MEET THE 2026 LOCAL PATHWAYS FELLOWS

Meet previous Fellows

The 2026 Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) unites a vibrant and diverse group of 101 emerging leaders from 81 cities. Driven by a shared dedication, these fellows are committed to fostering urban spaces that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Ezdras Ashige,

Kampala, Uganda

Ashige Ezdras is a Ugandan student and environmental entrepreneur. He develops eco-friendly building materials from recycled waste, promoting sustainable construction and creating green jobs. Passionate about innovation and community impact, he works to transform Uganda’s construction sector through affordable, sustainable solutions

**Ambrose Awany**
*Lira, Uganda*
Ambrose is a population health professional with over six years implementing public projects across non-profit organizations in Uganda. Trained in project management, demography, and reproductive health, and has advanced adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health, supported humanitarian response, and integrated social-behavioral change models into community-led initiatives. His work bridges health equity with climate and environmental advocacy, mobilizing communities toward a sustainable future. He envisions communities where inclusive urban development embeds participatory health solutions.

**Saad Abdi**
*Hargeisa , Somaliland*
Saad Mohamed Abdi is a senior diplomat and governance specialist from Somaliland with extensive experience in public policy, diaspora engagement, and institutional development across the Horn of Africa. His work bridges national institutions, local authorities, and diaspora networks to strengthen governance systems and inclusive development. Through his leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Director of Partnerships at HORASA, he has supported multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote sustainable urban development, civic participation, and social resilience. Saad is committed to advancing SDG 11 by fostering accountable local governance, community engagement, and regional cooperation to build inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities.

**Kimberly Kamau**,
*Nairobi, Kenya*
Kimberly Kamau is an international relations and security studies student at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, with a minor in peace and conflict transformation. She leads product development at Book Metro, improving urban mobility through technology, and contributes to AI innovation at ATOM AI by supporting African data contextualization and sustainable digital infrastructure. Her work bridges policy, technology, and inclusive development.

**Ismail Bouhaloua,**
*Rabat, Morocco*
Ismail Bouhaloua is an Architect and Sustainable Urban Development specialist with international experience in research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. As an Erasmus Mundus scholar, he has worked on urban mobility, green infrastructure, and air quality initiatives. His expertise spans environmental analysis and climate-resilient planning, striving to advance inclusive and low-carbon cities in Morocco and beyond.

**Gisele Scheunemann**
*Quezon City, Philippines*
Gisele Scheunemann is a Master’s student in Regional Development Planning and Management at TU Dortmund (Germany) and the University of the Philippines. She holds a BSc in Architecture and Urban Planning from Feevale University (Brazil) and has worked as a research assistant on participatory planning, gender, environmental risk, and grassroots initiatives. Her current research focuses on inequality, housing, and gender in the Global South.

**Antoinette Buah**
*Accra, Ghana, Ghana*
Antoinette Buah is an FAO scholar and water management scientist from Ghana, holding an MSc in Agricultural Water Management Engineering from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With expertise spanning climate change, sustainable agriculture, groundwater research, and water conservation, she has worked across environmental protection, climate risk, and solar energy, driving climate resilience across Africa.

**Ramesh Azagappan** **Kasi Viswanathan**
*Kyoto, Japan*
Ramesh Azagappan is a doctoral researcher in urban management at Kyoto University, Japan, and a MEXT scholarship recipient. He specializes in transportation economics and platform-based mobility. He develops evidence-based policies to ease congestion, strengthen public transport, and improve mobility for commuters in Japan and India. His current research models taxi-platform coexistence under diverse regulations.

**Etinosa Ebomwonyi**
*Benin city , Nigeria*
Etinosa Ebomwonyi is a Nigerian youth leader, climate advocate, and sustainability enthusiast committed to empowering young people and advancing urban environmental solutions.
She is a 2026 Fellow of the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) under the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth Initiative, where she collaborates with young urban leaders globally to localize the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to resilient, inclusive cities. She is also a participant in the FXB Climate Advocates Program, through which she supports climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives in her community.
Her advocacy work emphasizes youth participation in sustainability, environmental awareness, and practical climate action at the grassroots level. Through her projects, she has strengthened community engagement, encouraged responsible waste management practices, and inspired other young people to take active roles in shaping sustainable urban futures.
Driven by a passion for leadership, learning, and meaningful impact, Etinosa is dedicated to creating solutions that bridge local action with global goals, ensuring that young people are not only involved but also empowered to drive change.

Mercy Cheruiyot

Nairobi, Kenya

Mercy Cheruiyot is an urban planner from Nairobi, Kenya, passionate about urban green infrastructure and biophilic architecture. She leads community projects promoting climate-resilient, nature-integrated spaces and empowers youth to transform informal settlements into healthier, greener and more sustainable urban communities.

**Priyanka Shendage**
*Kulkarni Pune, India*
Priyanka Shendage is a dedicated climate change professions with 8 years of experience in climate change advocacy, sustainability, and youth engagement at regional, country and across international settings, she brings a unique blend of creative digital content expertise and firsthand leadership in climate justice. She has formed the Maharashtra Youth for Climate Action platform for young young people to engage in climate advocacy processes since 2022. Throughout her career, she has partnered closely with governments, international organizations, United Nations entities, and youth platforms to design and implement strategic sustainability solutions. She has presented at the UN Water Conference 2023 and led the Youth Engagement for Water Stewardship program with UNICEF. She has the unique ability to translate technical concepts into accessible digital narratives.

