Thomas SBERNA

With an academic background in social sciences, political philosophy & ethics, environmental economics and territorial governance as well as in corporate and project finance, Thomas is a seasoned professional who has been working at the Nature-People-Climate nexus for more than 15 years. With international work experience in a wide range of institutions, from grassroots organisations (Argentina, India) to protected area administration (Vietnam), from international development finance institution (AFD/Proparco) to INGO (Conservation International) and quasi-intergovernmental organisation (IUCN), Thomas thrive in fast paced and challenging environments. Currently based in Nairobi (Kenya), he's the Founder and Head of the Great Blue Wall initiative at IUCN, an initiative born out of the Western Indian Ocean region and that aims at building a global south led movement to scale up and accelerate ambitious ocean action by establishing a global connected network of regenerative seascapes. Thomas is also the Ocean Lead at the High-Level Climate Champions for COP30 where he leads the structuration of ambitious global partnerships to accelerate and scale up ocean action through the operationalisation and implementation of the Ocean Breakthroughs. Thomas is also the Senior Fellow for Ocean at the Africa-Europe Foundation. Thomas sits on several boards and strategic groups, including as a Strategic Advisor for the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Plans and for the Global Ocean Coalition of Cities and Regions as well as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Regenerative Blue Economy and as a Board member of the MENA Ocean Initiative.