I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Green Growth and Sustainability (GGGS) at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Korea. My research examines how environmental factors, such as air pollution, greenspace, and temperature affect human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations and environmental justice. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, I studied the effects of prenatal environmental exposures on neurodevelopmental disorders using Medicaid and the Nurses’ Health Study. During my Ph.D. at Yale University, I investigated population adaptation to extreme temperatures and disparities in temperature–mortality relationships. Overall, my work seeks to understand and reduce health inequities in the context of climate change.

As Lao PDR’s Country Representative, Dagmar leads GGGI’s efforts to support the Government of Laos in achieving its green growth commitments. She is dedicated to ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of GGGI’s programs to the government, donors, and other stakeholders.    

Working closely with a growing team in Laos, Dagmar fosters collaboration with stakeholders to promote socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resource-efficient green growth. Working with GGGI since 2019, Dagmar was previously based in Indonesia and Uganda. Prior to GGGI, Dagmar worked with SNV the Netherlands Development Organisation based in Vietnam for 5,5 years implementing projects in the Lower Mekong.   

Dagmar is a passionate advocate for green growth and climate change solutions, with a focus on gender and social inclusion. Her expertise spans renewable energy, green industrialization, sustainable urban development, climate finance, and carbon markets. Dagmar thrives on management challenges and prioritizes team well-being, believing that a motivated team drives meaningful impact.   

Dagmar holds an MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and an MSc in Poverty Reduction: Policy and Practice with a specialization in Development Management from SOAS, University of London. She has also, more recently, earned executive certificates in Economic Development (Harvard Kennedy School) and Tropical Forest Landscapes (Yale School of Environment). 

Asia Regional Sustainable Landscapes Lead, GGGI

Caroline Raes is an international development specialist with over 15 years of experience advising national and local governments across Europe and Africa on climate action, green growth, and urban resilience. She brings deep expertise in program management, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships.

Since February 2023, Caroline has served as the Country Representative for GGGI Rwanda, where is responsible for strategic leadership and operational management of the country program.

Previously, Caroline was Head of Programming for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Ghana, overseeing strategic direction, program quality, and partner engagement for an $8 million annual multisectoral portfolio. From 2020 to 2022, she led CRS Sierra Leone’s Urban Resilience Program, managing initiatives in watershed management, slum upgrading, solid waste systems, COVID-19 response, and urban malaria—totaling $6 million in funding.

Caroline also served as Senior Program Manager at the Global Resilient Cities Network (formerly 100 Resilient Cities) where she supported the development of resilience strategies in ten African cities and Paris. At IPE Global, she advanced climate-compatible urban-industrial development in Ethiopia’s Mek’ele–Kombolcha corridor on behalf of FCDO and CDKN. Earlier, Caroline was Senior Program Manager at the Global Resilient Cities Network (formerly 100 Resilient Cities), supporting resilience strategies in ten African cities—including Kigali—and Paris. At IPE Global, she advanced climate-compatible urban-industrial development in Ethiopia’s Mek’ele–Kombolcha corridor, working on behalf of FCDO and CDKN.

Earlier in her career, she worked as a Transport Planner at l’Institut Paris Region, advising subnational governments on transport demand management and low-carbon mobility. She also contributed to Ethiopia’s World Bank-funded 2035 National Urban Development Spatial Plan.

Caroline holds an MA in Urban and Regional Studies from Sciences Po Paris and a BSc in Economics from the University of Pierre Mendes France. She is fluent in Amharic, French, and English.

Senior Program Associate, Nepal, GGGI

Andean Representative, GGGI

Consort Group, CEO

Hon. Esrom Immanuel hails from Navolau Village in the tikina of Viria in Naitasiri. He completed his primary education at the Dravuni District School and secondary education at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the South Pacific, and Post Grad Diploma in Applied Finance & Investments at the Securities Institute of Australia.

He joined the Fiji Development bank as a Loans Officer in 1988. He then moved to Colonial Fiji Life Ltd and worked from being a Senior Investment Clerk to Assistant General Manager Positions from 1989 – 2005. He then moved to be the Chief Executive Officer for Yasana Holdings Ltd from 2006- 2013.Then moved to become the CEO, Investment Advisor and Broker Representative at the Fiji Stockbrokers Limited from 2014 to 2022.Currently, he is the Assistant Minister to Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics after the General Elections on 24 December 2022.

