All Speakers

Matrah ALMUTAIRI

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Dr. Matrah Al-Mutairi, a senior scientific researcher and environmental activist from Kuwait. Her experience as a researcher covers the fields of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, land…

Philippe Mayaux

Senior expert

European Union

With a background in forest sciences (up to PhD level), I have dedicated 37 years of my career to the study and management of African forest ecosystems, including 30 years working for the European…

Bandana SHAKYA

Lead, Landscape

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

Bandana Shakya leads ICIMOD’s Landscapes portfolio, driving the Centre’s interventions on Springshed Management, Rangelands and Wetlands, Incentives for Biodiversity and Landscapes, and Human–…

Aristide Takoukam Kamla

President

African Marine Conservation Organization

Aristide Takoukam Kamla is a National Geographic Explorer, Whitley Award winner, marine researcher, and conservationist. Since 2008, Kamla has worked on the conservation of the African manatee and…

thijs BIERSTEKER

Woven Foundation

As an ecological artist who works together with leading scientists, Thijs Biersteker creates data-driven artworks that transform complex environmental research into immersive installations and…

Naif ALMALIK

Caroline KATSANDE

Regional Manager

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Caroline Katsande is a dedicated conservation professional with more than twenty years of experience in wildlife management, habitat restoration, community and…

Marcia LEDERMAN

Especialista Áreas Protegidas

Wildlife Conservation Society WCS

Biologist, specialist in the management of protected areas and master's in biodiversity management and conservation. With experience in planning and participatory management of both public and…

Fatma ALHANTOUBI

Eng. Fatima Al Hantoubi An expert in the field of water and environment, winner of the British Vital Communities Award and Ambassador Award for Awareness and Public also awards from the Emirates…

Jennifer MAKAMBO

Expert in inclusive sustainable development

GYBN-Québec

Holder of an M.Sc. in International Development Management and Humanitarian Action with a specialization in Gender and Development, Jennifer is an expert in inclusive sustainable development. She is…

Siobhan MCQUAID

Director

Trinity College Dublin / Horizon Nua

Siobhan McQuaid, PhD, is Associate Director of Innovation in the Centre for Social Innovation in Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. She manages a portfolio of 'Working with…

Sanot ADHIKARI

Chairperson

Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE)

Sanot AdhikariSanot Adhikari is an environmental scientist with over 15 years of experience in climate change, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. As CEO of Alliance for…

Sara ALMEHAIRBI

Sara Salem Al Mehairbi is a Marine Scientist at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), working on the UAE’s first dedicated research vessel. In this role, she supports and leads marine research…

Savina CARLUCCIO

Paul SMITH

Secretary General (CEO)

Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Dr Paul Smith is the Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). BGCI is the largest plant conservation network in the world, comprising 650 member institutions in 100…

Neida ARIMUYA

Indigenous Expert

IPO

Neida Andi Arimuya is a spiritual guide of the Siona people of the Amazon region of Ecuador with extensive experience in the areas of biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change.

Jacques SOMDA

Chef de Programme Burkina Faso

IUCN

Il est de nationalité burkinabé, et a un doctorat en économie rurale, option économie agricole et de l’environnement de l’Université de Cocody en Côte d’ivoire, et prendra ses nouvelles fonctions le…

Luis Alberto CAMARGO

Founder & Director

IUCN Commission on Education and Communication 2021-2025

Nature Education for Sustainability Co-Chair & South America Regional Vice Chair Luis Alberto Camargo is the founder and Director of the Organization for Environmental Education and…

Madison ROUTLEDGE PETTUS

GCELS Staff Intern

Pace Law School

I am a recent J.D. graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, obtaining certificates in both international and environmental law.I am an assistant law clerk to the Honorable…

Ndapanda KANIME

Senior Programme Officer

SADC Secretariat

Ms Ndapanda Kanime, Senior Programme Officer responsbible for Natural Resources and Wildlife- SADC SecretariatNdapanda, a Namibian national, is currently a Senior Programme Officer responsible for…

Paulina KARIM

Assistant Professor

National Dong Hwa University | Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency

I’m an Assistant Professor at the College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography and CEO of the @ScapesLab Research Centre at National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan. With a PhD in Landscape…

Kathy Lene CIELO

Deputy Executive Director

Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.

Kathy Lene Cielo, also fondly known to colleagues as Kyle, is a wildlife biologist with over 10 years of experience in conservation science and environmental management. She holds a B.Sc. in Wildlife…

Mukhtar BABAYEV

Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, UNFCCC COP29 Pres

Azerbaidjan

Mukhtar Babayev was appointed Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues on 5th February 2025. Mr Babayev is the official envoy appointed by the President of…

Dung Xuan Nguyen

Head of Division of Ecology and Natural Landscape/NBCA/MAE

Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

Erustus KANGA

Director General

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas 2021-2025

Prof. Kanga has over twenty (20) years of experience in biodiversity conservation, climate change vulnerability assessment and mapping, bio-enterprises, and community livelihood support. He has a…

Rachel MARTIN

Technical Manager

Nature Positive Initiative

Rachel is a passionate conservationist dedicated to tackling complex conservation challenges through in-depth research and technical analysis. Currently pursuing a DPhil at the University of Oxford,…

Ly NGUYEN

Chair of Management Board

Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR)

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly is the founder and developer of Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR) in 2009.She holds a diploma in Food Chemistry from the Technical University of Prague, Czech…

Sawyer KUHLKEN

Youth Humboldt Scientist

Families in Nature

Sawyer Kuhlken is a youth leader, diver, artist and conservationist. He has collaboratively contributed to research projects in Tela, Honduras aimed at discovering the biotic and abiotic factors…