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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
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.
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.
Renata Koch Alvarenga
Founder and Executive Director of EmpderaClima
Renata Koch Alvarenga, from Brazil, is a leading voice on gender and climate justice in the global youth movement. She founded the youth-led and Brazil-based organization EmpoderaClima at 22 years old, to raise awareness of the need for women’s empowerment in climate decision-making spaces, and advocate for girl’s education and climate action in the Global South – more specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean. Renata recently graduated with a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University, where she researched climate finance and resilience to advise the World Food Programme on its Caribbean work. At Harvard, she worked with the Belfer Center for International Relations and the Center for International Development, and did fieldwork in Puerto Rico and Barbados. Renata has professional experience in global climate policy and diplomacy, having worked at the British Mission in Brazil and the United Nations Youth Office. She currently works as a Disaster Risk Financing Specialist at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington D.C. For the past eight years, Renata has been working tirelessly to ensure young people can access high-level global spaces, having been active in the Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC, as the Gender Contact Point, as well as the UN Girls’ Education Initiative and UN Women as a youth leader. She has served on advisory boards for climate issues of the New York Times, Chicago Council of Global Affairs, and the Sustainable Amazon Foundation in Brazil. In 2022, Renata was nominated for the class of Environmental Educators (EE) 30 Under 30.
Renata Koch Alvarenga, from Brazil, is a leading voice on gender and climate justice in the global youth movement. She founded the youth-led and Brazil-based organization EmpoderaClima at 22 years old, to raise awareness of the need for women’s empowerment in climate decision-making spaces, and advocate for girl’s education and climate action in the Global South – more specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean. Renata recently graduated with a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University, where she researched climate finance and resilience to advise the World Food Programme on its Caribbean work. At Harvard, she worked with the Belfer Center for International Relations and the Center for International Development, and did fieldwork in Puerto Rico and Barbados. Renata has professional experience in global climate policy and diplomacy, having worked at the British Mission in Brazil and the United Nations Youth Office. She currently works as a Disaster Risk Financing Specialist at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington D.C. For the past eight years, Renata has been working tirelessly to ensure young people can access high-level global spaces, having been active in the Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC, as the Gender Contact Point, as well as the UN Girls’ Education Initiative and UN Women as a youth leader. She has served on advisory boards for climate issues of the New York Times, Chicago Council of Global Affairs, and the Sustainable Amazon Foundation in Brazil. In 2022, Renata was nominated for the class of Environmental Educators (EE) 30 Under 30.
Andrew Griffiths
Director of Policy & Partnerships
Andrew Griffiths is Director of Policy and Partnerships at Planet Mark, a sustainability certification that supports organisations and real estate to measure and continually reduce carbon emissions, and increase their social value. He chairs the Institute of Directors National Sustainability Taskforce and was a member of the UK Government’s COP26 Small Business Taskforce, as well as the Advisory Board for the Global Sustainability Film Awards. Having delivered a TEDx talk on the power of meaningful networking, he is a big believer in the power of communication and how it can be used to drive climate action.
Andrew Griffiths is Director of Policy and Partnerships at Planet Mark, a sustainability certification that supports organisations and real estate to measure and continually reduce carbon emissions, and increase their social value. He chairs the Institute of Directors National Sustainability Taskforce and was a member of the UK Government’s COP26 Small Business Taskforce, as well as the Advisory Board for the Global Sustainability Film Awards. Having delivered a TEDx talk on the power of meaningful networking, he is a big believer in the power of communication and how it can be used to drive climate action.
Max Klymenko
Entrepreneur and creator
Max is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and creator based in London. After a career in corporate consultancy and advertising, he began creating online videos about business, careers, and social causes. Max holds four university degrees and runs KLYM&CO, a creative agency that helps brands and organizations tell meaningful stories. Across his personal channels, Max has amassed 4 billion views and 6 million followers.
Max is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and creator based in London. After a career in corporate consultancy and advertising, he began creating online videos about business, careers, and social causes. Max holds four university degrees and runs KLYM&CO, a creative agency that helps brands and organizations tell meaningful stories. Across his personal channels, Max has amassed 4 billion views and 6 million followers.
Rasna Al Khamis
Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer, Emirates Nature–WWF
Rasna Al Khamis is the Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer at Emirates Nature-WWF, the local environmental charity that works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations. She is a strategic problem solver who specializes in all things marketing, communications, e-commerce and digital transformation.