Hon. Esrom was part of the Board Member of the South Pacific Stock Exchange, Data Bureau Limited, Yasana Holdings Limited and represent Colonial Fiji Life Limited in some of its Investee Companies.
He was also a Board Member of Fiji Television Ltd to June 2013 and RB Patel (retail/wholesale chain) to June 2013, and Deputy Chair of Media New Guinea Limited (TV Company in PNG) to June 2013 and was Chair of Compac (Communication Pacific Limited).
He is a member of Leadership Fiji and Associate member of Securities Institute of Australia (FINSIA).
He has great excellent rugby memories and is fond of travelling, socializing with Extended families/relatives, workmates and loves meeting new people. His hobbies are reading financial news and books and watching rugby.

Mr. Shiva Kumar Wagle heads the Planning, Monitoring, and Coordination Division at Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and serves as the spokesperson for the ministry. He previously also performed as the Director General of Department of Forests and Soil Conservation and has also contributed to significant initiatives such as Nepal’s REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) strategy and national climate action plans.

At the REDD Implementation Centre (formerly REDD Forestry and Climate Change Cell), Mr. Wagle was instrumental in initiating and updating of Nepal’s readiness for REDD+ strategy development process. The current updated strategy for the period 2025–2034 outlines the country’s approach to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, emphasizing sustainable forest management and community engagement. Additionally, Mr. Wagle has a notable background in forestry and environmental policy. Mr. Wagle has represented Nepal in various international forums, working closely with national REDD+ focal points in countries such as India, Bhutan, and Myanmar. His efforts have focused on enhancing regional cooperation and sharing best practices to strengthen REDD+ initiatives across South Asia.

Research Team Leader, ICARDA

Dr. Campilan has worked for over 20 years with the world’s leading organizations — for environment, food and agriculture, and sustainable development — in key executive management and scientific leadership roles across Asia and in Latin America, Europe and Africa.

Since 2021 Dr. Campilan has led IUCN’s 48-country program in Asia-Oceania which provides science-based guidance on nature-positive policies, programs and investments — to governments, non-government and local organizations, and the private business sector. He started his career with CGIAR international research centres where he led programs on climate-smart agriculture and food systems, inclusive markets and value chains, and sustainable agri-ecological landscapes. He also worked with the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) to support business enterprise continuity amidst the triple risks of climate change, Covid-19 pandemic and humanitarian emergencies.

Dr. Campilan holds a PhD in Agriculture and Environment Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands.

Katerina is GGGI’s Regional Director for Africa and Head of Programs. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the development sector, including resource mobilization, project development and implementation.

Katerina was previously GGGI’s Director for the Pacific and Country Representative for Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tonga and Papua New Guinea (PNG). She joined GGGI nine years ago and established the Fiji and Vanuatu country programs, followed by Kiribati, Tonga, PNG, Samoa and Solomon Islands. She spearheaded the creation of the Pacific Regional Office and successfully secured resources for regional programs on NDC implementation and climate finance, while growing the Pacific operations to 14 countries and over 70 staff with offices.

Prior to joining GGGI, Katerina worked for GIZ as Senior Sustainable Energy Advisor and led a Project Management Unit for a European Union initiative focusing on renewable energy development in the Pacific, developing, leading, and implementing a range of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and infrastructure projects across the Pacific region. Prior to moving to the Pacific, Katerina engaged in several renewable energy and rural electrification projects in nine countries across the Africa region. She has participated in 100+ projects across various key sectors in working for the largest donors as well as the private sector.

Katerina holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Bristol University, a Diplôme d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées (DESS) in Energy Management from the University of Bordeaux, France and a MSc in Sustainable Development, specializing in Rural Development from the University of London SOAS.

Dr. Omar Diouf is currently Country Lead and Program Lead for Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Energy Nexus in the Togo country office of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). He joined the GGGI in 2021 as Regional Lead Africa on Climate-Smart Agriculture & Rural Energy in Burkina Faso. He has successfully supported the development of regional and country projects, including two funded projects in Togo. Omar is Senegalese. He has over 15 years of background research experience on plant ecophysiology, agrotechnology, drought adaptation and related research areas. He has diverse involvement working with governments, private sector, leading strategic and organizational changes as well as mobilizing resources and building partnerships.

