MEET THE 2024 LOCAL PATHWAYS FELLOWS

The seventh cohort of Local Pathways Fellows (LPF) is bringing together an exceptional and diverse network of 103 young professionals from 51 different countries and 85 cities. This group is united by a shared passion for promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

Meet previous fellows

**Kongphat, Phaiboonnukulkij**
*London, United Kingdom*
Kongphat Phaiboonnukulkij is an innovative architect and inventor, serving as the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Phytavaren Technology. He is renowned for pioneering eco-friendly building materials and low-energy solutions. Notably, Kongphat is the inventor of the Interlocking Passive Brick, acclaimed for its thermal efficiency and comfort in building construction. His innovation earned recognition as the top Proptech and Contech innovation in Europe and Asia.

**Alex, Lew**
*Bangkok, Thailand*
Alex serves as a dynamic Youth Panelist for the Spark Fund at the Global Fund for Children and holds the distinguished role of UNFCCC RIIE Youth Contact Point. Additionally, he is actively involved with the Chulalongkorn SEA and functions as the UNCCD Youth Caucus Focal Point for the Asia Pacific region. Through the Land Transport Authority, Alex is passionate about fostering resilient, sustainable cities, with a particular focus on enhancing road safety and advocating for people-friendly and equitable public infrastructure and transport, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to addressing critical environmental, urban, and child welfare issues on a global scale.

**Jessica Wing Tung, Leung**
*Rotterdam, Netherlands*
Jessica is a passionate sustainability professional with over five years of experience in sustainable community education, urban design, and sustainable food transformation in Hong Kong and the Netherlands. She graduated with a master's degree in Urban Management & Development (specializing in Sustainability & Climate Change) from Rotterdam. Currently, she works for an international NGO collaborating with private sectors across global food value chains to develop joint program agendas for sustainable trade.

**Dilip, Pareek**
*Milan, Italy*
Dilip Pareek, an Architect pursuing a Master's in Urban Planning in Milan, Italy, specializes in mobility and green infrastructure. With a keen focus on sustainability, he actively collaborates with municipalities to implement innovative solutions for urban mobility and environmental conservation. He believes in crafting unique spatial solutions that are deeply rooted in their contextual surroundings, ensuring harmonious integration with the built environment.

**Christopher Arrey, Tarh-Ebai**
*Yaoundé, Cameroon*
Christopher Arrey, currently pursuing his master's in structural engineering at ENSTP Yaoundé, Cameroon, is dedicated to addressing the issue of affordable housing, especially for marginalized communities. As a 2023 UNLEASH Innovation Lab fellow, he gained expertise in human-centered design, which led him to co-found CaBric Engineering. This startup focuses on implementing eco-smart construction techniques to revolutionize the housing sector in Cameroon.

**Milimo, Muuka**
*Lusaka, Zambia*
Milimo is an urban and regional planning graduate from the Copperbelt University. He is skilled in spatial planning, Project Management, GIS and research. He has an interest in slum upgrading and housing. Formerly, he was a research assistant at people’s process on housing and poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ), a 3 months project that aimed at gathering critical evidence on land tenure arrangements and service provision in informal settlements specifically focusing Ipusukilo in kitwe.

**Paramvir, Singh**
*Brussels, Belgium*
Paramvir Singh, a KU Leuven Master's in Architecture student and Chandigarh native, explores sustainable urban design, challenging the monodisciplinary nature and limited accessibility of architecture. From Berlin's low-cost housing to founding 'collab studio,' he tackles diverse urban scales, addressing climate crises, communality, and cultural diversity, showcasing a nuanced design approach.

**Mahutondji Cédric , Agbessi**
*Cove, Benin Republic*
Innovative, creative and dynamic, Mahutondji Cédric Agbessi is a key player in local development and social change, with a strong commitment to achieving the SDGs, working on specific issues such as climate change, food and nutrition security, energy transition and youth empowerment. A young Beninese leader with an unprecedented record of commitment, he is the Youth Mayor of his commune, with a sense of leadership and innovation in the field of climate change and sustainable cities, endorsed by several organisations.

**James, Jung**
*Washington DC, USA*
James is a Designer at SOM. He believes Form Follows 'Empathy'. His research focuses on reconciling the built environment as social infrastructure prioritizing social capital. During his studies, he won multiple awards including the AIA Henry Adams Medal, and was nominated for the Metropolis Future 100. Founding member of an award-winning agritech startup, James seeks sustainable development through urban food production in urban settings.

**Samuel Appiah, Ofori**
*Accra, Ghana*
Samuel Appiah Ofori is an experienced Project Manager with expertise in environmental conservation, community development, and sustainable agriculture. Passionate about driving positive change, he has successfully managed projects focused on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and rural livelihood improvement. With a strong background in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, Samuel is dedicated to fostering collaboration and empowering local communities to achieve shared sustainability goals.

