Our Speakers

Alejandra Giraldo
Chairwoman,
World Green Growth Summit
Juan Pablo Celis Garcia
Youth Policy &
Human Rights Advocate
Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Abunayyan
Chairman, 
ACWA Power & Chairman B20 Group
M. Serge EKUE
CEO and Chairman of the West African Development Bank (BOAD)

Mohamed G. Kafafy holds a PhD in Engineering Management, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), MBA, Master of Science (MSc) and BSc in Mechanical Engineering with honor. As well as Certifications such as: Certified Quality Director, Certified International Arbitrator, Certified Supply Chain Expert and Certified Management Consultant (CMC). Also, He holds fellowships of the: American Academy of Project Management, International Association of Engineers, American Association of Higher Education, Institute of Business Development, and Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) as well as recognized Member of Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP). In December 2010 Dr. Mohamed Kafafy received the US President’s Award from the President Barack Obama and in 2015 Appreciation Award from WAFUNIF Official United Nations Organization. Distinguished Professor awards from San Juan De La Cruz University and Azteca University. Honorary Doctor of Science awards from Newport University and St-Clements University for Outstanding Achievements to Energy & Sustainable Development.

Dr. Kafafy has international reputation as an expert with over 25 years of experience; he offers both an academic and practical approach to energy & sustainable development, through his operational and managerial experience in different industries and as an educator and consultant of several governmental, non-governmental, academic, and corporations around the world.

 Dr. Mohamed Gamal Kafafy
Head of Intergovernmental Committee of WGGS & President of World Green Economy Council (WGECO)
Shahira WAHBI Shahira WAHBI, a Sudanese Ambassador on deputation to the League of Arab States (LAS). She is the Chief of Natural Resources Sustainability & Partnership & DRR Focal Point at LAS in Cairo since 2000. She has cumulative experience in sustainable development, strategic alliances and partnerships building, and policy development in issues related to investment, economic and environmental cooperation, water & food security, energy efficiency and green economy.
Shahira Wahbi
Ambassador on Deputation to the League of Arab States (LAS), Sudan
H.E. Jonathan Young Сhairperson, Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, Parliament
New Zealand
Hon. Nicolette Odella Henry Dr Henry is a member of parliament and former Minister of Education for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Dr. Henry has a long and distinguished public service career. While serving as Minister of Education she led several paradigm shifting initiatives to transform Guyana’s Education Sector including: improving the performance of education sector across the nursey, primary and secondary continuum, reintegration of teenage mothers, curriculum reform and strengthening psychosocial support and school health for learners. Dr. Henry is passionate about human and social development issues and has led, advocated and promoted regional collaboration and approaches in addressing many of the social issues that affects the Caribbean region.
Dr. The Hon. Nicolette Odella Henry
Parliament Member and Former Minister of Education, Guyana

Ramiro Cavazos is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he served as the President & CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. He has a strong expertise in economic
development, having served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of San Antonio, Director of Research and Economic Development for the University of Texas Health Science Center, and as the Global Public Affairs Manager for the Levi Strauss Company and Foundation for the Texas, Mexico, and Latin America Region. Ramiro has a Masters of Public Administration from St. Mary’s University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. A native of Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley, he is a 7th generation Texan. Ramiro and his wife Christa are parents of two boys, 14 and 11 years-old.

Ramiro Cavazos
President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Irma A. Quispe Neira
Leader in Commanding Three NASA Space Missions,
Founder of International
Brand, Aracely Quispe
Neira (AQN),
Leader in STEM Programs
Rodrigo A. Carazo
Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Costa Rica
Williametta E Saydee-Tarr
Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
Liberia

Susannah Streeter is a leading broadcaster and financial commentator who has anchored flagship business news programmes on TV and radio and hosted major summits, conferences and events around the world. Renata graduated in International Relations from Unisinos, Brazil, and currently works as a Political Analyst at the British Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro, where she also serves as Chair of the UK Network's Women's Association.

Susannah is a hugely popular host and moderator, who has worked with governments, banks and other organisations, focusing on international business themes and challenges. Specialist topics include Business, the Environment, Digital Disruption, the Royal Air Force and Women in Business and the Armed Services.

As a senior investment and markets analyst, commentator and former business journalist, Susannah is a knowledgeable and highly-skilled interviewer who has quizzed leading business figures, politicians, entrepreneurs and economists on radio and TV, over 17 years at the BBC, and at live events.

Susannah is a fluent French speaker. While hosting the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai, she interviewed former President Francois Hollande in French and she has moderated major conferences in France as well as bilingual events in her role as UK representative for NATO’s Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers.

Prior to specialising in business news, Susannah was a regular face on BBC Breakfast, reporting live from across the UK. She also reported for the consumer affairs programme Working Lunch and the BBC Budget programme.

Between 1997 and 2007, Susannah served in the RAF Reserve, joining 7644 Squadron, a media operations unit, where she rose to the rank of Squadron Leader.

Susannah Streeter
Leading Broadcaster and Financial Commentator Former BBC Reporter
James E. Campos was nominated by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate as the Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the United States Department of Energy in April 2018. As Director, Mr. Campos is tasked with ensuring that minorities and underserved communities are afforded an equal opportunity to fully participate in Department programs. Mr. Campos also serves as the Department of Energy’s Equal Employment Opportunity Director and Chief Diversity Officer. Additionally, Mr. Campos is the Department’s designee on the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the White House Council on Eliminating Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing Development and other White House Interagency Initiatives. Prior to joining the Department of Energy, Mr. Campos was the Senior Advisor on Economic Development & Strategic Planning to the President of Nevada State College. Over the span of his career, Mr. Campos held several Nevada Gubernatorial appointments to include: the Equal Rights Commission, the Governor’s Workforce Investment Sector Councils on Gaming, Tourism & Entertainment and on Mining and Minerals, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s International Trade Council, the Taxi Cab Authority Commission, and the Commissioner of the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division. Also, Mr. Campos has been a small business owner and adjunct business professor. Mr. Campos holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
Hon. James Campos
Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity,
US Department of Energy (DOE)

Laura Van Wie McGrory has been promoting energy efficiency policies and programs across the globe for more than two decades.  She is VP of Strategic Initiatives at the Alliance to Save Energy, where she manages the Alliance’s Active Efficiency programs and coordinates the EE Global Alliance.  Laura previously worked with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory supporting U.S. appliance standards rulemakings and LBNL’s international programs.  Prior to that, Laura worked with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to produce several climate change mitigation reports. She also has consulted with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Bank and has published numerous reports and articles related to international energy efficiency. Laura has a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master of international environmental policy from Columbia University.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Twitter: The Alliance to Save Energy: @ToSaveEnergy
  • Hashtags:
    • #EEGlobal
    • #EEGA
    • #energyefficiency
    • #BuildBackBetter
Laura Van Wie McGrory
VP for Strategic Initiatives, Alliance to Save Energy

Moubarak MOUKAILA has been working in BOAD since 2008. After working closely to the BOAD’s President Personal Assistant for three (03) years and launching the BOAD carbon initiative in July 2008, he worked in the finance engineering department and mobilized resources for large scale projects across the West African Economic and Monetary Union region. In 2014, he joined Regional Collaboration Center (RCC) Lome to help the team in the effort to assist BOAD to mobilize more efficient financing for project in the region. He is now since January 2018 the team lead of RCC Lome where he is working closely with the BOAD to develop tools and instruments for the financing of NDC and sustainable development goals.

Moubarak Moukaila
Regional Coordinator for Africa, West African Development Bank (BOAD)

Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson was appointed to the Arizona Corporation Commission by Governor Doug Ducey in May of 2019. She is the first Latina to serve in a statewide seat in the state of Arizona.

