Team – The Initiative Coordination Office | G20 Global Land Initiative

The Initiative Coordination Office

The ICO will have dedicated full-time staff and an annual budget from which it will fund its core activities. The ICO will receive administrative and financial oversight from the UNCCD Secretariat as part of a formalized collaboration agreement.

The Initiative Coordination Team

Muralee Thummarukudy

Director

Muralee Thummarukudy

Director, G20 Global Land Initiative

Dr. Thummarukudy brings to this position over three decades of progressive senior management experience and technical expertise in land restoration issues. He has most recently served as the acting Head of the Disasters and Conflicts Programme at the United Nations Environment Programme, where he implemented a portfolio of over 100 million USD, focusing on ecosystem-based disaster reduction and partnership development.

An internationally renowned expert in disaster response, he played a key role in addressing the environmental aftermath of many major conflicts and disasters, implementing projects in over 35 countries. Prior to joining the United Nations, Dr. Thummarukudy served as Environmental Advisor to Shell Group in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

He has a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He was also a Beahr’s fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Thummarukudy is also a well-known author in his native Malayalam language.

E-mail: mthummarukudy@unccd.int

Wagaki Wischnewski

Communication Coordinator

Wagaki Wischnewski

Communication Coordinator

Ms. Wischnewski brings to this position over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, public policy and advocacy on sustainable development. As press and media lead at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for the last 12 years, she is credited with raising the Convention’s media visibility globally and bringing innovation to communications work. She introduced social media tools and most recently oversaw the Convention’s rebranding and website redesign.

At UNCCD, she led the United Nations system-wide Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020), which raised global awareness about the challenges of desertification and drought and their solutions, and created the appetite for restoration. As the Convention’s gender focal point from 2014 to 2018, she led the process that made the Convention gender responsive. She co-designed a communications-driven webinar series on youth innovation focused on new opportunities presented by the green economy that created a strong foundation for youth engagement.

Fluent in five languages, Ms Wischnewski has Masters Degrees in Journalism (Kenya), Policy Studies (Zimbabwe) and Political Science (United States).

E-mail: wwischnewski@unccd.int

Salma AlSayyad

Policy Officer

Salma Alsayyad

Policy Officer, G20 Global Land Initiative

Salma sees the mission for land as an environmental, social, and economics question requiring new partnerships and multi-sectoral strategies for the people and the planet to benefit.

Prior to joining the Initiative’s Coordination Office, Salma was on UNCCD’s reporting team with a work portfolio that includes engaging with the Environment Working Group at the G20 Forum supporting the birth of the Initiative in 2020, as well as engaging with the Arab World and its regional organizations supporting a notable shift towards land as a priority focus.

Her previous work includes roles with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international Organization for Migration (IOM) where she has worked in different country contexts.

E-mail: salsayyad@unccd.int

Georgina Bwango

Administrative and Finance Officer

Georgina Bwango

Administrative and Finance Officer

Administrative and Finance Officer at UNCCD playing a key role in the preparation and review of finalised budget proposals, financial forecasts and estimates to help control costs, monitor utilisation of funds, and achieve targets. An experienced accountant with over ten years work experience, of which the last three have been senior positions.

Adept at maintaining proper accounting records, documenting processes, preparing financial statements, and analyzing financials to identify variances, recognize and mitigate risks. Georgina has assessed the adequacy of various project financial management systems; including administration, budgeting, policies, procedures, internal controls, financial reporting and auditing.

Previously the Finance and Budget Officer with the UNEP - MEA Advisory unit. She holds a BSC(Hons) in Applied accounting, and an MBA from Oxford Brookes University. She is also a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

E-mail: gbwango@unccd.int

Andreea Becheru

Office Management

Andreea Becheru

Office Management

Andreea has both a Legal and Administrative Sciences and Business Administration master’s degree.

She also has over 20 years of professional experience in business administration and project management implementation in multicultural environments such as United Nations, European Commission, Government and Private Sector.

She has been working in UN system for more than 11 years having the opportunity to provide comprehensive support to several global projects’ implementation across UNV, UNICEF, UNFCCC and now to UNCCD.

