Global Champions

Ms. Gerda Verburg

UN Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator of the SUN Movement.

Dr. Martin Frick

Martin Frick is the Deputy of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Food System Summit 2021. Learn More

Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel

Assistant Director-General, Regional Representative, for Africa (RAF), FAO

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Ms. Margarita Astralaga

Ms. Margarita Astralaga is a Colombian biologist and Regional planner who has worked more than 40 years with Government agencies, NGOs and international organizations. Learn More

Dr. David Nabarro

David Nabarro supports systems leadership for sustainable development through his Switzerland based social enterprise 4SD. 
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H.E Ambassador Ertharin Cousin

Ertharin Cousin a global agriculture, food security and nutrition solutions thought leader and sustainability advocate Learn More

Mr. Gary Burniske

Mr. Burniske is a specialist in international relief and development, with a technical focus on sustainable agriculture, forestry and natural resource management. Learn More

Dr. Evan Girvetz

Dr. Evan Girvetz, senior scientist and Africa Team Lead for Decision and Policy Analysis Research Area. Dr. Evan Girvetz is a Senior Scientist at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture…  Learn more…

Dr. Richard Munang

Dr. Richard Munang is the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the UN Environment. He is responsible for guiding the actualization of UN Environments climate resilient development strategy for Africa.  Learn more…

Mr. Edson Mpyisi

Chief Financial Economist Coordinator – Enable Youth Program African Development Bank Group Edson Mpyisi is the Coordinator of the ENABLE Youth Program at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Learn more…

Laurette-Dube-McGill Univ

Laurette Dubé, PhD

is the founding Chair and Scientific Director of the McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health Economics. 

H.E. Amb. Mussie Hailu

H.E. Amb. Mussie Hailu is a peace builder who is working at national, regional and international level in promoting peace, reconciliation, interfaith harmony, disarmament,  Learn more…

Dr. Laila Lokosang

Dr. Lailà B. Lokosang is a national of South Sudan and currently serves as Advisor for Food and Nutrition Security of the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Learn more…

Dr. Gbadebo Odularu

Gbadebo Odularu is a Sustainable Development Economist at the Socio-Economic Research and Applications Projects (SERAP), which is based in Washington DC. Learn more…

Dr. Ejeatuluchukwu Obi

Dr. Obi is a Lecturer/Researcher with Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Learn more…

Ms. Joan Kerr

Joan Kerr is a Social Entrepreneur and humanitarian with over 35 years in facilitating community economic development projects, specializing in community Learn more…

Prof. Hala Yousry

As Professor in Rural Sociology and head of Social Studies department, Desert Research Center which is the focal point of UNCCD, I am leading the drew   Learn more…

Prof. Laskri Mohamed Tayeb

Prof. Mohamed Tayeb Laskri was born at Annaba (Algeria) in 1958. He obtained a 3rd cycle doctorate on computer science (France, 1987). He obtained his PhD degree.  Learn more…

Pr. Tunji Johnson Arokoyo

Professor Arokoyo is presently working at National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, (NAERLS/ABU), PMB 1067, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Learn more…

H.E. Stephane Gompertz

Ambassador at large (Africa and Middle East) for COP 21 (2015). Ambassador to Ethiopia (2004-2007) and to Austria (2011-2014). Director for Africa and the Indian… Learn more…

Mr. Tony Nsanganira

Mr. Tony Nsanganira, Youth Employment Specialist, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)/Regional Office for Africa Mr Tony Nsanganira coordinates Learn more…

Mr. Benjamin Abugri

Benjamin Abugri is an award-winning Knowledge Management Expert, passionate, hardworking, focused and results oriented professional with a great passion for children, Youth and women.  Learn more…

Mr. Bathermy Tsafack Tagny

Bathermy Tsafack is the Resident Representative of Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA) in Burundi since 2013. WSA is a Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency.  Learn more…

Mr. Max Olupot

Max Olupot is the Partnerships, Planning and Learning Officer and Field Schools Coordinator; at AFAAS Secretariat, Kampala. His portfolio is Partnerships and Collaborations building; Learn more…

Ms . Beryl Agengo

Ms. Beryl Agengo is the Executive Coordinator: GAAAP at Africa Business Group. She is responsible for Global African Agribusiness Accelerator Platform (GAAAP)  Learn more…

