Webinar
The ‘Thrivability Matters Free Webinar Series’ is an online gathering, held on the third Tuesday of the month where invited guests present science-based sustainability learnings and share their expertise and knowledge. Join us at our next webinar.
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SDG4 & SDG8 – Quality Education & Decent Work & Economic Growth // Discoveries
Tuesday 21st January 2025
6:00PM AEST (UTC + 10:00)
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UPCOMING SPEAKERS
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Dr Richard Denton
Dr Richard Denton has been a dedicated advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament since 1983. Richard formerly served as the North American co-chair of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organisation awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, and today continues to work tirelessly to promote global security and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Richard feels that as a doctor, he has looked after his patients and their families. As a mayor of Kirkland Lake, he has sought the welfare of his community. Now in his retirement, he is working for common security—the mutually assured survival of all sentient beings. Prevention is the only answer to nuclear war as there is no treatment post-war. We must learn to settle our conflicts through diplomacy and nonviolence.
Shubhi Goel
Shubhi Goel is a seasoned expert in climate policy and carbon markets, boasting over five years of industry experience. She has held significant roles, including Joint Secretary at the Carbon Markets Association of India, where she concentrated on carbon market consulting and the environmental integrity of various market instruments. Shubhi’s academic background includes a master’s degree in Climate Science and Policy from the TERI School of Advanced Studies. Her professional interests lie in international climate finance, industrial decarbonisation, and the design of effective Emission Trading Schemes, particularly within the Indian context.
Shubhi has contributed to research in climate change and policy at TERI’s Earth Science and Climate Change Division, emphasising transparency, cooperation, and negotiation in international climate initiatives. Shubhi is committed to advancing sustainable practices and policies that facilitate climate action and promote environmental integrity in the carbon markets.
Alyn Ware
Alyn Ware is a peace educator and international advocate for peace, nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, human rights, and international law. He is originally from New Zealand, and has lived in the USA and Europe. He was instrumental in the establishment of peace education in New Zealand, the banning of nuclear weapons from New Zealand (formerly part of a nuclear alliance) and the achievement of a ruling from the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons.
Alyn has co-founded a number of international coalitions and campaigns including Abolition 2000 global network to eliminate nuclear weapons, Move the Nuclear Weapons Money, NoFirstUse Global, Legal Alternatives to War (LAW not War) and Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA). He is the recipient of a number of awards, including the UN International Year of Peace Award and the Right Livelihood Award (‘Alternative Nobel Peace Prize’).
OUR WEBINARS
The United Nations has set global targets for building a sustainable society and environment. To this end, it launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, based on the former Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Sustainable Development Goals are viewed as interconnected, such that achieving success in one goal is dependent on achieving success with the others. They represent the most ambitious targets ever attempted by the international community and invite us all to play our part in building a more sustainable, safe, just, and prosperous planet for all humanity.
THRIVE Project spreads the word and deepens the understanding of the SDGs, and how they can be achieved through our various research and informational forums, as well as our ‘Thrivability Matters Webinar Series’. See the list below for the upcoming themes and related SDGs:
- January: SDG4 & SDG8 – Quality Education & Decent Work & Economic Growth // Discoveries
- February: SDG12 – Responsible Consumption & Production // Sustainable Business Models
- March: SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being // Sustainability Metrics
- April: SDG13 – Climate Action // Mitigation and Adaptation
- May: SDG5 & SDG10 – Gender Equality & Reduced Inequalities // Sharing & Solidarity Economy
- June: SDG6 – Clean Water and Sanitation // The Biosphere
- July: SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure // Sustainable Living
- August: SDG14 & SDG15 – Life Below Water & Life on Land // The Anthropocene
- September: SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities // Globalisation
- October: SDG1 & SDG2 – No Poverty & Zero Hunger // Innovative Policies
- November: SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy // Science & Technology
- December: SDG16 & SDG17 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions & Partnerships for the Goals // Sustainable Policies
THRIVE offers a friendly, supportive, and informative environment to look at the obstacles we currently face and discuss what the international community is doing to address those issues.
Each webinar lasts for 90 minutes and has up to three speakers presentations followed by a Question & Answer session.
We encourage all participants to use the hashtag #THRIVEformation on social media and share your webinar experience with our 20,000 followers in over 90 countries.
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THE THRIVE PODCAST
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ABOUT THRIVE
THRIVE Project is an independent research and advocacy group providing the latest information from the natural and social sciences on the means to achieve a sustainable society.