**Nguyen, Dang-Dao**
*Hanoi, Vietnam*
Dao is a mid-senior urbanist focusing on urban governance and development towards inclusive, smart and green city. He has intensive work experience in urban affairs at the United Nations, Cornell University Center for Cities, and the Vietnamese government. As a Co-Founder of Young Urbanists of Southeast Asia, Dao is leading a network of young professionals from 30 countries dedicating for a better future of ASEAN cities.

**Maitri, Pujara**
*New York, USA*
Maitri is an Urban Planner at Gensler, New York City. Maitri is focused on the idea of ecological urbanism, sustainable, and resilient cities and communities. Through the integration of urban design and technology, Maitri has a strong focus on using urban analytics to drive equity, livability, and sustainability at various scales. Maitri holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from New York University (NYU).

**Aimpavee, Kiratiakkrasak**
*Taipei, Taiwan*
Aimpavee is a young professional currently based in Taipei, Taiwan, with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in urban governance. She has a professional background working with the government on foreign policy, political parties, and urban research. Her interests include local governance, demographic policy, and urban development. She is also keen on fostering inclusive and resilient cities for all ages.

God'sLove-Divine, Ngbechukwuyem

Calabar, Nigeria

God'sLove-Divine is a Nigerian youth advocate and serial volunteer with a passion for solving problems using community-oriented approaches. A Leaders of Leaders Fellow 2023, he has a multidisciplinary background in Human Nutrition, Project Management, Nonprofit Finance, Communications and Community Management. As a public health advocate, his goal is to contribute to the strengthening of health systems and the well-being of individuals and communities. He is also curious about urbanism and the potential to improve our world through service and policy innovation.

**Kolatat, Phaiboonnukulkij**
*London, United Kingdom*
Kolatat is a speaker and impact investment specialist, based in London. He has a degree in BSc Real Estate with MSc Urban Planning and Development. He is a Chairperson at Phaiboonnukulkij Group, a holding company that comprises early stage technology companies and assets internationally, focusing on strengthen the collaborations EU-APAC relations through investment. He has experience working for Schneider Electric and the Crown Estate in the UK.

**Filip, Novakovic**
*London , United Kingdom*
Filip Novakovic is a distinguished Sustainable Finance specialist, leading the United Nations Climate Technology Mechanism and concurrently pursuing scholarly endeavors at the University of Cambridge.Currently serving as an Analyst at J.P. Morgan’s Investment Bank in London, Filip is dedicated to advancing climate action through his leadership role within the UN Climate Technology Mechanism working group. He spearheads efforts to foster the development and deployment of climate technologies, contributing significantly to global sustainability initiatives.Filip's expertise extends beyond his current role, having been recognized as a Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He has also made significant contributions as a Fellow at the International Renewable Energy Agency and previously held positions as a consultant and Sustainability leader at Masdar.

**Jeancia Exaucée, WONGA BAREBILONGO**
*Brazzaville, Congo*
Exaucée, a Congolese civil engineer specialized in infrastructure, has extensive experience in road, building, and maritime construction. She actively advocates for sustainable city access, reflecting her commitment to inclusive urban development.

**Karin, Vigonich**
*Lund, Sweden*
Karin is a graduate student pursuing a Master's in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science from Lund University, Sweden. Her interests lie at the intersection of urban design, health equity, community-building, and climate resilience. She is passionately driven to contribute to sustainable development initiatives and empower other young change-makers.

**Frank, Koomson**
*Accra, Ghana*
Frank Koomson is a youth advocate, and project manager passionate about youth development and sustainable development. He holds a degree in Geography and Resource Development with Political Science from the University of Ghana. He currently serves as a Youth Sounding Board Member for UNDP Ghana, and is a member of the Waste Gobbler Project team. His team was the 2nd Runner Up in the African Climate Adaptation Innovation Challenge in 2022.

**Pooja, Ramesh**
*Dubai, United Arab Emirates*
Pooja has worked in both professionally and non-profit capacities to underscore her commitment to fight climate change. In her day-to-day role, she assesses the environmental and climate change impacts of infrastructure and oil and gas projects, and accordingly advises measures to minimise carbon emissions to clients. She was also the regional carbon neutrality champion for her firm, and in this role, she estimated scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and developed strategies for reducing carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency on an organisational level.

**Ashlesha, Howal**
*Mumbai, India*
Ashlesha Howal is an architect passionate about sustainability in the built environment and advocates for equitable public transportation in the city. Experienced in development planning of 200+ acres of land and government projects, she promotes sustainable construction and livable urban spaces. Keen about circularity in the built environment, she aims to shape green building policies. She is presently involved with Fridays for Future Mumbai.

**Megan, Devoe**
*Halifax, Canada*
Megan is currently working towards her PhD in Labour Studies at McMaster University. Her research focuses on the perceptions of just transition policy among fossil-fuel workers in Atlantic Canada and how just transition legislation can act as a form of sustainable community development. Megan is passionate about clean energy, sustainable cities, and creating futures that are just and sustainable for all.

