MEET THE 2021 LOCAL PATHWAYS FELLOWS
The fourth cohort of the Local Pathways Fellowship is bringing together a network of 103 young thought leaders, urban planners, sustainability advocates, researchers and innovators from 80 cities across the world to advance local dialogue, collaboration and problem solving around the Sustainable Development Goals and to make cities and urban settlements “smart, fair and sustainable”.
Abdulla Nuaman
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Urban Planner, GHD
Abdulla works as an Urban Planner in GHD, where he advises public and private sector clients. He is a member of the Emirates Planning Association and is a Licentiate of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Abdulla also holds a BA and MA in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of Sheffield, UK.
Abrar Salhoba
Tripoli, Libya
Student, American University of Beirut
Abrar Salhoba is a Tomorrow's Leader scholar pursuing her Political science and an International law degree at the American University of Beirut. With a deep-rooted interest in international politics, Abrar continuously works on bridging the gaps between citizens and politics to increase civil awareness while simultaneously promoting sustainable development.
Aditi Rai
Ahmedabad, India
Senior Design & Strategy Executive, Godrej Properties Limited
Aditi is an Architect & an Urban Planner, with advanced qualifications in Urban Housing & Policy. Experienced and specialised in the areas of Real Estate Development Strategy and Heritage Economics, she is working towards promoting meaningful integration of historic urban areas in the city development process to ensure equitable & sustainable transitions. She currently seats as the Senior Executive for Design-Strategy at Godrej Properties.
Ahmed Zaki
Cairo, Egypt
Senior Sustainability Consultant, Earth Academy
MSc level sustainability professional with extensive experience in assisting organizations in integrating sustainability into their strategies and day to day operations. Ahmed works now as sustainability consultant with wide range of national and international consultancy. Ahmed is passionate about Sustainable Finance, Circular Economy and SDGs Education.
Aishwarya Agarwal
Pune, India
Senior Urban Designer - Architect, Ecofirst Services Ltd
Aishwarya Agarwal is an Urban Designer who has been involved in developing urban design guidelines, policy research, strategy formulation, public realm design of various projects including Child- friendly City Pune, 100 Smart Cities Mission India, Public spaces design, Pedestrian- oriented streets, etc. Her goal is to work collaboratively with local communities and city governments to make our cities safe, accessible, vibrant, and healthy.
Akinsola Akinwumi
Abuja, Nigeria
Planning Director/Tpl.Lexsy Nigeria Limited
Akinwumi Akinsola Williams is a Nigerian, a Town Planner and young activist that advocate for climate and peacebuilding in Nigeria. He obtained a Bachelor degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and since graduation involved in several volunteering and advocacy programs in Nigeria, which are targeted at mitigating the effects of climate change and youth involvement in attaining a Nigeria that attracts foreigners and free from environmental crises.
Alberto de Salvatierra
Calgary, Canada
Assistant Professor of Urbanism and Data in Architecture, University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Alberto de Salvatierra is Founder and Director of the Center for Civilization and Assistant Professor of Urbanism and Data in Architecture at the University of Calgary SAPL. An interdisciplinary polymath, architectural designer, and landscape urbanist, Alberto’s research and work focuses on material flows as infrastructure at the urban and civilizational scales. He holds degrees from Cornell and Harvard.
Alexandra Nuñez
Caracas, Venezuela
Architect and Project Coordinator, Incursiones
Alexandra is an experienced architect and an emergent enthusiast for sustainable urban design as a social impact tool in inequitable places. Her actual work as a project coordinator in a firm with focus on public spaces interventions, has shaped her research interest in spatial justice works. Among her relevant experiences, Alexandra lead the recognized project of community kitchens micro-interventions, develop in Caracas vulnerable areas.
Alicia Lerner
São Paulo, Brazil
Junior Consultant, Climate Bonds Initiative
Alícia is an Urban Planner with expertise in transport infrastructure development in large metropolitan areas, focused on geospatial data analysis. She has experience in sustainable urban development consultancy, addressing sustainability concepts to urban projects. Currently, she works on enhancing regional sustainable market development and is a Msc. Candidate for researching housing policies around implemented infrastructure in São Paulo City.
Amanda Haydar
Beirut, Lebanon
Writer/Researcher, Beit El Baraka
Amanda Haydar is an activist based in Beirut. She is the creator of the Let’s Talk Peace podcast and is working with the organization Beit el Baraka, writing a modern Lebanese history book. Fond of utilizing art as a medium for social change, Amanda is involved with several organizations including the Hague Peace Projects and Youth Against Corruption. Additionally, she is an IYPF Young Ambassador for Peace, working on projects in Ireland.
Ammar Akhter Khan
Karachi, Pakistan
Founder, AcademicsWriter
Ammar Akhter khan is an electronic engineer, currently enrolled as an MBA student at IQRA University Karachi. He is an author of two novels, ghostwriter and an entrepreneur, worked previously as a senior instructor and head of RND in Jinnah Polytechnic College. Currently trains copywriters, novel writers for his entrepreneurship writing setup and also writes actively on Topibaaz.pk.
Ana Gaby Chavez Martinez
Monterrey, Mexico
Architect and Urban Planner
Ana Gaby holds an MSc in Urban Planning and Policy Design from Politecnico di Milano and her main interests are about cities, innovation, and sustainability. She is currently working as a consultant in the fields of Transport planning and sustainable urban mobility solutions. She lived and worked in Milan, Italy where she gathered experience working across disciplines, in a wide range of projects, sectors and, actors.
