We’re very happy to announce the changemakers and innovators selected to take part in our Global Cultural Relations Programme (GCRP) 2023! 40 participants have been selected from over 4.200 applications to take part in the first cross-sectoral edition of our flagship training programme – welcoming not only cultural professionals, but also participants working on climate … Meet our GCRP participants 2023

Kendra Reid, a half-Australian, half-Finnish architect, brings diverse insight to her work having studied and worked in Melbourne and Copenhagen before moving to Helsinki. Kendra’s engagement on a variety of international projects has ignited a passion for community-driven urban regeneration and climate-adaptive landscapes. Her commitment to inclusive urban design shines through her participation on a … Kendra Reid

Vesna Lavtizar is a circular economy specialist at Japan’s Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. Her work is her passion. Armed with a doctorate in environmental sciences, her early research centered on water pollution and toxic biocides. However, her calling to safeguard the environment led her to advocate for a shift from the wasteful linear economy … Vesna Lavtizar

Talal Ahmed is an educator, trainer and sustainable development advocate. He holds a Master of Public Policy from Doha Institute for Graduate Studies – Qatar. Recently, he was selected as the Regional Facilitator for West Asia in the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to the UNEP. Over the past three years, he served as … Talal Ahmed

Takahiro Seki is a Supply Chain & Sustainability Consultant at IBM Japan. Takahiro specialized in Resources and Environmental Engineering during his bachelor’s and master’s studies. With a great passion for pursuing sustainability and extensive academic and practical experience, Takahiro has authored a book on Environment and Energy Policy. Takahiro currently lives in Tokyo, Japan, and … Takahiro Seki

Sita is a researcher from Caracas, Venezuela. Since obtaining a degree in Liberal Studies, she has worked as a project leader at a think tank called Venpaís, Centro de Ideas. Through research and advocacy, as well as the design and implementation of different projects, she has contributed to the organizations’ mission of supporting the development … Sita Angeli de Abreu Sousa

Sarah Alharthey is a pioneering Saudi young professional in the clean energy sector and a climate advocate committed to a career in climate action. She works as an Executive Business Development Manager at ACWA Power, successfully developing project-financed sustainable utilities infrastructure projects including solar energy, multiutilities and green hydrogen contributing to abating more than 3 … Sarah Alharthey

Ponelo Kalonga is the founder and Executive Director of Save the Village Youth Foundation in Malawi. Her initiative focuses on addressing the impact of climate change on rural-based women, climate action in sub-Saharan Africa, women’s economic empowerment, gender, governance, and violence against women. She also holds the position of chairperson for the Sub-Saharan Africa Youth … Ponelo Kalonga

Olga is trained in international relations and environmental science. She managed reforestation projects in Latin America, co-produced a MOOC with GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, worked for the French DIY retail chain heading the circularity and waste management program across Russia. Olga’s environmental startup consults business and cities on the path towards circularity … Olga Mironenko

Having amassed valuable experience with international and national institutions, Nehal works at Qatar Red Crescent at Gaza office where she gains a wide experience in food security, livelihood, and climate change adaptation programs in addition she worked as a Projects Coordinator for World Bank-funded projects at the Islamic University of Gaza for five years. These … Nehal El Nemer