**Richard, Muraya**
*Kikuyu Municipality, Kenya*
Richard Muraya is an accomplished citizen scientist, digital cartographer and civictech developer specializing in climate data analytics towards advancing air quality rights and catalyzing sustainable water resource management in Kenya's urban centers. His work involves the deployment of affordable and accessible tools and technology to advance climate education and resilience building in disenfranchised urban and peri-urban communities.

**Jaya, Ghimire**
*Kathmandu, Nepal*
Jaya Ghimire is a research associate at the Kathmandu University-based green hydrogen lab in Nepal. She holds a master's degree in sustainable energy transition from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. She has been working in the domain of sustainable energy since 2018 and is currently associated as the lead researcher in the Green Ammonia pilot project and the Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station project in Nepal.

**Sarai, Osorio**
*Houston, TX, USA*
Sarai is a Community and Environmental Principal Planner with expertise in multi-modal transportation systems. Her focus on accessibility, equity, economic development, and sustainability drives her work, which she views as interconnected and requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. Sarai is dedicated to bridging gaps between underserved communities and planning processes, leveraging her experience in spatial analysis, design, and equity-centered projects across both the public and private sectors.

**Rumbidzai Royanna, Muyambo**
*Cape Town, South Africa*
Rumbidzai is passionate about integrating nature and community into architectural designs while respecting local landscapes, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a Bachelor's in Architecture from Valencia, she brings a global perspective to her work. Her academic journey was underscored by a thesis exploring resilient cities, taking an urban planning approach that aligns with her fervor for sustainable communities. This passion also drives her collaborations with Social Impact 360, creating safe spaces for young women in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi, fostering empowerment and growth.

**Sweta, Singh**
*Mumbai, India*
Sweta Singh is an architect with a background in research on urban planning, sustainable development schemes, government incentives, and climate change mitigation. She drafted a proposal to the BMC for the 2024 budget on behalf of 200 Mumbai architects, focusing on participatory democracy for inclusive city-making. She brings her experience from her engagements at IMK Architects, City-Collab, and Hloov, combining data and community insights to address development challenges. She is exploring interventions to build urban resilience and enhance community adaptation capacities.

**Allin Mohana, Biswas**
*Dhaka, Bangladesh*
Allin is a recent graduate of Global Studies & Governance from Independent University, Bangladesh with a deep passion for the environment, policy and entrepreneurship. A dedicated youth leader, she has actively participated in various projects focused on renewable energy, policy development, and tackling climate change. Her dedication has been recognized through the ICCCAD Youth Innovation Fund 2023 and the Leaders of Tomorrow award.

**Marianna, Massaroni**
*Caracas, Venezuela*
Marianna is a Venezuelan architect from the Central University of Venezuela. Since 2018, she has been working to recover public spaces in vulnerable communities. Currently, she works for Lata de Agua, promoting sustainable architecture and climate change resilience. She is committed to carrying out her projects in public spaces through Urbanismo Participativo and is a university professor of Art and Architecture History.

**Katherine, Hardgrave**
*Ireland*
Katherine is an environmental engineer with varied experience in sustainable development, including projects on wastewater treatment, district heating, and autonomous vehicles. Holding a master’s degree from Trinity College, her professional interests focus on international development, water supply, and sanitation. She is committed to driving change through environmental and community initiatives both locally and globally and is currently co-developing tools for digitizing rural water cooperatives.

**Siobhan, Mehrotra**
*Toronto, Canada*
Siobhan graduated with a BA in Environment and Development from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She is currently a Master of Science in Sustainability Management student at the University of Toronto exploring globally-based sustainability solutions. Previously working as a Sustainability Associate with the United Nations Global Compact Network, she continues to further her passion for environmental geography and sustainability in cities.

**Mrinal, Patil**
*Mumbai, Maharashtra, India*
Mrinal Patil is an architect and urban planner based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Her work is driven by empathy and a passion for shaping resilient, sustainable cities. She currently serves the Government of Maharashtra, spearheading climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives aimed at fortifying the urban landscape. Through her expertise and dedication, she endeavors to build communities that thrive amidst challenges, leaving a lasting impact on the urban fabric.

**Kate, Ndocko**
*Lyon, France*
Kate Ndocko is a public health medical resident in Lyon currently working in the Environmental Branch at the International Agency of Cancer Research, WHO. Previously, she delved into the health impacts of urban planning and design in CEE, researched waterborne diseases at SPF, and addressed cancer inequalities at the European Commission JRC. She currently serves as Vice-President of Euronet and an ECL Youth Ambassador for Cancer Prevention.

**Mayra Alejandra, Hinostroza Cute**
*Chao, Peru*
Mayra Hinostroza is a political scientist and young researcher who is passionate about sustainable food systems, community-based biodiversity conservation in urban areas and socio-environmental studies. She is committed to the welfare and development of children and young people and has participated in projects that contribute to creating safe spaces for them through sports in Lima and La Libertad (Peru).

**Roshelle, Pinnock**
*Kingston, Jamaica*
Roshelle Pinnock is an award-winning social impact innovator working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and tech. With a background in Computer Science, Roshelle embarked on a journey that has taken her across four continents, collaborating with software development teams to address issues such as global healthcare and food insecurity. She is a Clinton Global Initiative Delegate, former SDG7 Regional Focal Point and IRENA Youth Forum Alumni.