**Samia Islam Usha**
*Jhenaidah , Bangladesh*
Samia Islam Usha is a globally recognized youth leader from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, ranked among the Top 40 World Leader Change-Makers 2025 at the Global Youth Congress in Bangkok. She serves as a Global Peace Ambassador (2025-2026) appointed by Global Peace Chain, a HundrED Youth Ambassador in partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB) , and an Expert Advisor to the IB through Generation Global, impacting 90,000+ students across 50+ countries. Samia is a Harvard-affiliated Aspire Leaders Program Finalist, selected from 54,337 global applicants, and a Doha Debates Ambassador with 57+ hours of certified dialogue training. As a passionate mental health advocate, she leads "Redesigning Hope" , a youth-centered project addressing mental wellbeing and emotional resilience. She has been selected for UNITE 2030's Camp 2030 as a delegate (Top 1% global changemakers) and is a Local Pathways Fellow 2026 with UN SDSN Youth. Samia is committed to climate justice, gender equality, mental health awareness, and empowering young people to lead change.

**Suraksha B.N**
*Bengaluru, India*
Suraksha B.N. is an urbanist and sustainability advocate passionate about creating healthier, climate-sensitive cities. With a background in architecture and urban planning and currently pursuing her PhD at VNIT, she explores the relationships between people, place, and environment. She is deeply curious about cultures and believes meaningful change begins at the local level, where communities shape resilient and inclusive urban futures.

**Siraj Hussain**
*Gilgit , Pakistan*
Siraj Hussain is a licensed architect from Gilgit-Baltistan, creating human-centered, site-responsive spaces that reflect local culture and environment. He won first place in the 2025 Architectonic High-Altitude Design-Build Competition for a community hot-spring wellness project, now moving toward execution with local collaboration and sustainable funding. He currently contributes to Gupis Fort heritage restoration, linking conservation, skills development, and tourism for resilient, socially impactful architecture.

**Isata Sesay**
*Freetown , Sierra Leone*
Isata Sesay is a community mobilizer and climate justice advocate based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Isata leads youth engagement in environmental protection, climate education, and participatory advocacy. She is an IRENA I ACT Peer Educator and actively advances inclusive, community-driven sustainable development initiatives.

**Ahmed Nafad**
*Mansoura, Egypt*
Ahmed Nafad is a GIS Analyst and MA candidate in Geographic Information Systems at Mansoura University. His work focuses on local development, spatial planning, and data-driven innovation in Egypt. He is interested in applied AI, sustainable development, and empowering local governments with smart, community-centered solutions that create long-term impact.

Raia Alexis Gallardo,

Manila, Philippines

Raia Gallardo is a Landscape Architecture graduate and researcher from the University of the Philippines Diliman. As co-founder of Bangon Baybay, she works with coastal landscapes and communities to develop nature-based, climate-adaptive solutions. She is also a CMAS-PAUA Dive Master and volunteers to teach SCUBA diving classes on Saturdays.

**Tanishka Chhabra,**
*Panipat, Haryana, India*
Tanishka Chhabra is a Bachelor of Planning student at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, under the department of Urban and Regional Planning. She is an ICLEI South Asia Youth Climate Hackathon 2025 Winner and GSC South Asia Regional Finalist, with a strong focus on climate-responsive and demand-driven urban growth. Her research interests include city growth patterns, TOD-led transformation, land economics, and inclusive housing. As General Secretary of NOSPlan (2025–26), she champions youth leadership, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in the field of Urban planning.

**Daniel Ihimbazwe**
*Kigali city , Rwanda*
Daniel Ihimbazwe is a social worker and community development practitioner, holding a bachelor's degree in social work from the university of Rwanda. He works at the intersection of community-led development and public policy, focusing on youth empowerment, environment protection, and sustainable livelihoods. He promotes locally led solutions that strengthen governance, resilience, SDGs implementation, and sustainable urban transitions.

**Wahidou Orou Mande**
*Abomey-Calavi, Bénin, Benin*
Wahidou Orou Mande is a Mastercard Foundation alumnus and renewable energy entrepreneur from Benin. He serves as CEO and Director of Sustainability at Bright Innovations, advancing community-centered clean energy solutions. He is also a Research Assistant at Climate Mobility Community Action Network and a leadership training facilitator at The Fort Institute, promoting youth leadership and climate justice across Africa.

**Melody Li**
*Markham, Canada*
Melody Li holds an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Environment and Toxicology and double minored in Environmental Science and Physiology. She is deeply passionate about environmental sustainability, climate resilience, social justice, health equity, and community wellbeing, and brings diverse experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, Sierra Club Canada Foundation, Safe Food Matters, and the GLOCAL Foundation of Canada. Melody is also an Ontario Community Changemaker 2025–2026, a Canadian Young Leader for Climate Resilience, and a 2026 SDG 5 Fellow under the SDG Council at the United Nations Association in Canada.

