Cohort XI

Abayineh Amare is an assistant professor at Jimma University, Ethiopia since 2018. He has a BSC degree in Agricultural Sciences, and MSc in Rural Development. He has obtained his PhD in Environment and Development Studies. (more…)

The person named CHEIKHOUNA DIAGNE is a knowledgeable development engineer with hands-on experience in community management, community engagement and advocacy. He has a double master’s degree in territorial development and sustainable development issues and perspectives respectively at the Gaston Berger University in Saint Louis and the University of Alexandria in Cairo. He is a true climate policy actor for initiating the youth climate conference and participating in the largest scientific conference on sustainable development organized by Université Sherbrooke. He has worked with several UN agencies and non-governmental organizations. Currently working at UNICEF Senegal Bureau Dakar as a consultant on social entrepreneurship, he aims to do a thesis on climate finance.

Abdul Razak Hamid is an Assistance Technical Officer at Ghana Cocoa Board, where he provides extension services to farmers and manages district data for policy formulation. (more…)

Chen-Chen Cornelius is an individual of extraordinary skill and expertise in the field of water resources engineering and research, whose accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. Holding a B.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering from Busitema University in Uganda and currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Water Quality Engineering) at the prestigious University of Capetown, Chen-Chen is a true standout in his field. As the CEO of Wawtex Solutions Limited, one of the most innovative and respected companies in the water and energy solutions industry, Chen-Chen has distinguished himself as a top performer. He has designed, built and managed some of the most complex and advanced hydrological engineering concepts, and his track record of success is nothing short of exceptional. An avid volunteer, Chen-Chen has lent his considerable talents to several NGOs and environmental organizations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to community service. Recently serving as the Program Coordinator for WaSH at the BIDS Foundation in Uganda, he also served as a Renewable Energy Expert on the Promotion Renewable Energy Efficiency and Energy Program in Northern Uganda. Chen-Chen also conducted research as a Youth Researcher on the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of young people in Karamoja and Busoga regions in Uganda under Restless Development. As a Climate Advocate at FXB Climate Program and a Youth Ambassador and Mentor at Youth for Climate Restoration, Chen-Chen has shown an unwavering dedication to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG13 (Climate Action). With his technical expertise, analytical skills, and passionate commitment to service, Chen-Chen Cornelius stands poised to continue making an indelible impact in the field of water resources engineering and beyond.

Adamolekun Ayoola Gabriel is an undergraduate student from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo state in Nigeria, who is passionate about environmental (more…)

Chizoba Nzeakor is recognised as a future leader, by the Aspen Institute. She is a Climate and Clean Energy Professional, an MBA candidate at Quantic Business School, Founder and CEO Climate Technology Solutions, Zoba Advisory and Caroline Raphael Events, Fellow at Student Energy and UN-SDSN Local Pathways fellow. She is a renewable energy enthusiast, a sustainable waste manager, an event planner,project manager, climate and clean energy advocate. A member of YOUNGO, SDG 7 youth Constituency, The commonwealth sustainable energy youth transition And have been Awarded a Climate Champion and Recognized as an Innovator by UNSDSN-Nigeria.

Adjowa Yéwa TOSSOUKPE is a PhD Student in Doctoral program in Climate Change and Human Habitat (WASCAL/CC-HH) at the University of Minna, (Nigeria). (more…)

IKAPI-MOUKAGNI Christ est un scientifique intéressé par les questions sur le changement climatique, il est membre de l’association FOVIGENA (Fondation Villageoise sur la Gestion de la Nature), volontaire des Nations Unies, bénévole pour le compte de plusieurs ONG. Il a un master en chimie organique, option Substances Naturelles obtenue à l’Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku au Gabon. Il a plusieurs certificats des instituts reconnus mondialement en génie pétrolier (Total Professeurs Associés) et en REDD+ (E-Académie REDD+). Il a une expérience pratique dans les énergies fossiles (secteur pétrolier). Actuellement il est stagiaire pour le gouvernement Gabonais au Conseil National Climat organe en charge de compiler les inventaires de gaz à effet de serre de tous les secteurs selon les recommandations de la CCNUCC, d’élaborer les politiques nationales sur le changement climatique, de préparer des documents techniques relatifs au domaine d’activité respectif et de vulgariser des informations relatives aux question du changement climatique.