Anshula Menon
Delhi, India
Research Assistant, National Institute of Urban Affairs
Anshula is an architect and urban planner by education. She regards herself as an urbanist, one who is passionate about creating accessible and sustainable cities. Her areas of interest are spatial planning and sustainable mobility. She is currently working on the preparation of the Master Plan of Delhi, 2041. Anshula believes that education is key to a sustainable future.
Anuj Behal
Jalandhar, India
Urban and Regional Planner/ Writer
Anuj is a final year undergraduate Urban and Regional Planner who has a strong inclination in Gender and development, Inclusive and Resilience Planning while fostering Community Engagement. He also writes about the environment and social fabrics of the cities through various blogs. Driven to learn and explore sustainable and flexible solutions to issues revolving around the same, he thrives as an explorer of new ideas, communities, and places.
Anushree Nallapaneni
Toronto, Canada
Urban Designer, Stantec
Anushree Nallapaneni holds a master’s degree in urban design from Carnegie Mellon University and currently works as an urban designer at Stantec. Anushree is passionate about community-oriented design, innovation, and teamwork and has worked on projects across North America. Collaborating across disciplines, from mobility to landscape architecture, Anushree draws upon her understanding of the urban environment to bring it all together.
Aravind Natarajan
Navi Mumbai, India
Project Officer, Moneylife Foundation
Aravind is a Project Officer with Moneylife Foundation, a non-profit based out of Mumbai, India that works on financial reforms, consumer advocacy and Right to Information. He is part of the Blue Ribbon Movement, a youth led initiative which works on building youth leaders focused on deep-democratic values of consensus based on Vinoba Bhave’s and Gandhiji's principles of Swaraj. Aravind is also a member of the Global Shapers Community, Thane
Arjan Keijser
Brussels, Belgium
Project Manager, Belgian Red Cross
Arjan Keijser is an experienced project manager and passionate advocate for leveraging the power of digital education to achieve the SGDs. After working for EY, he graduated from Vlerick Business School and joined the Belgian Red Cross’ development cooperation team as an intrapreneur and business developer. There, he focuses on developing a new blended learning tool to improve community health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ashish Gupta
New Delhi, India
Junior Project Officer, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
Ashish is a Development Professional. His current work focusses on implementation and management of Project UNNATI, a skilling project under MGNREGA, MoRD’s flagship social security scheme. In the past, he has worked with reputed research organizations on a variety of public policy related issues. Ashish holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University and a Master’s degree in Economics from Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics.
Asif Amer
Shirajgonj, Bangladesh
Chief Executive, Alleviation 360
Asif Amer is a changemaker from Bangladesh. To end economic disparity and ensure social justice, he has founded Alleviation 360, a youth organization which utilizes youth participatory based activities to community development. His seven years of experience in development sector made him realise the potential of leadership capability of young people and their significant roles in society’s development.
Ayu Pratiwi, Muyasyaroh
Wageningen, Netherlands
MSc Student in Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research
Ayu Pratiwi Muyasyaroh is a MSc Student in Environmental Sciences at Wageningen University & Research with a full scholarship by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education or LPDP. Started in 2018, Ayu has been actively involved in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) campaign activities by joining the MY World 2030 Advocacy Program. Since early 2020, she has been a speaker on topics of SDG in front of 1000+ audiences.
Bhargavi Pambhar
Delhi, India
Transport Coordinator, Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety
Bhargavi Pambhar is a Transport coordinator for Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. Bhargavi is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University’s Road Safety Leadership and Road Safety Legislation courses. Bhargavi has supported the Indian Ministry of Rural Development for Rurban Mission. Bhargavi has supported United Nations as a Volunteer. Bhargavi has a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from CEPT University.
Boniface Abudho
Nairobi, Kenya
Urban Planner, Eco-Build Africa
Boniface Abudho is the Lead Urban Planner and a GIS Analyst at Eco-Build Africa, an Environmental Architectural and Sustainable Urban Development firm, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Since 2016, he has used his expertise in various Urban Development Projects, including leading the team that developed the Integrated Urban Development Plans for Chebunyo and Chebole Towns. He holds a BA in Urban and Regional Planning from Maseno University.
Brian Owino
Paris, France
Master Candidate, Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences PO
Brian is a sustainability enthusiast with a policy perspective in creating sustainable planet where humans live in peace with each other and with nature. He is studying Master Environmental Policy at Paris School of International Affairs-Sciences PO in Paris, France. He finds a passion in the mission of SDSN-Youth Initiative and his belief gives an in depth view on leveraging the potential of youths towards SDGs.
Brian Otieno Owuor
Nairobi, Kenya
Student, Ca Foscari University of Venice
Brian Otieno Owuor is a Master's student of Global Environmental Change at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Currently, he is working as data analysis and visualization assistant at Sea Trust Institute USA with the main focus on Climate adaptation and story mapping using Arc GIS Esri story maps. He is passionate about addressing the issue of climate change and environmental management.
Camilla Almeida Silva
São Paulo, Brazil
Associate, Alvarez & Marsal
Camilla believes that urban infrastructures can be enablers of social and sustainable development. City-related issues have been of great relevance during her major in Architecture and Urban Planning, minor in Civil Engineering, and Masters in Transport Engineering at the University of São Paulo. In her professional experience, she designed and provided consultancy services for multiple stakeholders in major urban infrastructure projects.