**YILIN YAN**,
*Milano, ITALY*
Yilin Yan is a PhD student from China based in Milan. Her research focuses on integrating the "One Health" concept into urban planning to mitigate interspecies conflicts in diverse urban settings. She is dedicated to advancing inclusive governance frameworks that promote ecological resilience and public health through collaborative strategies. Committed to the SDGs, she aims to foster sustainable coexistence between humans and the natural world through innovative, multi-stakeholder design.

**Nana Abena Yebowaa**,
*Central Region, Ghana*
Nana Abena is an Assistant Physical Planning Officer with the Local Government Service in Ghana and currently serves as Acting Head of the Physical Planning Office for Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, having previously served as Acting Head in Gomoa Central. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Planning and Management and is a trainee member of the Ghana Institute of Planners and a member of the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners, advancing inclusive local development through GIS-based planning and land management.

Maryam Wangeshi,

Nairobi,Kenya

Maryam Wangeshi is a Kenyan architect and urban development specialist who focuses on the systems and data required to build resilient, healthy cities. She is recognized for her ability to coordinate complex projects that bridge the gap between global climate research and municipal action.

Currently, Maryam serves as Project Management Support for the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference, a global convening co-hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) and UN-Habitat. In this role, she helps coordinate with the delivery team and coordinates international stakeholders to advance the Global Research and Action Agenda (GRAA), ensuring that city-level climate science informs effective global policy.

Her work is grounded in using grassroots evidence to drive institutional change. As a lead for the Children ,Cities and Climate Action Lab initiative, Maryam managed the integration of community air quality data into the Nairobi City County Air Quality Action Plan. By successfully navigating the requirements of both local residents and government officials, she proved her capacity to turn data into adopted legislation.

Previously, as an associate within the UN-Habitat Urban Energy Team, Maryam supported the development of Multifunctional Clean Energy Centres (MCECs). Her work focused on creating replicable infrastructure models that align with SDG 7, integrating clean energy into the fabric of housing and public health.

Through her roles at the C40 Cities Youth Hub and her contributions to national decarbonization roadmaps, Maryam has established herself as a reliable partner in urban transformation. She is dedicated to the professional delivery of systems that ensure fair, sustainable, and functional urban futures for all.

**Lorna Kariuki**,
*Nairobi, Kenya*
Lorna Kariuki is a Kenyan Urban Planner committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive city development. Working within one of Africa’s fastest-growing urban contexts, she champions anticipatory planning, walkability and climate-resilient mobility systems. With experience in community-centered urban initiatives and research, Lorna is dedicated to shaping cities that uphold equity, dignity and long-term sustainability in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

**Valentina Pagnanini** ,
*Potenza Picena, Italy*
Valentina Pagnanini (1997) is an award-winning author of two books: Trasumanar. Itinerari intertestuali tra Dante e Leopardi and Itinerari danteschi nel Bel Paese da li dolci colli. She holds a PhD in Humanities and Technologies and a Master of Advanced Studies in Human Sciences from the Giacomo Leopardi School of Macerata, following her BA and MA in Humanities. Italian Delegate at the G(irls)20 Summit in 2017, she is an associate researcher at the Research Centre on Literary Tourism in Perugia. She serves as Assistant Editor for the Journal of Circular Economy and the Journal of Sustainability (Roskilde University).

Shem Redie,

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Shem Redie is an ODI Fellow at Tanzania's Investment Authority (TISEZA) in Dar es Salaam. With experience in climate policy across Nigeria and Tanzania, including co-developing national energy transition strategies with UNCTAD, Shem is passionate about sustainable urban development. Through the Fellowship, he is mobilizing communities to tackle waste pollution in Dar es Salaam.

**Krystal Lacayo**
*Lorton, United States*
Krystal Lacayo is an emerging environmental law and sustainability professional with a strong background in media, community engagement, and policy advocacy. She studied internationally in South Africa, Denmark, and Germany, gaining a global perspective on environmental and social issues. Krystal has worked as a climate finance analyst, law, and is a chairwoman for the NAACP for environmental and climate justice in Virginia, US.

**Gabriel Navarro**,
*Seattle, United States*
Gabriel Navarro is a community builder pursuing a masters in Infrastructure Planning & Management and creator of Giovess.com a platform to find opportunities for personal and professional development. With experience at tech, business, & government he bridges communities and infrastructure to create sustainable, people-centered solutions with growth and resilient development for all.

**Husam Rajab,**
**Budapest, Hungary**
Dr. Husam Rajab is a researcher and innovation advocate based in Budapest, working at the intersection of AI, sustainable development, and digital infrastructure. He supports international academic collaboration and youth engagement while promoting science diplomacy and sustainable urban solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.

**Abdullahi Ibrahim Wuse**,
*Kaduna Nigeria*
Abdullahi Ibrahim Wuse is a microbiologist, health information specialist, and emerging public health researcher focused on disease prevention, genomic medicine, and strengthening sustainable health systems in Nigeria and beyond. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where he developed experience in virology and infectious disease research.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Kaduna State University, Abdullahi is researching the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B among pregnant women at General Hospital Kawo, with a focus on improving maternal health outcomes through data-driven interventions and epidemiological surveillance.
He is passionate about advancing research in viral pathogenesis and genomic medicine, while also engaging in youth leadership, policy advocacy, and community development to support resilient health systems and sustainable development in Africa.