Lea has been an entrepreneur in our community for many years and served as the President/ CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber from 2009 until November of 2018. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber serves the business community in the bilingual, bi-cultural region of the Arizona-Sonora border and was recognized as the Hispanic Chamber of the Year in 2013 by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Lea is proud to have won a four-way primary race for Congress in Arizona Congressional District 2 in 2018. Prior to her leadership at the Chamber, she previously served as the Executive Director for Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) from 2005 to 2009 and owned and operated a Business Brokerage Firm from 2005 to 2009 and a chain of six gasoline stations / convenience stores with 50 employees from 1998 to 2005 in the Tucson region.

Lea has been appointed to serve on the Arizona Judicial Council which advises the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Finance Authority, the state’s bonding authority. She chairs the Board of Directors of Carondelet’s St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Hospitals in Tucson and is the former Chair of the Pima Association of Governments’ Economic Vitality Committee. She serves on the Boards of the University of Arizona Foundation and the Pima County Workforce Investment Board and is the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners in Tucson. She also serves on the national Small Business Development Council advisory board for the U.S Small Business Administration.

She received her undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona, and her Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She resides in Tucson and is married with two children.

Lea Márquez Peterson
Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission

Mike J. Masoud is an internationally known expert in the anti-corruption field and leads The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) business and initiatives in the Middle East and Africa. He is a senior instructor and researcher for The AACI in the fields of internal control, governance, and corruption prevention methodologies.

Mr. Masoud is the co-founder and managing director of BZ Consulting International, an advisory and training firm specializing in internal control, anti-fraud and corruption, corruption risk management and fraud and corruption examination. He has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of the corruption investigation, auditing, and anti-corruption advisory.

He has extensive experience with an international auditing firm and has consulted worldwide, helping corporations investigate allegations of corruption, and served as a litigation consultant working with attorneys representing shareholders in complex court cases involving serious allegations of corporate fraud, improper financial reporting, and economic crimes.

Advising many public, private, and non-profit organizations in the Middle East and Africa, Mr. Masoud brings financial expertise, a strong understanding of strategy and risk, and detailed regional and international insights into anti-corruption ethics and compliance.

As he is a frequent speaker at anti-corruption related conferences in the Middle East and Africa, his core research and advisory is directly related to internal control, corruption prevention, corporate governance, and mechanisms of decision making.

He graduated from Pittsburg State University, KS-USA in December 2000 with distinction holding MBA and majoring in accounting. He passed the CPA exam in California in May 2001 with distinguished scores. Besides, he is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Corruption Manager (CACM).

Mike J. Masoud
Senior Director of The Middle East and Africa, The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI)
Dr. Rachael McDonnellis Strategic Program Director for Water, Climate Change and Resilience at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) based in its Rome Office. She is the global lead of a team of researchers working on innovative data, technology, policy and governance solutions adapting and building resilience to the impacts of climate variability on water systems in many countries across the world. Prior to joining IWMI she was the Head of Climate Change Modeling and Adaptation at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai. She previously held various academic positions at the University of Oxford including Founding Director of MSc Water Science, Policy and Management. She gained her doctorate in geography from Oxford.
Dr Rachael McDonnell
Strategic Program Director for Water, Climate Change and Resilience, at International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Dr Karl Vella is a lawyer from Malta with over 10 years’ experience in sustainable development, particularly in climate change, energy and environment issues, with substantial experience in government and business interfaces.

He joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Geneva in January 2018, and is part of the Climate and Energy Team, where he leads the work on climate change policy and engagement, including the organization’s climate strategy towards the UN climate change process.

Karl coordinates the development of WBCSD’s climate policy messages in collaboration with WBCSD’s member companies as well as the various teams across the organization. He is also the lead focal point for WBCSD to We Mean Business, within which WBCSD coordinates the international policy work on behalf of the coalition.

Prior to joining WBCSD, Karl worked for “Eurelectric - the Union of the Electricity Industry” (Brussels), the Government of Malta’s Permanent Representation to the European Union (Brussels), and the Cabinet of the Maltese Minister for Climate Change, where he led the Maltese delegation to the UNFCCC for several years.

He has lived in several cities, including Malta, Rome, Sydney, Vienna, Edinburgh, Brussels and now Geneva.

Dr Karl Vella
Manager, International Climate Policy
Anna Skowron,is a passionate advocate for a 100% renewable energy future. She works as Senior Policy Officer at the World Future Council (WFC) where she supports countries and civil society to develop country-tailored, long-term renewable energy strategies, maximising the manifold benefits of renewables and breaking up silo-thinking. Before joining the WFC, Anna has worked with the Climate Action Network’s 100% RE campaign and with the UN in Indonesia. She has degrees in Japanology, Modern East Asian Studies, and Asian Politics from the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Anna Skowron
Senior Policy Officer, World Future Council (WFC)

Dr. Hussein Abaza is currently the Senior Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Environment. Prior to holding this position he has worked for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 1982 up to 2009. During his tenure with UNEP he was responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation of
the UNEP Economics and Trade Programme, led the team which conceptualized and launched the UNEP Green Economy initiative in October 2008, and
functioned as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director of UNEP. Positions while at UNEP also
included Chief of the Economic and Trade Branch, Coordinator of the Committee of International Development Instituitons on the Envrionment (CIDIE), and Coordinator of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). Founded the Centre for Sustainable Development Solutions (CSDS) in 2011 with the main objectives of promoting green economy and sustainable development, with particular focus on Egypt and the Middle East. The Centre aims at achieving its objectives through technical support, research, training,
community based activities, and public awareness campaigns. As an Advisor to the then Minister of Planning, Follow-up and Administrative Reform and Head of the Sustainable Development Team launched in 2018 a process for revising and updating the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy for Egypt.

Prior to joining UNEP, functioned as Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Physical and Urban Planning project in Saudi Arabia, Managing Director of the Center of Planning and Architecture in Cairo, Egypt, and Director of the Islamic Investment company, Central and Northern Region, Saudi Arabia. Apart from functioning as the Senior Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Environment, he is currently a Fellow of the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology and a member of the Environment Council of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

During the course of his professional career he provided technical assistance and supported country projects in
Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Projects aimed at strengthening national capacities to conduct integrated
assessment as a tool to integrate environment and social considerations in macroeconomic and secotral policies,
develop a package of policy measures, including economic instruments for implementing mutually supportive
environmental, social, and economic policies. He also participated and delivered keynote statements and attended a series of national, regional and international workshops and events on sustainable development and "Green
Economy". Meetings and workshops were convened in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Florence, Hamburg, Islamabad, Marrakech, Rabat, Qatar, and Tunisia.

During his long and extensive professional life he worked as a consultant/advisor for a number of international organizations, including the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the European Union (EU), Plan Blue, the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM), the Arab Forum for
Environment and Development (AFED), the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE), and the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ), SWEEP-Net, SWITCH-Med programme, and the League of Arab States.

He prepared and contributed to a series of publications on environmental and integrated assessment, the interface
between trade and environment, valuation of environmental and natural resources, the use of economic instruments for environmental management, and the Green Economy for the Arab Region, and manuals on sustainable development, integrated policy making, environmental assessment, green economy, environmental economics, and trade and environment.