We arm individuals and organisations with the knowledge to make small and large changes in the pursuit of prosperity for all. THRIVE harnesses the latest in machine learning, holochain, and cloud computing. We offer technologies, tools and educational programs that help you to make this change a reality.
Eight years in the making, we stand as a respected international authority on the subject of ‘thrivability’ (a state beyond the sustainable). No other organisation approaches the subject as universally, holistically, and transparently as we do.
MISSION
THRIVE aims to share the most effective pathways to a sustainable planet. We want to instil the concept of thrivability within the very fabric of society.
vISION
To live in a world where all life forms coexist in harmony; a world that pursues solidarity, shared value creation, providence and prosperity.
PREVIOUS SPEAKERS
ALYN WARE
Alyn Ware is a peace educator and international advocate for peace, nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, human rights, and international law. He is originally from New Zealand, and has lived in the USA and Europe. He was instrumental in the establishment of peace education in New Zealand, the banning of nuclear weapons from New Zealand (formerly part of a nuclear alliance) and the achievement of a ruling from the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons.
SHUBHI GOEL
Shubhi Goel is a seasoned expert in climate policy and carbon markets, boasting over five years of industry experience. She has held significant roles, including Joint Secretary at the Carbon Markets Association of India, where she concentrated on carbon market consulting and the environmental integrity of various market instruments. Shubhi’s academic background includes a master’s degree in Climate Science and Policy from the TERI School of Advanced Studies. Her professional interests lie in international climate finance, industrial decarbonisation, and the design of effective Emission Trading Schemes, particularly within the Indian context.
DR RICHARD DENTON
Dr Richard Denton has been a dedicated advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament since 1983. Richard formerly served as the North American co-chair of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organisation awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, and today continues to work tirelessly to promote global security and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
CALUM HARVEY-SCHOLES
Calum is an energy policy research specialist living on Dharawal country. He began in the energy sector delivering home energy upgrades including rooftop solar, batteries and heat pumps. Within the Energy Policy Group at the University of Exeter, Calum led research projects which influenced energy policy change across the UK and European countries. Before joining Rewiring Australia in 2024, Calum led policy development and change projects at Solar Victoria such as designing the Solar for Apartments program and changes to installer accreditation. Outside work, you will find Calum contributing to community campaigns pushing for clean energy across the Illawarra or out in the bush with his tent.
DR SADAF TAIMUR
Dr Sadaf Taimur is a sustainability scientist and currently serves as the Director of Sustainability & Circularity at Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, Canada. She develops strategies to promote circularity, social justice, and reduce environmental impact. A Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow and B-Lab Standards Advisory Committee advisor, Sadaf champions ethical business practices. Her diverse experience includes consulting on AI and ESG at the University of Montreal, serving as a senior ESG specialist at Mondetta, and holding postdoctoral roles at McGill University and the University of Tokyo. Recognised with the Green Talents Award (2020) and the Global 50 Women in Sustainability Award (2024), Sadaf is driving transformative sustainability solutions.
DR JARRA HICKS
Dr Jarra Hicks is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Community Power Agency, a not-for-profit organisation supporting communities across Australia in participating in and benefiting from the renewable energy transition. She is also a consumer advocate contributing to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan, which directs Australia’s energy transition towards the optimal path for achieving a reliable, affordable, and green energy future. Jarra has co-founded and worked for a range of community organisations and social enterprises, from food to energy, advocacy to banking. Jarra completed her PhD on the potential for community wind energy projects to contribute positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes for regional communities.
MISHAL ATHAR SHAH
Mishal Athar Shah is a graduate of University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Lahore University of Management Sciences. For the last 5 years, she has been serving in Akhuwat in different roles and is currently working as the Head of Projects overseeing the operations and implementation of various projects in the field of education, community development and inclusion of marginalised communities. She has also been involved in piloting projects, facilitating collaborations between partners, conducting research, trainings and representing the organisation locally and internationally.
MARTIN DREWRY
Martin Drewry is the CEO of Health Poverty Action – a politically progressive INGO with programmes in 17 countries. With 400 staff worldwide, mostly originating from communities they serve, Health Poverty Action works with some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised populations. Martin has worked in the international development sector for over 30 years. He was co-founder of the Trade Justice Movement, and one of the leaders of Make Poverty History and several other high-profile campaigns.