At Emirates Nature-WWF, Rasna leads the marketing, communication and digital engagement function, supporting a robust portfolio of conservation-driven products and services, market transformation and campaigns. She applies her deep expertise in tech/digital marketing and keen business acumen to drive results across brand immersion and engagement, and strengthen organizational digital engagement. Rasna has also spearheaded the operational, functional, service and product-associated digital transformation at the charity.
With over 20 years of experience spanning the globe, Rasna has worked in various segments and helped start-ups, medium-sized businesses, fortune-500 companies, and most recently, government entities flourish through marketing, communications, and brand development campaigns in industries such as ESG, FMCG, leisure, sports, healthcare, technology, telecom and real estate.
Rasna is inspired by digital transformation and innovation, fashion, luxury, beauty and art. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying movies and rollerblading, exploring the latest health and life hacks, and travelling. A proud polyglot, Rasna is fluent in English, French, Arabic and Hindi. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in communications and journalism.
Rasna Al Khamis is the Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer at Emirates Nature-WWF, the local environmental charity that works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations. She is a strategic problem solver who specializes in all things marketing, communications, e-commerce and digital transformation.
At Emirates Nature-WWF, Rasna leads the marketing, communication and digital engagement function, supporting a robust portfolio of conservation-driven products and services, market transformation and campaigns. She applies her deep expertise in tech/digital marketing and keen business acumen to drive results across brand immersion and engagement, and strengthen organizational digital engagement. Rasna has also spearheaded the operational, functional, service and product-associated digital transformation at the charity.
With over 20 years of experience spanning the globe, Rasna has worked in various segments and helped start-ups, medium-sized businesses, fortune-500 companies, and most recently, government entities flourish through marketing, communications, and brand development campaigns in industries such as ESG, FMCG, leisure, sports, healthcare, technology, telecom and real estate.
Rasna is inspired by digital transformation and innovation, fashion, luxury, beauty and art. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying movies and rollerblading, exploring the latest health and life hacks, and travelling. A proud polyglot, Rasna is fluent in English, French, Arabic and Hindi. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in communications and journalism.
Ian Gill
Global head of Sustainability
Ian leads ByteDance's global climate and ESG work, setting and driving ByteDance's operational decarbonisation strategy, as well as the in-app climate and sustainability related features and content. Before joining Bytedance, Ian was a sustainability consultant, specialising in developing and impementing sustainbiltiy stategies for international tech companies.
Ian leads ByteDance's global climate and ESG work, setting and driving ByteDance's operational decarbonisation strategy, as well as the in-app climate and sustainability related features and content. Before joining Bytedance, Ian was a sustainability consultant, specialising in developing and impementing sustainbiltiy stategies for international tech companies.
Aisling Connaughton
Co-founder of Cyd Connects, a women-led sustainability consultancy and B Corp Expert
Aisling Connaughton, co-founder of Cyd Connects, a women-led sustainability consultancy, created to inspire positive change. By challenging clients to reorient their brand and communications towards good, Cyd Connects helps turn social responsibility into profitable, sustainable, long-term competitive advantage. Aisling’s 17-year global career in PR spans sustainability, marketing, and communications. She has worked for Huawei Technologies holding posts in Shenzhen and San Francisco.
Aisling began her career in the beauty industry, working for L’Oreal, Aveda, Darphin and Clarins before taking the Global Head of PR role with British brand Liz Earle Beauty Co.
Aisling is a proud member of the University of Cambridge Wo+Men Leadership Centre. She has a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths University of London and received a scholarship to the Cambridge Judge Business School Rising Women Leaders Programme.
As a certified B Leader, Aisling is working to raise awareness of how the B Corp framework can act as a catalyst for better business and accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Aisling Connaughton, co-founder of Cyd Connects, a women-led sustainability consultancy, created to inspire positive change. By challenging clients to reorient their brand and communications towards good, Cyd Connects helps turn social responsibility into profitable, sustainable, long-term competitive advantage. Aisling’s 17-year global career in PR spans sustainability, marketing, and communications. She has worked for Huawei Technologies holding posts in Shenzhen and San Francisco.
