Prof Judy Wakhungu EGH is a force of nature when it comes to protecting our planet. A former Kenyan Ambassador to France, Holy See, Portugal, Serbia and Monaco and Cabinet Secretary (2013-2018) for Environment & Natural Resources, her achievements speak for her:

• Pioneering Legislation: She spearheaded groundbreaking laws like the plastic bag ban (2017), the ivory stockpile burn (2016), enacting the Wildlife & Conservation Act 2013, Climate Change Act 2016; Water Act 2016; amending Environment Act 2015 & Forestry Act 2015, Leading the Waste Management Bill and crucial acts for wildlife conservation, climate change, and water management.

• Award-Winning Leadership: Her dedication has been recognized globally with prestigious honors Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Reading, Oceans Award 2018, Clark R. Bavin Award 2016, and Distinguished Alumni Awards from Penn State University & St. Lawrence University.

• First Female Geologist: Prof. Wakhungu shattered glass ceilings, becoming Kenya's first woman geologist and inspiring countless STEM students.

Her legacy extends far beyond policy. She is a passionate advocate and mentor, empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.

Dr. Dan Odaba is a powerhouse in peacebuilding! With 20 years of experience in International Relations, Disaster Risk Management, and International Development, he’s taught, researched and consulted across East Africa and Asia.

As a Non-Executive Director for Africa at the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), he is revolutionizing global perspectives on peace. Mr Odaba also inspires future leaders as a visiting scholar at the Makerere University Rotary Peace Center in Kampala

Gina Dias is a seasoned development and peacebuilding expert with over 15 years of international leadership. Her expertise lies in preventing conflict, embracing interfaith dialogue, and promoting social cohesion. She has a strong history of designing and conducting high-level peace mediation efforts, engaging with government officials, religious leaders, and international stakeholders.

With a deep understanding of complex humanitarian and political landscapes, Gina has led teams and implemented initiatives across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her current focus is on Africa, where she oversees a wide-ranging portfolio of peacebuilding programs in regions including East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.

Before joining her current role, Gina held key positions at CST Ethiopia, Plan International India, and Oxfam India. Gina holds a Bachelor’s in Politics from the University of Pune, India, and a Master’s in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, U.K.

Victor Baba is a globally recognized peacebuilder, mediator, and dispute resolution expert. With a foundation in theology and a career dedicated to conflict transformation, he has become a sought-after consultant and trainer worldwide.

A Weinstein Senior Fellow, he has designed and implemented peacebuilding programs across Africa, Asia, and the West. His expertise spans community empowerment, collaborative governance, and mediation. As co-founder of Oceanic Mediators and a mediator with FIDA Kenya, he bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Victor Baba is passionate about cultivating the next generation of peacemakers. As a Research Fellow at the United States International University Africa, he has mentored countless individuals and developed innovative training programs. His work has been recognized by prestigious institutions including the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, the African Leadership Centre, and the Basel Peace Forum.

With a strong academic background, including a law degree and a Master's in International Relations (Magna cum laude), Victor Baba combines scholarly insights with practical experience to create lasting positive change.

Dr. Sokfa John is a distinguished scholar and practitioner dedicated to peace and reconciliation. With a focus on mediation, conflict transformation, and digital peacebuilding, he has made significant contributions to the field. His expertise in local peacebuilding and ethnoreligious conflicts is complemented by his research and practical experience.

As the Deputy Director of the Centre for Mediation in Africa, University of Pretoria, Dr. John plays a key role in shaping the continent's peacebuilding landscape. His involvement in initiatives such as Mediators Beyond Borders and the Africa Mediation Association further underscores his commitment to advancing peace.

Dr. John is a recipient of prestigious honors like the Rotary Peace Fellowship and a National Geographic Explorer, he is at the forefront of innovative approaches to peacemaking. His passion for holistic, adaptive, and transformative peacebuilding strategies makes him a leading voice in the field.

Dr. Abebe Tadege is a renowned climate change expert and Climate Change Officer at the IGAD Secretariat Climate Prediction and Application Centre ICPAC. As the Principal Investigator of ICPAC's DOWN2EARTH Research Project, Dr. Tadege is pioneering innovative solutions to mitigate climate change impacts and build resilience in Africa.

With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Tadege's expertise in applied meteorology, climate variability, and risk assessment is unparalleled. His instrumental role in developing Ethiopia's National Communication to the UNFCCC and the National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) underscores his commitment to addressing climate change at the national and regional levels.