Dr. Hussein Abaza
Senior Advisor to the
Egyptian Minister of Environment
Ms. Earlene Cruz, Director, Kitchen Connection, Youth Representative, United Nations Department of Global Communications: Earlene Cruz is the founder and  Director of  KitchenConnection.org. Kitchen Connection allows lay and professional cooks to host or participate in live, online, and interactive cooking classes that support SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Earlene completed her Master's degree in Social Entrepreneurship and Food Studies at the Gallatin school of New York University, where she is now a visiting professor focusing on food insecurity at the NYU College of Global Public Health. Her scholastic research specifically addresses the power of food to unite and/or divide people. Her passion is for bringing people together, especially through (food) culture and the power that it has to (often) transcend conflict. This work led her to be recognized as a James Beard Scholar. Her previous work included supporting film and bilingual programs through the French Embassy in New York City. There, she contributed to the book, The Bilingual Revolution, which has since been translated into eight languages. Her personal passion for bilingualism has led her to speak five languages. Most recently, she was appointed to the Youth Steering Committee of the United Nations Department of Global Communications, where she supports youth in their efforts to deliver on the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. She sits on the board of two nonprofits, promoting social entrepreneurship and peace through intercultural exchange.
Earlene Cruz
Founder, Kitchen Connections (USA)
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Sven Harmeling works with the non-governmental humanitarian and development NGO CARE International as Global Policy Lead Climate Change and Resilience.  Being with CARE since 2013, his role includes the coordination of CARE’s policy positions on climate change and resilience, heading CARE’s delegations to the UNFCCC annual COPs, publication of various report in the areas of international climate policy, climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage. Prior to his work at CARE, he worked as Team Leader International Climate Policy with the German NGO/think tank Germanwatch. He also serves in the Board of Directors of Climate Action Network International (CAN), and Germanwatch.
Sven Harmeling
Global Policy Lead Climate Change and Resilience, CARE International
HAIDER HEREZ YOUSIF

Chief engineer (Energy Consultant)

Date of Birth : March 11 ,1969

Ministry of Electricity - Iraq

Pos. Now : Director of Quality, Information and Development.

Maintenance , operation and planning engineer in power plants for 20 years and still in Ministry of Electricity – Iraq .

Planning and Procurement Engineer for World Bank projects in Iraq .

Planning and Procurement Engineer for Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA projects in Iraq.

Interested in spreading the culture of renewable energy throughout the Arab region and manages many sites on the social networks in this regard and writing various articles and attend conferences and exhibitions regarding energy and renewable energy solutions. Giving lectures and participating in research in the field of renewable energy. have training certificates in the management of energy projects from Japan, Denmark Germany, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt (renewable energy) and the World Bank , UNDP.

Haider Herez Yousif
Director of Quality Information and Development, Ministry of Electricity – Iraq
Lea Ranalder is a Project Manager at REN21, the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, coordinating the research on the Renewables in Cities Global Status Report. Previously at REN21, Lea worked on, and co-authored reports on the status of renewable energy in South and East Africa and Latin America; she also supported the International Renewable Energy Conferences in South Africa and Mexico. Prior to REN21, Lea worked on public support for energy planning and at a Swedish environmental NGO where she initiated divestment campaigns. She holds a M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Lund University.
Lea Ranalder
Project Manager and Analyst, REN21
Petr Hlobil is a graduate of the Technical University in Brno. Since 1991 he has worked at NGOs (Children of the Earth, Greenpeace) on energy and climate issues. From 1996 he has been working with CEE Bankwatch Network, currently as Campaigns Director, with a focus on Multilateral Development Banks and EU Funds energy and mining sector investment, well as public participation in decision making. Since 2000 he has been a member of the Board of Partnership Foundation, board of Greenpeace Czechia since 2014, and in years 2010-7 he served in the Board of Climate Network Europe. In the years 2003-4 he was a member of the Advisory Panel to World Bank Extractive Industries Review.
Petr Hlobil
Campaigns Director, CEE Bankwatch Network
Johanna Schwarz (27) is a UN youth representative, climate activist, moderator, speaker and strong advocate for youth participation in international politics. Having served in the Youth Steering Committee of the UN Department of Global Communications and leading an ECOSOC-associated youth-NGO, she knows the diplomatic and civil society scene at the United Nations quite well and regularly joins international conferences as speaker and youth participant, including the COP21 in Paris, UN Civil Society Conferences or the Climate Summits in New York in 2019. Johanna is deeply passionate about combating climate change through just transitions and completed her Master's in Climate Change from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2017. She now works in consulting and focuses on facilitating energy and mobility transitions through cleantech with a focus on hydrogen and machine learning. Johanna has been named a G20 Young Global Changer in 2018 and serves in the European Commission’s Think Tank on Youth Participation. Social media handles: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter: @Jojo_Schwarz
Johanna Schwarz
G20 Global Young Changemaker (Germany)

Eng. Mohammed Alkaff

Eng. Mohammed is a Tech savvy IT Engineer, with a big passion to make the earth a better place to live.

After more than 16 years of experience in cutting edge technologies like AI, and Intelligent Networks, as part of his social responsibility he is always dedicating most of his time to bring the best technology practices and solutions to the region.

Eng. AlKaff began his career as an Intelligence Network Engineer, his portfolio included being theManaging Partner of Netaq for E-Solutions, Co-Founder of Wershaty, Technology and businessconsultant with Great Mindz, Co-Founder of UI Ventures and SasTech Green Energy UAE. Currently serves as the BMI Technology Group CEO, and MCPM MENA CO-Founder.

He is a serial Entrepreneur and Co-founded a couple of startups. He also loves to do voluntary mentorship and consultancy for several startups..

Eng. Mohammed Alkaff
CEO, BMI Technology Group | CO-Founder, MCPM MENA
Stephany Hemelberg is a Colombian entrepreneur, expert in social media and influencers marketing. 
 
Since 2012, she has been involved in social work and  community projects in countries like Egypt, Colombia, and Israel. Because of her passion for peace and development, while working fo the British Embassy in Colombia, she supported the Royal Visit in 2014. It was key to the success of the recent Colombian Peace Agreement. 
 
At the age of 25, she founded, along with her husband and best friend, the consulting company Binach. Her business has successfully worked and partnered with some of the most influential public figures in Colombia and Latin America. Stephany is also the co-founder of Innside, an AI company focusing on the economic empowerment of entrepreneurs in the region. 
 
Through her businesses, Stephany’s advocacy platforms and activism focuses on empowerment, tolerance, and the promotion of economic and social rights. She also provides pro bono expertise in operations and performance in marketing-related strategies to NGOs and young entrepreneurs in Colombia. She holds a Bachelors degree Summa Cum Laude in Journalism and Public Opinion, with a concentration in Political Science.
Stephany Hemlberg
Co-Founder, Binach Co. (Colombia)
Yannick Beaudoin is Director-General for Ontario and Northern Canada with the David Suzuki Foundation. He brings a ‘new economics for transition’ lens to the organization to enable the transformation of Canada towards social and ecological sustainability. Until recently, he was Chief Scientist of GRID-Arendal, a center collaborating with the United Nations, located in Norway. From circular economy to the SDGs, he has worked to enable placed-based sustainability approaches all over the world. He applies an art of change and participatory social processes to a variety of themes that include: adaptation to uncertain climate futures; embedding of local, traditional and indigenous knowledge in policy-, decision- and choice-making; promoting a transition to a sustainable relationship between society and Nature. Activities involve working with governments, local communities, industry, academia and other actors to design societal systems, processes and approaches that increase human well-being while preserving and enhancing Nature. Most recently, Yannick has been facilitating conversations with decision makers across Canada, highlighting various examples of beyond-GDP economics. Yannick holds a Phd in Marine Geology from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Economics for Transition from Schumacher College/University of Plymouth in the UK.
Dr Yannick Beaudoin
Director-General, Ontario and Northern Canada with the David Suzuki Foundation
Marla Korpar is honored to serve as Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Development Director, especially since she is one of over 80,000 alumni of SEI. She first came to SEI while working in oil and gas, but seeking to ‘join the sunny side.’ In 2016, Marla joined the SEI team to build the development department from the ground up. She leads SEI’s growth strategy and is dedicated to creating a culture of philanthropy with SEI’s partners across the globe. What excites Marla? GROWING the global solar workforce! She’s thrilled by scale and motivated by SEI’s role in addressing climate change. She’s a Penn State Environmental Engineering alumna: ‘We Are!’. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Marla invites ‘yinz’ to join her for a walk next time you’re in town.
Marla Korpar
Development Director, Solar Energy International

<strong>Conor Colwell</strong> is Co-founder of Liquidstar - Conor initially worked in film, shooting the first High Definition feature documentary in an active war zone, and developing commercial projects for the likes of Coca-Cola and BMW Designworks. Next he moved to Hong Kong to work for one of the world's leading independent macro investment research firms, focusing on long term implications of automation and alternative energy. Co-founding Chain of Things in 2016, as one of the first companies focused on blockchain & IoT, he is now focused on leveraging distributed technologies for positive environmental, humanitarian, and industrial applications. Most recently, Conor worked on Blockpass, a Chain of Things JV, focused on self-sovereign ZKP identity for regulated industries and the Internet of Everything.