DR GINISH CHERUPARAMBIL BABY
Ginish Cheruparambil Baby is an accomplished ESG analyst and economic policy expert with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Philosophy and Economics, currently pursuing a Master’s in Economics of Sustainability. Ginish is an expert in ESG data analysis, framework interpretation, and investment guidance, with a commitment to driving positive social and environmental change through informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.
SATHISH MOSES
Guided by a vision of “Living Architecture,” Sathish Moses focus on finding solutions to real-time environmental challenges by working closely with nature. Over the past 16 years, his experience spans a wide range of projects, from micro to macro scales, emphasizing the circularity of materials and resource recovery. Sathish have worked on the development of biocomposites and explored how design and spatial applications in real-world environments can drive environmentally-led socio-economic development within communities.
DWARKADAS SURESH
Dwarkadas Suresh, popularly known as Solar Suresh, is an IIM Ahmedabad MBA and IIT Madras engineer. At 80 years young, his unique urban house with seven eco-friendly projects has attracted over 20,000 visitors. He has delivered 500+ talks worldwide, both online and offline, including two TED Talks. He is a one-man army, propagating sustainability awareness and motivating people to adopt these principles on a pro bono basis, without commercialization, and all across India. His focus is on individual houses and the common man.
DR NICOLE GAROFANO
Dr Nicole Garofano is the Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark. In her role, Nicole leads the strategy implementation for the Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub), the national reference platform for circular economy knowledge and collaboration in Australia. With 20 years of experience, Nicole has worked in environmental education and action with a focus on waste management and, imore recently, circular economy. Nicole holds a PhD focused on the plastic food and beverage packaging value chain, identifying innovations to improve chain activities and outcomes. Nicole is an associate of the Australian Institute of Packaging.
NIK METAXA-SCHWARTEN
Nik, an International Executive Communications Consultant with 30 years of experience, has served top-level executives from companies like ABN AMRO, Avaya, BMW, Microsoft, and ZURICH. His expertise in executive coaching and efficiency analysis is complemented by his commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly ISO 26000. A passionate advocate for the ocean, Nik is a member of the United Nations Ocean Decade and has dedicated his efforts to combat plastic pollution, notably through his initiative “The Plastic Plug”.
MADHUKAR SWAYAMBHU
Madhukar Swayambhu has been an IT Communication Network Professional (over two decades) turned Researcher cum Environmentalist (since 2011), Ecologist, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Biodiversity conservationist, a Water Hero, a TED speaker, and a Recognized Global Top 3 Author on Water by Smart Water Magazine (Spain). He has represented Bharat in various international forums too.
FELIX MUTWIRI
Felix is a graduate in wildlife management with a deep passion for elephants, his favorite animals. Adventurous by nature, he is on a mission to visit every national park in Kenya and has explored several African countries, with Zambia and Botswana being his favorites. He is particularly dedicated to empowering youth and is actively involved in ecosystem restoration efforts in Nairobi National Park. Additionally, Felix advocates for the preservation of the park and engages local communities. He also works on fundraising for conservation projects by seeking corporate support and drafting grant proposals.
RAJESH KUMAR
Rajesh is passionate about exchanging experience with aspiring sustainability professionals and organisations working towards noble causes, and seeks to play an impactful role towards the betterment of society through passion, energy, and professional behaviors. He has close to 19 years of experience focusing on ESG leadership, climate action initiatives by association with TRL K (Current), Michelin Tyres, Renault Nissan, Pricol, TVS. He has actively collaborated with various cross functional team members and involved projects covering Climate Action, ESG Strategy, Carbon Footprint Management, Water Risk Assessments (using GEMI), Water Auditing, Zero Liquid Discharge Systems, Watershed Management, Water reduction initiatives, Sustainability leadership, Environmental Management System initiatives, Sustainable waste management, Greenbelt and biodiversity Management.
MADHUKAR SWAYAMBHU
Madhukar Swayambhu has been an IT communication network professional (over two decades since 1995) and turned into a researcher cum environmentalist in 2011. He is also an ecologist, inventor, entrepreneur, biodiversity conservationist, a TED speaker, and a recognised Global Top 3 Author on Water by Smart Water Magazine (Spain). He has worked with various multinationals in IT networking domain and established or expanded their business across India, SAARC, and SEA countries in his various portfolios. His last assignment in the IT network communication backbone domain was heading the operation in SAARC countries and India.