Chenjing Wang
Hoboken, USA
Associate, Morgan Stanley
Chenjing works at Morgan Stanley. She has experience in project finance, risk management and impact investing. A global citizen, a nature lover, and a believer in innovation and execution, Chenjing hopes to support more companies and projects that help meet the UN SDG goals. With a background in economics and public policy, she is currently pursuing a clean energy certificate from Yale and an MBA degree in 2023 from Columbia Business School.
Chidinma Onwuana
Lagos, Nigeria
Architect
Chidinma is a two time graduate of the university of Lagos, with a first degree in architecture and master's degree in environmental design. While volunteering at a school for children of internally displaced persons, she picked a unique interest in public space design and social inclusion. She is taking active steps to be part of a solution through the help of SDSN.
Claudia Muciño García
Celaya, Mexico
Auxiliar of Historic Heritage and Urban Image, General Direction of Urban Development
Claudia is an architect with an MSc in Advanced Sustainable Design from the University of Edinburgh. Currently, she works at the General Direction of Urban Development in Celaya, Mexico, and teaches bioclimatic architecture at the university Tecnológico de Monterrey. She is interested in exploring how society can be agents of change in the cities and is passionate about designing resilient cities, safe for all, walkable, and sustainable.
Clinton Gando
Lusaka, Zambia
Project Coordinator, The Future Community Foundation
I am a reliable social and economic policy analyst and a well-rounded program
coordinator with more than six years of experience demonstrating leadership skills to provide a vehicle for systems to generate value chains and to ensure social inclusion and tackle the rising challenges of unemployment, poverty, climate change, and inequalities in the societies.
Cosmas Ikenwobodo
Lagos, Nigeria
Account/Admin Officer, SOS Children's Villages
Cosmas is an administrator with SOS Children’s villages who is passionate about sustainable Livelihoods, active youth participation and the eradication of poverty. His passion has led him to volunteer with VSO Nigeria on the ICS Program. He has a Bachelors Degree in Business from the University o f Nigeria Nsukka and is on course to obtain a MBA and a Masters degree on International Development.
Cristina Dans Iglesias
Brussels, Belgium
Blue Book Trainee, European Commission
Having a background in law and business administration, Cristina has specialized in EU environmental policy and is currently project coordinator of the EU funded solidarity project Boa Semente. She holds a MA in International Relations from the Diplomatic School of Spain and a MA in European Political and Governance Studies from the College of Europe.
Daraus Bahikire
Kampala, Uganda
Public Health Specialist, Ministry of Health
Bahikire Daraus, has worked with Ministry of health on various community projects and programs ,in villages ,towns and cities. He has comprehensively appreciated the various sustainable development challenges affecting Ugandan cities. Daraus is thus committed to improving individual and community health, advocate and lobby for health, empower communities to own and manage their own health challenges for sustainable development.
Davide Zarri
Bologna, Italy
Food Policy Officer
Davide is an enthusiastic 28-year-old food economist with few years of professional experience as EU public affairs consultant and food policy officer. Curious, open-minded, yet thorough, and critical thinker, he is fuelled by a vision for a better future which he seeks to achieve by bringing together his food policy expertise with a passionate interest in food sustainability matters and policymaking, and a natural bent for writing.
Dimity Hanney
Melbourne, Australia
Policy Advisor, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
Dimity is a Policy Advisor working on Melbourne Arts Precinct, the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia. In addition to this role, she is undertaking a UN-Habitat internship based in Kosovo (remote), preparing a social housing feasibility study. Dimity holds a Masters of Regional and Urban Planning Studies from the London School of Economics with her Masters thesis researching gender considerations in transport planning.
Eddo da Silva Rosa
Marseille, France
Communications and Editorial Content Manager, Ecole Centrale de Marseille
Passionate about sustainable development and innovation, Eddo da Silva Rosa works as a communication manager in an engineering school – Centrale Marseille. His academic background was focused on economics, languages and social sciences; however, his passion remains learning more about innovative technologies. Having lived in France, the Netherlands and Germany, he is convinced that great solutions stem from collective efforts.
Elizabeth Ortiz
London, United Kingdom
MSc Student, Climate Change and Policy, King's College London
Elizabeth Ortiz is pursuing her MSc in Climate Change & Policy at King’s College London. After graduating from the University of Chicago in 2018, she worked on Senator Jon Tester’s re-election campaign in the state of Montana and subsequently moved to New York to work as a litigation paralegal. Her experiences in urban and rural environments motivate her to fight for a more sustainable future and she is thrilled to be a Local Pathways Fellow.
Elizabeth Venisse
Aix-en-Provence, France
M2 Student, Sciences Po Aix
Elizabeth is a French native born in 1994. Throughout her studies, she tackled different subjects including philosophy, european studies, cross-cultural negotiation and political sciences. She is the founder and president of a local network in Aix-en-Provence called Solid'Aix, whose purpose is to gather unsold food and clothing and redistribute it to the homeless population.
Elysse Delia, Alvarado
Dallas, United States
Program Manager, The Trust for Public Land
Elysse is a Program Manager at the Trust for Public Land where she leads Green Schoolyards community engagement. She discovered her interest in community development through her work at KaBOOM!, an NGO dedicated to bringing play to kids, no matter what zip code they live in. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Elysse is driven to make her hometown a healthier, more sustainable place to live. She holds a BA in International Relations from UT Austin.
