All Speakers

Speaker Shahad ZUHAIR
Shahad ZUHAIR

Technical and Administrative Assistant

IUCN ROWA

Shahad Zuhair is an environmentalist conservationist and climate-justice advocate currently working with IUCN ROWA. With over six years of experience supporting environmental project management, she…
Speaker Madison ROUTLEDGE PETTUS
Madison ROUTLEDGE PETTUS

GCELS Staff Intern

Pace Law School

I am a recent J.D. graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, obtaining certificates in both international and environmental law.I am an assistant law clerk to the Honorable…
Speaker David WILLIAMSON
David WILLIAMSON

Assistant Director

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

David is a marine scientist with expertise in coral reef ecology, fisheries biology, marine conservation research and management. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from James Cook University (…
Speaker Amaël BORZÉE
Amaël BORZÉE

Professor

Nanjing Forestry University

I am the co-chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. I am also a professor at Nanjing Forestry University, and my principal research interest is behavioural ecology and wildlife conservation…
Speaker Tinne VAN DER STRAETEN
Tinne VAN DER STRAETEN

Member of Parliament

Belgian Federal Parliament

Tinne Van der Straeten is a member of the Belgian Federal Parliament. She served as Federal Energy Minister between October 2020 and January 2025.  During her term, she accelerated the energy…
Speaker olivier ROVELLOTTI
olivier ROVELLOTTI

CEO

Natural solutions

Olivier Rovellotti – Biodiversity and Environmental Data SpecialistOlivier Rovellotti is a seasoned expert in biodiversity data management and environmental technology, currently serving as the Head…
Speaker Elsa G RICHARDSON TEMM
Elsa G RICHARDSON TEMM

Lead, GEF Small Grant Program

The Global Environment Facility

Gabriella has over 25 years of experience in advancing human rights, social inclusion, and sustainability in global conservation. With an academic background in sociology and economics, she has led…
Speaker Cécile ERNY
Cécile ERNY

Director

AFdPZ

Conservation biologist Cécile Erny is a conservation leader specializing in biodiversity management, zoo coordination, and wildlife protection. Since 2009, she has served as Director of the…
Speaker Steven LONSDALE
Steven LONSDALE

Senior Manager Marine and Research

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

I was born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut.  I have a passion for promoting Indigenous rights and advancing the use of traditional knowledge. I have worked for a designated Inuit…
Nan Chen
Nan Chen

Shenzhen Zhilan Foundation

Speaker Derek GLIDDON
Derek GLIDDON

Director Environmental Science Developement

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Derek Gliddon is an environmental informatics and research leader with over 30 years of international experience advancing biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and sustainable…
Speaker Elaina COX
Elaina COX

Indigenous Stewardship and Conservation

Parks Canada Agency - Agence Parcs Canada

Elaina Cox is a Top 25 Environmentalist Under 25 award winner equipped with several years of experience in environmental, climate and sustainability work through affiliations with governments,…
Ayasha AL ALI
Ayasha AL ALI
Speaker Jennifer OLEGERIIL
Jennifer OLEGERIIL

Minister for Justice

Ministry of Justice

Jennifer S. OlegeriilMinister of JusticeMinistry of JusticeRepublic of PalauBiographyJennifer S. Olegeriil was sworn into office to hold the post of Minister of Justice on 19 May 2025under the…
Speaker Laura MEYER
Laura MEYER

Stakeholder Coordination Officer

UN Ocean Decade, UNESCO-IOC

I am specializing in International Law with a focus on Ocean conservation and my thesis research is currently focused on "Exploring the International Framework regarding Macroalgae Cultivation as a…
Speaker Wadima ALDHAHERI
Wadima ALDHAHERI

Lead Veterinary - Animal Conservation & Reintroduction

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Dr. Wadima is an Emirati veterinarian that is currently working with wildlife and recognized with the Animal Welfare Award by the World Veterinary Association 2022. As a pioneer from the first batch…
Speaker Mrinalini Rai
Mrinalini Rai

Director

Women4Biodiversity

Mrinalini is a passionate advocate for women's rights and environmental justice. She specializes in policy, advocacy, and research that addresses the intersectionality of human rights, gender…
Speaker Julian SANTIAGO
Julian SANTIAGO

IPLC researcher

Instituto Juruá

Julian Monteiro Santiago is a researcher at Instituto Juruá and a Master’s student in Protected Areas Management in the Amazon. His work focuses on participatory governance, biodiversity conservation…
Speaker Elizabeth MREMA
Elizabeth MREMA

UN Assistant Secretary General & Deputy Executive Director

United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema is Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.Between…
Speaker Carlos Mauricio HERRERA
Carlos Mauricio HERRERA

Director de Conservación y Gobernanza

WWF Colombia

Ecólogo profesional y Magister en manejo y conservación de bosques tropicales y biodiversidad con sólidos conocimientos en biología y ecología de la conservación, así como en dinámicas ecosistémicas…
Speaker Leah BARCLAY
Leah BARCLAY

Discipline Lead of Design and Senior Lecturer

University of the Sunshine Coast

Dr Leah Barclay is an Australian sound artist, designer, and researcher working at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Her research and creative work investigate new approaches to…
Speaker Wouala NGNIADO
Wouala NGNIADO

Coordonnateur projet Biodev 2030

WWF Cameroon

My name is Ngniado Wouala, I'm  Working for WWF Cameroon, where I'm  coordinating  Biodev 2030 project .with  more than thirty  years of experience working with   …
Speaker Violeta BARRIOS AQUINO
Violeta BARRIOS AQUINO

Chief Operating Officer

Sahara Conservation

Violeta Barrios is Chief Operating Officer at Sahara Conservation, based in France. In this role, she oversees the organization’s programs across countries, ensuring effective project delivery,…
Frederic LACROIX
Frederic LACROIX
Speaker Theo WRIGHTMAN-BIXBY
Theo WRIGHTMAN-BIXBY

Reserva Representative

Reserva the Youth Land Trust.

I am Theo Wrightman - Bixby, I am eleven years old and I am a member of Reserva the Youth Land Trust; a charity dedicated to protecting endangered species. I have always been incredibly passionate…
Speaker Sukhyun PARK
Sukhyun PARK

International Coordinator

Sustainable Systems Research Institute

Sukhyun Park is the Director and Head Researcher at the Sustainable Systems Research Institute, with extensive expertise in environmental policy and sustainable development. Her career bridges both…
Speaker Bilal QTESHAT
Bilal QTESHAT

Director of Nature Protection Directorate

Ministry of Environment of Jordan