YELYSAVETA DEMYDENKO
Yelysaveta Demydenko, a water and environmental law expert with 6+ years’ experience, is based in Stockholm, working with GWP on SDG 6 and Transboundary Water Cooperation. She specializes in identifying policy bottlenecks, facilitating dialogues and building water governance capacity. Previously, she analyzed environmental impacts of armed conflict on water and energy in Ukraine with OSCE, contributed to energy efficiency and climate projects with GIZ and supported the Water Convention team in UNECE. Yelysaveta holds degrees in International Law and has completed courses in IWRM and International Water Law.
KHUSSHBOO MEHTA
With over seven years of diverse professional experience, Khusshboo Mehta has cultivated a robust skill set in communication, writing, and research. Beginning her career as a German language trainer, she found her passion for cultural exchange and education. Transitioning to sustainability and social responsibility, she aligned herself with projects focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently serving as a strategic partnership assistant at Emirates Nature-WWF, she drives the implementation of partnership and volunteer strategies, fostering relationships with key stakeholders. Holding master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Germanic languages, her fluency in German enriches her pursuit of environmental advocacy, women’s empowerment, and cultural exchange.
RADHIKA RAGHUPATHY
I have extensive experience as a safety specialist, spanning various industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. My professional journey includes conducting thorough safety audits, developing comprehensive safety procedures, and delivering training programmes to employees at all levels. I take pride in my ability to identify potential hazards, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Beyond my professional role, I am deeply passionate about creating a safety-centric culture within organisations. I believe that proactive measures, such as regular safety inspections and continuous employee education, are key to preventing workplace accidents and promoting overall well-being. I also stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in safety management, as I am committed to implementing innovative solutions that enhance workplace safety. Overall, my goal is to leverage my expertise and dedication to contribute positively to the safety and success of any organisation I am a part of.
LIA GOLLEDGE
Lia has over 10 years of experience as a chief marketing officer (CMO), focusing on product optimisation and digital marketing, including community building for startups. She is a passionate and curious learner, especially about new technology. In 2022, to fundraise for RSA, she co-founded an NFT project, Robomot NFT, the first NFT with remote workers utility, which has been successfully sold out (555 NFTs). She is a 4x founder in the Indonesia startup scene. She is the co-founder of Storial.co, a social storytelling platform, and NulisBuku.com, a print-on-demand platform that helped shape a new era of the publishing industry in Indonesia. She is also the author of more than 32 books published nationwide, mostly in the non-fiction genres, including biographies, business, how-tos, and stoic philosophy books. She shares her insights from time to time on Medium.
SIMONE GRASSO
Simone Grasso, a sustainability-driven business developer and circular economy lecturer, holds a dual degree in Economics, Management, and Policies for Global Challenges, specialising in Green Economy & Sustainability, graduating with honours from the University of Ferrara and Southern Denmark University. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to the spreading and application of the principles of the circular economy by creating a report on the circular economy in the automotive sector, authoring a thesis on the concept of Product as a Service, leading various training projects, organising events, and coordinating Cyrkl in Italy since its inception for 2.5 years. Now focused on training young students and professionals, Simone pursues progress and development by stimulating education and innovation.
VALERIE ITEY
With over 25 years of experience in technology and international business development, Valerie Itey specialises in using design thinking and impact technology to harness innovations and to create a sustainable future for all. Her passion lies in developing strategies that combine business driven results with the circular economy, and impactful sustainable initiatives supported by the latest science and technology. She believes that innovation thrives on collaboration. Her wealth of international experience in IT products, marketing and business innovations lead her to pivotal roles in ventures such as telco company Orange, Gemalto’s acquisition of Netsize, and Index’s acquisition of Haiku.
CAMERON PRICE
Cameron Price has carved out his own niche in sustainability education and consultancy, contributing to various international projects. His role as a trainer at the Australian College of Business Intelligence involves delivering the Diploma of Sustainable Operations and creating online educational content. At Climateers, serving as an executive advisor, he spearheaded the development of a climate solution taxonomy. Synertium in Montreal and Strategy&Ops in Melbourne engaged him to provide them with sustainability consultancy services. He also serves as a sustainability advisor for Rivvane, a circular fashion brand in New York. Octavia Carbon in Kenya hired him to sell carbon credits and secure impact investment. Additionally, as a venture partner and COO at Yenna Tech based in India, he is helping develop a blockchain-based micro-finance platform to fund regenerative agriculture. His professional journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to employing nature-based solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.