**Zoey, Yandell**
*St. Paul, MN, USA*
Zoey is an urban sustainability professional and data analyst with a passion for driving positive change through regional climate planning. She is a recent environmental studies and mathematics graduate and currently works with the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities to provide local governments with sustainability-focused data, expertise and policy guidance. Zoey is also an advocate for sustainable futures through the Sunrise Youth Climate Movement.

Serema, Kwato'o
*Honiara, Solomon Islands*
Serema is an undergraduate research assistant at the Department of Fisheries Studies with a passion for community risk management and sustainability advocacy. She actively develops strategies for sustainable communities, advocates for policy changes, and champions environmental stewardship. Serema holds a Bachelor's in Fisheries Studies from the Solomon Islands National University and is highly proficient in QGIS, contributing to enhanced community resilience and fisheries research through spatial analysis.

**Rovena Yazhini, Wilson**
*The Hague, Netherland*
Rovena is a Development Studies master's graduate from the Netherlands, with expertise in governance, policy frameworks, and stakeholder dynamics. Her research on Dutch female farmers' participation in horticulture has provided critical insights for policy changes. She was also an active volunteer in community development projects in India. She completed a certificate program in motivating and inspiring individuals from the University of Michigan.

**Akriti, Shrivastava**
*Gurgaon, India*
Akriti, an architect with a global perspective, integrates sustainability and vernacular design into her work. Actively involved in a national NGO, she collaborates closely with underserved communities, embodying a commitment to holistic community development. Her diverse experiences around the world have shaped her view on what constitutes a thriving city, emphasizing inclusive growth that prioritizes both societal well-being and environmental harmony.

**Anagha, Nabar**
*Mumbai, India*
Anagha Arun Nabar is an urban planner and policy expert with five years of experience in collaborating with government agencies. She is deeply committed to sustainable urban development advising governments on climate resilience cities, gender-sensitive planning, inclusive Placemaking, etc. She has been the program lead for managing Mumbai's CSR portfolio and heads tactical urbanism initiatives aligned with improving Mumbai's livability index.

**Yvonne, Mose**
*Kisii, Kenya*
Yvonne is an Environmentalist and Impact Entrepreneur who is committed to improving underserved economies. She looks to do so by creating synergy for climate change adaptation and mitigation with economic activities. She holds a BSc. Natural Resource Management and has professional experience with public/private partnerships, where she aided in developing the Integrated National Energy Plan for Kenya and led the formulation of the County Energy Plan for Kisii County. She is driven by her need to create employment opportunities for both women and youth and is also a Co-chair of an NGO that serves survivors of GBV in her community through economic empowerment as they reintegrate into society.

Alexander, Drahos

Athens, Georgia, USA

Alex is an fourth-year student at the University of Georgia studying international affairs, political science, and urban studies. He has developed regional economic development programs, civic infrastructure/placemaking initiatives, affordable housing policies, and smart city technologies for 10+ cities. Alex is passionate about reimagining urban systems and structures to better align with human sociology, psychology, and physicality.

**Rethabile, Tsenki**
*Maseru, Lesotho*
Rethabile Tsenki, a graduate in Urban and Regional Planning from the National University of Lesotho, is venturing into property valuation. With a strong foundation in urban development and spatial planning, Rethabile offers a distinct perspective in property assessment. His education has sharpened his skills in land use analysis, property valuation, and urban growth dynamics. Despite his early career stage, Rethabile's dedication to precision and excellence position him as a promising asset in property valuation.

**Maryam, Alfakhrey**
*Mosul, Iraq*
Maryam is an architect from Iraq specialized in promoting sustainable solutions in the built environment. With a strong focus on sustainable development, she holds the role of Sustainable Development Specialist at the Engineering Association for Development and Environment (EADE) where she designs, leads and supports projects aimed at implementing the UN SDGs . As a young climate activist, Maryam participated as an observer to UNFCCC at COP28, and as a delegate at RCOY MENA 2023. Recently, she's been named a 2024 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador for the GYCN representing her country, Iraq.

**Grace Muthoni, Kaimburi**
*Kenya*
Grace Muthoni Kaimburi, a final year software engineering student and founder of Eco-Hydrate Solutions, is pioneering IoT and AI technologies to combat climate change and water scarcity. With notable achievements like the water distribution initiative and AI-driven financial modeling for climate prediction, Grace is at the forefront of technological innovation for social good. Her work, including the well known Maji Yetu project and contributions to carbon emission monitoring, exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development. As a speaker and leader, Grace's insights on ethical AI, climate informatics, and smart city development have influenced policy and inspired a new generation of tech-driven environmental stewardship. Her recognition in various tech and sustainability circles underscores her impact and vision for a more resilient future.