Conor Colwell
Co-founder, Liquidstar
Deyanira Martinez
CEO, DeyaMedia Corp
Scott Salandy-Defour is Co-founder of liquidstar, Scott is a former management consultant with 8 years of experience at Booz Allen Hamilton and PA Consulting. Scott has conducted emerging technology consulting services for a variety of US utilities, helping them analyze and assess pilots that leverage the latest cutting-edge technologies. Specifically Mr. Salandy-Defour has worked with utilities to help them analyze how IoT, wearable devices, and big data can improve operations. Outside of the Utility space he has done emerging technology assessments for the UN, healthcare, and retail. Prior to Liquidstar, Mr. Salandy-Defour founded two startups one focused on using AI to detect bias and perspective in the news and a patent pending machine vision, IoT, and augmented reality solution to help reduce bias in interpersonal networking situations.
Scott Salandy-Defour
Co-founder,
Liquidstar

Xiaoning is the founder of Viva la Vida, Forbes 30 under 30 China, Sherpa of G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance China, Vice President of APEC Voices of the Future China, Education and outreach consultant of World Federation of United Nations Association, and Global Shaper of World Economic Forum.

Viva la Vida is a global community with influence in 50+ countries where people share their authentic stories through art, explore the purpose of life, and form genuine connections with others. It aims at building the largest art and humanity database and has partnered with organizations including UN, Facebook, ByteDance, China Unicom, Vanke, G20 YEA, etc.

As one of the 30 people who got admitted to Minerva Schools of KGI, described as the university "harder to get into than Harvard", Xiaoning has traveled and lived in more than 30 countries in the past five years. She has a registered patent when she's a high school student, and was awarded as "Goldman Sachs scholar" during her sophomore year. She was invited two years in a row to attend the APEC Voices of the Future program and G20 YEA Summit, representing millions of Chinese youth. Xiaoning double majored in natural sciences and business. Vicki Chandler, the science advisor to President Obama, is her academic advisor.

Xiaoning Lyu
Founder and CEO of Viva la Vida
Instagram

Mohammed Bakhreiba is an IT Engineer, has honor degree from University of Phoenix in Master of Information Systems.

Bakhreiba is a serial social and cultural entrepreneur, innovationist who promotes innovation for effective dialogue and bridging the gap between diverse communities. He started Call of Culture as an innovative culture dialogue project in Napoli - Italy, Sept 2011 in Jun 2013 the project turned as a sustained social enterprise with an office in Washington DC and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Call of Culture has 3 different divisions Content creation, Events and business incubation programs (Alhalimon – The dreamers).

Bakhreiba is a youth representative to the United Nations, a former member of the Youth Steering Committee at the Department of global communicaiton at the UN, member of Sustained Development Goals and Strategy Policy Development committee at the United Nation that developed the 2030 Global Agenda and a member of the International Peace Day organizing committee at the UN and the International Peace Cities program. Bakhreiba is also a member of Give1Project - Future Leadership that is hosted by the White House and State Department of the United States of America. Former Editor in Chief for Arabica Coffee Magazine and Call of Culture Magazine. Bakhreiba is the Founder for Week of Coffee annual event developed in partnership with the diplomatic mission of Italy in Saudi and Fragrance (Niche perfume event, in partnership with French Cultural Service and Collaboration). Bakhreiba was named on @SaudiArabia an official social media account for the new faces of Saudi Arabia.

Social Media Handle: @mohdbakh  (on Tiwtter, IG, and Snapchat).

Mohammed Bakhreiba
Founder, Call of Culture
Beth Roberts is the Program Manager for the Landesa Center for Women’s Land Rights. She is a law, policy, and gender specialist who works to strengthen gender-equal and socially inclusive rights to land and productive assets. She provides legal and policy recommendations to government decision-makers, traditional authorities, civil society partners, and international human rights and climate change bodies, conducts consultations and assessments with rural communities, and works to collaborate with, strengthen, and expand the network of practitioners focused on gender and natural resource justice worldwide. During her time at Landesa, she has focused geographically on Ghana and Myanmar, and on advocacy at both global and national levels related to gender and land in global agendas (the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights norms and standards, and climate change).
Beth Roberts
Program Manager, Landesa Center for Women’s Land Rights
Steve Chiu serves as Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Representative to the United Nations. In alignment with Tzu Chi’s work in disaster relief, climate action, education for global citizenship, sustainable development and gender equality, Steve works to build relationships, share best practices and develop programs with other organizations to make tangible impacts on the ground, with the mission of alleviating the suffering of those in need. With over 20 years of experience in community based development and local interfaith partnership, Steve seeks to connect the importance of grassroots action to policies that are being developed on the international level.
 
Social Media:
@tzuchiusa (fb/tw/ig)
@tevechoo (ig)
Steve Chiu Representative, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation 

Quratulain Tejani is a Karachi-based freelance journalist, blogger, content producer, and media entrepreneur and has been working with young community journalists to uncover stories of resilience, peace, and co-existence from the communities of Karachi. She is the Strategy & Communications Director at The School of Writing where she co-founded and is currently the Managing Editor of The Big Picture Pk, a citizen journalism portal carrying hyper-local stories on people, culture, and society. She has written on the environment, gender, youth inclusion, and freedom of expression and also contributes to Global Voices.

She is also serving as a Youth Representative to UNDGC and has previously served as a member of the Youth Sub-committee for the 68th UN Civil Society Conference and moderated conversations on various themes. She co-founded the International Youth Conference, a global platform hosting dialogues and working on youth inclusion in policies and in brainstorming innovative solutions for sustainable development.

Quratulain is currently enrolled in NYU’s MA in Journalism program and aspires to become a full-time environmental journalist for renowned media outlets.

Links to social platforms: 
 
Quratulain Tejani
Managing Director, The Big Picture PK

Olumide IDOWU is an energetic, and strategic leader who balances a practical view of competing for development interests with a passion for environmental protection and conservation. His knowledge of environmental issues is broad and multi-faceted. What makes him stand out among his peers is his ability to effectively engage and interest a great cross-section of individuals in environmental issues by building solid relationships, writing articles, contributing to working groups, and leveraging social media platforms.

A resolute self-driven professional with nine years’ progressive experience in project management, business development, sales & marketing, campaign specialist, social media strategy, environmental sustainability, climate change, digital marketing & facilitation. He enjoys working at the intersection of corporate sectors, media, development, technology, and entertainment. Experience in working and managing teams with diverse multicultural/national backgrounds. Given his dedication to development, he has been instrumental in the development of other businesses, sectors, companies, social change initiatives, serving as a volunteer, mentor, and strategist.

