and luxury product in high volumes.
Moving to TK Maxx, she managed buying, OTB, stock management and annual sales budgets for the ladieswear division.
In 2005 she relocated to the Kuwait as Business Director for Fast Fashion at AlShaya, and in 2010 she moved to the Landmark Group in Dubai to head up their International Franchise Business. Managing a team of Brand Managers, Merchandisers, Operations and VM Managers running 120 stores across the GCC.
Moving to DGrade, to take on the Managing Directors role enabled her to ‘make a difference’ in a Sustainable industry, striving to create a better environment.
Emma has a fashion retail background. Starting as a buyer at Costco Wholesale in 1999, buying high end and luxury product in high volumes.
Moving to TK Maxx, she managed buying, OTB, stock management and annual sales budgets for the ladieswear division.
In 2005 she relocated to the Kuwait as Business Director for Fast Fashion at AlShaya, and in 2010 she moved to the Landmark Group in Dubai to head up their International Franchise Business. Managing a team of Brand Managers, Merchandisers, Operations and VM Managers running 120 stores across the GCC.
Moving to DGrade, to take on the Managing Directors role enabled her to ‘make a difference’ in a Sustainable industry, striving to create a better environment.
Jefferson Estela
East and Southeast Asia Representative (LDYC Steering Committee)
Jefferson Estela is a queer Filipino intersectional environmentalist, climate justice and youth activist, community organizer, and freelance architectural designer.
He is the co-founder of Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines (YS4C PH), one of the pioneer youth-led climate movements and campaigns in the Philippines focused on humanizing climate action through activism and storytelling.
He is the East and Southeast Asia Regional Representative in the Steering Committee of Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, an international coalition of youth from the global North and South who have come together to demand action on addressing the Loss and Damage. He is a Youth Advisory Board Member of the Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab at Penn State University in the US. In 2021, he was named one of the five young Filipinos who made waves in climate and environmental justice by Greenpeace Philippines.
Jefferson Estela is a queer Filipino intersectional environmentalist, climate justice and youth activist, community organizer, and freelance architectural designer.
He is the co-founder of Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines (YS4C PH), one of the pioneer youth-led climate movements and campaigns in the Philippines focused on humanizing climate action through activism and storytelling.
He is the East and Southeast Asia Regional Representative in the Steering Committee of Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, an international coalition of youth from the global North and South who have come together to demand action on addressing the Loss and Damage. He is a Youth Advisory Board Member of the Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab at Penn State University in the US. In 2021, he was named one of the five young Filipinos who made waves in climate and environmental justice by Greenpeace Philippines.
Ash Goddard
Climate Fresk
Charlene Nawar
With a background in corporate law, Charlene was convinced she wanted to do more, to create positive change for the people and the planet. Not just a band aid solution, but changing policies, practices and mindsets that would have long lasting effects for generations to come.
Charlene is an impact consultant, speaker and advocate who supports purpose-led businesses to use their business as a force for good. Her rigorous methodology skills and strong focus on regenerative and purpose driven companies makes Charlene an enabler in driving change in various social and environmental impact areas. Charlene is a facilitator at Climate Fresk and a trained B Corp consultant.
Charlene is an impact consultant, speaker and advocate who supports purpose-led businesses to use their business as a force for good. Her rigorous methodology skills and strong focus on regenerative and purpose driven companies makes Charlene an enabler in driving change in various social and environmental impact areas. Charlene is a facilitator at Climate Fresk and a trained B Corp consultant.
Suzanne Tita Van den Briel
Impact Strategist
Suzanne is an Impact Strategist who has worked for more than 10 years in different marketing and innovation roles within Fast Moving Consumer Good Companies. She is passionate about addressing growing sustainability challenges through innovation and new ways of thinking and has done a lot of research on sustainable packaging solutions. Currently, Suzanne works as a Climate Fresk Facilitator, organising workshops that educate and spread awareness on Climate Change and empower people to take action.
As an outdoor sports fanatic, Suzanne loves nature and has the ambition to create small ripples that will ultimately lead to systemic change. Suzanne is originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Singapore for 5 years before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Suzanne is an Impact Strategist who has worked for more than 10 years in different marketing and innovation roles within Fast Moving Consumer Good Companies. She is passionate about addressing growing sustainability challenges through innovation and new ways of thinking and has done a lot of research on sustainable packaging solutions. Currently, Suzanne works as a Climate Fresk Facilitator, organising workshops that educate and spread awareness on Climate Change and empower people to take action.