Ezekiel Odiamehi
Ota, Nigeria
Program Officer, Africa Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development
Odiamehi osifo Ezekiel holds a degree in environmental science, he is currently working with terra aqua environmental Consultancy Ltd as an environmental compliance and monitoring officer, where he work mostly with urban developers on integrating environmental sustainability into city projects. He also volunteers with ACCARD initiatives, the role has given him the opportunity to engage with climate stakeholders.
Fatimah Mahmood
Islamabad, Pakistan
Environmental Specialist
Fatimah Mahmood is an environmental specialist from Islamabad, Pakistan; who takes a special interest in sustainable development and climate change. She frequently pens down articles on social/environmental issues. Previously, she has worked with UNREDD+ and UNEP as an expert on the environment. Her graduate research work on impact of climate change & tropospheric ozone on crop productivity has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Ginisha Dewani
Jaipur, India
Vice President, Programs, IAPSS Global & Projects and Events Coordinator, IAPSS Asia; Researcher, National Centre of Urban AffairsInternational Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS) and Lal Bhahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA)
Presently shouldering the responsibility of VP-Programs, IAPSS. With her ongoing doctoral study on Urban Governance & Sustainability at NIT, Jaipur, she also works as a researcher at LBSNAA, India. A merit holder during her Master’s in Public Administration and been awarded with gold medal for excelling her graduation studies. Nominated as expert at ASEF ARC8 for designing policy briefs. She has previously worked at British Council as Manager, Arts.
Giulia Di Donato
Rome, Italy
Trainee, European Central Bank (ECB)
Passionate about economics and politics, Giulia is an incoming trainee at the European Central Bank. She is the Vice President and Co-founder of Officine Italia, an Association with the mission to increase the political participation of youth. Giulia holds a Master in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, a MSc in Accounting and Finance and a BA in Management from Bocconi University.
Giulia Marzetti
Brussels, Belgium
Policy Officer, European Commission
A chemical engineer by training, Giulia has crafted a portfolio career as consultant, project manager and policy officer in sustainable transport, energy storage, and emerging technologies applied to cities and industry. Giulia is passionate about using technologies to build a more sustainable and equitable world. She has been a Talent at UNLEASH in 2017 and has spoken to numerous conferences including COP24 in Katowice and GSTIC.
Glenda Candela
Portoviejo, Ecuador
BEng Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester
Glenda is a civil engineering and activist passionate about sustainable water management and use. Her goal is to help public and private organizations to recognize the need for safe drinking water access in the rural areas of her country, Ecuador. She believes that responsible education, creative thinking, and women are the keys to change the world.
Gloria Atim
Gulu city, Uganda
Executive Director, African Nutrition Agency (AFNA)
Atim Gloria Gulu city Uganda. Gloria has a bachelors degree in food processing technology and has worked as a nutritionist in refugees settlements in Bidibidi, Kiryandongo and Adjumani where she gained expertise in systems strengthening and empowering persons of concerns. Currently she is working as the Executive Director for AFNA and is passionate about sustainable solutions that increase resilience for better livelihoods and health.
Gloria Magut
Nairobi, Kenya
Studdent Researcher, Jomo Kenyatta Universit of Agriculture & Technology- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Graduate School
Gloria is a researcher whose interest primarily focuses on public health & water because water quality has profound influence on human health. She would like to use research to inform policy that leads to evidence informed decision-making. Gloria`s aim is to contribute to research and make a significant contribution towards the attainment of the UNSDGs, and to leave no one behind.
Holly Turner
London, UK
Graduate Urban Designer, AECOM
Holly is an urban designer aiming to shape the built environment to solve some of the most complex problems facing urban areas. Holly has an MSc in Urban Design and City Planning which allowed her to explore the impact of different types of intervention at different scales, from the city scale through to the hyperlocal. Holly hopes to use knowledge of different mechanisms to enable change throughout this program.
Ian Araujo
Brasília, Brazil
Activist, Youth for Climate Brasília (Jovens pelo Clima Brasília)
Ian is an undergraduate student in Biotechnology at the University of Brasília (UnB), a beginning scientist at the UnB Laboratory of Applied Immunology, an intern at Fiocruz Brasília, who works with the areas related to health and Sustainable Development Goals. Within his life of activism, Ian identifies himself as a socio-environmentalist, and he is part of the Fridays For Future movement, both internationally, nationally, and regionally.
Ilenia Gaia Romani
Milan, Italy
Researcher, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)
Ilenia is a sustainability researcher at Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, and secretary general of the Italian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists. She is also co-founder of English4Good, a charity educational project for the COVID-19 emergency. She graduated in International Politics and Government at Bocconi University, and then completed a MSc in International Development and Emergencies at the London School of Economics.
Iryna Ponedelnik
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Founder and Coordinator, Youth for Sustainable Development in Belarus initiative
Young science communicator, SDG expert, her research interests are SDGs, citizen science, youth activism. Iryna is a Master’s student in Science Communication at ITMO University (Russia). She works as a PR manager in TeRRIFICA Belarus project. Iryna won the “Green ticket” to participate in the 2019 UN Youth Climate Summit. She is a former MCP of AIESEC in Belarus and Global Schools Advocate.