He is the co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI Africa), Youth Focal Point Nigeria UNDP Small Grant Program, Youth Lead Author Global Environmental Outlook (GEO6) & Communication Director for African Youth Initiative on Climate Change.

Social Media Links:
 
Olumide IDOWU
Co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI Africa)
Facebook
Twitter
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Linkedin

Rosleny Ubiñasis the Youth Representative of the Baha’is of the United States to the United Nations. In her work, she strives to build unity and higher levels of consensus for the betterment of society in the discourse areas of gender equity, race unity and meaningful youth participation through a spiritual and moral lens. Rosleny was part of the planning committees for various conferences: 62nd, 63rd and 64th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations 67th United Nations DPI/NGO Conference and 68th Civil Society Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is serving her second term as Chair of the UN Department of Global Communications Youth Representatives Steering Committee.

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Rosleny spends her free time animating the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program with youth from the area learning together to grow their moral and spiritual qualities through conducting service projects that uplift, engage, and improve their communities.

Rosleny Ubiñas
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States​ DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee
Ali Mustafa is a youth development professional who brings with him over 13 years of experience as a human rights advocate and a youth mobilizing force. He has worked with numerous multilateral organizations in various capacities and has developed programs on youth and gender.He founded GNVOY in 2009. In his role with UNFPA, he engaged a group of university students to present youth mobilization programs to various targeted communities and was able to enroll 2500 youth in the program with their constant feedback. He led ‘I Own Karachi’ in Pakistan, a movement to encourage volunteerism amongst youth. With the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Ali’s role has been of developing partnerships for youth inclusion in UN programs, while simultaneously working as Co-chair for the Youth Sub-committee of the 68th UN Civil Society Conference, where he engaged a highly diverse team of youth from all over the world making them a part of the conference. He is currently serving as the Youth Representative to the United Nations Department of Global Communications and Director of Generation Next, a movement aiming to create momentum on the Youth Climate Compact adopted at the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference. Ali holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and is a PhD candidate in Political Science.
Muhammed Ali Mustafa
Youth Development Professional, IAAI Glocha and Friendship Ambassadors Foundation
Jadayah Spencer

is the Executive Director of the International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI). She is an advocate for improving access to opportunities that enhance the lives of youth, people of African descent, and indigenous people worldwide.

A proud IYLI alumna, Jadayah became an IYLI fellow in 2010 and traveled on the 2011 Summer Fellowship Program to Tanzania. She subsequently served in various roles, including being an IYLI volunteer, an IYLI board member, and an IYLI group leader (Brazil SFP 2013).

She has served on several international and local boards, including her work as a Co-Chair of the UN DGC/CSO Youth Representative Steering Committee, and on the New York City Young Women’s Advisory Council which addresses policy issues that directly affect young women of color in New York City, and which has received $20 million in funding to implement policy recommendations.

Jadayah started her undergraduate education at age 16 as a Dean's Scholar at New York University, where she majored in anthropology and double-minored in Social Entrepreneurship and Mandarin Chinese. Jadayah is a born-and-raised Brooklynite, and recipient of several fellowships including StartingBloc, and has been recognized as one of 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in the NYC Non-Profit Sector by New York Nonprofit Media. She loves world travel, meaningful conversations, and dissecting rap lyrics.

Jadayah Spencer
Executive Diretor, International Youth Leadership Institute (USA)

Dr. Bassem Nassouhy is the General Manager of Scientific Business Solutions Group of Environmental Consulting and Sustainability Consultancies in the GCC and the Arab Republic of Egypt based in the United Arab Emirates, he is also a Chief Advisor Alternative Fuel & Alternative Raw Material as well as his advisory roles including Environmental Consultant for FNRC (Fujairah Government – UAE), SREE Advisory board member at Sharjah University and others.

SBS offer high quality tailored waste and sustainability solutions and waste to resources services with sister companies all over the GCC. SBS has the ability to create out of the box solutions and new initiatives in various fields including sustainability, waste management, alternative fuel, alternative raw material, H&S, and environment with proven track records including tens of recognized projects particularly for multinational companies located in GCC and Egypt.

For 10 years before March 2016, Dr. Bassem used to lead various positions within LH, e.g Geocycle, a member of the international LafargeHolcim Group, including the senior manager of Business Development, Quality, HSE, and Operations. He worked as an expert within the company responsible for reuse waste generates of various industries as an alternative fuel and raw material for Lafarge Emirates Cement factory, he used to be the head of quality, environmental, occupational safety and health departments at the company's various locations in the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to that, he served as manager of the Occupational Safety, Health, Environment and Fire Protection Department of Lafarge Emirates Cement (Lafarge-Holcim group) in the United Arab Emirates for 4 years.

Prior to joining the Lafarge Group, Dr. Bassem served as manager of Environment, Operation, Quality, Occupational Safety and Health departments at several major international companies including Orascom Construction, EDF électricité du France, Korea Smile Company, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency.

Dr. Bassem received various scientific degrees, including a PhD in the management of environmental, occupational safety and health systems, as well as an MBA and a diploma in in industrial pollution control and environmental management from Japan.

He has also received several credits as a consultant and international trainer accredited in several areas of management, environment, health, and safety from major institutes and universities in Japan, France, Egypt and the United States of America as well as international credits from the US Department of Labor and the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Dr. Bassem has provided consulting services for many well-known private companies and government authorities, and has published several publications and presentations at international conferences.

Dr. Bassem Nassouhy
General Manager, Scientific Business Solutions

Eng. Maha Mostafa who works in the Electricity & Energy Sector in Egypt Since January 1986 and currently Undersecretary of State for Research, Planning & International Cooperation in Ministry of Electricity & Renewable Energy.

Eng. Maha works with the International Financing Banks /Organizations and International agencies and the development partners to support the Ministry of Electricity &Renewable energy and its affiliated companies &Authorities in funding its strategic projects and the Restructuring of the Electricity sector through Loans or grants to finance different projects financing schemes and the preparation of MOUs, Agreements of financing these projects.

Eng. Maha leads the International cooperation department at the Ministry in the negotiation process with the International; development partners (bilateral & trilateral cooperation in order to provide the required financing for the Electricity sector projects and she has participated in reviewing the Energy Sector Strategy up to 2035 and representing the Ministry in several conferences on Electricity &Renewable Energy and also she leads the African Affairs department to support the cooperation and technical assistance with All African countries.

Eng. Maha has appointed since May, 2018 as the Executive chairwomen for the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and she appointed since November, 2018 as the Egyptian Manager for the High level German –Egyptian Joint committee for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Climate protection (JCEE) and she has been worked as the procurement officer about 20 years in the Electricity sector and also, Since 2013 she is the Head of the equal opportunities unit at the Ministry of Electricity &Renewable Energy as the focal point with the Women National Council.

Eng. Maha background is Electrical Power Engineer, Cairo University and she has obtained MBA Master Degree from Victoria University in Switzerland.

Eng. Maha Mostafa Awad
Undersecretary of State for Research Planning & International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt Ministry of Electricity & Renewable Energy
Eng. Mohamed Taha
Eng. Mohamed Taha Environmental and Mining Engineer, Scientific Business Solutions (UAE)
Dr. Shymaa Taha
Quality Manager, Scientific Business Solutions (UAE)
Eng. Osama Aly
Business Development Manager, Scientific Business Solutions (Egypt)

Michelle Aguwa is a Senior Vice President at Med, Inc, a leading global medical logistics firm, where she is responsible for Global Partnerships. MedLoSo’s offerings include medical supplies and consulting services to nations, local municipalities, hospitals and an array of medical organizations to drive productivity, profitability and growth. By creating unparalleled global access to safe healthcare, MedLoSo’s goal is to improve health outcomes by directing medical supplies to areas of need and offering proactive healthcare thought leadership.