Xi Fang,

Auckland, New Zealand

Angela Fang is an Auckland-based human rights advocate. As Founder of Te Puawaitanga Women's Organisation, she has raised $20,000 to support women. As a Youth Lead and Campaign Leader for EndoWarriors, she authored a petition to rewrite national guidelines regarding endometriosis. The petition gathered over 6,000 signatures and will be presented to the government. A second-year university student, Angela is studying Law, Environmental Science, and Geographic Information Science at the University of Auckland.

Jiayuan Tian

New York, United States

Jiayuan Tian is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He is Co-Founder of OneXplore and Founder of Youth π, a storytelling platform featuring 1,000 youth profiles. A graduate of Minerva University’s global rotation program, he studied across seven cities. A UNESCO SDG4 Youth & Student Network member and 2024 Diana Award recipient, he advances youth leadership and education equity globally.

**Godfrey Noel,**
*Nairobi, Kenya*
Godfrey Maina Noel works with urban youth in East African informal settlements to address exclusion from energy and financial infrastructure. He bridges global climate frameworks and local implementation by activating existing community structures like savings groups and cooperatives. His approach enables young people to build and control systems serving their neighborhoods rather than waiting for external development.

**Akmal Ali P M,**
*Nedumkandam, Kerala, India*
Akmal Ali P M is a sustainability professional and researcher hailing from the Western Ghats of Kerala. He holds a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Master’s in Sustainability Science. He has worked with premier institutions in India, including the Forest Research Institute, Centre for Public Policy Research, and KFUNAI. Currently, he works as a Project Manager - CSR at Thanal Trust, focusing on reducing plastic pollution on the coastlines of Trivandrum. His work focuses on climate change, urban forestry, urban policy, rurban development, and circular economy.

**Mazin AbdelGadir Hassan**
*Khartoum , Sudan*
Mazin is a Sudanese young leader and a transformational Architect in sustainable architecture. His expertise in sustainable urban and design planning led to his nomination by UN-Habitat, and he now serves as a UN Youth Advisor as part of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and is a member of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
Previously, he has worked for multiple firms, including DAL Group, and has served as a Team Supervisor, Teaching Assistant and Tutor for many Sudanese Universities, among other roles. He Co-founded the Public Relations Committee of the New Sudan Development Axis, where he has a member team and worked on nine major projects that promote sustainable living and community engagement in the fight against climate change, in partnership with the UNESCO Chair.
Mazin is also an ALP Fellow Scholar ’25. He participated in “the National Youth Policies in the Arab States”, aimed at strengthening inclusive and effective youth policies. Known for his ability to see the best in people and his passion for education, he founded TTP “The Turning Point by Mazin AbdelGadir” to help young individuals discover international opportunities, and collaborating with LSE, Oxford and Chevening scholars to prove that leadership is the only way he can give back to his community.

Lubna Ludheen ,

Hyderabad, India
Lubna Ludheen is a policy researcher dedicated to advancing gender justice and sustainable cities. At Centre for Development Policy and Practice, she works at the intersection of community research, data analysis, and gender inclusive policy research. Her work focuses on strengthening inclusive urban services, promoting equitable access for women, and supporting community-driven approaches to development.

**Tasnuva Rahman**
*Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh*
Tasnuva Rahman is an urban planning graduate and GIS professional from Bangladesh. She works on geospatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk assessment, with experience in refugee camp planning and air quality research. Passionate about sustainable cities, she integrates data-driven approaches to advance climate resilience, equitable urban services, and community-centered development.

Sonia Ugwunna,

Lagos, Nigeria

Sonia is an urban development practitioner with a keen interest in urban infrastructure delivery. With over five years of project management experience, she has delivered 20+ urban sustainability and environmental projects across 45 communities, reaching more than one million young Nigerians in 12 states. Sonia founded NatureFy, a youth community advancing urban resilience in Nigeria by linking city infrastructure and urban life to young people’s wellbeing and experiences.

**Gbemisola Samuel**
*Abuja, Nigeria*
Gbemisola Samuel is an architect and social innovator from Nigeria committed to advancing sustainable, people-centred development. Her work spans residential, healthcare, and educational projects, alongside leadership in youth-driven initiatives at the intersection of design, community engagement, and social impact. She believes inclusive collaboration is essential to achieving the SDGs at the local level.

**Minda Tesga Hayles**
*Addis Ababa, Ethiopia*
Minda Tesga Hayles is a young economist with an educational background in Economics, Finance, and Law. He is passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially with a strong research interest in food security, energy transitions, migration, institutions, macroeconomics, and state legitimacy in Africa. Minda is a researcher in Economics and Finance and has been a fellow at IREX, the UNECA, AFRODAD, IDOS, GIZ, and other research and academic institutions.