E-mail: abecheru@unccd.int

Mohamed Abd salam EL Vilaly

Programme Officer Information Management

Mohamed Abd salam EL Vilaly

Programme Officer, Information Management

Mohamed Abd Salam EL Vilaly is a Programme Officer with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat in Bonn, leading Information Management for the G20 Global Land Initiative. Mohamed Abd Salam El Vilaly received a B.Sc. in water resources management from the University of Nouakchott, Mauritania in 2001, a Specialized M.Sc. degree (diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées ) in groundwater management from the University of Grenoble, France in 2003, a Research M.Sc. degree (Diplôme d'études approfondies ) in hydrology from the University of Avignon and the Vaucluse, France in 2004, and a Ph.D. degree in applied remote sensing for Earth Sciences from the University of Arizona, the United States, in 2013.

Dr. Abd Salam has over 18 years of combined work experience from the United Nations, the humanitarian, academic, and private sectors. His research focuses on integrating and analysing multitemporal airborne and satellite remote sensing data with GIS technologies to monitor and model human-environment interactions across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. More specifically, Abd Salam’s work intersects the concepts of big data analytics, decision-making, planning and management, and the development of online data and knowledge exploration tools and platforms.

Prior to joining the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD) as a Program Officer (Information Management), Dr Abd Salam worked for the International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) in Washington DC, AfricaRice in Cotonou, Benin, United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) in Johannesburg, South Africa and in New York, USA, and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia(UN-ESCWA) in Beirut, Lebanon.

Email to: avilaly@unccd.int

Paula Padrino Vilela

Associate Programme Management Officer

Paula Padrino Vilela

Associate Programme Management Officer

Associate Programme Management Officer at UNCCD based in Bonn. Paula is originally from Spain and has accumulated over 4 years of professional experience in the humanitarian and human rights fields, working for major international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NATO and the United Nations (UN). Prior to joining the G20 Global Initiative on Land, Paula was Project Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch.

She possesses an LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the Geneva Academy in Switzerland and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Universidad Europea de Madrid in Spain. Having lived in different countries, one of Paula’s passions is learning languages. She speaks fluent Spanish, English, Italian and French and recently took on the challenge to learn German and Arabic.

E-mail: pvilela@unccd.int

Joann Lee

Programme Officer

Joann Lee

Programme Officer

Joann Lee is a Programme Officer with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat in Bonn, leading stakeholder engagement for the G20 Global Land Initiative. She has over 11 years of combined experience in programme management and law. Prior to joining the UNCCD Secretariat, she was a Programme Analyst with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in New York, working on economic empowerment, climate change, and technology and innovation issues. Her previous experience also includes coordinating advocacy and outreach efforts with the Center for Women's Global Leadership and investigating environmental compliance matters as an attorney with the California Department of Justice. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and East Asian Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

E-mail: jlee@unccd.int

Devashree Niraula

Research and Outreach Specialist

Devashree Niraula

Research and Outreach Specialist

Devashree is from Kathmandu, Nepal is a research associate at the G20 global initiative on land.

She is a graduate of Gothenburg University, Sweden with a major in climate and ecosystem.

Devashree has a solid academic background in research, climate data and geospatial analysis.

Prior to her involvement with UNCCD, she was an intern at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a climate and security intern. In this capacity, Devashree had been supporting the unit with research, data analysis and coordination.

Devashree’s interests lie in interdisciplinary work of anthropogenic impacts research and using that research to inform policy on all levels.

E-mail: dniraula@unccd.int

Bettina Reinartz

Admin and Travel Assistant

Bettina Reinartz

Admin and Travel Assistant

Bettina is a seasoned and dedicated professional in administration with more than 14 years at UNEP's Secretariat for Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas. Within the G20 Global Land Initiative team, she will be focusing on travel and administration.