Prior to joining GGGI, Omar taught and worked in multicultural and multi-sectoral environments both in West Africa and Central Africa in various regional and international organizations (UNDP, Millennium Promise, CARBAP, World Vegetable Center). He worked as Science Coordinator and Team Leader in the Millennium Villages Project of Potou c/o UNDP in Senegal, before occupying the position of Regional Operations Manager WCA for Millennium Promise. He also held the position of Scientific Coordinator & Deputy Director of CARBAP, a regional Research Center for Central Africa in Cameroon. Having overseen various other positions, he has strengthened experience in integrated agricultural research for development with focus on climate adaptation, community development, food security, poverty reduction, education, WASH, infrastructure and energy issues. He successfully mobilized millions of dollars for diverse projects. Omar holds a Doctorate Degree in plant physiology from the “Université libre de Bruxelles” with The Highest Distinction.

Mamadou Konate is Senegal Country Program Lead for Green Growth and OIC Country Representative in 2019 and 2025, at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). His work spans green growth planning and implementation including, program management, resource climate investment planning and mobilization, project implementation ensuring alignment with GGGI core values, corporate priorities and thematic areas, leading to achieving strategic outcomes in country.

At GGGI, Mamadou Konate has led the development of the national green growth strategy, the development and implementation of the Senegal’s flagship and built strong partnerships with line ministries, donors, private sector entities and civil society.

He contributes to maintain close collaboration with the country programs, the technical divisions in headquarters, different COPs on relevant topics to ensure their participation in the program delivery for quality inputs. His work covered also working with the Agricultural Bank of Senegal to develop green finance facility to foster climate-smart agriculture leading to a GCF funding of $56.9 million GCF funding in 2025 as well as with the Sovereign Wealth fund for strategic investment to Fund of Senegal, in developing A Renewable Energy special Purpose Vehicle to scale investment in solar irrigation with a first target of $50 million in 2025-2026. His work with Senegal delivery unit contributed to develop a strong pipeline of $520 million investment projects in 2023.

Prior to joining GGGI, Mamadou Konate was a Senior Team Leader in many biodiversity and Nature Conservancy Projects with 10 years in the latest one, the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Program seeking to improve the management and conditions of marine and coastal resources and biodiversity in Senegal funded by the World Bank.

Earlier in his career, Mamadou Konate worked with international NGOs, and Research Institutes where he contributed to the dissemination of technologies for sustainable land management and the development of the resilience of grassroots communities.

He is a Ph.D. candidate in Climate and Coastal & Marine Environment at the University of Dakar. He holds an MSc in Geomatic and Nature Evaluation, Is an engineer in Forestry and in agronomy.

Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya is a visionary leader serving as the Country Representative for Ethiopia at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). He also represents GGGI to the Regional Economic Commissions (RECs), where he spearheads strategic engagements with senior government officials, development partners, and key private sector actors in the climate action space. Prior to his current role, Mr. Ogbonnaya was the GGGI Country Representative to Rwanda, where he played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s green growth transformation by developing green growth strategies and frameworks.

Mr. Ogbonnaya has held several important positions within GGGI, including Regional Portfolio Coordination Officer for Africa and the Middle East at the GGGI Headquarters in Seoul. He also served as the Rwanda Program Lead, overseeing strategic and programmatic design and implementation, and as the Knowledge Management and Outreach Officer for the Ethiopia program. Between 2010 and 2015, he was extensively involved in establishing GGGI’s country offices and engaging with Members.

His expertise spans development, green growth, climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, leadership, strategic and change management. He has successfully mobilized finance and investments for various countries and continues to provide thought leadership and mentorship to many. Mr. Ogbonnaya has authored and contributed his knowledge to numerous policy documents, technical papers, and reports on green growth. Notable works include co-authoring Rwanda’s National Roadmap for Green Secondary Cities Development and coordinating the engagements and development of Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy; GGGI-UNIDO study on green industrial development and employment.

Joining GGGI in July 2010, Mr. Ogbonnaya holds a master’s degree in international development & cooperation and an Executive Certificate in Economic Development from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. With prior experience in Korea, Sweden, and Nigeria, he brings a diverse international perspective and rich experience in his 25 plus years of work to his role.

Conseil Café Cacao

Mahamadou Tounkara is currently holds the position of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Director.

Mahamadou is an experienced senior manager and strategist in climate actions and sustainable development with more than 30 years of experience in international development with combined living/working experience in over 90 countries – in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Central America, Caribbean, and North America – with both technical and managerial responsibilities. Mahamadou has been working with academia, scientists, educators, policymakers, business leaders, and officials at all levels of government; in the fields of green growth policy and program implementation, research and training, institutional development and reforms, and governance. Mahamadou has extensive experience working in country offices, regional offices and headquarters for several organizations.​

Prior to joining GGGI in 2016, Mahamadou was Vice-President Global Initiatives of Plan International Inc., covering 72 countries.
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Mahamadou’s education background includes Civil engineering, Master of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation and a Ph.D. in Applied Structural Engineering.