**Mehreen Fatima**
*Pakistan, Pakistan*
Mehreen Fatima is a passionate environmental science undergraduate at International Islamic University, Islamabad, based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. She currently serves as Advocacy Officer at Climate Forward Pakistan, where she supports community-driven climate action and policy advocacy initiatives. She is also a National Youth Leader with ISO EMS, contributing to youth engagement and climate resilience programs.
With a strong focus on SDG 11 and SDG 13, Mehreen is dedicated to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development. She believes that humans are the stewards of Earth and are obliged to protect its natural resources and life. She is committed to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development.

**RAYMOND TETTEH NUERTEY,**
*ACCRA, GHANA*
Raymond Tetteh Nuertey is a Ghanaian youth leader and systems-driven changemaker focused on bridging education, digital skills, and sustainable urban development. As Co-founder and COO of DataBloom Africa, he empowers secondary and university students with practical data skills to tackle real community challenges. He is passionate about localizing the SDGs and building resilient, innovation-driven cities.

**Veronica Lycworts** **Aggrey**
*Obuasi , Ghana*
Veronica Aggrey is an environmental resource management professional with geospatial expertise, serving at Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority . She trains communities in Obuasi, miners, farmers, market women, and students on sustainable practices. Her work bridges grassroots action and urban planning, advancing SDG 11 through community-led solutions for mining-impacted cities.

**Cinthia Isabel Nieves Manchego**
Guatemala City, Guatemala, Guatemala
Cinthia Nieves is a Venezuelan legal researcher and human rights advocate based in Guatemala. She is the founder of Todos Suman and a researcher at Defiende Venezuela, focusing on migration and social inclusion. A senior law student, Cinthia is dedicated to designing sustainable, inclusive urban policies and community networks that empower refugees and migrants in their host cities.

Reya Singhi

Jersey City , United States of America

A passionate advocate for human-centric cities, Reya Singhi works at the intersection of transportation planning and community engagement in Northern New Jersey. Guided by spatial justice, her work focuses on transforming car-centric corridors into safe, multimodal networks that serve people of all ages, abilities, and demographics. Reya bridges the gap between technical planning and lived experience. As a 2026 Local Pathways Fellow, she is developing a community-led mobility strategy to localize SDG 11 targets, ensuring sustainable transportation is a right, not a privilege, for New Jersey’s diverse neighborhoods.

**Dr Akshita Gupta,**
*Chandigarh, India*
Dr Akshita Gupta is a medical graduate (MBBS) and an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Punjab, India. An awarded scholar, she is nationally recognised for her dynamic leadership and innovative approaches to participatory governance, with a strong focus on engaging youth, women, and marginalised communities as active stakeholders in public decision-making.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Management, which shapes her systems-oriented, outcome-driven approach to administration and public service delivery. Drawing on her medical training, Dr Gupta brings scientific rigour, data-driven decision-making, and a human-centric perspective to public policy and institutional reform. Her work prioritises digital governance, accountability, and service efficiency while advancing equity, inclusion, and sustainability. She actively collaborates with academic institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens to strengthen trust in public institutions and build inclusive, resilient, and future-ready public systems.

**Haya Aslan**
*Montreal , Canada*
Haya Aslan is a McGill University graduate in Urban Studies specializing in transportation policy and land-use governance. With professional experience across Montréal and Dubai, she applies GIS and spatial analysis to evaluate master plans, regulatory frameworks, and development feasibility. A McGill Policy Award recipient, she is committed to advancing equitable, context-sensitive, data-driven urban planning for inclusive and resilient cities.

**Yoo Jung Kwon**
*Seoul , South Korea*
Yoo Jung Kwon is committed to driving lasting change from the ground up, beginning with soil and smallholder farmers. Holding a dual BA in International Studies and Food and Resource Economics, and an MA in International Studies (International Commerce), she advances sustainable development through stakeholder engagement spanning wetlands, migratory waterbirds, sustainable forestry, and food security.

**Skanda Rimal**,
*Kathmandu, Nepal*
Skanda Rimal is an architect with a Master’s degree in Energy Efficient Building, specializing in humanitarian engineering and sustainable design. She has contributed to residential design, post-disaster reconstruction, and community shelter projects across Nepal, focusing on practical, community-centered solutions. She also focuses on improving WASH services and working to support marginalized children, ensuring they have access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthier living conditions.

**Tasnuva Rahman,**
*Dhaka, Bangladesh*
Tasnuva Rahman is an urban planning graduate and GIS professional from Bangladesh. She works on geospatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk assessment, with experience in refugee camp planning and air quality research. Passionate about sustainable cities, she integrates data-driven approaches to advance climate resilience, equitable urban services, and community-centered development.

**Aswin S Kumar**
*Chennai , India*
Aswin S Kumar is a Development sector professional. He specializes in Urban infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and climate-resilient WASH systems. With international research exposure and experience across government, donors, and consulting, he contributes to sustainable and inclusive urban development.

**Natalia Tsuyama Cocolo,**
*Belo Horizonte, Brazil*
Natalia Tsuyama is a Brazilian public policy specialist and climate justice advocate. She is a youth leader in the Feminist Action for Climate Justice (FACJ) Action Coalition and a member of the CSW70 Youth Steering Committee. Her work advances gender-responsive governance, youth participation, and sustainable urban development through policy advocacy, multilateral engagement, and community-based initiatives.