E-mail: breinartz@unccd.int

Key Technical Experts

Dr. Tony Simons

Senior Expert on Land Restoration

Dr. Tony Simons

Senior Expert on Land Restoration

He is an accomplished expert in forest genetics and tropical forestry and his expertise spans public, private and academic sectors. He completed his PhD in Forest Genetics at Cambridge University, United Kingdom.In 2009, Tony was made Honorary Professor in Tropical Forestry at Copenhagen University and in 2021, he was bestowed the position of lifetime Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy (Agriculture and Forestry) by King Carl XIV Gustaf. From 1995, he worked full-time for ICRAF based out of Nairobi, Kenya, climbing the ranks up to become Director General in 2011.
He started his career with Shell Forestry and with the UK Government seconded to Fiji. Tony is an innovative and inspirational leader who is also a proficient and trusted manager. For more than 30 years, he has worked in over 40 developing countries on landscape issues at the agriculture/forestry interface, and is committed to gender and youth empowerment. Tony Simons is based in Kenya and the UK.

Hari Madathil Rajappan Nair

Senior Expert – Miyawaki Forests

Hari Madathil Rajappan Nair

Senior Expert - Miyawaki Forests

With a thirty-year career in digital media production and eighteen-year experience in afforestation and land restoration, M. R. Hari’s expertise lies in harnessing the potential of the digital media to promote Miyawaki Model as a way to encourage eco-rejuvenation and preservation of bio-diversity, and to combat problems like climate change. He has guided or participated in the creation of more than 200 urban micro-forests in various parts of India and outside. He has produced more than 160 videos in his native language of Malayalam (with English subtitles) on Miyawaki forests and environment-related issues, and aired them through his video channel www.youtube.com/crowdforesting. His latest project, the Miyawaki Memorial Live Nature Lab, attempts to intensify Nature-awareness among school children by exposing them to live vegetation and the ecosystem of small creatures. Formally trained in mass communication and law, M. R. Hari is associated with two MSMEs as the Executive Chairman of Invis Private Limited and Director of Culture Shoppe Private Limited. He also works as the Director of AGES (Agriculture and Eco System Management Group), a non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable development. He has two books to his credit, and has been video-documenting Indian culture and heritage for two decades.

Dr. Karen Sudmeier-Rieux

Environmental Education Outreach Specialist

Dr. Karen Sudmeier – November, 2022

Environmental Education Outreach Specialist

Base : Geneva, CH

Environmental education outreach specialist with two decades of experience researching, teaching and publishing on ecosystem restoration for reducing climate risks.

Karen was the lead developer of two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), most notably: ‘Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience’, with over 60,000 registered. She is an affiliated Senior Scientist at TH-Köln, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany. Prior to this, Karen was a Senior Adviser, Disaster Risk Reduction with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Disasters and Conflicts program in Geneva Switzerland, where she managed several large projects related to ‘Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction’.

Karen is also a scholar of ecosystem management for landslide management and developed the concept of “Eco-Safe Roads”, with expertise from the Himalayas. She holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and Masters’ degrees in international development and forest ecology from Switzerland and the United States. She continues to give university lectures and mentors students worldwide.

Dennis Pulimittathu

Senior Expert – Private Sector Engagement and Post-Mining Restoration Initiatives

Nathanael Laffan

Intern

With a BA in Music and English literature from University College Cork, Nathanael pivoted from the Arts into the world of sustainability by completing CHARM-EU’s MSc in Global Challenges for Sustainability. Nathanael considers himself to be multidisciplinary, with academic and professional experience in event management, audiovisual media production, stakeholder management, and research.

Nathanael’s Master’s studies ignited an interest in the One Health concept, environmental justice, and the inclusive implementation of sustainability policy. Nathanael’s thesis project involved his research team producing a report and policy brief in collaboration with the UNFCCC regarding the role of technology in improving Water-Energy-Food nexus systems in Albania.

Nathanael brings a wealth of diverse experience and is looking forward to complimenting the work of the G20 Land Initiative with his passion for all things sustainability

Technical and other Support

Murat Gungor

Website & Online Strategy Consultant

Murat Gungor

Website & Online Strategy Consultant

Murat is responsible for making sure the website content is engaging, up-to-date and optimized for user traffic. He supports the team in generating multimedia content for our website, including for COP16.