Ishara Sahama
Brisbane, Australia
Human Geographer & Community Organizer, Social Purpose Sector
Ishara is a Human Geographer who strongly advocates for transparent, equitable decision-making. She is passionate about reimagining/designing urban development & planning practices to centralize citizen-led, participatory decision-making for a more sustainable and regenerative future. Ishara works across multiple verticals in the social purpose sector, focusing on sustainable business, refugee and multicultural acceptance & gender equity.
Jaffer Muljiani
London, United Kingdom
Sustainability Consultant, BDP
Jaffer is a Sustainability Consultant at BDP, an interdisciplinary international design practice. He also sits on the New London Architecture’s NextGen Sounding Board, is a Young Urbanist at the Academy of Urbanism and was selected to be one of fifty ‘Young Leaders’ from around the world at Urban Futures, Europe’s largest conference on Sustainable Cities. Jaffer has an MSc in Sustainable Cities from King's College London.
James Paek
Cumming, United States
Assistant Manager, Board of Directors, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Advocacy, QuikTrip Corporation, InventSTEM, #TheDearGovernment Organization
James Paek is a current corporate management in the retail sector and has been serving for two years. He graduated with Associate Degree in Political Science from the University of North Georgia and Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He has experience in advocacy, volunteer, activism, and advisor to many organizations from non-profit to corporate for over 20 years.
José Daniel Madrigal
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Intern at the Energy, Climate Change and Extractive Industries Program, The Inter-American Dialogue
José Daniel currently interns at the Inter-American Dialogue and has also collaborated actively towards the National Decarbonization Plan of Honduras. Furthermore, he participates with not-for-profit organizations such as One Young World, Climate Reality Project, Sustenta Honduras, and the Global Youth Climate Network. As a Chevening Alumnus, he is a recent graduate of the MSc in Urbanization and Development from the London School of Economics.
Juan Gabriel Daray
Marikina City, Philippines
Graduate Student, Ateneo School of Government
Juan Daray is an International Consultant with experience working in the public and private sector. He was a UN Advisor to the Holy See Mission where he was an interlocutor for global discussions on sustainability and development. He is taking up MPM at the Ateneo School of Government where he plans of developing a policy framework that streamlines environmental governance efforts between the public and private sectors, and civil society.
Kaidi Ru
Yantai, China
Managing Director, SnT Consulting
Kaidi Ru is a digital transformation consultant based in Yantai, China. Her previous research includes work on the political economy of Latin America and consultation for Lloyds Banking Group on the impact of disruptive technologies on the UK's banking industry. She holds a BA in International Development from King's College London and an MPhil in Management from the University of Cambridge.
Karina Cantú
Monterrey, México
Social projects consultant, IDK Social
She is from Monterrey, México. She has a major on International Relations by ITESM, and she currently works as a consultant on social projects in IDK Social, and as a Social Research Coordinator at the CEMEX-Tec Center for Sustainable Development, where she has conducted community studies for enterprises in México and other Latin American countries. Her passion is urban growth and creating innovative solutions to foster more sustainable cities.
Kübra Özdemir
Ankara, Turkey
Communication Assistant, UNFPA Turkey
Kübra is passionate about inclusive and sustainable cities with particular interest in social exclusion, spatial equality and green spaces. She also works as a Communication Assistant at UNFPA. Prior to this, she worked with UNDP focusing on various development issues in the context of migration. She studied Social Sciences at Science Po and holds BA and MA degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Bogazici University.
Lerato Phalatse
Johannesburg, South Africa
Founder & CEO, Mental Matters with Lerato Solomon
Lerato is the founder of Mental Matters with Lerato Solomon and a mental health advocate. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, women and youth empowerment. She believes in creating platforms that empower women and youth affected by mental issues to raise awareness in the development of communities.
She has been able to promote significant, positive change in communities and individuals through working with youth.
Letizia Zuliani
Vienna, Austria
Environmental Co-operation Unit Intern, OSCE
Letizia is a young professional pursuing a career in sustainable development and environmental security. She is currently working at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) within the Environmental Co-operation Unit. Her interests range from climate change to green economy and disaster risk reduction. She holds a Master in International Relations (Eurasian Studies) and a post-graduate Master in Sustainable Development.
Lexi Kinman
Montreal, Canada
Partnerships and Resourcing Coordinator, Student Energy
Lexi is the Partnerships and Resourcing Coordinator for Student Energy, a global youth-led organization empowering the next generation of leaders who are accelerating the transition to a sustainable, equitable energy future. Lexi has supported public space and transportation studies for the University of British Columbia's Department of Civil Engineering and School of Community and Regional Planning.
Louise Ribet
London, United Kingdom
Data Manager, WhereIsMyTransport
Louise is a specialist in urban development, with a MSc in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics. She works as a Data Collection Manager at WhereIsMyTransport, helping to map public transport networks in emerging-market cities. She is passionate about improving urban mobility and making it more inclusive, particularly for the transport vulnerable.
Maimoona Sahar
Gurugram, India
Associate, Haryana Institute of Public Administration (Government of Haryana)
Maimoona holds a bachelor degree in Economics and Masters in Development Policy. As a policy professional, she has worked as the Honorable Chief Minister of Haryana’s representative in district Palwal where she managed end-to-end implementation of the largest cleanliness survey of urban local bodies in the world. She is fervent about facilitating dialogues between local governments and citizens for reimagining urban growth in post-COVID world.