Prior to MedLoSo, Michelle built her career focused on women’s physical and mental health, which included increasing access to quality affordable care and rewriting generational patterns to empower autonomy.

Michelle is an alum of Michigan State University.

Michelle Aguwa
Senior Vice President, MedLoSo, Inc.

Mohammad Asim is a Dubai Real EstateSpecialist who is the top performer of sale and re-sale transactions at Metropolitan Premium
Properties. He has been in Dubai since 2010
that gave him an opportunity to gain vast
experience and knowledge of the local market
that is so rare to find at these times.

Mohammad Asim
Dubai Real Estate Specialist, Metropolitan Premium Properties

Bekhruz Nurnazarov is a Dubai Real Estate Expert and Sales Manager at Metropolitan Premium Properties where he manages a team of property consultants. He is known for his statistics-driven approach to the real estate industry and the provision of comprehensive investment appraisal, risk management, and capital budgeting. He is the graduate of Masters of Science in Economics, who came to Dubai, UAE as a tourist back in 2013; falling in love and seeing a huge potential in the local property market, he joined and has been doing real estate activities ever since. 

Bekhruz Nurnazarov
Dubai Real Estate Expert and Sales Manager at Metropolitan Premium Properties

José L. Pérez is co-founder, President and CEO of Hispanics In Energy, a national non-profit organization since 2012 designed to drive Hispanic inclusion in America’s all the above energy industry. He has convened energy policy forums in Washington D.C., Illinois, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington D.C., Arizona and California. It is headquartered in Sacramento, CA.

In collaboration with the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC), Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Hispanics In Energy received approval for a Resolution to encourage state utility commissions to connect utility executives with executives of Hispanic Serving Institutions in their state to increase Latino energy STEM graduates.

Pérez is also owner and publisher of the Latino Journal (Founded in 1996), a non-partisan media company which provides an independent analysis of public policy and government from a Latino perspective. The Latino Journal celebrated its 24 years in business in 2020 with its popular Latino Leaders Reception. Through the publication, Jose built strong national relationships with elected and appointed public officials at the federal, state and local levels.

He has created and led several non-profits such as the National Utilities Diversity Council (NUDC), the California Utilities Diversity Council (CUDC), and Energy Utilities Diversity Council. He is a leader in the Hispanic chamber circles including former vice-chair of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, president of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Latin Business Association of Los Angeles.

He has a bachelor’s degree in government from California State University, Sacramento and a certificate on corporate governance from the Graduate School of Business at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. He resides in Eagan, MN but a long-time resident of California and born and raised in Texas.

José L. Pérez is co-founder, President and CEO of Hispanics In Energy, a national non-profit organization since 2012 designed to drive Hispanic inclusion in America’s all the above energy industry. He has convened energy policy forums in Washington D.C., Illinois, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington D.C., Arizona and California. It is headquartered in Sacramento, CA.

In collaboration with the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC), Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Hispanics In Energy received approval for a Resolution to encourage state utility commissions to connect utility executives with executives of Hispanic Serving Institutions in their state to increase Latino energy STEM graduates.

Pérez is also owner and publisher of the Latino Journal (Founded in 1996), a non-partisan media company which provides an independent analysis of public policy and government from a Latino perspective. The Latino Journal celebrated its 24 years in business in 2020 with its popular Latino Leaders Reception. Through the publication, Jose built strong national relationships with elected and appointed public officials at the federal, state and local levels.

He has created and led several non-profits such as the National Utilities Diversity Council (NUDC), the California Utilities Diversity Council (CUDC), and Energy Utilities Diversity Council. He is a leader in the Hispanic chamber circles including former vice-chair of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, president of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Latin Business Association of Los Angeles.

He has a bachelor’s degree in government from California State University, Sacramento and a certificate on corporate governance from the Graduate School of Business at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. He resides in Eagan, MN but a long-time resident of California and born and raised in Texas.

José L. Pérez
Co-founder, President and CEO of Hispanics In Energy

Dr. Jihad Alsawair

1- Has a PhD in Environmental Science and Health from the University of Nevada-Reno, USA.

2- Worked for 11 years at the Royal Scientific Society as a senior environmental researcher.

3- Worked as a technical consultant for 2 years with the European Union to establish Ben Hayyan Aqaba International Laboratories and Aqaba Air Quality Monitoring Network.

4- Worked for 8 years in Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, among which he was the Director of Environment and Director of Ben Hayyan Laboratories.

5- Currently, he is the Technical Advisor for the Minister and the Director of Green Economy Unit at the Ministry of Environment of Jordan.

Dr. Jihad Alsawair
Technical Advisor for the
Minister and Director,
Green Economy Unit at the
Ministry of Environment of Jordan.
Erica A. Arias a Los Angeles Native, is the Founder and CEO of Imperio Tech LLC and President of Alpha Prime Consulting LLC. Erica is an expert in developing business and driving internal organizational change. She conducts relevant organizational leadership assessments, executive coaching, training, leads focus groups and performs cutting-edge research. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, emotional intelligence for leaders, multicultural leadership, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning. Erica serves on the Board of Directors for the National Latina Women Business Association of Los Angeles and is a past advisory board member for JustUS4Youth, an at-risk youth advocacy nonprofit. She has been a featured guest speaker at conferences for small business communities with a heavy emphasis in underserved business populations. Erica is an active member of the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce, Pomona Chamber of Commerce and the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also Business Mentor for Undergraduate Students at the University of La Verne. Erica has recently been nominated by the Los Angeles Business Journal for the 2020 Women’s Leadership Award. With over 15 years of experience in developing diverse and inclusive work environments, Erica is known for her dynamic mentoring. She has trained constituencies such as nonprofit organizations, law enforcement agencies, higher education institutions, and startup companies. She has a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and a Master’s degree in Education both from the University of La Verne. Erica is currently an Executive Master of Leadership candidate at the University of Southern California
Erica A. Arias
Founder and CEO, Imperio Tech LLC

Tayde Aburto CEO of the United States Business Association of E-Commerce. Tayde holds a Bachelor's in Economics and a Master's Degree in Marketing. Tayde has demonstrated passion for promoting businesses through education, technology, and the use of the Internet as a business tool to help build more prosperous communities. Tayde is committed to helping businesses grow and compete more effectively in domestic and global markets.

Tayde Aburto

CEO, the United States Business Association of
E-Commerce

Dr. Maged Mahmoud is the Acting Executive Director, Technical Director, and Lead Renewable Energy Expert of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). He has multidisciplinary technical expertise and a solid record of accomplishments in the fields of sustainable energy transition in the Egyptian, Arab and African arenas. Dr. Mahmoud played a key role in helping RCREEE’s 17 Arab MENA countries in the formulation of renewable energy strategies and respective implementation mechanisms for increased reliance on private sector. Dr. Mahmoud contributed to shaping concrete regional initiatives endorsed by the League of Arab States. He is continuously assisting countries to develop and execute national sustainable energy action plans, to introduce business models and instruments supporting both utility- and small-scale markets, and to assess the e socio-economic benefits of sustainable energy.

Dr. Mahmoud had served for 20 years at the Egyptian New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA). Among his key achievements, he contributed significantly to setting the Egyptian RE 2022 strategy targeting 20% RE share, and in the design of the “best-fit” policies and measures for implementation. He deeply contributed to planning and contracting several hundreds megawatts of wind energy projects amounting to more than 700 million USD. Further, he participated in developing the quality infrastructure for testing solar thermal and energy efficiency systems in Egypt. Dr. Mahmoud holds the “Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research Award for Development and Innovations in Renewable Energy” since 2001. He has managed and contributed to over 40 research projects and studies in the sustainable energy fields in collaboration with national and international organizations (WB, IRENA, ESCWA, UNDP, UNEP, etc.). He is also a certified trainer and author/co-author of over 50 specialized publications and research articles.