Murat brings a wealth of experience in the field of digital communications, from his experience at various UN and other international organizations, including UNOPS, OSCE and WHO. His professional work involves redesigning intranets and websites, managing social media campaigns and developing multimedia products, specifically focusing on turning technical content into usable digital content for a variety of audiences.

Murat holds an MA in Communication, culture and technology from Georgetown University, United States, and an MA in Cultural studies from Bilgi University, Turkey.

E-mail: mgungor@unccd.int

Antonia Mendes

Stakeholder Engagement Consultant

Antonia de Abreu Coutinho

Digital marketing specialist

Environmental digital marketing and stakeholder engagement specialist. She holds a Master’s degree in Environment and Public Health from University of Melbourne and a Bachelor degree in Economics from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And she has been working with the UN since 2016. Antonia has worked during four and half years with the UN Environment Programme at the Disasters and Conflicts Branch. Her main responsibilities were communications, knowledge management, editorial coordination, digital marketing and web support. In addition, during her last year at UNEP, she was the main focal point and responsible for the stakeholder engagement of the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), which has over 20 members.

Prior to joining UN Environment Programme, Antonia worked principally in finance and marketing and was an active volunteer in the environmental field. In Brazil, she worked in the marketing strategy department of Ipiranga, a Brazilian oil company.

During her Master’s degree in Melbourne, Australia, Antonia volunteered with an urban agriculture NGO, Three Thousand Acres. She also started a citizen science digital application on urban biodiversity, together with her university and peers. Antonia participated in the Climate Reality training, the global programme hosted by Al Gore aiming to explain climate change clearly to non-experts. Antonia then acted as a mentor during subsequent Climate Reality training in Brazil in 2014, hosted in her home town of Rio de Janeiro. Antonia is passionate about the importance of communicating environmental issues to the general public and making sure UN Environment’s message reaches every household.

E-mail: atrompieri89@gmail.com

Daniela Cristofori

Visualisation Consultant

Daniela Cristofori

Graphic designer

Stockholm based graphic designer with 17 years of experience working for the UN and other leading organizations that serve some of the world’s most marginalized people.

During this time, she has worked with nearly all UN agencies and have held/ or is currently holding Long Term Arrangements with UNICEF, FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, ILO, Transparency International, Clinton Foundation, and I-TECH.

She has spent most of her adult life in southern Africa; Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique to be precise. Prior to that she lived for several years in Tbilisi, Georgia, in Rome and Milan, Italy.

She joined the UNCCD team as an external consultant in 2019 and has since then worked on refining the new UNCCD corporate identity and redesigning the website.

Daniela is fluent in Swedish, Italian, English and conversational in Portuguese.

E-mail: daniela@danielacristofori.com

Apoorva Bose

Programme Coordinator

Apoorva Bose

Programme Coordinator

Apoorva is an International Human Rights lawyer who works as the India Programme Coordinator, Global Initiative G20 at UNCCD. She holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and did her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, India.

Her areas of expertise range from environmental and humanitarian law to development communications and programme coordination. Prior to joining UNCCD, she worked as a Communications and Community Engagement Expert at UNEP and as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of the Indian Parliament. At UNEP, Apoorva was involved in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), and oversaw the Disasters and Conflicts Branch’s communications strategy.

Apoorva’s professional experience extends beyond jurisprudence and communications. She has donned many hats; an actress in the Malayalam film industry, a singer, a voice artist, and a classically-trained dancer. She is also a TEDx speaker and was awarded the “30 under 30” recognition for lawyers and legal influencers by BW Businessworld in 2021.

E-mail: abose@unccd.int

Maria Rother

Research Associate

Maria Rother

Research Associate

Maria is from Siegburg, Germany and graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland with a Master's degree in Sustainable Development. She also has a background in media and business psychology. Prior to her current role, she was an intern at the G20 Global Land Initiative and the German Corporation for International Cooperation, where she gained experience in land restoration and international development work. Since then, she has worked in different organisations, such as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the Cameroon Association of Active Youths, collecting various types of data and conducting relevant research. Maria's interests lie in research on enhancing climate action to make the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals more feasible.