Ms. Uginia Urwick

Uginia is GCSAYN Hub Coordinator based in the UK. She is the initiator of the Cameroon Inclusive Special Education Teacher Training and Employment program- fostering inclusive Education, Social Inclusion, and Development.  Learn more

Dr. Fatunbi Oulwole Abiodun

Wole is systems agronomist with specialization in Farming systems and Soil fertility. He possesses a doctorate degree in Agronomy, from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Learn more…

H.E.Médi Moungui

Agricultural Economist specialized in Planning for Development. Thirty-four years of experience with incremental levels of responsibility at national and international level in the field of development . Learn more…

Dr. James Kiplimo

Dr. Kiplimo holds a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Planning and Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Education both of Moi University. I have over 10 years’ experience in resource mobilization Learn more…

Mr. Pamela Asobo Anchang

Pamela Asobo Anchang, Managing Editor, The Immigrant Magazine, TV/Radio Host, IMpact On KPFK 90.7 FM   Pamela Asobo Anchang was born in Cameroon, Africa. Learn more…

Ms. Leakhena Saroeurn

A Co-founder of WeFarm, a social enterprise with a mission to build ecosystem support for the sustainable future of regenerative agriculture in Cambodia by supporting the young generation. Learn More

Mme. Julie Kasa-Kanga Tshilombo

Mme. Julie Kasa-Kanga Tshilombo is the Deputy Coordinator in charge of External Resources and Project Monitoring (CRESP-DRC Presidency), as principal advisor in the office of the President of the Republic. 

Dr. Sarada Prasad Mohapatra

Associate Professor in Botany & Environmental Sciences at Narasingh Choudhury Autonomous College, Jajpur, Odisha, India. He is a UN Food System Hero, an Independent Dialogue Convener of UNFSS from India, full member of CFN.

Dr. Hermogène Nsengimana

Dr. Nsengimana holds a PhD in Analytical and Environmental chemistry from the School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and a Post-Doctoral from the Witwatersrand University and University of Botswana. Learn More

Ms. Linh Tran

Linh is the International Youth Coordinator for the Greater Mekong Subregion Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program at the Asian Development Bank. Holding an Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management certification from the U.S and an M.A.

Mr. Paul Newnham

Paul Newnham is the Director of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 Advocacy Hub, a secretariat catalysing, convening, and connecting NGOs, advocacy groups, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies to coordinate global campaigning and advocacy to achieve food systems transformation.

Catherine Mungai

Catherine Mungai is a DAAD scholar and holds an MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG) from the University of Freiburg in Germany.  Learn more…

Dr Alex Ariho

Dr Alex Ariho is the CEO of the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) that operates in 55 African countries. Alex holds a PhD in Development Management  Learn more…

Dr. Ani Kalayjian

Dr. Ani Kalayjian is a psychology professor, American Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, logotherapeutic psychotherapist, traumatologist, Genocide… Learn more…

Mr. Patience Mbayu Isha Kabinga

Je suis monsieur Patience MBAYU ISHA KABINGA, Congolais de la république démocratique du Congo né à KINSHASA, le 05 JANVIER 1982 Fils de KABINGA Learn more…

Ms. Makie Yoshida

Makie Yoshida is a Japanese national with several years’ experience in the Latin American region. She holds MSc Degree in Climate Change, Development and Policy from University of Sussex, UK. Learn more…

Ms.Viridiana Alcàntara Cervantes

Young Mexican professional with vast international experience looking to enthusiastically commit herself in Mexico   Project Officer Federal Office for Agriculture and Food,  Learn more…

Dr. Wilfried Pokam Mba

Wilfried Pokam Mba is senior lecturer in Physics at the University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon. His research interests aims to improve understanding of the functioning of climate system Learn more…

Dr. Jessica Fanzo

Dr.Jessica Fanzo is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Global Food Policy and Ethics at the Johns Hopkins University in the USA. 