Senior Officer, Green Economy and Climate Finance, Middle East & North Africa, GGGI

Director of Projects Department, The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS)

Senior Officer Investment and Project Development, Africa, GGGI

H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn has been serving as the Director General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) since April 2024. His distinguished diplomatic career reflects a commitment to fostering international cooperation and advancing food security initiatives across the Islamic world.

Prior to his current post, Ambassador Aryn served as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. He holds academic degrees in Philology and Oriental Studies, Law, and a Master’s Degree in Regional Studies from leading universities in Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Aryn’s extensive diplomatic service includes key ambassadorial assignments in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, where he actively represented Kazakhstan’s interests. He has also engaged with prominent international organizations, including ICESCO, the League of Arab States, and the African Union. Domestically, in his capacity as Deputy Head of Administration in the Senate of the Parliament, he contributed to legislative processes, while his tenure as Vice-Minister for Religious Affairs and Civil Society focused on promoting religious harmony and strengthening civic engagement.

Ambassador Aryn had the honor of advancing Kazakhstan’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2017-2019) and played an instrumental role in organizing the Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana.

His exemplary service has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the “Kurmet” Order, the “Gratitude of the People” medal, and multiple commemorative awards.

Ms. Yasmine Fouad is the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). She succeeds Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw (Mauritania), Ms. Monique Barbut (France), Mr. Luc Gnacadja (Benin) and the late Mr. Hama Arba Diallo (Burkina Faso). A distinguished leader in environmental diplomacy, she brings over 25 years of experience in environmental governance, sustainability and climate negotiations.

Renowned for shaping ambitious policies and driving transformative reforms, Ms. Fouad played a decisive role in linking sustainable development with the most pressing global challenges of land degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss and water security.

On the global stage, she has played pivotal roles in advancing multilateral processes. As President of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 14), she steered negotiations that paved the way towards the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030. As UNFCCC COP 27 Envoy, she mobilized international action on adaptation, food security and nature-based solutions, while promoting stronger synergies among the Rio Conventions. Her leadership was instrumental in launching the Presidential Global Initiative at CBD COP14, uniting land, climate and biodiversity agendas, and further advanced synergetic approaches at UNFCCC COP 27 and COP 28.

A national of Egypt, Ms. Fouad served as the country’s Minister of Environment from 2018 to 2025, driving major national reforms in climate and environment policy. She championed the adoption of Egypt’s Climate Change Strategy 2050, updated Nationally Determined Contributions, introduced the country’s first Integrated Waste Management Law and pioneering reforms for protected areas and renewable energy. She successfully secured a landmark commitment that all government projects become green by 2030. embedding sustainability into Egypt’s national investment planning.

Regionally, as Assistant Minister of Environment, she strengthened Africa’s climate and environment agenda, supporting the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and AMCEN, and contributed to the launch of the African Adaptation and Renewable Energy Initiatives at UNFCCC COP 21.

In academia and global policy, Ms. Fouad has served as a visiting scholar at Columbia University and as a lead author of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change, Desertification, Land Degradation, and Food Security. She holds a Ph.D. in Euro-Mediterranean Studies from Cairo University and an M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Ain Shams University.

Fluent in English and Arabic, she has been widely recognized for her impact, including the First-Class Order of Zayed II and recognition by Forbes Middle East as one of the region’s leading sustainability figures.

At the helm of UNCCD, Ms. Fouad leverages her vision and experience to champion land restoration, drought resilience, and ecosystem recovery with clear linkages with climate change and biodiversity: а land Convention offering a sustainable future for the people and the planet.

Thuraya is one of winners of the Eccellence Awards for Arab Women in the field of Environmental Activism 2023, she was Sultanate of Oman’s representative in Man and Biosphere Reserves Council (2017-2021) and Natural Expert within Oman experts at the World Heritage Commission in UNESCO (2020-2023), Co-chair for Chair for ad hoc open-ended group on the GEO-7 scoping document (UNEP) 2022-2025. She is a member in World Commission on Protected areas, the commission on ecosystem management, MEWA-EAGL and Marine Turtle Specialists Group in IUCN. Chair for technical team for developing Oman Environment Strategy, Chair for technical team for transplanting 10 Million trees initiative, 1st Coherent of National Leadership and Competitiveness program and Chair for West Asia Arabian Plant Specialist Group (SSC_ IUCN).