NADHI SHARMA
Nadhi Sharma, I have experienced first-hand the problems faced by professional women while managing professional & personal responsibilities, especially if they have to take care of kids. I resolve to change this by making women more aware and simplifying the process of getting healthier. And that drives the everyday mission of Half Life To Health (HLTH) to make health and fitness accessible to every woman out there.
JESSICA HALIM
Jessica Halim graduated from Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, with a degree in design majoring in visual communication and works as a graphic designer with a sustainability mission. Feeling a sense of responsibility as a designer, she aims to influence consumer behaviour and create a better environment for Indonesia by raising eco-awareness within her community and providing practical, and achievable sustainable solutions.
UTE ARNDT
Ute Arndt, As an experienced marketing leader, Ute Michaela Arndt has had the privilege of working for some of the global top brands, including Amazon.com. Her passion lies in tackling challenges and delving into product categories shrouded in taboos and shame. Her journey led her to Africa, specifically Tanzania, where in 2021, she founded an NGO dedicated to empowering children and young women in underserved areas through education.
POLINA EFIMOVA
Polina Efimova graduated from the Land Management University of Russia, and is an architect and the CEO at A.iT, but she is an environmentalist at heart. She is also a specialist in circular economy in the building environment and her work is deeply rooted to the implementation of circular principles in architecture and design, where each unique design or project strives to improve the quality of life by promoting sustainable and responsible behaviour towards the environment. Polina’s work extends right into the heart of her community where she organised the “Architecture and Nature” forums for upcoming young architects from 2010-2011 and worked as an Art Director at the Inform Agency Architect of Union. Polina is thoroughly engaged in the sustainability and circularity of the architectural field as one of the organisers of the International Architectural Congress and also coordinates the monthly round table meetings to promote and share practical case studies about the circular economy through the engagement of the local community and specialists in the field.
DR JAYANT MAHAJAN
Dr Jayant Mahajan, a graduate of physics with a Master’s in Information Management and a PhD in Field Management, has 15 years of industry experience and about 12 years of experience in academia. He has worked across industries like real estate, hospitality and tourism, and Information technology in various capacities. Furthermore, he is currently working as an associate professor at Christ University, serving as a PhD guide, and is on the panel of the Research Advisory Committee at Symbiosis International University. His hobbies include reading, listening to classical music, swimming, long-distance cycling expeditions, and mountaineering. His current area of research interest is “Fintech: Blockchain ‘Philosophy of Technology’.”.
ERIN REMBLANCE
Erin Remblance established her early career in blue-chip FMCG companies in Sydney and London, but always sensed there was more important work to be done. Having children gave her the space to explore the environmental and cultural crises on the planet that need to be urgently addressed. Erin shifted her focus to dedicate her life towards educating people on climate change, de-growth, planetary boundaries, modern monetary theory, and more. Erin is a freelance journalist for Illuminem and lives north of Sydney, Australia with her family, on the occupied ancestral country of the Gayemagal people.
JEN GEARING
Jen Gearing is a change and project management professional with over 20 years of experience Through her company, Rejenerate, I help businesses of all sizes implement sustainable practices that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. She is also a trained B Consultant and Facilitator. Jen holds a Master of Business (Sports Management), LEED Green Associate and is pursuing a Diploma in Sustainable Operations. Her expertise extends to project coordination with Boomerang Alliance in Australia, dedicated to reducing single-use plastic in food outlets. I’m also an ecoBIZ coach, guiding businesses in minimizing energy, water, and waste consumption.
RICHARD LANCASTER
Richard Lancaster is a retired software engineer and an active member of Greenpeace. He is part of the Greenpeace presenter network and coordinates the local Greenpeace group in Bristol. Mr Lancaster is a Non-Violent Direct-Action activist and trainer.
ROWAN BLIZZARD
Rowan Blizzard is a solution seeker for Innovation House Australia with proven experience across a wide range of areas including sales, service, technical duties, and management. He has a passion for high-performance building practices with expertise in a vast range of building products and materials.