Ms. Leah Wanambwa

Ms.Wanambwa is in charge of developing and advocating for policies on environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction Learn more…

Dr. Debisi Araba

Dr. Debisi Araba is a public policy and strategy specialist and is a visiting researcher at Imperial College London. Learn More

Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye

Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye is a renowned crop scientist and agricultural entrepreneur developing solutions for a zero-hunger and malnutrition-free world.  Learn More

Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou

Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou is a distinct graduate of Iowa State University, USA. She has more than 25-
yrs of international research and teaching experience as an Urban Forester… Learn More

Mr. Rodolfo Daldegan

Rodolfo is currently the Agribusiness Specialist at the IICA Delegation in Brazil, and his main goal is to change the misconception that agriculture has to be suppressive and harmful for the environment. Learn More

HRH Mvondo Bruno

Traditional Ruler, Bityili-Minkok Ebolowa, South region

Dr. Mahamadou Nassirou Ba

Mahamadou Nassirou Ba (Nassirou) is an Agricultural Economist specializing in the analysis of the Agriculture, Food Security, trade and Climate Change issues. Learn More

Mme Mieke Bourne

Mieke Bourne is the Programme Manager for Regreening Africa and an
engagement process specialist who works at the intersection between
science, policy and practice at CIFOR-ICRAF  Learn More

Mme Claire O’Kane

Claire O’Kane is an international child rights consultant supporting
meaningful participation of children and young people as agents of change
for social and climate justice and realization of their human rights. Learn More 

H.E Carlos Gabriel Alvarenga Cardoza

Vice Minister of Health Management and Development of El Salvador

Dr. Mary Nyasimi

Dr. Nyasimi is the Executive Director of the Inclusive Climate Change Adaptation for a
Sustainable Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Learn More

M. Mahamat Gueillet Hemchi

M. Mahamat Gueillet Hemchi Conseiller Technique en charge de l’Agriculture et l’Elevage du Président de la République du Tchad.

Ms. Arianna Giuliodori

Secretary General of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO).

Dr. Gunhild A. Stordalen

Dr. Gunhild A. Stordalen, a physician who also holds a PhD in pathology/orthopedic surgery, and an environmentalist,  is the Founder and Executive Chair of EAT, a global, non-profit platform for food system transformation.

Dr. Lawrence Haddad

Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Dr. Alicia Jiménez

Alicia Jiménez is Director of Programmes at the Earth Charter International (ECI) Secretariat in Costa Rica.

Mr. Piercristiano Brazzale

President of Fil-Idf, coCEO Brazzale Dairy Company and Vice President of Brazzale Moravia. Learn More

Ms. Mirjam Troost

Mirjam Troost works at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the World Food Prize Foundation as the Coordinator of the Wageningen Youth Institute.

Mr. Clark Halpern

Clark Halpern is an American agricultural professional and researcher currently residing in the Netherlands. He currently works as a consultant for international agricultural development projects. 

Mr. Kazuki Kitaoka

Kazuki Kitaoka is the Coordinator of the World Food Forum 2021 and Head of the Outreach, Marketing and Reporting Unit at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Prof Joseph Zano Zvapera Matowanyika

Professor Joseph Zano Zvapera Matowanyika (Ph.D) is the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Anglican University in Zimbabwe, an up-coming institution developing programmes in biomedical sciences and public health.

Ms. Robynne Anderson

Robynne Anderson is an international expert in agricultural and food policies,
working with a broad range of clients from farmers to food processors,
research institutions to governments. Learn More

Ms. Pauline Christian

Pauline is the current Immediate Past President for the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), effective October 26, 2017. Learn More

Mr. Anantdeep Dhillon

Anantdeep Dhillon is an international development
professional with a Master’s Degree in Agricultural
Science. He works for Public Service in Canada.

Mr. Ed Russo

Mr. Ed Russois an environmental expert, author, entrepreneur, and a member of several voluntary and government boards.  

Mr. Edward Davey

Edward Davey is International Engagement Director of The Food and Land Use Coalition, a global initiative to transform the world’s food and land use systems, co-led by WRI. Learn more

Prof. Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil

Full Prof. et Directeur de recherche. Lecturer in charge of the Genetics Research Center, University of Tlemcen in Algeria.

Prof. Samuel Kale Ewusi PhD

Professor of Peace Studies and International Relations, Director: Africa Regional Programme United Nations- University for Peace (UPEACE) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Nala Müller

Nala Müller has been working with people of various cultures and socio-economic background.  She currently works as CEO at Europe Africa Solutions.

Prof. Joash K. Kibett

Prof. Joash K. Kibett is an expert in teaching methods and curriculum development in agricultural education and extension with experience spanning over 30 years in two public universities in Kenya. 

Ms. Lucy Muchoki Bio

Lucy Muchoki is the CEO of Pan African Agribusiness and Agroindustry Consortium,
PanAAC, a continental Private Sector organization represented across the
continent in various countries.