Email: mrother2@unccd.int

Matheus Fontes

Brazil Liaison Officer Consultant

Matheus Fontes

Brazil Liaison Officer Consultant

Originally from Brazil, Matheus has accumulated more than two years of experience in the humanitarian and environmental sector. Prior to joining the G20 GLI, Matheus worked at the UN World Food Programme’s Legal Office providing support for the conclusion of public and private partnerships. His previous experience also includes the UN Environment Programme, where he was one of the co-drafters of a Report on Modern Technologies for Disaster Management and represented UNEP at at Start Global 2022 in St Gallen, Switzerland. His other engagements included representing a Brazilian NGO at the Human Rights Council and providing free legal advice for residents of his hometown in Brazil. Matheus earned a Masters degree at the Geneva Graduate Institute and Bachelor of Law from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.

Armando Guerra

Videographer

Armando Guerra

Videographer

Armando Guerra began his filmmaking career in his native Cuba, where he started out as a fixer for National Public Radio and a producer for CNN. His documentary films have won numerous prizes, including several gold, silver and bronze Telly Awards for his early coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, synthetic drug making, the wildfires ravaging Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland; or the fate of Hondurans affected by climate change.

Environmental issues are recurrent theme in Guerra's films, especially when they intersect with human and gender rights, food security, land rights and the future of indigenous populations like the Garífunas in Honduras, the Cofan people in Ecuador, the Gunas in Panama, or the Xavantes of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Armando Guerra is a regular consultant with different UN agencies such as IFRC and UNEP; and has created campaigns and online training for international organizations such as the International Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He lives between Valencia, Spain and Copenhague, Denmark.

E-mail: armando.guerra@mambopanda.com

Lorenza Contin

Research Associate

Lorenza Contin

Research Associate

Lorenza Contin is a Research Associate at the G20 GLI. For the next six months, Lorenza will support the Director in the development of a strategic roadmap for UNCCD CoP16 and other critical initiatives focused on land conservation and restoration. With a specialized expertise in ecosystem-based and disaster risk management, Lorenza brings her knowledge of the intersection between environment and migration through her research and work with various NGOs. She has previously served as an intern with the UNEP Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction, and as a Project Assistant and Researcher in organizations dedicated to sustainable development and Nature-based Solutions, including Entrepreneurs pour la Planète and ClimaTalk.

Lorenza holds a Master’s in Environmental Policy from Sciences Po (Paris School of International Affairs) and a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative, European, and International Law from the University of Trento. Additionally, she completed a Summer School in Climate Change-related Migration at SOAS University of London. Her academic achievements are complemented by her active volunteer work, including contributions to the COP-5 to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, UNHCR community-based protection activities in Malaysia, and emergency assistance during the 2022 floods in Italy.

Residing in Padova, Italy, Lorenza's personal interests reflect her passion for human connections and environmental stewardship. She is learning Arabic to better engage with people on the move and has a love for language exchanges, having improved her German and French through such experiences. An enthusiastic hiker, Lorenza embarks on annual week-long backpacking trips in nature, and she has been training in aerial silks at the circus since high school. She also earned academic recognition, including the Italian Excellence Student Award in 2019.

Email: lcontin@unccd.int

Tariq Al-Olaimy

Faith Engagement Policy Consultant

Tariq Al-Olaimy

Faith Engagement Policy Consultant

Within the UN system, Tariq serves as an Advisory Board Member to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and on the Advisory Group of the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions - Race to Resilience. Tariq has served a 5-year term as Co-Chair of the UNESCO Global Action Program Partner Network on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

With a diverse educational background, Tariq holds a BSc. in Investment and Financial Risk Management, a Master's in Degrowth Economics policy, and an Alternative Master's in Divinity. He is among the first 100 people in the world to complete a certified specialization in the field of Biomimicry. Tariq is a Kleros Fellow, a Post-Growth Institute Fellow, and a Fellow and Faculty member of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).

Email: tal-olaimy@unccd.int

Ahmad Reza Amiri

Graphic Designer

Ahmad Reza Amiri

Graphic Designer

Ahmad Reza Amiri is a graphic designer and communication expert with over eight years of experience at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where he served as a Communication Associate in Afghanistan and worked as a Graphic Designer for their office in Geneva. He also has served as a Graphic Designer with World Conversation Society in Afghanistan and at various governmental organizations.