Margo Adonis
Cape Town, South Africa
Scientific Technician, Department of Water and Sanitation
Margo Tamzone Adonis holds a Bachelors of Technology in Environmental Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town. Further she is an Advisory Board Committee Member for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Environmental Program and a Scientific Technician by profession for the National Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa. Margo volunteers her time as an Environmental Protection Activist in RSA.
Maria Ghraichi
Beirut, Lebanon
Architect, Lebanese University
Maria is a young architect who graduated recently from the Lebanese University. Her interest in learning new practices in urban planning, led her to pursue her MSc degree in sustainable cities in France, in the upcoming year. Passionate by this field, Maria volunteered two years ago in an NGO called BALDATI, where she was part of a team and specialists working on a sustainable city program, which inspired her to pursue her professional career.
Martin Odongo
Kampala, Uganda
Policy Fellow, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
Martin Odongo is 28-year-old, Pan-African from Uganda, He BA Microfinance and Master of business administration of Kyambogo University in Uganda respectively. He is currently a Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Policy Fellow and Accountability Lab Virtual incubator fellow 2021. Martin specializes in public policy analysis with particular focus on urban planning and housing policy, political economy, and geopolitics.
Mateo Ledesma Bohorquez
Malaga, Spain
Cities and Resource Efficiency Specialist, United Nations Environment Programme
Originally from Colombia, Mateo is an environmental engineer and MSc candidate in Territorial Planning and Environmental Management from University of Barcelona. He is currently working as Cities and Resource Efficiency Specialist for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where he supports policies and projects related to resource efficiency and sustainable cities in Latin American and the Caribbean countries.
Michael Ojo
Gombe, Nigeria
Architect & Executive Director, Lets Build for Humanity
Michael Ojo is a human-centric architect, passionate about creating nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. He graduated in 2017 from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University with B.Tech (Hons) in Architecture. Advocating for the SDGs 10&11 he built a nonprofit to reduce inequalities. He aims to find solutions for environmental sustainability at the intersection of economics, ecology, politics, and culture. He is from Nigeria
Moses Itanola
Abuja, Nigeria
Executive Director, BIM Africa
Moses is the Executive Director at BIM Africa and a Project Associate with Family Homes Fund Limited. As a Researcher and Trainer (Autodesk Certified Instructor), he is exploring the use of AI, VR/AR, UAVs, and BIM-compliant softwares in construction projects. Alongside sharing knowledge in various conferences across the continent, He participates in two work areas of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC).
Muhammad Shafique
Hong Kong, China
PhD Candidate, City University of Hong Kong
Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Shafique is a civil engineer with a focus on sustainable and resilient cities. He has background experience in Green Infrastructure, Energy policy and urban mobility for more than 5 years and currently pursues his PhD in Architecture and Civil Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong. His current primary focus is sustainable mobility and environmental impacts of emerging technologies.
Negar Ahmari
Tehran, Iran
Urban Planner, Negin Shahr Ayadeh Consulting
Negar is a young Urban Planner and GIS Specialist with experience of working on Regeneration projects. she is deeply interested in sustainable and inclusive urban design.
She is passionate about how to put SDG concept into practice and seeks tangible results and practical change even if little, in the life of marginal and invisible dwellers of the city she lives in.
Nikhil Sharma
Ahmedabad, India
Co-founder, ElemenTree Education Foundation
Nikhil is a Climate Change Educator, working with schools in Ahmedabad to bring Climate Education and initiate local change. He worked with Teach For India as a fellow in low-income communities for 2-years and developed a ‘Green Leader’ program to prepare local leaders to combat local environmental issues. He started 'ÉlemenTree Education Foundation’ to work in partnership with educational institutions for Climate Change Education.
Norris Erhabor
Benin City, Nigeria
Lecturer, University of Benin
Erhabor Norris is currently an Environmental Education lecturer in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education, University of Benin, Nigeria. He has been working there since October 2014. He is also is the co-founder of Environmental Health Safety and Literacy Organization (ESHLO). The nonprofit organization was established in June 5th, 2019.
Oluwadamilare Hussein Orekoya
Kano City, Nigeria
Founder & Executive Director, My Environment is Mine Initiative (memyAfrica)
Hussein is a climate-smart Civil Engineer working for the future of sustainable cities in Africa. He is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and the Founder of My Environment is Mine Initiative (memyAfrica). His primary goal is to transform youth mindset and build capacities, increase environmental consciousness, inspire social innovations, and motivate collective efforts from awareness to action using eco storytelling for sustainable development.
Osam Charles Cosmas Morris
Juba, South Sudan
Executive Director, Community Care Initiative -SS
Osam Charles Morris is from Juba, South Sudan, he holds a BSc in Business Administration & Alumni of Atlas4Dev & 2063 Academy, he passionate about Sustainable Development, Human Rights. The Founder & Executive Director Community Care Initiative-SS a youths lead non-profit organization envisions an inclusive equitable empowered Communities where all, children youths, women & other vulnerable person disabilities enjoys a secure healthy lives
Pankaj Kanti Jodder
Khulna, Bangladesh
Postgraduate Student, Khulna University
Pankaj Kanti Jodder, currently, is a postgraduate student of the Urban and Rural Planning discipline, Khulna university, Bangladesh. As he is an urban planning backgrounded student he has a good sense in the relevant fields such as- sustainable development of cities, disaster management, environment management, geographic information science and so on.