**Cecilia Lopez-Cotarelo**
*Madrid, Spain*
Cecilia Lopez-Cotarelo is a sustainable design engineer passionate about creating a built environment where people and nature can thrive. With a background in architecture and building services engineering, Cecilia has over three years' experience in designing sustainable buildings, particularly in the transport sector. She also promotes the involvement of women and girls in STEM through collaborating with the Spanish Royal Academy of Engineers.

Gabriele Leggeri,

Sezze, Italy

Gabriele Leggeri is a mechanical engineering student, a private teacher and a youth advocate at the UN. He has served as a Young Expert Reviewer for IPCC and represented youth at international climate negotiations (such as BRS COPs 2025). He also tutors STEM students, combining CAD, AI and maths knowledge. He aims to translate technical evidence into clear, policy-oriented communication for sustainability and climate action.

Kawthar Salahudeen,

Nigeria

K. M SALAHUDEEN is a lawyer, civic-tech innovator, and founder of Civic Construct and FreeLoya, connecting youth to opportunities across Nigeria. She leads projects at the intersection of law, technology, and grassroots engagement, empowering young people through skills, placements, and civic participation while championing transparent governance and justice-tech solutions.

**Shree Nidhi Gowthaman,**
*Chennai, India*
Shree Nidhi is an environmental researcher and urban planner working at the intersection of climate policy and sustainable urban development. She contributes to integrated heat and cooling action plans, urban heat risk assessments, and infrastructure planning. With a background in architecture and urban housing, she focuses on data-driven strategies to build climate-resilient cities.

**Emmanuel Akinsanmi**,
*Ekiti, Nigeria*
Emmanuel Akinsanmi is a sustainability-focused professional with experience in clean energy and community impact through his work with Jaza Energy. Passionate about climate education and youth empowerment, he uses storytelling and communication to simplify complex ideas and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.

Munezero Inema,

KIGALI, Rwanda

Inema is a licensed architect and urban and regional planner inspired by the possibility of more sustainable and inclusive cities. Through architectural practice, she considers how each building can quietly shape the wider urban fabric. Her work bridges design, planning, and environmental responsibility, crafting spaces that respond thoughtfully to social change and ecological balance.

**Zainab Gambo,**
*Abuja, Nigerian*
Zainab Gambo Adam is a sustainability and research professional based in Abuja, Nigeria. She works at the intersection of circular economy, development communication, and community-based environmental action. She is the founder of EcoValue Recyclers Hub, where she leads grassroots recycling and environmental education initiatives, translating research and policy ideas into practical solutions for local communities.

**Abiha Batool,**
*Karachi, Pakistan*
Abiha Batool is a service designer, urban planner, and environmental justice researcher focused on Karachi’s waste crisis. She maps informal waste systems and conducts ethnographic research with waste picker communities to examine how governance and informality shape vulnerability and resilience. Her work advances participatory, rights-based approaches to build inclusive, sustainable, and more livable cities.

Marie Ysabel Landingin

Melbourne,Australia

Born in Manila, raised in Auckland, and based in Melbourne, Marie is a transport planner driven to shape cities where people can thrive. She works at the intersection of urban infrastructure, social change, and youth leadership across the Asia-Pacific. Marie has contributed to communities through the New Zealand Planning Institute, Women’s Infrastructure Network, Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ, Young Transport Professionals, and Asia NZ Foundation.

**ZULIEHAT OHUNENE ABDULLAHI**,
*LAGOS, NIGERIA*
Zuliehat Ohunene Abdullahi is a sustainability researcher and youth advocate from Nigeria. She works on environmental management, climate action, and community-based solutions, empowering young people to engage in sustainable development and social change.

**Yingyilong Hu**
*Bangkok, Thailand*
Yingyilong Hu is a marine environmentalist and heritage educator from Haikou, China, dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Growing up in the coastal city of Haikou inspired his passion for ocean conservation and marine ecosystem protection.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Non-formal Education at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, specializing in marine education. His research explores how non-formal and informal education can strengthen ocean literacy and encourage sustainable behaviors.
Hu has actively engaged with the United Nations system, serving as a Committee Member with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under the Commission on Education and Communication. He has also contributed to UNDP’s Human Development Research Office, participated in youth climate leadership training with The Ocean Project, and represented Chulalongkorn University at several UN forums, including the 79th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok.
Through his work, Hu promotes education as a tool for sustainability, focusing on ocean stewardship, sustainable cities, and inclusive learning environments. Bridging local roots and global networks, he continues to advocate for lifelong education and collective action to protect both people and the planet.

**Prince Tsiaterimila**
*Ankaramalaza, Madagascar*
Prince Tsiaterimila is a Malagasy social entrepreneur and climate leader dedicated to sustainable development and youth empowerment. He is the Founder and President of FTVA in Madagascar, where he leads community-based initiatives in environmental restoration, green innovation and social inclusion. Through his national and global engagement, he advocates for climate justice and locally driven solutions that strengthen vulnerable communities.

*Miracle Nwosu,*
*OWERRI, Nigeria*
Nwosu Miracle C.J. is a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning and the founder of Urbanix Smart Cities Solution, an initiative empowering young planners with modern tools and digital resources. He has impacted over 200 student planners across Nigeria and advocates for sustainable, innovative urban development that bridges the gap between communities and professionals.