As an outdoor sports fanatic, Suzanne loves nature and has the ambition to create small ripples that will ultimately lead to systemic change. Suzanne is originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Singapore for 5 years before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Cesar Montes
Climate Activist Youth 4 Nature
Cesar studied Biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and focused on socio-environmental system analysis. He worked with the Conservation Genetics Lab in projects related to crop genetic diversity conservation, especially Mexican native varieties of cotton and maize. Cesar also has scientific journalism and science communication experience having worked in the C3 (Center of Complexity Sciences) and the Unit of investigative journalism Corriente Alterna. With Y4N, Cesar has been collaborating for more than 2 years, especially in the Storytelling unit I’ve also been a longtime collaborator of CASA CEM, an NGO from Guadalajara working with environmental and pollution mitigation policies.
Cesar studied Biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and focused on socio-environmental system analysis. He worked with the Conservation Genetics Lab in projects related to crop genetic diversity conservation, especially Mexican native varieties of cotton and maize. Cesar also has scientific journalism and science communication experience having worked in the C3 (Center of Complexity Sciences) and the Unit of investigative journalism Corriente Alterna. With Y4N, Cesar has been collaborating for more than 2 years, especially in the Storytelling unit I’ve also been a longtime collaborator of CASA CEM, an NGO from Guadalajara working with environmental and pollution mitigation policies.
Annabelle Ho
Founder of ClimateXArt
Jodi-Ann Jue Xuan Wang
Grantham Institute on Climate Change an dEnvironment LSE
Jodi-Ann works at the intersection of sustainable finance policy and climate justice at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics. Previously, she was a climate policy specialist at the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, advising governments and financial institutions on implementing the regulatory frameworks and actions needed to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. With a background in International Development and a focus on South-South climate governance, Jodi-Ann has held roles at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The China Global South Project, and the Ghana Ministry of Youth and Sports. She is passionate about intergenerational justice, and serves as a member of the UN Expert Group on Resource Management, the Pan-Commonwealth Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, and previously negotiated at the G20 as a Canadian youth delegate. She holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Jodi-Ann works at the intersection of sustainable finance policy and climate justice at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics. Previously, she was a climate policy specialist at the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, advising governments and financial institutions on implementing the regulatory frameworks and actions needed to align financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. With a background in International Development and a focus on South-South climate governance, Jodi-Ann has held roles at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The China Global South Project, and the Ghana Ministry of Youth and Sports. She is passionate about intergenerational justice, and serves as a member of the UN Expert Group on Resource Management, the Pan-Commonwealth Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, and previously negotiated at the G20 as a Canadian youth delegate. She holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Jenny Briggs
Greenhouse Communications, Head of Food
Jenny is a highly organised, creative and conscientious communicator working with leading brands, NGOs and environmental organisations.
Christened the ‘Mary Poppins of PR’ by a Daily Telegraph journalist, Jenny manages a portfolio of high-profile accounts including the Food Systems Pavilion, Food and Land Use Coalition, Oceana, One Acre Fund and Wetlands International. Jenny has a passion for translating complex sustainability stories into digestible campaigns that drive behaviour change. She works on topics for a range of audiences, including consumer brands, farming and NGOs to build awareness and appeal to new demographics.
Jenny was the 2018 PRCA Rising Star of the Year award winner and 2019 finalist in the 'Just Imagine If' enterprise competition.
Jenny is a highly organised, creative and conscientious communicator working with leading brands, NGOs and environmental organisations.
Christened the ‘Mary Poppins of PR’ by a Daily Telegraph journalist, Jenny manages a portfolio of high-profile accounts including the Food Systems Pavilion, Food and Land Use Coalition, Oceana, One Acre Fund and Wetlands International. Jenny has a passion for translating complex sustainability stories into digestible campaigns that drive behaviour change. She works on topics for a range of audiences, including consumer brands, farming and NGOs to build awareness and appeal to new demographics.
Jenny was the 2018 PRCA Rising Star of the Year award winner and 2019 finalist in the 'Just Imagine If' enterprise competition.
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