She also worked a member with different international working groups such as Member in Working Group on including regional governments in the Structure of the IUCN Union. And Member in ad hoc working group on process of excellence and enhancement of the WNBR as quality improvement of all members of the world network (UNESCO). Member with the  External Advisory Board at Gutech University, Reviewer for the 2nd Pathfinder Award (IUCN), Reviewer proposals for the 5th International Marine Area Congress.

She Joined the Environment Authority in 2000 as an environmental specialist .From 2005- 2010 was a director of Marine conservation department, from 2010-2015 Director of Biodiversity Department, and from Mid-2015 –July 2025 she worked as an assistance director general of nature conservation From July 2025- until recently she appointed as Presendtial Advisor for nature conservation at Environment Authority.

In addition I am a member of different national committees relating to biodiversity and climate change issues, chairing many national committee for nature conservation issues. I am working also as an internal consultant for several projects in the Authority such as project on preparing the national adaption strategy of climate change and project of mapping land degradation in Oman, chair for updating national action plan for combating Desertification. I have been involved and collaborated in preparing many national reports, studied action plans and strategies on the conservation of the Environment including plant strategies, sustainable development, Natural Resources, protected areas , updating and developing national legislation, Oman vision2040, National Program for enhancing economic diversifications and National Strategy for Spatial Planning. I also involved with publishing many papers as authors and co-others related to different issues on nature conservation.

I have PhD from Surrey University in UK on the Coastal Zone and Climate Change Management in Oman, MSc from Southampton University in the UK, Masters of Arts in Strategic studies for National Security and Defense from Sultan Qaboos University and Bachelor Degree on Biology from Sultan Qaboos University.

Minister Plenipotentiary Nada El Agizy is the Director of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation Department at the League of Arab States. She joined the Arab League in 1992 and acquired proficiency in economic and social development at the regional and international levels.
Ms. El Agizy has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University in Cairo and an MBA from University of Cumbria in the UK where her studies were focused on sustainable management.
Before her most recent appointment; Ms. El Agizy was Deputy Chief of Staff and adviser for socio-economic affairs as well as communication to H.E. the Secretary General of the Arab League, she was responsible for setting recommendations and preparation of policy notes on key issues like economic integration, reform and development.
In her recent capacity she led a number of initiatives including; End of Hunger in the Arab Region sub-committee, the Multi-stakeholder sub-committee to support the attainment of SDGs in conflict-affected countries in the Arab region, the Regional Initiative on Climate Security, the SDG-Climate Facility Project, DE-Risking Investment Task Force in the Arab Region, the Arab Youth SDGs Platform, Arab League Partners Alliance for Sustainability, also launching the largest regional multi-stakeholder dialogue platform in the Arab region; “The Arab Sustainable Development Week”; bringing together representatives from Arab governments, experts, civil society, private sector, youth, media and philanthropic organizations.

Aly Abousabaa is Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), as well as Regional Director, Central and West Asia and North Africa of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

He is a strategic leader in sustainable development, climate change advocacy, and agriculture research in global dry regions. His scope covers North Africa and the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and West Asia.

In addition to being an active reformer both within ICARDA and One CGIAR, he promotes the global scaling of dryland agriculture innovations to improve the livelihoods resilience of smallholder family farmers under a climate crisis.

Prior to joining CGIAR to head ICARDA, he was Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He led the preparation and execution of the Bank’s key strategies in the areas of agriculture, water, natural resources management, climate change, infrastructure, women, youth and governance. Through mobilizing and managing a portfolio of USD 11 billion, his work made a transformational impact on the lives of millions of people across Africa. At the AfDB, he also helped coordinate climate change negotiations in Africa and acted as Gender Champion.

He continues to sit on several international boards and has built up a personal global network of international partners in development. He holds a master’s in civil engineering from Montana State University in the US and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Alexandria University.

Olola Vieyra is an executive with more than 18 years of experience. Former technical advisor in Office of President of Benin, she has led several engagements at international level on information systems, energy efficiency & access, environment and water scarcity with organizations including, United Nations Environment Program, United Nations Development Program, Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development and the Economic Community of West African States. As Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute in Côte d’Ivoire since January 2022 she supports the Government of Cote d’Ivoire develop green growth policies, mobilize financing for green investment projects and build capacity for green growth implementation. She holds an Executive Degree in Public Finance from Harvard Kennedy School, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from HEC Montreal, and a Dual-Degree in Public Administration from Sciences Po-Paris and in Public Policy from Lee Kwan Yee School of Public Policy, Singapore. She is a member of the Project Management Institute and a Certified Project Management Professional.