Patience Muchawa
Harare, Zimbabwe
Chief Sustainability Officer, PowerAfrika Labs
Patience is passionate about redefining urbanisation on the African continent through learning from the world. She is a Civil Engineer who recently completed her Masters in Sustainable Cities as a Chevening Scholar at the University of Leeds. Currently she is the Chief Sustainability Officer at PowerAfrika, a research and design lab focusing on finding solutions to make Zimbabwean cities more inclusive, sustainable, safe and resilient.
Pilar Pedrinelli
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Global Senior Public Engagement Manager, The Rainforest Alliance
Pilar is leading the Public Engagement program at The Rainforest Alliance. She holds two Masters, a postgraduate and she is a candidate of the Yale Postgraduate in Tropical Landscapes. Her career is focused on creating global change by impacting communities along value chains, while encouraging individuals to understand their collective power to create systemic change. She has also been a 30 under 30 Forbes "movers and shakers" 2020 nominee.
Pranesh Lavania
Chennai, India
PG Scholar, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development
Pranesh Lavania is currently pursuing a Master’s in Development Policy and Practice. He holds a Bachelors in Agricultural Science with additional credentials in Agriculture Policy and Public Policy Analysis. Development partnerships, Climate change and Rural-Urban transition are his areas of interest. With his current understanding of the subject, he quotes, "Either find a new planet to live or make your cities better".
Pritika Akhil Kumar
Chennai, India
Principal Architect & Researcher, Co:Lab
Pritika is an architect and urbanist, and the founder of Co:Lab, a design and research collaborative based in Chennai, India. Having graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2017, she explores topics like participatory spatial practice, democracy and public space through her research. Previously, Pritika has also worked with reputed research organisations on the topics of urban governance, climate change and heritage management.
Prutha Patel
Ahmedabad, India
Graduate Engineer Trainee, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Prutha is a civil engineer. She is an Indian Green Building Council Accredited Professional. Her major area of research is related to water resources engineering and sustainable building technologies. She wants to promote green construction practices at the local level and increase the green footprint. She is passionate about working for sustainable development and serving mother earth.
Quinton Makelana
Pretoria, South Africa
Coordinator, YALI Network
Quinton Makelana is a Research Development Manager, Qualified Gender Activist, founder & Executive Director of civil society organization “ZAYN INITIATIVE” Member of the United States signature effort in African Leadership (YALI Network), a valued member of the African Union (AU) Youth- volunteer corps & Gender in Africa member.Quinton has an academic and contextual understanding of human relations in both domestic and international contexts.
Regina Paredes Gorostieta Jiménez
Toluca, México
Founder & CEO, Muevetex
Regina is a passionate social entrepreneur who is graduated from urban planning and aims to transform urban mobility. After experiencing the unsatisfactory service of public transport, she founded a startup named Muevetex. Through collaborative mapping, they collect information, transform it into open data and create strategies to improve the service. Her motto is "the only way to solve a problem is by involving everyone who suffers it.".
Rodrigo Samuel Lavezzi
Melbourne, Australia
Urban Design Professional
An urban design professional dedicated to creating ecologically sound and sustainable developments for disadvantaged communities around the world. I have been involved in a diverse range of international development projects in the Asia-Pacific region. My career goal is to take on more international community-oriented projects tht aim to enhance lives of socially disadvantaged settlements around the world and forge a more sustainable future.
Rosa Velia Gutiérrez Barrón
Torreón, Mexico
Junior Project Coordinator, MODEL
Rosa Velia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from LaSalle University. Holding a background experience in railway and solar projects, she seeks to pursue a Master’s Degree in Smart and sustainable cities. Winner of the Mexico MultiCity Challenge 2020, where she works towards adopting a healthier street model for Torreón. She is also passionate about culture, public policies and urbanism.
Sairam, Ramisetti
Dallas, United States
Analyst, McCarthy Building Inc
Ram is currently working as an Analyst at McCarthy Building Inc. Dallas office. His passion lies in the intersection of the built environment, Innovation, and Urban Systems. Before moving to the USA for his Master's from Purdue in 2017, he worked in various capacities on green buildings projects in India, Bangladesh, UAE, and Qatar. Ram earned a B.Tech from the School of Planning and Architecture, JNT University India, and USGBC LEED AP.
Samuele Spinella
Lucca, Italy
M.Sc. student, Faculty of Politica Science - University of Pisa
Samuele is currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Sociology and Social Research. He is passionate about sustainable development, and he strongly believes in the power of grassroots actions along with intergenerational cooperation. He collaborates on projects with local stakeholders addressing young and creative thinkers to lay the foundations of the “manifesto of youth policies". Samuele is especially interested in the fields of urbanism and education.
Samyuktha Sethuraman
Kochi, India
Assistant Media Producer - Development Innovation Insider (Diinsider)
Samyuktha.S is truly a global citizen. She is currently pursuing her MSc Developmental Studies from Christ University, India. Tremendously passionate about designing a sustainable lifestyle, she is enthusiastic about building smart-cities in the coming years. She has successfully published numerous Social Impact articles in the last year. "The best way to predict our future is to design it" is her motto to bring about the change she envisages.