Aisling began her career in the beauty industry, working for L’Oreal, Aveda, Darphin and Clarins before taking the Global Head of PR role with British brand Liz Earle Beauty Co.
Aisling is a proud member of the University of Cambridge Wo+Men Leadership Centre. She has a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths University of London and received a scholarship to the Cambridge Judge Business School Rising Women Leaders Programme.
As a certified B Leader, Aisling is working to raise awareness of how the B Corp framework can act as a catalyst for better business and accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Wael El Delaimy
Professor of Public Health at the University of California
Wael Al-Delaimy is a professor of Public Health at the University of California Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. He is a multidisciplinary chronic diseases epidemiologist working with vulnerable communities locally and globally, focusing on climate change, mental health, and research ethics. He directs four large federal programs on climate change, training of community health workers, and research ethics, as well as a state-wide evaluation program for tobacco control among American Indians in California. He is the Director of the NIH Newly Funded Global Center on Climate Change and Water, Energy, Food, and Health Systems, and Joint Director of the Geo Health Hub on Climate and Health in the Middle East and North Africa. His work on climate change involves global capacity building, health policy, and the role of water and climate variables on health.
Wael Al-Delaimy is a professor of Public Health at the University of California Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. He is a multidisciplinary chronic diseases epidemiologist working with vulnerable communities locally and globally, focusing on climate change, mental health, and research ethics. He directs four large federal programs on climate change, training of community health workers, and research ethics, as well as a state-wide evaluation program for tobacco control among American Indians in California. He is the Director of the NIH Newly Funded Global Center on Climate Change and Water, Energy, Food, and Health Systems, and Joint Director of the Geo Health Hub on Climate and Health in the Middle East and North Africa. His work on climate change involves global capacity building, health policy, and the role of water and climate variables on health.
Humphrey Mrema
Chairman of the Youth Survival Organization
Humphrey Mrema is the Chairman of the Youth Survival Organization, urban planner, and sustainability advocate renowned for his dedication to climate action, energy transition, and empowering youth and communities in Tanzania.
Humphrey brings more than five years of experience working with youth-led not-for-profit initiatives, and he has made a profound impact on urban planning, policy advocacy, and climate education in Tanzania and beyond.
Humphrey's expertise in advocacy, policy negotiations, and capacity development has resulted in influential global policies, like the Doha Program of Action for Least Developed Countries (DPoA) and the Kampala Declaration for Migration, Environment, and Climate Change.
His adept leadership, public speaking, writing, event, and project management skills, have mobilized diverse groups to join the sustainable future movement.
Internationally, he has engaged in initiatives like the Youth4Climate Initiative and Climate Vulnerable Forum ensuring youth voices are heard in global climate discussions.
Humphrey Mrema is the Chairman of the Youth Survival Organization, urban planner, and sustainability advocate renowned for his dedication to climate action, energy transition, and empowering youth and communities in Tanzania.
Humphrey brings more than five years of experience working with youth-led not-for-profit initiatives, and he has made a profound impact on urban planning, policy advocacy, and climate education in Tanzania and beyond.
Humphrey's expertise in advocacy, policy negotiations, and capacity development has resulted in influential global policies, like the Doha Program of Action for Least Developed Countries (DPoA) and the Kampala Declaration for Migration, Environment, and Climate Change.
His adept leadership, public speaking, writing, event, and project management skills, have mobilized diverse groups to join the sustainable future movement.
Internationally, he has engaged in initiatives like the Youth4Climate Initiative and Climate Vulnerable Forum ensuring youth voices are heard in global climate discussions.
Jurgis Didziulis
(aka Jurgis DID)
Jurgis Didžiulis (aka Jurgis DID) is a Colombian-Lithuanian with a unique talent for bringing people together through the magic of musical co-creation. Part speaker, activist, and performer, he has navigated the intersection of music and social transformation for 20 years with a focus on upgrading culture (beliefs and behaviors) through culture (creative expression). He has built a career activating and educating communities and organizations through participative music.
Jurgis Didžiulis (aka Jurgis DID) is a Colombian-Lithuanian with a unique talent for bringing people together through the magic of musical co-creation. Part speaker, activist, and performer, he has navigated the intersection of music and social transformation for 20 years with a focus on upgrading culture (beliefs and behaviors) through culture (creative expression). He has built a career activating and educating communities and organizations through participative music.
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.