Dr. Maged K.Mahmoud
Technical Director at the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RECREE), Cairo, Egypt
Matthew Harris Director Business Development- Latin America Matthew Harris has more than 17 years of experience in the renewable energy and sustainability fields. Educated in architectural design with a focus on restorative and regenerative principles, Matthew holds a vision of a built environment focused on the story of place. These ideals run parallel with the mission and vision of SEI whom Matthew joined in 2004. In his time with SEI Matthew was the initial lead project manager on the planning and development of SEI’s 7-acre Renewable Energy Training Facility in Paonia, CO, co- coordinated SEI’s Green Building program, and helped to launch SEI’s Programa Hispano, which he now serves as its Director of Business Development. The Programa Hispano aims to establish SEI as a leading renewable energy training provider for Spanish speakers, with a focus on Latin America. Matthew and his team have brought SEI’s Spanish training to over 9 countries including online learning, training over 5,000 Spanish speakers since 2013. Matthew lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Alexis, two cats Magic and Percy, and his six solar cookers. When Matthew is not working to fulfill SEI's mission he spends time as an Improvisational comedian, playing soccer, hiking in Colorado's beautiful mountains, and drinking Yerba Mate.
Matthew Harris
Director of Business Development in Latin America, Solar Energy International (SEI)
Renata Koch Alvarengais from the South of Brazil and currently lives in Rio de Janeiro. She's the Founder and Director of EmpoderaClima, an educational platform for youth about gender equality and climate action, with content available in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French, of the nonprofit Care About Climate. Renata has been a climate and gender justice advocate for the past five years, having presented her work on the Sustainable Development Goals in China, Germany, Bangladesh, Austria, and the United States. She was also involved in education through Model United Nations for eight years through multiple roles, including Secretary-General of the United Ambassadors Model UN in New York City, which brought 500 youth to the UN Headquarters to discuss the Global Goals. Renata graduated in International Relations from Unisinos, Brazil, and currently works as a Political Analyst at the British Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro, where she also serves as Chair of the UK Network's Women's Association.
This year, Renata is the Brazil Delegate for the G(irls)20 Global Summit, the only platform for young women to speak directly to G20 Leaders about pressing global issues. She's also co-lead of the Gender Working Group at the Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC, and has represented global youth at COP21 and COP25.
Renata Koch Alvarenga
Founder & Director, EmpoderaClima

Christoph Frei is Partner at Emerald, leading the development of the Global Energy Transformation Alliance (GETalliance). Christoph is also a Professor and advisor to the President of the Swiss Federal Technical Institute in Lausanne (EPFL) and a member of the board of the Energy Web Foundation (EWF). Prior to joining Emerald Christoph was CEO and Secretary General of the World Energy Council (WEC) for ten years and before that Senior Director and member of the Executive Council of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in charge of Energy for nine years.

At ease with strategic issues in the energy transformation context and recognised for his facilitation skills, Christoph regularly stimulates board and strategy meetings for leading energy and technology companies around the world and has a track record as facilitator of dialogue on behalf of governments and at international high-level events. In 2012, Christoph became a member of the high-level advisory group to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sustainable Energy for all.

Christoph received his PhD es sc. from EPFL. He holds a diploma in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in energy economics & management, a master’s degree in econometrics and a master’s degree in applied ethics. His publications cover fields including energy scenarios, innovation, energy & climate policy, global energy governance, energy-water nexus, energy access and the future of utilities. His PhD thesis was awarded with the ABB Energy Research Award 2001.

Christoph’s mother tongue is (Swiss-) German, he speaks French, English fluently as well as some Italian and Spanish.

Christoph Frei
Former CEO and Secretary General, World Energy Council (WEC) & Partner, Emerald Technology Ventures
Andrea
is an international expert with 10 years of experience in climate-related finance, policy and governance. Andrea is an environmental lawyer with two master degrees in Sustainable Development and Environmental Law. She currently manages the Climate Action Program at Fundacion Avina, a Latin American Foundation that promotes sustainability through collaborative processes, helping State and Non- state actors implement their climate change commitments and access climate finance to support their climate priorities and needs.
Andrea Rodríguez

Climate Finance Expert, AVINA 

David Newman< lived in Europe and the Middle East until 2016 when he returned to the UK.

He was the Executive Director of Greenpeace Italy 1994-1997 after many years as a volunteer; from 1999 until 2014 he led the Italian composting and biogas association CIC and he led the Italian Bioplastics Association from 2011 to 2015.

From 2012 to 2016 he was President of the International Solid Waste Association in Vienna and initiated the 2015 Global Waste Management Outlook report written by ISWA and UNEP. During this time (2012-13) he was personal advisor to the Italian Minister of Environment, Andrea Orlando.

David founded and leads the Bio Based and Biodegradable Industries Association UK since 2015 whichworks to promote the bioeconomy in the UK.

He is President of the World Biogas Association since November 2016, co-author of the report Global Food Waste Management, an Implementation Guide for Cities, published in May 2018 by the WBA with C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. He also worked on the 2019 report published by WBA “The Global Potential of Biogas”.

He is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group at DEFRA and a chartered member of the CIWM. His book “Everything is Connected, understanding a complicated world “ has been published in September 2020.

David Newman
President, World Biogas Association
Eng. Mohamed Samir Khater
Technical Manager, Scientific Business Solutions (UAE)

Neil Hirst is the Senior Policy Fellow for Energy and Mitigation at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London. After being a government official in the UK, he was the Director for Technology and then the Direct for Global Dialogue at the International Energy Agency. Most recently he has been working with China’s Energy Research Institute on China’s role in international energy governance.

Mr Hirst has been the Energy Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington and the Chairman of the G8 Nuclear Safety Working Group. He has worked on energy finance on secondment to Goldman Sachs in New York, and undertaken consultancy for the World Bank.

He is the author of The Energy Conundrum; Climate Change, Global Technology, and the Tough Decisions we Have to Take.

Mr Hirst holds a first class degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford and an MBA from Cornell.

Neil Hirst
Former Chairman of Group G8 | Senior Policy Fellow for Energy and Mitigation at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London

Kilder Fuentes is a Peruvian immigrant of humble origins who is a known activist and advocate for immigrants’ rights in the United States for the past 25 years.

Kilder is a business consultant with bachelor's, master's degrees and specializations obtained in well-known colleges and universities in the United States; he has specialized in microfinance, extreme poverty, international marketing, international trade, electoral strategy, and political marketing. Fuentes has solid business, professional and academic experience in the private and public sectors of the United States.

Kilder has worked as a consultant in projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United States Development Agency (USAID), Canadian Cooperation Agency (CIDA) and the Ministry of North American SMEs (US SBA) and Walt Disney World (Florida, USA).

Fuentes has professional experience in the Department of Education of the city of New York, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations system (UN-DESA); as well as academic researcher and adjunct professor at the City University of New York (City University of New York, USA) and Long Island University (New York, USA) among others.