**Cynthia, Cherotich**
*Nairobi, Kenya*
Cynthia Maua Cherotich is a committed advocate for sustainability, dedicated to driving positive change and achieving energy equity in Kenya. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Energy and Environmental Technology and is passionate about reaching vulnerable populations while ensuring a just transition towards a greener future. Her goal is to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Thomas, Blakie

Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand

Thomas Blakie (Ngāi Tahu) is a Geography and Political Science graduate from the University of Canterbury, with experience in local government, NGOs and at a community level. He is passionate about the inclusion of young people and diverse communities in decision-making. He uses his experience working in the urbanism, community engagement and climate adaptation space to advocate for youth in Aotearoa New Zealand and at the global level at COP28.

**Hajra, Qadeer**
*Islamabad, Pakistan*
Hajra is a young environmentalist and advocate for addressing climate change through policy formulation. Her research aptitude circulates around climate governance and urban green policies. She is working with ISO/TC1 on developing international student standards for sustainable future. She is also a PUAN member being alumna of SUSI 2022. Aa a M.Phil scholar at Quaid-I-Azam university, she has been specializing in environmental management.

**Bahar Melisa, Yildiran**
Weimar, Germany
Graduating with distinction from Bauhaus University Weimar, Melisa holds a Master's Degree in Integrated Urban Development and Design. With a commitment to sustainable urban planning, she blends academic insights with practical solutions. As a proud member of the KTH and ITU Alumni community, she actively contributes to advancing urban mobility, showcasing the proving impact of her education from these esteemed institutions.

**Shalom, Iboh**
*Gainesville, Florida, USA*
Shalom Iboh is an Engineer, Clean Energy professional and Climate Advocate. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and is now pursuing a Doctoral degree, focused on the techno-economic analysis and process optimization of renewable fuels for a net-zero future. She is the founder of Renew Watts Technologies, pioneering renewable energy education and solar installation training for the grassroots community in Nigeria.

**Ronan, Halpin**
*London, United Kingdom*
Ronan is a macroeconomics and behavioural insights specialist for Amazon. He graduated from the London School of Economics with a BSc in Finance, where his research focused on the predictability of economic and environmental outcomes through text-mining and sentiment analysis. Previously, he was an Analytics Lead for TikTok, and he currently also teaches Data Science to professionals looking to pivot into the tech industry.

Esther, Karanja

Nairobi, Kenya

Esther Karanja is an architect with over 4 years of experience in the field, spread across Kenya, Somaliland, and The Netherlands. Currently, she works as a consultant at Urko Sanchez Architects in Nairobi. She is also the founder of the Female Architects Mentorship Hub (FAMH), a mentorship program aimed at equipping female students of architecture and related disciplines in local universities with the tools necessary to thrive in the industry both locally and internationally. Her focus is primarily on urban strategy and analysis, especially within the Sub-Saharan Africa context, community-led development, urban justice, and female empowerment within the field.

**Oishika, Basak**
*Rotterdam, The Netherlands*
Oishika is a Human Geographer, who recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Urban and Economic Geography from Utrecht University. Hailing from Kolkata in India, doing her Bachelor’s in New Delhi and currently working in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Oishika’s personal and professional background is enriched by the experiences she has had throughout her life in these 3 dynamic cities. Her passion lies in topics like spatial and social (in)justice, citizen participation, and sustainability transitions from a gender lens.

**Tyseer, Hima**
*Dammam, Saudi Arabia*
Tyseer is a Sudanese junior architect and a leading advocate for sustainability. She is a LEED® AP who is passionate about sustainable development, urban management, and geography. Her dream is to rebuild sustainable and resilient cities, fostering inclusive community growth through multidisciplinary collaboration in post-war Sudan. She believes in freedom, peace, and equality within the context of urbanism.

**Vishak, Dudhee**
*Middlesbrough, United Kingdom*
Vishak is an Engineer with a PhD in Energy, committed to driving sustainable innovations in the energy and construction sectors. His specialism lies in developing and deploying advanced digital engineering tools aimed at fast-tracking the global shift to net-zero emissions. He leads several international projects and offers professional consultancy services across the globe in various roles, significantly influencing the progress of sustainable engineering practices.

**Dileep Vardhan Reddy, Karna**
*Hyderabad,India*
Dileep Vardhan Reddy Karna is a Senior Researcher at the Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI). Specializing in project management, he drives research initiatives across livelihood development, social protection, and policy advocacy. Currently, he coordinates the International Training Programme on Social Protection for Sustainable Development (ITP322) and serves as a Co-regional mentor for ITP teams in Africa. Dileep's expertise includes leading evaluations and research projects in collaboration with organizations such as the African Development Bank and UNICEF. He was also selected as an SDG talent in the UNLEASH Global Innovation Lab 2018.

**Avinash, Salve**
*Aurangabad, India*
Avinash Salve, a qualified Assistant Professor and Ph.D. Scholar under the UGC Ministry of Education, India, specializes in researching the socio-economic and political aspects of urban development. Passionate about fostering collaboration among citizens, government, and private entities, he aims to implement sustainable and resilient city policies with a community-centric approach.