THARINDU ABEYWARDANA
Tharindu Abeywardana is an economist with over fifteen years of experience. He’s the Chief Economist and Head of Research at a private bank in Sri Lanka, with a master’s degree in Financial Economics, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management. He has previously worked as a Senior Associate Vice President at a global investment research company in Sri Lanka and as a Research Assistant at the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
TOM DAWKINS
Tom Dawkins is one of Australia’s leading social enterprise advocates and teachers, a regular spokesperson at leading events globally and a LinkedIn Top Voices for Social Change. Tom is the Co-Founder and CEO of StartSomeGood, a social enterprise which helps people design, launch and grow social impact projects, and the Co-Founder of LendForGood, a new crowd-lending platform for impact enterprises. StartSomeGood provides fundraising and community infrastructure for social entrepreneurs and designs and delivers impact accelerators and capacity-building programs for partners including Optus, ING, the United Nations Development Program and the City of Sydney.
MYLÈNE TURBAN
Based in Sydney, Mylène Turban works as a Senior Consultant in the Climate Solutions Department of Pangolin Associates. Mylène graduated with a Master’s in chemical engineering and worked across the solar and water treatment industry for two years before switching to climate consulting. With a special interest in public education and regeneration, Mylène volunteers with Climate Fresk to run climate change workshops and with Regen Sydney to implement the doughnut economics model in Sydney.
DR FABIO CORTESI
Dr Fabio Cortesi is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland, Brisbane. He is an expert in animal sensory biology, focusing on how marine animals such as fish, octopuses, and mantis shrimp see their world. The long-term goal of his studies is to understand how vision and colour interplay to shape biodiversity. He frequently engages in outreach activities and is also a consultant for several blue-chip nature documentaries such as Sir David Attenborough’s recent documentary ‘Life in Colour’.
ANDREW WATSON
Andrew Watson began to notice the climate and biodiversity emergencies after the special IPCC report in 2018, warning that we had only twelve years to save the planet. Shocked by the lack of any substantive response from political leaders and the media, he was moved to become a speaker, writer, and campaigner. He now works to raise public awareness and to push for positive solutions with talks to businesses, charities, schools, local government authorities and community groups.
STEFFI AIKINS
Steffi Aikins is a ‘Champion of Change’, Sustainable Project Coordinator and Supply Chain Manager, whose love for gardening taught her the value of planning, the importance of being flexible, and the power of having a counter strategy. With a graduate diploma in Sustainable development from HEC, she has skills in social economics and a passion for human ecology. Steffi has vast experience in facilitating and organising workshops, meetings, and events. With an unconventional profile, she proficiently navigates the transfer from B2B, B2C, contract management, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
DR NEKTARIOS KARANIKAS
Dr Nektarios Karanikas is an Associate Professor of Health, Safety, and Environment at the Queensland University of Technology. Having previously served as an aeronautical engineer with the Hellenic Air Force for 18 years, he has gained much experience in maintenance, quality management, accident prevention, and investigations. He also launched the International Cross-Industry Safety Conference in 2016 to provide a forum for ideas to make safer work environments. Dr Karanikas also holds an MSc in Human Factors & Safety Assessment in Aeronautics. He will discuss the biofuel and wind energy sectors, and how workers can be kept safe and protected as they build our energy future.
DR RON LEVY
Dr Ron Levy is an Associate Professor and researcher at the Australian National University who explores the intersection between public law and political theory. He specializes in deliberative democratic theory, has won several academic awards, and published numerous works on law and political theory in five countries. His recent projects explore referendums in deeply divided societies, Indigenous constitutional reform, and the deliberative dimensions of rights practice. With much of his work focusing on environmental constitutionalism, he will discuss how fixed constitutional commitments affect environmental outcomes.
DR RHETT MARTIN
Dr Martin is a senior lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland, and his research focus is on sustainability and its intersection with the law. With degrees in Commerce and Law, he also holds an LLM and a PhD in sustainability regulation. He enjoys educating students about new ways to successfully incorporate principles of ecologically sustainable development into natural resource management and conservation legislation. Dr Martin is a member of two boards that attest to a wider social involvement: the Australian Shakespeare Company Board and the Toowoomba Advocacy and Support Centre Board, which provide advocacy and support for people living with disabilities. In 2022, Dr Martin ran as a candidate for the Queensland Senate Sustainability Party.
AMY GREGOROVICH
An early career sustainability professional, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) – Honours and a Bachelor of Arts (Human Geography) in 2021. She currently works with the Yarra Ranges Council in Victoria, Australia, as their Energy Resilient Communities Officer. As someone with experience in environmental science and community advocacy, she is passionate about ecologically sustainable and equitable societal development – helping facilitate community engagement in local environmental projects.She discusses how the Yarra Ranges Council seeks to overcome extreme weather events and a changing climate to create sustainable and energy-resillient communities.