**Md. Muaz Hussain**
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Muaz Hussain is an Urban and Regional Planning graduate from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh. His work focuses on climate resilience, WASH systems, and GIS-based urban planning in climate-vulnerable contexts. He has been attached to several INGO initiatives, consultancy firms, and research projects, with interests in SDG localization, data-driven planning, and locally led adaptation.

**Eleojo Aduku**
*Abuja, Nigerian*
Eleojo Aduku is a sustainability practitioner advancing locally led development and SDG localization across the Global South. Her work focuses on strengthening policy implementation, climate governance, and community-driven systems change. She is committed to bridging global frameworks with local action to accelerate equitable development outcomes

**Diletta Muccilli**
*Torino, Italy*
Diletta Muccilli is an urban policy and sustainability professional with a double Master’s degree in Geography and Urban Studies. She works on EU-funded projects focused on sustainable mobility, climate action, and nature-based solutions, with experience across European institutions, consultancies, and NGOs. As a Local Pathways Fellow, she advances participatory approaches to build inclusive and resilient cities.

**Dipak Bhowmick**
*Narayanganj*,*Dhaka Division, Bangladesh*
Mr. Dipak Bhowmick is a climate and urban resilience professional working at the intersection of local governance and sustainable development. As a Technical Lead, he supports cities in advancing adaptation, water security, and the implementation of the SDGs. His expertise spans environmental safeguards, institutional reform, and youth-led climate diplomacy across South Asia.

**Mohsin Baingana**
*Kampala, Uganda*
Baingana Mohsin is an entrepreneur and international relations scholar from Kampala driving sustainable development through community action and policy engagement. He builds initiatives that bridge ideas and practical solutions, focusing on waste management, climate action, and youth participation. His work connects governance, business, and environmental responsibility to create measurable social and environmental impact in urban communities.

**Promesse Himbaza**
*Agahozo,Rwanda,*
Promesse Himbaza Agahozo is an environmental and development practitioner from Rwanda with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Planning and Management from the University of Rwanda. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental and Development Studies at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali.
Promesse has experience working with communities through organizations such as Corps Africa, World Vision, and Youth for Christ Rwanda, where he has contributed to community development initiatives, environmental awareness, and youth empowerment programs. His professional interests include climate action, sustainable development, environmental management, and community-based solutions that improve livelihoods. Through his work and studies, Promesse is committed to supporting resilient communities and advancing locally driven solutions that contribute to sustainable development in Rwanda and across Africa.

Shaiba Siddiqui

Atlanta , United States Of America

Shaiba Siddiqui is an urban designer and planner committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-responsive cities. She holds a Master of Science in Urban Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology and brings international professional experience across India and the United States. Her work focuses on public space design, urban resilience, and empowering communities and future leaders to shape more equitable urban futures.

**Badarou Imini**
*Mahaman Niamey, Niger*
Badarou Imini is a consultant working on sustainable urban development across West Africa and conducting research on GIS-based decision-making for urban resilience. Skilled in project management, he supported regional projects such as the Spatial Development Strategy for the Sahel (SDSS) and the roll-out of the City Resilience Action Planning (CityRAP) tool with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

**Prashant Gautam**
*Bangkok, Thailand*
Prashant Gautam is an early-career Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) professional and a Master’s candidate in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. With over three years of experience in water resources engineering and flood risk analysis, he has contributed to infrastructure design, and resilience planning in the energy sector. He currently serves as a DRR Co-Coordinator at the Water Youth Network. His interests lie at the intersection of climate change, adaptation, and resilient infrastructure.

Annabelle Liao,

Vancouver, Canada

Annabelle is a Taiwanese-Canadian youth climate advocate who is passionate about helping youth reimagine the just transition and build the practical skills to participate in it. She runs a free low-barrier climate education and professional development program called the Youth Activator program for high school students and post secondary youth through her nonprofit Project Arrowroot.

**Malachi Benjamin,**
*Los Angeles, California, U.S.*
Malachi Benjamin earned his BA in Architecture from Princeton University, MA in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University, and is currently completing a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA examining city diplomacy, spatial justice, and urban governance. His work explores how cities shape global governance, climate resilience, and equitable urban development, advancing inclusive and sustainable futures through local leadership and international collaboration.

**Trabelsi Ibtihel,**
*Venice , italy*
Ibtihel Trabelsi is a Tunisian architect and multidisciplinary visual designer based between Venice and Istanbul. Currently pursuing an MS in Urban and Spatial Planning for Transition at IUAV Venice, she specializes in participatory planning, sustainable development, and UX/UI design. She has contributed to international urban, environmental, and community-based projects across Europe and MENA.

**Shivang Agarwal**
*Washington DC, USA*
Shivang Agarwal is a climate and clean air researcher working at the science policy interface. His work advances methane mitigation, short lived climate pollutant policy, and climate finance. He collaborates with governments and youth networks to translate science into action and is building data driven tools to support resilient, low carbon development decisions.