**Diana, Dobrin**
*Bucharest, Romania*
Diana is a strategist and facilitator supporting cities to dream up and shape a sustainable future. She is currently based in Bucharest where she is leading urban innovation projects and designing capacity building processes to enable the green transition across private, public and civil sectors. Diana has an interdisciplinary background in business consulting, community engagement, and data analytics across London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Nadia, Udochi

Washington DC, United States

Nadia is an ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Passionate about sustainable urban development, Nadia is committed to enhancing critical infrastructure and empowering marginalized communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a MA in International Energy Transitions from the Paris School of International Affairs, and a MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics.

**Reimart Ryan, Guillartes**
*Pasig City, Philippines*
Ryan, an architect and urban planner, leverages years of experience driving inclusive and sustainable development as Planner/Urban Designer at UN-Habitat Philippines. Armed with degrees from University of Santo Tomas & University of the Philippines, he has worked with initiatives on inclusive cities, climate change, and resilience. His passion for sustainable development shines through active community involvement and strong leadership qualities.

**Garima, Jasrotia**
*Varanasi, India*
Garima Jasrotia is an urban geographer passionate about matters of spatial justice, the ‘Right to the city’, inclusion and sustainability. She’s a Ph.D. candidate at the Urban and Regional Sustainability lab, Central University of Punjab (India) and is currently working on assessing the sustainability status of Indian smart cities. Her research interests include urban and environmental geography, sustainability studies, remote sensing, and GIS.

**Saraswoti, Byanjankar**
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Saraswoti is an accomplished professional in sector of sustainability, environmental assessment, and climate change. She received her MSc. in Environmental Engineering as Net-Zero Scholar from Cranfield University, UK. She has received numerous prestigious awards and research funds for her remarkable commitment in nature conservation. Demonstrating a profound dedication to improving lives via sustainability projects, she has emerged as a prominent figure among Nepal’s aspirational youth.

**Lindokuhle, Mamba**
*Manzini, Eswatini*
Lindokuhle Mamba is an Environmental Scientist with over two years of experience working with a local NGO in Eswatini tackling climate change issues. They are a gender just climate action advocate and are passionate about sustainable development education. Lindokuhle holds a BSc degree in Biological Sciences and Geography Environmental Science and Planning and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Eswatini.

**Vinay, Katariya**
*Mumbai, India*
Vinay is an architect and an aspiring urban practitioner, passionate about promoting people-friendly and equitable public infrastructure using adaptive strategies and participatory processes. He has experience working with the government on tactical urbanism projects and has also been a part of the MIT Sandbox Innovation Program. He focuses on creating a vibrant urban environment through citizen-led initiatives and scalable interventions.

**Siham, Kamil**
*Addis Ababa, Ethopia*
Siham, a civil engineer and heritage researcher, is a passionate advocate for preserving her city's historical fabric amidst rapid urbanization.she is also an award-winning green entrepreneur, leading a successful recycling startup. she has participated as a Woman4Climate fellow with C40. Through her work, she addresses the environmental challenges faced by vulnerable groups in her city, making a significant impact on both heritage preservation and sustainable development.

**Alexandra, Perez**
*Kimbiri, Peru*
Alexandra is an architect and urban planner, with a huge passion for resilience and sustainability of communities to reduce inequalities in the territory. She has worked mainly in public institutions such as the Municipal Institute of Urban Planning of Arequipa with experience that combines the relationship between urban public policies and participatory processes for the implementation and design of public spaces. Her main objective is to generate accessible and safe public spaces in Peru.

**Baksheesh, Sachar**
*India*
Baksheesh Sachar is a fellow with the International Innovation Corps as part of the University of Chicago Trust. He is working on a pilot to mitigate air pollution in Delhi. He is deeply committed to assisting cities in making informed and demand-based decisions. Besides work, he loves to spend his time doing photography & film making. He recently graduated with a Master’s in Public Policy from IIT Bombay and has previously studied at TISS.

**Muqadas Batool**
*Islamabad, Pakistan*
Muqadas Batool is an enthusiastic environmentalist and advocate of positive change. She is spearheading her project "EcoPowered Girls," guiding young girls about sustainable consumption of everyday products. She also worked on systemizing waste collection and management in her community. Her research focuses on pro-environmental behavior and attitude of Generation Z, women, and the environment, and urban green spaces in marginalized communities.

**Zandisile, Howe**
*Mbabane, Eswatini*
Zandisile Howe is a member of the Eswatini Climate Change Youth Parliament representing the Hhohho region and she has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Humanities majoring in Geography, Environmental science and Planning as well as African Languages and Literature. She is also an alumni to the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice Cohort 3. She is further part of Hlumisa Eswatini Youth climate network and she is the founder of EcoHarmony which is an environmental NGO that works on Waste management and Climate Justice.