Ms. Jessica Vega Ortega

Jessica Vega Ortega, a young indigenous woman from the Mixtec indigenous people, originally from the indigenous community of Mexico (San Miguel Ahuehuetitlán, Oaxaca), residing in the municipality of Valle de Chalco, Solidaidadd (XICO), State of Mexico.

Ms. Bernice Atabong

Ms. Bernice Atabong, journalist who works for national television in Cameroon (CRTV). I have been a reporter for 15 years and I work in the South Region of the country.

Dr. Vincent N. Ojeh

Dr. Vincent N. Ojeh hails from Ukwuani LGA of Delta State. He received his B.Sc (Hons) and M.Sc degrees in Geography and Regional Planning from Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria in 2004 and 2011 respectively with specialization in Climatology under the Federal and Delta State Government Scholarships.

Dr. Suiven John Paul Tume

Dr. Suiven John Paul Tume holds a PhD in Geography and Planning, with the option Applied Agro-hydro Climatology from The University of Bamenda, Cameroon (December 2019).

Ms. Aishwarya Narasimhadevara

Aishwarya Narasimhadevara is the United Nations liaison for the Climate-Smart Agriculture Youth Network. She is also involved in youth advocacy related projects and interested in the importance of Education in the field of International Development.

Ms. Momoka Tamura

Momoka Tamura holds MA Degree in human rights in University of Oslo, Norway, and her research theme covered indigenous peoples’ rights. Learn more…

Ms. Ediola Pashollari

Ms. Ediola Pashollari is of Albanian nationality and holds a Masters in Business Administration (UK), a Masters of Arts in Political Science (UK), a Masters in  Entreprenology (USA) and a Bachelors Degree in LLB (UK). Learn More

Mr. Grant Wilson

Grant Wilson is a leading expert on the Rights of Nature, ecocentric law, and international environmental law For the last decade, he has defended the rights and interests of Nature all over the world,

Dr. Naoko Ishii

Dr. Naoko Ishii is a professor, executive vice president, and inaugurating Director for Center for Global Commons,the University of Tokyo, whose mission is to catalyze systems change so that human can achieve sustainable development within planetary boundaries.

Mr. Masimba Tafirenyika

Masimba Tafirenyika, a national of Zimbabwe, is the Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Pretoria, an office that provides communications services to UN in South Africa.

Ms. Jemimah Kutata

She is disability mainstreaming trainer, training institutions on how to handle persons with disabilities as per the disability act and UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Mme. Sayo Clarisse

Minister Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Head of Government.

Ms. Bwame Ewane Rose

Diplomat in service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Currently in charge of United Nations specialized agencies of an economic and technical nature.

Dr. Chiji Ojukwu

Managing Director, Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC), Abuja, through which he empowers African youths to build careers in agribusiness , especially in urban farming.

Ms. Lily Singelengele

Lily Singelengele is a founder and Executive Director for the Green Agriculture Youth Organisation(GAYO),an NGO delivering youth empowerment in the agriculture sector for
social-economic development.

Mr. Lloyd Helferty

Mr. Helferty is an engineering technologist with more than 10 years of experience working for various multinational corporations in Canada and around the world. 

Mr. Kabiné Doumbia

ASRAD Coordinator with Consultative Status of ESOCOC.

Dr. Nina Meyerhof

President and Founder, Children of the Earth.

Brother John Kennedy Oronjo

He is the  Administrator and founder of St. Charles Lwanga children’s Centre, Secondary school in Ruai, Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms. Heba Abdul Karim Jarrar

Social entrepreneur, environmentalist and sustainable development professional.

Mr. Rishabh Shah

He is an Associate Consultant at Dokainish and Company Inc. He is a recent graduate of McGill University, was involved in interdisciplinary research at MCCHE (McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics), in fields of psychology, consumer behavior and digital visualization. Learn more…

Mr. Bernard Kimutai

Bernard Kimutai is a small scale farmer in Elgeyo Marakwet county, North Rift Region in Kenya.

Nwenasi Alphonsius Tamunjoh

Logistics leader based in Yaounde, Cameroon

Dr. Lovans Owusu-Takyi

Social entrepreneur, environmentalist and sustainable development professional.

Mr. Nourou Gaiyam

Student of City University of New York- The City College Of New York New York, New York 2016- Present Junior Major: Economics| International Studies. Learn more…

Ms. Oloyede Adeola

Adeola Oloyede is currently a visiting research fellow at the African Studies Center, Leiden.