As a dedicated member of the Afghan Art Association, he has played a pivotal role in promoting street arts across Afghanistan. His extensive experience also includes positions as a communication and digital media manager for several NGOs, where he has showcased his skills in graphic design, event management, and strategic communication.

Ahmad is passionate about the importance of communicating environmental issues to the general public and is committed to raising awareness in this critical area. With a strong interest in humanitarian and charity work, he leverages his expertise to drive meaningful social change and make a positive impact in his community.

Ebenezer Attua Odoi

GIS Developer

Ebenezer Attua Odoi

GIS Developer

Ebenezer Attua Odoi Jr, widely known as EB, holds an Msc from the Ohio State University in Geodetic Science with a major in Geographic Information System(GIS). EB has been involved in Mapping and GIS projects across the globe which have enabled him to manage large business solutions that have multiple touchpoints. He has project knowledge in the fields of GIS web and desktop application building, land tenure documentation, transportation, wildlife/ecosystem tracking, and mobile app development. Recent beneficiaries of Ebenezer’s consultancy work include Nokia, Microsoft Partner Network, World Wildlife Fund (WWF – Germany), Habitat for Humanity International, Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI), Schneider Electric, and Trimble Navigation.

Email: eodoi@unccd.int

Felicitas Belker

Youth Engagement Consultant

Felicitas Belker

GIS Developer

Felicitas Belker is a Youth Engagement Consultant with the G20 Global Land Initiative at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Bonn. She graduated from the University of St. Gallen, where she specialized in international relations, environmental policy, and sustainable development. Felicitas brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, event organization, and research, which she gained through an internship at the Representation of the State Hessen to the EU in Brussels and her work with a non-profit organization in Switzerland, focusing on sustainable business innovations. She is dedicated to mobilizing youth and the business sector to tackle critical environmental challenges.

Somia Othman

Communications Consultant

Somia Othman

Communications Consultant

Sarah Othman is a highly accomplished communications specialist and digital strategist with over 12 years of experience in journalism, content creation, and social media management. Throughout her career, she has worked with major organizations such as Twitter, FAO, and Yahoo! News, specializing in digital content strategy, news verification, and managing social media platforms for the MENA region.

At Twitter, Sarah led efforts to tackle misinformation on critical issues such as COVID-19, civic integrity, and climate change, while also overseeing major event coverage, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the US elections. As a co-founder of the award-winning news platform Almanassa, she has been at the forefront of innovative media development, setting new standards for digital journalism in the Arab world.

Her expertise extends to training media professionals and NGOs, particularly in the MENA region, on digital transformation, content creation, and marketing strategies. Sarah has developed and executed successful social media campaigns for global events and organizations, consistently achieving high engagement and follower growth. Known for her leadership and problem-solving skills, she excels in mentoring teams, driving performance, and creating impactful content strategies that align with brand objectives.

A passionate storyteller and advocate for digital innovation, Sarah remains committed to advancing the field of digital media and empowering communities through accurate, engaging, and strategic content.

Email: sothman@unccd.int

Gopal Patel

Faith Engagement Policy Consultant

Gopal Patel

Faith Engagement Policy Consultant

Born and raised in England, after graduating university, Gopal D. Patel studied at Hindu ashrams in India and England for two years, exploring the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and applying them to contemporary concerns. Two decades later and he’s still asking himself the same question: How are the wisdom, values, and knowledge of faith traditions and spirituality (including his own) relevant to the world and its challenges?

Patel is bridging the gap between the world of faith and spirituality and the secular world of technocrats and public policy. He helps people and institutions understand the significant contribution of faith based groups by translating and applying religious teachings and ideas into policy and action that contribute to the common good. For the last decade, he has advised global interfaith and environmental initiatives and worked for the inclusion of faith voices in local and international policy.

He believes in harnessing the enduring wisdom of faith traditions to support innovative approaches to global problems and building resilience for social change work. He shares his experiences as a keynote speaker and presenter and convenes spaces for faith and secular groups to engage constructively on issues of common concern.