**Ahmad Naweed, Walizada**
*Kabul, Afghanistan*
Mr. Walizada is a senior governance expert with dual master's degrees in European and International Governance from the University of Geneva and Political Science from the University of Azad Islamic. He has over 7 years of experience, including roles as Head of Follow-up and Reporting at the Administrative Office of the President of Afghanistan, News Editor in media, Public Relations Specialist at GIZ company, Deputy Faculty of Political Science, Lecturer at a Private University in Afghanistan, and Communication Intern at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

**Amos, Benjamin**
*Lilongwe, Malawi*
Amos Benjamin, a sustainability advocate based in Lilongwe, champions waste management initiatives for sustainable cities. As Operations Manager of the Clean Cities Project, he engages youth in tackling improper waste management locally and globally. A true change maker, Amos is passionately dedicated to creating more sustainable living spaces, fueled by his fervent commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and grassroots’ initiatives.

**Yuhan (Sicily), Zheng**
*Dublin, Ireland*
Before entering her Ph.D. journey on Climate Change and Energy Transition Governancen now, Sicily devoted 4 years to studying urban sustainability, urban resilience, and smart cities (see her works here: https://sites.google.com/view/yuhan-zheng/homepage). Working experiences with UNFCCC (Global Stocktake), UNECE (expert group on resource management and climate impact on inland transport), IEEE (Young Professional Climate and Sustainability Task Force), One Young World (global youth council collaborating with the Elders), and SDG7 Youth Constituency (focal point for Asia) have endowed her with great passion and resources to ignite the synergy among sustainable development, technological innovation, policy, and urban issues.

**Mathias, Charles**
*Beirut, Lebabnon*
Parth Zaveri is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Environment and Sustainability at Monash University. He co-founded Eco Essentials and believes in evolving with nature. During his summer unit, “Transforming Cities for Sustainability,” Parth developed a keen interest in the role of cities in promoting sustainability and is highly determined to contribute in creating cities that prioritize sustainability in all aspects.

**Melich, Ngigi**
*Embu, Kenya*
Passionate about sustainable design and construction Melich Gichia is an Architectural Designer who believes everyone deserves a chance that is why he is the the founder of GSS Construction ltd. A Kenyan construction firm solely focused on sustainable design and build services targeting the unlucky in the society mostly those living in the slums. With 2 years experience as an Architect Melich's main goal is to revolutionize the construction industry through sustainable and affordable building materials.

**Sulata, Dhakal**
*Kathmandu, Nepal*
Sulata Dhakal is a doctoral researcher specializing in sustainable and carbon-free concrete construction and holds a master's in Structural Engineering. Her interests extend to green infrastructure and the development of cities that are both resilient and sustainable. She has initiated Chirayu to advocate for inclusive and sustainable built environments. She is committed to shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

**Sara, Hamrani**
*Casablanca, Morocco*
Sara Hamrani is a political analyst who founded “Analyca Policy Institute” to discern societal needs and promote global harmony. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Politics and a Master of Science in International Relations. Conduct-ing insightful research and implementing pragmatic policy interventions, she aims to contribute to a more sustainable global community.

**Bedashree, Choudhury**
*Guwahati, India*
Bedashree is a water professional working with NGOs in India to bring climate resilience, education, and nature-based development to the grassroots. A recipient of the Jal Prahari (‘Water Warrior’) award in 2023, she passionately leads the Adaptation Academy at UNFCCC YOUNGO, innovates for the SDGs through programs like the UNLEASH Innovation Lab, and is actively labouring with local government agencies to build resilient urban systems in Assam.

**Kritika, Sharma**
*Chandigarh, India*
Kritika Sharma, an architect and urban & rural planner, currently resides in Chandigarh and holds the position of Planning Officer at the Town and Country Planning Department of Haryana. She holds a master's degree from IIT Roorkee, where she earned the department gold medal for her academic performance. She has also worked as a summer intern at the Managing Urbanization Vertical, NITI Aayog. Having a keen interest in research, she has showcased segments of her master’s dissertation at esteemed national conferences like Urban Mobility India (UMI) 2023 and7th Conference of Transportation Research Group (CTRG) 2023. As a recent graduate, her primary goal is to embark on a career as an urban planner and contribute meaningfully to the field.

**Sandra, Penzi**
Lusaka, Zambia
Sandra Penzi is a member of Project Management Institute (PMI) with over 5year experience. A skilled programs/projects professional passionate about sustainable development with a strong belief in the power of collaboration in creating a more sustainable world. Sandra Penzi has been driving various projects championing the SDG agenda and is currently on projects promoting sustainable and resilient cities fostering communities that are proactive and self-reliant.

**Brathikan, Vijayamohan Mankayarkarasi**
*Edinburgh, UK*
Brathikan is a Chevening scholar studying his MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. With a background in mechanical engineering, his expertise in simulation engineering and leadership roles at Kinowave and Kumaraguru College highlight his commitment to advancing innovations in wave energy and sustainable technologies. Before his master's, Brathikan pursued an M.A. in Business Economics, complementing his Mechanical Engineering background.

**Gary, Chang**
*El Cerrito, San Francisco, USA*
Gary Chang, a management consultant from Taiwan, champions tech-driven sustainability in urban development. Specializing in Smart City initiatives and public policy, Gary's expertise spans business growth and project management. Currently, he's pursuing a Master of Development Practice at Berkeley Public Policy School, seeking innovative, energy-efficient solutions for urban improvement.