Sarah Flynn
Dublin, Ireland
Social Innovation Designer, The Big idea
Sarah is a UX and Transition Designer busy researching today’s complex challenges and the opportunities they create for building inclusive, resilient and sustainable futures. She has a strong belief in the power of imagination and a particular interest in placemaking as a strategy to reclaim public space. She is currently working with The Big Idea, a program empowering Ireland’s next generation to tackle society’s biggest challenges.
Saurav
Ahmedabad, India
Grassroots transformation leader
Saurav is a passionate change maker who believes that each one of us can be the catalyst for the change we aspire to see and in this journey we can recreate a better world which is prosperous, united, interconnected and is in one with nature. He has worked extensively at the grassroot and assisted various national leaders in their transformational projects.
Selcan Catal
Istanbul, Turkey
Sustainability Specialist and Sustainable Development Coordinator, Cifal Istanbul and UN SDSN Youth
Selcan Çatal is a student of Bahçeşehir University Energy Systems Engineering. She continues her studies on Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Energy systems. She also organizes academic level programs on "Sustainable Development and Global Change Management" at higher education institutions in UNITAR, Cifal Istanbul.
Shaila, Jamal
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Ph.D. Candidate School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University
Shaila is an urban researcher with planning background and currently a Ph.D. Candidate of geography at McMaster University. Her research focus includes transportation and demography and their association with socioeconomic, built-environment, health equity, and technology by applying quantitative and qualitative techniques. She always looks for collaboration opportunities to enhance knowledge of interdisciplinary perspectives.
Shekinah Aziagba
Abuja, Nigeria
GBV Program Manager Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development Africa
Shekinah Aziagba is a motivated, personable Programs Professional. She has spent 5years using her personal and career experiences to help her clients manage their overall operations, administration and programs. She has in the pursuit of personal development received 17 certifications from reputable universities oversees. She is an avid researcher with a masters degree in Public Administration and her work has been published 4 journals.
Srinidhi Ravishankar
Chennai, India
India Smart Cities Fellow, India Smart Cities Fellowship Program, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India
Srinidhi Ravishankar is an architect and an urban practitioner, currently working at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as an India Smart Cities Fellow. Her experiences have revolved around street design, road safety and promotion of non-motorised transport. Her interests are in the field of sustainable urbanism, climate-responsive action and inclusive development.
Stanley, Uche
Enugu, Nigeria
Literacy Ambassador, World Literacy Foundation (WLF)
Stanley is a WLF Amb. He is an ardent advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. He is a natural-born social changer. He is passionate about making cities and urban settlements fair and sustainable. He is studying Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Nigeria. He is particularly driven by his deep passion and great interest in community and human capital development. He hopes to make social change in his community.
Thais Dalseno
São Paulo, Brazil
Environmental Engineer, University of Sao Paulo
Thais Dalseno is an Environmental Engineer from University of Sao Paulo and holds a Msc in Urban Water and Sanitation from Ecole des Ponts ParisTech. She has worked in water and energy fields in France, Australia and Brazil and is currently working with engineering consulting for industries at Dennis Group. Passionate about sustainability, her dream is to contribute for the development of her country.
Tsz Fung Poon
Hong Kong, China
Master in Public Policy CandidateLee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
John is a Master in Public Policy Candidate in Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. His research interest includes political, economic, social and environmental development in Hong Kong. Before his postgraduate studies, he was an Assistant Manager, Business Policy in the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, focusing on technologies, fintech, taxation, and other related issues in Hong Kong.
Vasilis Rafail
Athens Greece
Psychologist - Project Manager, IASIS NGO
Vasilis Rafail is a Project Manager and Psychologist of IASIS NGO. He is specialized in writing and managing projects for the development of tools and services regarding mental health, social vulnerable groups and adult education. He has more than 5 years of experience in non-formal education. He has a BSc in Psychology as well as a formal expertise in Life and Business Coaching and he is getting trained in Positive Psychology and Music Therapy.
Yomna Garada
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Senior Urban Designer and Sustainability Coordinator, GHD Global Pty Ltd
Born and raised in the UAE, Yomna has a deep understanding of the country’s culture and history, which cultivated a love for how Emirati cities have evolved over time. Driven by an ambition to design quality urban spaces that speak to the nature and identity of the country while creating spaces that promote environmental stewardship, Yomna couples in her profession as an architect/urban planner the need to balance out sustainable development.
Zakaria Abyaa
Beni Mellal, Morocco
Volunteer Architect
Zakaria A. is an ambitious young architect from Morocco cherishing multicultural diversity, sustainable urban solutions and experiences' exchange. By joining the Local Pathways Fellowship, Zakaria aims, first and foremost, at learning and sharing knowledge.
Zheyuan Lu
Shanghai, China
International Project Manager, AstraZeneca
Zheyuan is passionate about the intersection of healthcare, sustainability and social impact. He currently works on international commercial excellence of cardiovascular drugs in AstraZeneca. He hopes to make a visible impact on communities by localizing the development goals and proposing tailored solutions.
Ana Karen Cota
Ensenada, México
Analyst in Sustainability, Member of SDG Hub UNAM
Ana Karen Cota, Architect always passionate about Sustainability and Social Innovation has been involved in work experiences such as LEED Certification Assistant, Manager of B Corp Certification and Analyst in Sustainability. She strongly believes in Education and empowering the youth through the SDGs. Today she is a member of the SDG Hub UNAM. She believes in co-creation. She also has lived in Canada, Brazil and France and is fluent in 4 languages.