Engineer Ahmad Mohammed Al-Sada is the Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Chage Affairs in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in the State of Qatar with an experience that extends to (25) years in institutional management and projects management along with technical expertise in electrical engineering.

In 2011, Eng. Ahmad Al-Sada joined the Ministry as the director of the Environmental Impact Assessment Department, where he managed the process of improving the department’s systems and strategies.

And in 2013, he was appointed as the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry, where he managed and supervised strategically the environmental affairs sector, which covers different aspects related to the environment in Qatar such as climate change, pollution control, biodiversity, … etc.

Prior to his work in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Ahmad Al-Sada held several positions within Msheireb Properties (a Qatar Foundation subsidiary) and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). One of the prominent achievements during that period was his vital role in the establishment of Msheireb Knowledge Enrichment Centre.

Eng. Ahmad Al-Sada has a Master’s degree in Project Management from George Washington University and is a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Qatar University, along with multiple professional certificates in environmental, civil, and electrical engineering.

Minister of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development, Kiribati

Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon is a Saint Lucian national and an International Development advocate for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He focuses on access to adequate and affordable finance to achieve resilient prosperity in those countries. He is currently the Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), a new development bank for SIDS. In 2024, Dr Leon was appointed Ambassador-at-Large for the Government of Saint Lucia, focusing on development finance and SIDS-related issues.

Dr Leon served as the sixth President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the regional development finance institution based in Barbados, where he championed a systems approach to economic development based on the notion of social justice. With over 30 years of experience in economic development, Dr. Leon has directed macroeconomic and financial policy support to government authorities in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caribbean. A former Associate Professor, Dr. Leon worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for more than 24 years, functioning as Mission Chief in parts of Africa, The Bahamas, and several Gulf States, as well as IMF Senior Resident Representative in Jamaica and Nigeria.

Dr. Leon also served as Director of Research at the Central Bank of Barbados and was Country Economist at CDB. Dr. Leon’s academic background is a testament to his expertise and credibility in the field of economics. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom (UK) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in Economics from the University of London

Lisa Sachs is director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), a joint center of Columbia Climate School and Columbia Law School. At CCSI, she established and oversees its interdisciplinary research and advisory work on the alignment of investment law, practice, and policy with the Sustainable Development Goals. She is a globally recognized expert in the ways that laws, policies and business practices shape global investment flows and affect sustainable development. She works with global stakeholders across sectors to understand the inter-relations of investment flows and sustainable development, and to influence investment policies and practices to promote the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School, where she was a James Kent Scholar and recipient of the Parker School Certificate in International and Comparative Law.

Spencer Low is Google’s cross-functional sustainability leader in Asia Pacific, the regional head of a global team that leads sustainability strategy and programs. He works with a broad range of stakeholders and is an active advocate for leveraging Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies to tackle critical sustainability challenges.

Previously Spencer was the Chief Sustainability Officer and CEO Travel Retail at the Singapore-listed aviation services and food solutions company SATS Ltd., where he was instrumental in transforming the company into a global leader in sustainability. Prior to that, he held senior management roles within the technology companies Booking Holdings and Rakuten Group after spending the first decade of his international career at Bain & Company. Spencer has served on the Board of Directors of KrisShop and currently chairs the Innovation task force of the United Nations ESCAP Sustainable Business Network.

Nicholas is GGGI’S Lead for Adaptation and Resilience and is based at the organization’s headquarters in Seoul. He works on building the A&R portfolio through leading the development of adaptation planning and policy (NDC and NAP), investment projects (for GCF, GEF, IFIs) as well as well as representing the organization in key international adaptation partnership such as the UNFCCC’s Adaptation Committee or through collaboration with the Adaptation Fund. More recently he has been leading the development of the Scaling and Accelerating Facility for Adaptation (SAFA) with various global funding and academic partners. The aim of SAFA is to provide a new structure for countries to access for the scaling of adaptation finance.

Nicholas holds a dual Masters in Urban and Regional Strategy and Planning from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Sciences Po, Paris. He has worked with UN agencies, philanthropies and INGOs globally; in Myanmar, Thailand, France and the USA before moving to Seoul HQ with GGGI.