**Faith Mutonyi Mukhwana**
*Kampala, Uganda*
Faith Mutonyi is a dedicated disability inclusion advocate, SDGs champion and entrepreneur from Kampala, Uganda. As a disability inclusion facilitator with Outbox and Stanbic Business Incubator, she works to embed equity and participation in business and community spaces. Passionate about SDG 11, Faith champions inclusive participation of persons with disabilities in community spaces including creating accessible and sustainable cities.

**Adejumoke Aremo**
*Abuja,FCT, Nigeria*
Adejumoke Aremo is an ESG and Sustainability Specialist with 9+ years of experience in project management, climate strategy, and community development. Based in Abuja, she is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through carbon sink restoration and community-led MRV systems. A PhD candidate in Sustainability, she bridges data, storytelling, and environmental action.

**Janarthanan Venkatachalam,**
*London, United Kingdom*
Janarthanan is a Chevening Scholar pursuing an MSc in Cleantech Innovation at Imperial College London. He is Co-Founder of Kinowave (India), focused on renewable energy, and Silica Labs (UK), working on heat mitigation solutions. He previously served as an Innovation Consultant at the State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, bridging innovation and public policy, and founded Greenable, a sustainability awareness initiative.

**Aruzhan Mominbayeva**
*Almaty, Kazakhstan*
Aruzhan is a renewable energy professional from Kazakhstan advancing Central Asia’s green transition. She is pursuing her MBA while building InTech-Forecast, the region’s first renewable generation forecasting platform. She leads green projects recognized by UNFCCC and presented at COP29, and serves on the UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board and the EU Youth Sounding Board, advocating for youth-led, transparent climate action.

**Zach Rempel,**
*Winnipeg, Canada*
Zach Rempel is a Canadian environmental policy analyst specializing in climate policy, municipal finance, and sustainable urban development. He holds a Master’s in Natural Resource Management and leads research on how infrastructure planning, land use, and energy systems shape emissions and long-term public finances. He has published research on building environmentally sustainable, socially resilient cities, with a focus on redesigning car-oriented landscapes into human-scale communities.

Isabella Neer,

Pittsburgh, United States of America

Isabella Neer holds degrees in Biology and History from West Virginia University, grounding her work at the intersection of environmental science and historical context. Formerly an educator and student mentor, she now works as an environmental report writer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the Ohio River Valley — a Rust Belt region shaped by industrial pollution and economic decline — sparked her passion for sustainable development, environmental policy, and social equity.

**Ahsen Bhatti**,
*Toronto, Canada*
Ahsen Bhatti is a Community Development Specialist working to integrate social benefits in urban planning for marginalized neighbourhoods across Toronto. He has spearheaded numerous innovative social programs centred on food security, affordable housing, environmental protections, youth employment & refugee rights. Ahsen is passionate about designing policy frameworks that deliver equity, sustainability & affordability for vulnerable communities.

**Necabeddin Sivri**
*Delft & Ghent, Netherlands*
Necabeddin Sivri is an operations leader and environmental engineer dedicated to industrial decarbonization. Currently an Erasmus Mundus Master's candidate in Environmental & Sustainability Engineering in Delft, he previously drove operational excellence at P&G and Tetra Pak. He also co-founded Connecteer, a youth network of 400+ members. He aims to bridge manufacturing with circular economy goals.

**Ghida Arkadan,**
*Ottawa, Canada*
Ghida graduated from Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa. She is passionate about using her engineering background and utilizing her problem-solving skills to fight for environmental justice in her community and globally. Ghida continues to educate herself on sustainability, new technologies, and how they can be implemented in our growing cities. Ghida obtained her LEED Green Associate credential and is aiming to work towards Green Project Management.

**Anum Shahid**.
*Karachi, Pakistan*
Anum Shahid is a Commonwealth Shared Scholar (2023 – 2024), researcher, climate advocate, and educationist. She did her MA in International Relations from University of Portsmouth, UK. Her area of interest is climate change and its adverse impacts on human security. She has published articles. She is engaged with different NGOs to work for the betterment of society. She aims to foster climate change adaptation and mitigation to achieve sustainable development.

**Milagros Arcos**,
*Lima, Peru*
Milagros Arcos is a social innovation professional from Lima, Peru, advancing sustainable sanitation and inclusive urban services. She leads community-centered initiatives in peri-urban areas, designing solutions that improve health and environmental outcomes through human-centered design, environmental monitoring, and cross-sector partnerships.

Olive Yénoukounmè Hounkponou

Porto-Novo, Benin

Olive Hounkponou is a Beninese urban leader committed to advancing sustainable urban development and environmental resilience in West Africa. Since 2019, he has designed and implemented community-based initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution and strengthening citizen participation in urban waste management systems.

As President of Fondation Jeunesse Unie, he oversees strategic planning, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement with municipal authorities and community actors across several cities in southern Benin, including Porto-Novo, Cotonou, Sèmè-Kpodji, and Aguégués. His work includes large-scale awareness campaigns, educational programs, civic mobilization during major cultural events, and coordinated clean-up operations that have removed several tons of plastic waste from public spaces.

His approach integrates community engagement, local innovation, and the development of sustainable economic models. He is currently developing Plastic to Value, a pilot initiative that transforms plastic waste into economic opportunities, digital monitoring tools, and participatory governance mechanisms, contributing to the localization of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).