PAUL CASSIDY
A research assistant with over 20 years of experience in the sustainable housing and energy fields. He is presently working on several projects including straw bale housing projects and bioenergy units.In his presentation, he discusses how smaller micro scale units are more useful for transforming biomass into energy and useful byproducts, compared to traditional larger units.
CHRIS WEIR
The President of the Bendigo Sustainability Group, a group that aims to foster a sustainable community for the Bendigo region in Victoria, Australia. Through their efforts, they have focused heavily on transforming their community through renewable power sources.He looks forward to discussing how renewable energy projects have benefitted buildings and the people who use them every day, and how communities can make use of renewable energy.
OLUSEGUN DUROJAIYE
Olusegun is an agronomist with over six years of professional experience in plant and animal production, and soil science for food and stock-feed. As someone who is passionate about sustainability and solving the ever-present issues of hunger and malnutrition, he is excited to discuss how GIS and other remote sensing tools can be useful in ensuring food security.
DR GINISH CHERUPARAMBIL BABY
Ginish is a Chartered Economic Policy Analyst with over 6 years of experience working in both financial services and academia.
As someone who strives to bring together multiple disciplines to solve the problems facing our world, he would like to discuss the relationship between poverty and food security, and how policy changes can impact peoples’ lives.
PROF JOHN TRINDER
An Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales’ School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, John Trinder has spent over 50 years in teaching and research on a range of topics including photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial sciences.
With numerous awards and scientific papers to his name, he is a pioneer in using remote sensing to assess the sustainability of environments, and manage land and water resources.
John’s presentation explores how remote sensing technologies can play a role in understanding and improving our urban environments.
DR JENNIFER LUKE
Dr Jennifer Luke is a Wellbeing and Employability Research Fellow within the University of Southern Queensland’s Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub. With experience in both the academic and career development spaces, she focuses on providing meaningful and decent work for all ages, particularly for regional and rural communities. Jennifer discusses how communities can adapt to a changing world – and the role that career development can play in adaptation.
LAURA PUTTKAMER
Laura Puttkamer is a journalist and writer who strives to highlight solutions in urban development and planning. Working within the intersection of cities and climate change, she has created ParCitypatory (read as: participatory, but with the word ‘city’ in place of the second syllable), a blog that discusses participatory urban planning approaches from across the world, and how readers can apply these lessons in their own communities. Laura’s presentation highlights urban planning approaches in various cities, and how we can all learn from these to create sustainable neighbourhoods in our own communities.
SUNIL MURLIDHAR SHASTRI
Sunil Murlidhar Shastri is a consultant, educator, and speaker in Ocean and Environmental Governance. He found his passion for Pacem in Maribus in 1982 under the tutelage of Elisabeth Mann Borgese and has since made it his mission. He is best known for his MasterClass and cogent analysis.
ELÉONORE BLONDEAU
Eléonore Blondeau is the co-founded the Collectif Startups Industrielles France. She is also the New Projects Manager at ‘ETERNITY SYSTEMS’ France, where she is developing a regional network of reusable containers/packaging washing micro-factories in order to fight against single-use, in Europe and North America. She is a circular economy expert. She is passionate about environmental innovations and likes to collaborate at the crossroads of marketing, communication, industrial strategy, and product development through an innovative approach based on the circular economy.
COLIN HERRON
Colin Herron is currently the Senior Water Resources Management Specialist, Water Solutions for the SDGs, at the Global Water Partnership (GWP) Sweden. He has over 20 years of experience in water resources management. He was previously the Water Security Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Mexico and Northern Central America. He has experience working as an advisor on water issues for the governments of Mexico and Turkey, as well as international organizations such as the World Water Council, the World Bank, the World Meteorological Organization, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
JIN TANAKA
Jin Tanaka is Branch Manager at UNISC International. As a member of YOUNGO, he is involved in advocacy for action on climate change and other environmental issues both domestically and internationally. He is also involved in advocacy activities in Japan and abroad.
KAYLA RAIN WILLIAMS
Kayla is Culture & diversity Lead at Marine Plastic Solutions, Australia. She is a New Colombo Plan Scholarship Alumnus and holds a BA in Communications, a BA in International Studies and Master in Cultural Studies. She works on a range of environmental waste projects with her focus being on areas such as gender, community engagement, and social inclusion.
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