Chimuka Milambo, Chuulu

Lusaka, Zambia

Chimuka is a committed and highly driven young African female enthusiastic about tackling climate change issues, especially in light of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 and 13 in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Geography from Rhodes University, South Africa. Focusing on climate resilience and geospatial mapping, she uses her knowledge of remote sensing and GIS to tackle urgent problems. Chimuka is committed to promoting environmentally sound urban development and resilience. Her dedication to creating a sustainable future is demonstrated by her proactive participation in research, international conferences, and various leadership roles.

**Marta, Ruselik**
Poznań*, Poland*
Marta is an architect holding a master's degree from Poznan Technical University in Poland with teaching experience. By applying for exchange programs (like Erasmus, Germany or Work&Travel, USA) she has granted her valuable insights into how the subtle nuances of different cities strongly shape our daily lives. She aims to be a catalyst for positive city transformation, believing that thoughtful design can significantly enhance our communities.

**Muskaan, Shrivastava**
*New Delhi, India*
Muskaan is an Architect in Populous and holds a keen interest in urban design, including exploring facets like data analysis, urban mapping, and the creation of vibrant public spaces. She is passionate about sustainability, integrated communities, inclusivity, and revitalization. She also interned for Smart Cities Mission at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GOI and is currently an active member of YOUNGO LCOY. She is committed to designing environments that not only meet functional needs but also contribute positively to the broader social and environmental context.

**Ulfi, Puarada**
*Jakarta, Indonesia*
Ulfi is a Transport Analyst from Indonesia, has dedicated her focus to issues of gender, sustainable transport, and road safety. Over the course of three years, she has diligently worked to generate recommendations addressing transport challenges in Indonesia with a goal of creating inclusive transport system. Ulfi serves as the co-coordinator of Women on The Move Asia, a network platform uniting women actively working or aspiring to work in the transport sector. She is also an active member of the Transportologi, a community focused on raising awareness about road safety among children and youth.

**Hitakshi, Agrawal**
*Jersey city, USA*
Hitakshi Agrawal is an Architect and Urban Designer in New York City with FXCollaborative Architects LLP. She focuses on understanding policies that frame Urban Design and housing guidelines in NYC. She developed an interest in sustainability and is driven holistically, where good ideas are paired with multi-disciplinary research. Previously, she has engaged with SDG advocacy through the Local Project Challenge at the World Urban Forum 10, 2020.

**Treaser, Nyirenda**
*Lusaka, Zambia*
Treaser Nyirenda, holding a bachelor's degree in Environmental Education and Geography, is a dedicated Environmentalist committed to fostering sustainable development in communities. Her impactful work with OPEN Initiative, addressing poor plastic waste disposal, ignited her passion towards building safe, inclusive and resilient communities. She is currently serving as an Assistant Data Management Officer at Conservation Lower Zambezi.Her expertise and innovative approach enable her to collaboratively contribute to positive change alongside fellow young leaders.

**Chalee, Chansa**
*Kitwe, Zambia*
Chalee is a Data Scientist with a background in Applied Mathematics. He is a STEM advocate, who is passionate about exploring the role of technology in sustainable development with over four years of experience in community engagement. He is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a Mandela Washington Fellow. He is also Co-Founder of the Paideia Project, a grassroots educational management NGO located in Lusaka, Zambia.

**Anuja, Harale**
*New Delhi, India*
Anuja is an Architect, Researcher and Urbanist passionate about sustainable urban development, inclusive planning and bridging social disparities. She is pursuing an M.Plan (Urban Planning) from SPA, New Delhi. She has previously worked at Urban Design Research Institute and Urban Centre Mumbai, with research focused on empowering indigenous communities, advocacy of participatory planning and infrastructural upgradation of vulnerable settlements.

**Talia, Bayramova**
*Baku, Azerbaijan*
Passionate about education and sustainable development, she believes that knowledge is key to understanding the importance of sustainability. Committed to being a strong advocate for education, her interests extend to personal development. In her spare time, she finds joy in exploring new hobbies.

**Afef, Azzouz**
*Gabes, Tunisia*
Pursuing a career in STEM is not the sole defining aspect of Afef. She also identifies as a global citizen, an idealistic activist, a young leader, and an aspiring visionary woman who is increasingly drawn to issues of climate and sustainability. Holding multiple positions within various international organizations, she has garnered perspective and refined her transformative way of thinking. Currently, Afef is working towards her energy engineering degree, which marks just the initial step in her ambitious career plan

Erin, Donald

Seattle, USA

Erin is currently a Program Officer at WWF where she advances cross-cutting global projects on on urban food systems. She believes cities can be global leaders on climate, and has collaborated closely with WWF Cities as a Swedish Fulbright Fellow to support their progress towards carbon neutrality. In her work she continues to explore participatory urban governance, scope 3 climate action planning, sustainable diets, and climate justice.

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