Email: gpatel@unccd.int

Claire Cantor Rice

Video Producer and Editor

Claire Cantor Rice

Video Producer and Editor

Claire is a digital media expert, focusing primarily on youtube and channel/audience growth. She is also an experienced video editor and social producer

Claire has prior experience working at a London-based production company where she managed multiple youtube channels and produced various social video content weekly. She also previously interned at UNEP Resilience To Disasters and Conflicts Branch, working in the communications team.

Claire holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Master of Art In Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Email: crice@unccd.int

Interns

Nathanael Laffan

Intern

Nathanael Laffan

Intern

Nathanael brings a wealth of diverse experience and is looking forward to complimenting the work of the G20 Land Initiative with his passion for all things sustainability

Amala Babu Thomas

Intern

Amala Babu Thomas

Intern

Amala is an emerging professional with a background in environmental engineering and chemical engineering. She is currently pursuing both a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and a Master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA. Amala has excelled in various roles, including her work as a Field Process Engineering Intern at Applied Environmental Solutions in Ohio, where she contributed to innovative nutrient recovery methods, contributing to environmental sustainability.

As an undergraduate research assistant at her university’s water chemistry lab, Amala has contributed to significant studies on harmful algal bloom dynamics in Lake Erie through DNA extraction and water quality analysis. Her academic journey, coupled with hands-on experience in green chemistry and biofuels, has shaped her understanding of the critical connection between chemistry and the environment.

Amala is known for her strong time management skills, leadership in collaborative environments, and her passion for giving back to the community. She has volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and SAME Café and participated in mission trips to underserved areas. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Hindi, and with a basic understanding of Spanish and French, Amala enjoys anchoring events such as DIYA – Annual Diwali celebrations on her university and as well as conducting interviews for her YouTube series, "SUCCESSFUL WOMEN."

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Amala enjoys traveling, watching sports, Playing Badminton, contributing to local communities, and exploring sustainable solutions that positively impact both people and the planet.

Jack Kgwale

Intern

Jack Kgwale

Intern

Jack Kgwale is a dedicated final-year student at the University of Pretoria, pursuing a BSc in Geography and Environmental Science. Jack’s passion for environmental conservation and sustainability has propelled him to leadership roles in innovative projects aimed at addressing climate-related challenges.

As the co-founder of the Water From a Rock Initiative (WAFARI), Jack is at the forefront of efforts to enhance community resilience to natural disasters, particularly floods. Under his leadership, WAFARI has implemented early warning systems and cutting-edge geofencing techniques that have proven instrumental in disaster preparedness. The initiative’s impact has been recognized internationally, earning the 2023 Global Integrated Flood and Drought Management Award. WAFARI, supported by the Global Water Partnership, WMO, and the Water Youth Network, is committed to driving impactful change across Africa.

Jack’s technical expertise spans geospatial analysis, GIS and risk assessment. His role as the Assistant Manager of YouthMappers at the University of Pretoria has allowed him to contribute to impactful mapping projects.

Jack’s endeavours, supported by organisations like the Global Water Partnership, WMO, and the Water Youth Network, highlight his commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and fostering sustainable practices. Outside of his work, Jack likes to travel, keep up with current trends, and listen to the radio.

Samuel Tahinduka

Intern

Samuel Tahinduka

Intern

Samuel Tahinduka is a self-driven and result-oriented individual with a strong passion and background in environmental conservation. Samuel completed his Bachelor’s degree in Geographical Sciences from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, specializing in Physical Geography with key modules such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Remote Sensing, Environmental Disaster Management, Climatology, Global Environmental Change and Ecosystems Sciences. Samuel did his first internship at the National Environment Management Authority of Uganda as a requirement for the fulfillment of the degree where he gained hands-on practical experience in environmental management. Samuel’s research project titled “Analyzing the implications of wetland degradation on livelihoods in river Rwizi middle catchment area Southwestern Uganda”, justifies his passion and determination for environmental conservation.