Dr. Tadege's work is a testament to the inextricable link between peace and the environment. By focusing on attributing extreme weather events and developing climate services, he is contributing to building a more resilient and stable Africa. His research aligns perfectly with the core principles of the peace and environment movement, making him a vital voice in the global conversation.

Juliet Were is a seasoned women's rights activist and peacebuilder dedicated to advancing gender equality and sustainable development. With over two decades of experience, she currently serves as Deputy Executive Director at The Women’s International Peace Centre, a global leader in women, peace, and security advocacy.

Her expertise lies in designing and implementing programs that empower women and girls affected by conflict. Through extensive work in countries like Uganda, DRC, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Nepal, she has amplified the voices of survivors of violence and contributed to critical research on the impact of armed conflict on women and development.

A champion of climate justice, Juliet is a member of the Climate Justice in Africa Committee. Her work seamlessly integrates peacebuilding and environmental sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues.

As a skilled facilitator and mentor, she has cultivated a strong network of women leaders and grassroots organizations. Her commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing is evident through her involvement in various national and international committees.

Juliet Were’s academic qualifications, including Masters in Development Studies and public leadership, coupled with her extensive experience, position her as a leading authority in the field of women, peace, and security.

Ashley Kitisya is a strategic leader at Laudato Si’ Movement with a proven history of success in delivering social impact initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her unique blend of legal expertise in justice and peace, combined with her talent for advancing partnerships, enables her to create compelling campaigns that raise climate awareness and empower women and youth to drive change.

Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria is a multifaceted leader who seamlessly blends the realms of academia, traditional authority, and public service. His distinguished academic journey, culminating in a PhD in Public Policy Administration and multiple Master's degrees, provides a strong foundation for his impactful work.

Dr. Zakaria's expertise extends across diverse fields, including leadership, finance, and public administration. This comprehensive skill set empowers him to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice is evident in his contributions to both the academic and professional spheres.

As a traditional leader, Dr. Zakaria brings a unique perspective to his work. His deep-rooted connection to his community and understanding of cultural nuances enrich his leadership style. This blend of traditional wisdom and modern knowledge equips him to address the needs of his people effectively.

Dr. Zakaria's influence extends beyond his immediate community. His involvement in various organizations and initiatives demonstrates his commitment to broader societal impact. Through his leadership and expertise, he continues to inspire and drive positive change.

Grace Nzivo PMP is a dynamic civil engineer with a proven track record as a project manager and influential leader. With five years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering and civil engineering structures, she currently contributes her expertise as a Structural Engineer at Bayana Construction Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Grace is the founder of STEM Mhandisi Africa, an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people, particularly girls, to pursue STEM fields. Through mentorship programs and career fairs, she has reached over thirty thousand high school and university students, fostering a passion for engineering and innovation.

Grace's exceptional work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the African Union-CIEFFA STEM Ambassador title, Young African Leadership Initiative civic leadership award, Akhuwat Fellowship, The Mawazo Institute Under 30 Breaking Barriers Women in STEM honor, FAEO’s Top 100 Influential Female Engineers, and the KUZA initiative strategic management fellowship. Additionally, she serves as the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Ambassador for Kenya under AIMS and has recently been awarded the prestigious TUNEM master’s scholarship from the Chinese government.

Sarah Nakame is a passionate advocate for community empowerment, gender equality, and food sovereignty. As a seasoned practitioner in community development, transformative leadership, and movement building, she is dedicated to promoting communities where women and men thrive equally.

An indigenous food activist, Sarah is committed to ensuring communities have autonomy over their well-being, peace, and food systems. Her children's book, "Matooke and Gonja," celebrates Uganda's diverse culinary heritage while highlighting the deep connection between food, culture, and community. Sarah believes that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment are fundamental to individual and collective well-being.

Sarah Nakame is a passionate advocate for community empowerment, gender equality, and food sovereignty. As a seasoned practitioner in community development, transformative leadership, and movement building, she is dedicated to promoting communities where women and men thrive equally.

An indigenous food activist, Sarah is committed to ensuring communities have autonomy over their well-being, peace, and food systems. Her children's book, "Matooke and Gonja," celebrates Uganda's diverse culinary heritage while highlighting the deep connection between food, culture, and community. Sarah believes that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment are fundamental to individual and collective well-being.