Mr. Akinbowale Akinlolu Sylvester is a Nigerian who holds a Master’s degree in forest inventory and biometrics from the department of forestry, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria.  He was a University Teaching Assistant at the department, where he performed extensive research on the relationship between forest and climate change. He was a volunteer for several Non-Governmental Organizations such as One Tree Initiative & Research (OTI&R), Eden World Initiatives & National Social Investment Programme. He was appointed as the vice president of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Community Development Service (CDS) group during his national service in Abia State, Nigeria where he raised climate change awareness among the people. Sylvester is a team leader and a player in the research world. Presently, he is working on a project titled "Roles of Urban Forests in Climate Change Mitigation"

Professor Diji is a Registered Professional and Chartered Engineer; licensed by the Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Certified International Professional Manager (CIPM) of the International Professional Managers Association (IPMA – UK) ; Chartered Management Consultant (CMC) of the Chartered Institute of Management (CIMC), Canada; and Certified Research Management Professional (RMP) conferred by the International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC) and the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) .   He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (specialty in Energy Studies); professional postgraduate Diploma in Management Consultancy practice and Organizational Transformation from the International Professional Managers Association (IPMA – UK). He has certification in “leading Effective teams in Climate Change Research” from Strathmore University, Kenya and Certification in “Development Project Grant Proposal Writing” and “Scientific Writing” from the African Climate Leadership Programme (AfriCLP).  He also has certificate of competence in the following areas from the School of Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa: Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Commercialization; Gender in Science, Technology and Innovation; Research Ethics and Integrity; Fundamentals of Research Management; Research Grants and Contract Management; and  Programme Evaluation. Professor Diji is a Nominated expert on the roaster of experts of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Selected Expert Reviewer of the AR6 Synthesis Report by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). He is an Institutional focal lead for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solution Network (SDSN) and member of the Council of Engineers on the Energy Transition (CEET), an independent advisory council to the Secretary General of the UN. He is the Chair of the African Research Council on Sustainable Development (ARSCD) and Professional Research Council Member of the International Institute for Policy Review and Development Strategies (IIPRDS). Professor Diji is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension at the Kampala International University in Uganda. The Director and Chair, KIU – Yunus Social Business Centre (KIU – YSBC) Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Kampala International University. He also serve on consultancy basis as Clean Technology Researcher/Expert for the Strategy & Ops Consultancy PTY Ltd, based in Australia.

Ann is young and ambitious female with great interest in nature and biodiversity conservation. She has a degree on environmental planning and management and soon enrolling in a Masters’ program to study Environmental Law and Governance. She has over 13 years’ experience in project planning, implementation and delivery. She also has experience in child safeguarding and protection. 4 out of the 13 years were spent implementing children protection projects in the urban informal settlements of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. She has fundraised for climate adaptation projects in Ethiopia and Somalia and oversaw the successful completion of the projects. Ann also engages in consultancy on part time basis. She is an alumnus of the ‘USA Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural affairs exchange program where she participated in the ‘On Demand Youth Leadership Program - climate change and energy as an adult mentor for young people. Legacy International administers the program. ODYLP is a three-week U.S.-based exchange focused on climate change initiatives. In her free time Ann enjoys to be indoors. She also enjoys to travel and interact with different cultures.

Consolata Gathoni Gitau is an experienced and passionate ecologist working in the environment conservation and research fields. She has a BSc in Range and MSc in Range Management from South Eastern Kenya University and the University of Nairobi respectively. She is a PhD student at Nottingham Trent University in the Ecology and Environmental Biology program and a volunteer at Kijabe Environment Volunteers.  She is a member of Women in Conservation Technology (WiCT) and Conservation Leadership Program (CLP) Alumni Network. Consolata has previously worked with BirdLife International, International Livestock Research Institute (Mazingira center), African Fund for Endangered Wildlife and Kenya Wildlife Service. One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving an award for the best poster presentation at the 15th Pan African Ornithological Congress, which was held in Zimbabwe in November 2022. She chose to pursue Ecology from her zeal to contribute to a better life for the communities in rangelands and conservation of wildlife and their habitat, specifically those on the verge of extinction.