A standout success for his strong desire for environmental management, Samuel was awarded a grant by the Tree Ring Society to attend the 2024 African Dendrochronological Field School in Livingstone, Zambia. Samuel is a local coordinator of Students for Liberty and a correspondent for Speakfreely magazine in Uganda. He loves nature, travelling and studying new subjects.

Maria Mercedes Gavilan Galisteo

Intern

Maria Mercedes Gavilan Galisteo

Intern

Maria Mercedes Gavilan Galisteo is a highly motivated, goal-oriented professional who is deeply committed to innovative environmental policy solutions. Mercedes holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Loyola Andalucía University in Cordoba, Spain. She is currently pursuing a double master's degree in Comparative Public Governance and European Studies at the University of Twente in the Netherlands and the University of Münster in Germany. During her academic career, she focused on environmental policy and policy development, specializing in agricultural and forestry sustainability. In her first internship with Ence, a Spanish renewable energy company, she gained a solid understanding of policy frameworks and their political implications.

Driven by her passion for sustainable land management and water conservation, she conducted an in-depth research project titled The Importance of Wetlands and the Case of Doñana, where she immersed herself in the study of Spain's Doñana National Park, analysing the impacts of aquifer overexploitation by agriculture and other environmental challenges, as well as the broader consequences of agricultural practices on ecological change. Besides, Mercedes is a strong advocate of human rights and is a dedicated volunteer to protect the dignity and rights of refugees and migrants. Passionate about music and outdoor sports, she is driven to make a difference in the lives of others through meaningful efforts.

Sébastien Brion

Intern

Sébastien Brion

Intern

Sébastien Brion is from Lyon, France and is an intern at the G20 Global Land Initiative at the UNCCD. He graduated a BA in Politics and International Relations at SOAS University London and a MSc in Environment, Politics, and Society at UCL. Sébastien has completed two independent research projects, one exploring values within climate governance and the other examining the grip of unsustainable practices in expatriate lifestyles. He worked at French developmental NGO CCFD-Terre Solidaire and has been involved in volunteering work ranging from youth education in China to peacebuilding efforts in Kosovo. Sébastien’s areas of interests consist of sustainable agriculture and behavioral studies, with the aim of working for a just transition towards sustainability.

Diya Deepak

Intern

Diya Deepak

Intern

Diya, from Kerala, India, is an Environmental Studies and Public Policy graduate of FLAME University, Pune. Over the past few years, Diya has undertaken multiple research internships focusing on topics around conservation and governance. She initially worked with the Center for Land Governance on the Government of India’s Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) regarding land tenure formalisation and community impact. Afterwards, Diya worked with Prof. Andrea D Phillott for a brief period, reviewing physical tags for marine turtles. Post her graduation, she joined Dakshin Foundation, Bangalore, as a research intern, where she looked at the perceptions of the local community in Minicoy Island, India, on the impacts of climate change and also assisted in documenting customary resource management systems on the island. Outside of her primary areas of interest, Diya has also volunteered for local NGOs, aiding the education of tribal children in rural Maharashtra and digital fundraising and content creation during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Initiative Coordination Office

The Initiative Coordination Team

Muralee Thummarukudy

Wagaki Wischnewski

Salma AlSayyad

Georgina Bwango

Andreea Becheru

Mohamed Abd salam EL Vilaly

Paula Padrino Vilela

Joann Lee

Devashree Niraula

Bettina Reinartz

Key Technical Experts

Dr. Tony Simons

Hari Madathil Rajappan Nair

Dr. Karen Sudmeier-Rieux ​

Dennis Pulimittathu

Technical and other Support

Murat Gungor

Antonia Mendes

Daniela Cristofori

Apoorva Bose

Maria Rother​

Matheus Fontes

Armando Guerra

Lorenza Contin

Tariq Al-Olaimy

Ahmad Reza Amiri

Ebenezer Attua Odoi

Felicitas Belker

Somia Othman

Gopal Patel

Claire Cantor Rice

Interns

Nathanael Laffan​

Amala Babu Thomas

Jack Kgwale

Samuel Tahinduka

Maria Mercedes Gavilan Galisteo

Sébastien Brion

Diya Deepak

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Dr. Karen Sudmeier-Rieux

Maria Rother

Nathanael Laffan