In July 2006, for the first time, Fuentes achieved a proclamation of the WHITE HOUSE signed by President George W. Bush in favor of the Peruvian community in the US; and since then he has been President of Peruvian American National Council, an institution that organizes the “CELEBRATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF PERU IN WASHINGTON, DC” for 14 years, which includes events at the White House, the US Department of State, the United States Senate and Congress, the US Capitol, Arlington, National Cemetery and the Organization of American States among others prestigious venues in Washington, DC. In 2008 and 2012, Kilder Fuentes actively participated in the Barack Obama campaign as an active member of Latinos for Obama; and in 2016 he was involved with Latinos for Hillary Clinton where he supported the campaign of Hillary Clinton as a candidate for the White House for the Democratic Party.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Master of Science, Instructional and Educational Technology Touro College & University, New York, NY. 2015

Master of Arts/ECM, Electoral Management and Business Strategy Fordham University, Bronx, New York. 2011

Master of Arts, Political Science and International Relations Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York. 2005

Master of Business Administration, Management and International Business Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York. 2000

Bachelor of Science, International Finance and International Marketing City University of New York, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, New York. 1994

Kilder Fuentes
Business Consultant
Oscar Alexis Mejias
Chief Executive Officer,
Rhode Island Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce

Dennise Mejia was born in Bogota Colombia and migrated to the United States at the age of five. Dennise is a self-made serial entrepreneur and owner of various companies. In 2003, Dennise became the Founding CEO of California Physician Network LLC. A Medical Billing and a worker’s compensation litigation service to Medical providers and in 2010, she also became CEOof Donaly Express Inc. A local trucking freight service company that caters to Southern California. Currently VP Alpha Prime Consult and VP of ICBWA.

In 2012, during her personal health journey, she became an executive distributor and health and wellness coach with the Yoli Better Body System—a wellness program for all ages.

• Dennise is a dedicated civic leader in her local community and was appointed as a State Delegate for the Democratic State Committee where she serves as part of the Electoral College. She is a past founder of the Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Los Angeles County. She is a current member of Kiwanis International and Past Vice President of the National Latina Business Women Association – Los Angeles. Co- Founder and Vice President of ICBWA International Cannabis Business WomenAssociation and Board Member with the multiple Chambers of commerce Such the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Panorama City and Granada Hills chambers of Commerce. Nominated in 2019 By LA Style Magazine Entrepreneur of the year.Recognition by Mayor Eric Garcetti, Senator Jimmy Gomez, Senator Susan Rubio, Assemblywomen Blanca Rubio, Congresswomen Nannette Barragan. Currently active Advisory Board of NLBWA-CA, Advisory Board of Nosotros.org, Advisory Board Latino Coalition of Los Angeles and Advisory Board AME Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneur’s.

She prides herself on developing meaningful working relationships to help build her communities. She has passion to Mentor and Empower Leadership in her communities and any opportunity with Millennials. She is a life learner and believes in always seeking personal growth at every stage of life.

Dennise is a mother of two beautiful children and currently resides in San Fernando Valley.

Dennise Mejia
A Community leader Mentor,
Business Consultant and
Entrepreneur

Kofi Adu Domfeh is a multiple award-winning Development Journalist, Media Trainer, Climate Reality Leader and Global Goodwill Ambassador.

He is currently a Regional Bureau Editor at Media General Ghana, leading a team to provide compelling editorial and news content for TV, Radio and Online.

He is also the Ghana Bureau Chief of Africa Climate Reports, a leading African online newspaper focused on climate change, environment and sustainable development.

His reporting assignments span news, feature and documentary projects in Cameroon, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

He is a two-time recipient of the African Climate Change and Environment Reporting (ACCER) Award.

Domfeh founded the Climate Livelihoods and Agriculture Platform (CLAP Gh) as a unique collaborative platform for all interest groups to gather, share knowledge and take action on climate, landscape and agriculture.

Kofi Adu Domfeh
Regional Bureau Editor, Media General Ghana 
Donahue Peebles, III is Chief of Staff and handles new acquisitions and business development for The Peebles Corporation. Mr. Peebles actively pursues public and private real estate transactions in for The Peebles Corporation’s various markets, including South Florida, Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area and New York tri-state area. In addition, he maintains substantial involvement in the pre-development phase, and is capable of advancing projects through the development process through strategic partnerships, management and community engagement. Mr. Peebles takes an active role in The Peebles Corporation’s public image, participating in business and entrepreneurial summits, as well as real estate panels and forums. He also serves both the Washington D.C. and New York City communities by engaging with multiple philanthropies that benefit and expose youth to various opportunities in entrepreneurship. He currently works with the New York City Mission Society, Best Buddies, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., and various other organizations to improve the quality of life of impoverished and special-needs individuals on a global scale. Mr. Peebles holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University.
Donahue Peebles III
Chief of Staff,
The Peebles Corporation

 

Ms. Aneta Nikolova is an Environmental Affairs Officer and Engineer of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division, UN ESCAP. Ms. Aneta Slaveykova Nikolova has a rich professional experience in sustainable development policy analysis, advocacy, capacity development and technical assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Ms. Nikolova has broad educational background with degrees in Scientific Information Management, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology (Engineer) and European Politics and Administration.

Ms. Nikolova led an Asia-Pacific regional capacity development on green growth (2005 to 2014), including LCGG e-learning course, championed an integrated approach to SDGs and for integration of the SDGs into national planning (2015-today) all available on the SDG Help Desk and e-Learning platform at https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org. Currently, Ms Nikolova is leading the review and implementation of NDCs in the region, and capacity support for GHG emissions inventories and Paris Agreement reporting, including addressing greener post-COVID-19 recovery.

 

Ms. Aneta Nikolova is an Environmental Affairs Officer and Engineer of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division, UN ESCAP. Ms. Aneta Slaveykova Nikolova has a rich professional experience in sustainable development policy analysis, advocacy, capacity development and technical assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Ms. Nikolova has broad educational background with degrees in Scientific Information Management, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology (Engineer) and European Politics and Administration.

Ms. Nikolova led an Asia-Pacific regional capacity development on green growth (2005 to 2014), including LCGG e-learning course, championed an integrated approach to SDGs and for integration of the SDGs into national planning (2015-today) all available on the SDG Help Desk and e-Learning platform at https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org. Currently, Ms Nikolova is leading the review and implementation of NDCs in the region, and capacity support for GHG emissions inventories and Paris Agreement reporting, including addressing greener post-COVID-19 recovery.

 

Aneta Nikolova

Environmental Affairs Officer and Engineer of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division, UN ESCAP

Eng. Khaled Hisham
Environmental Engineer, Scientific Business Solutions (Egypt)

Said El Massadyani Moroccan, 30 years old, holder of a bachelor's degree in private law and also a master's degree in administrative litigation. temporary professor of administrative law.

Associative activist founder of the association (AFID) and arbitrator within the court of appeal in Tetouan / Morocco. international arbitrator in several arbitration centers. legal advisor within the study and research center (CERCIGOD).

Said El Massadyani
Founder, Association Fikr of Initiative and Development (AFID)

As Associate Administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Allen Gutierrez is dedicated to enhancing the nationwide network of offices, business executives, and mentors that support current and aspiring business owners as they start, grow, and compete in today’s global market. This nationwide network includes the following Resource Partners: Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE.

Most recently, Gutierrez served as the national executive director of The Latino Coalition. Under his leadership, the coalition grew to include 1.2 million Hispanic business owners and over 90 coalition partners, transforming TLC into one of the nation’s largest and most effective Latino advocacy groups.

Gutierrez previously served in the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2001 to 2006.

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Gutierrez immigrated to California in 1974. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Southern California.

Allen Gutierrez
Associate Administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development,
U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA)

 

Tunga Rai belongs to the Rai indigenous nation of Nepal. He is an anthropologist by academic learning, and indigenous expert by profession. Mr. Rai has been working with Indigenous Peoples at national and international arena for more than a decade. He is the National Coordinator of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), based in Nepal. Mr. Rai follows UN mechanisms including the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) as a part of International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC). He shares indigenous worldviews, issues and efforts, with different actors, through his work and through everyday life.
Tunga Rai
National Coordinator, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN)