Born in United Arab of Emirates, Malak Ali Hassan is one of the distinctive architects and Urban planners in the UAE and the Arab world. She is dynamic and innovative architect with more than 12years of diverse experience between the government and private sector. She is well known of constantly lobbying for sustainability and energy and experimenting with new and emerging technologies of all fields and design from urban scale to interiors and landscape.

After starting her office on 2013 her work got recognised at a global level and on 2014 she was awarded by Forbes 200 Most Powerful Arab Women, she also got a serviral award including Forbs, GR8! Women Awards Middle East 2015, for promoting Green Living. She also was part of the World Leadership Congress and Awards last October 2015 and was awarded for her Excellence in Business Leadership. The same month she also receive her latest award by Forbes as one of the Business Leaders Inspiring the UAE!

She commenced her outstanding journey in Ajman where graduated from Ajman University of Science and Technology in the field of Architectural Engineering, she has then continued her higher studies and graduated from American University of Sharjah in Urban Planning with Master's Degree, followed by a Diploma in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management from American Council Accredited Certification in 2013.

With multifaceted competencies in delivering outstanding results she worked with semi-government entities where she observed a unique understanding on design for 7 years as Urban Planning Manager.

Co-founder of BrandTrend brand consultancy, worked on several national and international brand developments and sustainability strategies in the past years. BrandTrend has a range of clients from the leading educational, broadcasting, non-profit associations, health, human resources, fmcg and sports sectors.

Co-owner and content publisher of www.brandtrend.hu, and www.socialbranding.hu, which are among Hungary's most reputative media news sites. Since decades www.brandtrend.hu and www.socialbranding.hu have been involved with media, communication, brands, and creating special media content for Hungary's leading economy magazine.

Dr. Zsuzsanna Trunk Co-wrote the book Branding Dialog, which contains an ars poetic and shows trends in the fields of branding and sustainability.

Directed marketing work for the brands Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi in Hungary. As recognition for her merits the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg awarded her with the golden Needle Prize. She is speaker at prestigious brand and sustainability events. Lecturer at Metropolitan University's CSR program, former jury member of EFFIE Award in Hungary, founder of Brand Trend's Golden Apostrophe Prize.

Dr. Zsuzsanna Trunk, has transferred her passion for sports - as a former active tennis player and Hungarian senior cup ski racing champion – to the professional fields. Among his favorite subjects are sustainable luxury and sustainable leadership.

What makes their agency special, is brand building with purpose, cause based thinking regarding sustainability, the concept that social profit can be handled on a common platform with brand building.

While her work as brand consultant, she keeps always in focus, what does the concept of development mean today and how can we lead brands while simultaneously taking into account prosperity and well-and the challenges of the era of the sharing economy. How can we pass on our corporate and brand values as an experience for the complex circle of those concerned while credibly fitting them into our brand story.

Co-founder of BrandTrend brand consultancy, worked on several national and international brand developments and sustainability strategies in the past years. BrandTrend has a range of clients from the leading educational, broadcasting, non-profit associations, health, human resources, fmcg and sports sectors.

Co-owner and content publisher of www.brandtrend.hu, and www.socialbranding.hu, which are among Hungary's most reputative media news sites. Since decades www.brandtrend.hu and www.socialbranding.hu have been involved with media, communication, brands, and creating special media content for Hungary's leading economy magazine.

Dr. Zsuzsanna Trunk Co-wrote the book Branding Dialog, which contains an ars poetic and shows trends in the fields of branding and sustainability.

Directed marketing work for the brands Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi in Hungary. As recognition for her merits the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg awarded her with the golden Needle Prize. She is speaker at prestigious brand and sustainability events. Lecturer at Metropolitan University's CSR program, former jury member of EFFIE Award in Hungary, founder of Brand Trend's Golden Apostrophe Prize.

Dr. Zsuzsanna Trunk, has transferred her passion for sports - as a former active tennis player and Hungarian senior cup ski racing champion – to the professional fields. Among his favorite subjects are sustainable luxury and sustainable leadership.

What makes their agency special, is brand building with purpose, cause based thinking regarding sustainability, the concept that social profit can be handled on a common platform with brand building.

While her work as brand consultant, she keeps always in focus, what does the concept of development mean today and how can we lead brands while simultaneously taking into account prosperity and well-and the challenges of the era of the sharing economy. How can we pass on our corporate and brand values as an experience for the complex circle of those concerned while credibly fitting them into our brand story.

Mary Jane's name is a fixture in any conversation about Filipino workplace excellence in the UAE. Through her exemplary hard work and discipline, she has carved a reputation as a true benchmark of what Filipinos can accomplish abroad, an icon of female empowerment.

As CEO of Prime Group of Companies : Geoscience Testing Laboratory(GTL), Prime Certification & Inspection LLC , Prime Innova Training & Consultancy she is able to run every aspect of the business with the leadership and management skills that she has gained through 22 years of experience in quality assurance and analytical laboratory services. 2016 has proved to be a particularly fruitful year for her, as she bagged various industry awards for her outstanding body of work: CEO of the Year Award at the World Water Leadership Congress, the World Women Leadership Achievement Award at the Women Leadership Congress in India, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Tigers in Kuala Lumpur, Quality Leadership Award at the Global Awards for Excellence in Quality Management and Leadership, and the distinction of being included amongst Dubai's 100 Global Sustainable CEO's.

Of the legacy she wishes to impact to her kabayans, Mary Jane elaborates: "I would love to be known for my humility. Regardless of what I have achieved in life, I will be the same Mary Jane Alvero 24 years ago. I want my worth to be measured by the values I have added and influenced in the life of the people I inspire every day in my life."

Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternes is managing director of the Institute for Sustainability Management (IISM). She has Co-founded several start-ups besides an international management career. She is communication scientist and business graduate.

Scott oversees MSLGROUP's global corporate & brand citizenship practice working with tomorrow's business leaders to co-create citizenship & sustainability platforms, programs and partnerships that not only deliver on purpose but also drive collaboration and shared value.

Scott is an award-winning industry veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, cause marketing; and is a leading voice in the global marketplace on purpose-inspired brand building. He specializes in identifying and building upon the intersection of stakeholder's passion and a brand's functional and emotional benefits to drive brand affinity, equity, sales and "soul."

Scott has created and supported several signature public relations platforms including Sodexo's A Better Tomorrow Plan, Alway's Protecting Futures, Crest Healthy Smiles, the Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, General Mills' Box Tops for Education initiative, ConAgra Foods' Feeding Children Better program and the CVS All Kids Can program which is the largest corporate initiative focused solely on supporting children with disabilities in the U.S.

Through his work Scott has received top industry honors including a PR NewsCorporate Social Responsibility Award, a PR News Platinum Award for Cause-Related Marketing, a Cause Marketing Forum Best Social Service/Education Campaign award, a Crystal Obelisk Award for Social Responsibility, a PR WeekCampaign of the Year award and the Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil.

Scott holds a communications degree from Arizona State University and spent five years as a Rocky Mountain Emmy award-winning reporter, anchor and producer early in his career.

Wanjiru is the founder and Managing Director of Social Impact Institute, a social enterprise, where she is responsible for the overall performance and day-to-day management of the firm, under delegated authority from the Board. She has over 16 years progressive professional experience and has been a consultant for over 10 years, in the social, economic and environmental sectors for clients such as IGAD, the United Nations, Nile Basin Initiative, Global Water Partnership, Nile Basin Discourse, Euroconsult/BMB Mott MacDonald, and additional consultancies in the public sector. She has dedicated her career to the creation of innovative approaches to help the youth to acquire the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs and become self-reliant. She is the Chairperson of Uwezo Fund (Ksh. 6 Billion block government fund set aside for women and the youth); and the Chairperson of the Youth Committee of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Wanjiru holds a Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) degree from the United States International University, a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School (course work completed), and a Bsc. in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University. Wanjiru is a certified Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Trainer.

Tagline

Born in Africa going to light up Africa

Introduction

Roy was born in Ethiopia, and spent his early years in East Africa. He returned to the land of his birth in 2006. Since then it has been his constant endeavor to alleviate the power problems that engulf so many in Nigeria. His efforts, henceforth, have been directed towards finding suitable power solutions, focusing on solar energy. Roy has successfully replaced generators with solar inverters, set up solar bore hole pumps and is working to illuminate important sectors.

Currently he is working on a solar project with the Ministry of Environment to provide affordable power solutions to the masses.

Roy was also invited to be a panel speaker at the UNDP finance initiative that was held in Lagos in September. In which he spoke about the challenges in organizing finances for solar projects.

After attending the CSR Master Class at the Lagos Business School an initiative he believes is in the right direction. Roy is also confident that Nigeria will unlock its potential and solve its power problems through solar solutions.

Roy has been instrumental in building the largest solar powered filling station for Total globally.This is located in Lagos and was commissioned in April 2014

As part of the Emel groups' CSR activity, they have embarked on the Project " Ijora the Solar Capital of Nigeria" .The group has set up solar bore holes, street lights, garden lights and installed fans in a school. They have also identified homes with challenged children and provided lighting for them. One can see barbers using solar to power their clippers. The church and mosque have P.A systems that are powered through solar.

Roy has been fortunate to acquire training in Solar Applications at Suntech. His memorable career with MNCs like Nestle, Cadbury and PZ Cussons has shown him the gravity of corporate social responsibility, while honing skills and attributes that continue to hold him in good stead.

While this dream has proved challenging to realize, Roy remains eternally passionate about lighting up homes with sun technology

Patrick Kimathi Muguna is a renewable energy project developer with over 8 years' experience. He is the current Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Skynotch Energy Africa, a renewable energy company championing a 5.7Mw small hydro project in Kenya, 8.5Kw solar-diesel hybrid water pumping system. Supported by institutions such as World Bank Infodev Programme's Kenya climate Innovation Centre and Global Village Energy Programme. Patrick is a Green Pioneer Accelerator Programme and 2015 Unreasonable East Africa fellow.

Before Founding Skynotch Energy Africa he was a programme coordinator with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for 5 years, incharge of Private sector energy enterprises support. Patrick is experienced in resource mobilization for projects & businesses. He successfully raised funds for Mutunguru small hydro project, a $12.4M investment. He has a wealth of experience in stakeholder management with a bias in project development. He previously worked with Nation & Standard Media as a business development Executive for over 8 years.

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from Kenyatta University and has undergone various trainings in entrepreneurship and solar energy management and application from UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Centre in Bahrain and UNIDO International Solar Energy Centre (UNIDO-ISEC) in China.

Dr. Lin HAO, born in Beijing, is Managing Director of INTEGER Ltd (Intelligent & Green), Director of the Oval partnership, Visiting Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Founder of Rural Community Development Group, Deputy Chief Editor of Eco City and Green Building Magazine. Lin received his Bachelor of Architecture at Tsinghua University, Master of Architecture at University of California Berkeley, and PhD at Cambridge University. Lin's sustainable design received many prestigious international awards including RIBA International Award, WAN Award, Design for Asia Award (2010/2012), HKIA Annual Award, the Perspective Best of the Best and Sustainable Architecture Award(2010/2012), MIPIM Asia Pacific Urban Regeneration Award.Lin also received China Children Charity Award from the Chinese Central Government. Lin's award winning projects include Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, Innhouse, KPMG-CCTF community centre, Integer bamboo house. Lin's recent book is Green Design for the Future.

Advocate Pria Hassan graduated from the University of Natal with a law degree in the 1990's, and was determined "to go boldly where no women have gone before". She used her legal knowledge and corporate experience to pave the way into Africa. She established the Women of Africa (WOA) Investment Group in 2005, which group is a Women-owned, Women-managed, Black-Economic Empowerment company that is strongly committed to gender empowerment. It's extensive networks, solid reputation as a company of integrity, industry expertise as well as its broad ranging partner relationships with private and state-owned finance organisations positions WOA to be a reputable service provider in the pharmaceutical, construction, logistics and energy sector.

Adv. Pria Hassan's commitment to women empowerment is evidenced by her long history of panel speaking nationally and internationally. She has spoken at the Women in Business and Leadership Conference held in Gaberone, Botswana 2014, the Women in the Energy Industry conference which focused on "Creating Smart Policies to Empower Africa's Women in Energy", the World Health Conference Participation in Women in Leadership to name a few.

Hassan won the Top Black Female Entrepreneur at The Metropolitan Oliver Empowerment Awards in 2011. She was named Women of the year 2012 by CNBC All Africa Business Leader, and the country and regional winner in the Wholesale Sector for the South Africa's Most Influential Women in Business and Government Award 2014. She has recently also been named as a finalist in the Ernst and Young World Entrepreneur Awards, which awards are to be held in Johannesburg in November 2014.

Jenny Dawson is the founder of 'Rubies in the Rubble' - a brand passionate about food and our planet.

In 2011, after seeing a need for a revolution in the way we value and manage our resources, she set up a food brand making delicious products from fruit and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded due to shape, size or colour.

Rubies has received numerous awards for their innovative approach to creating a food business and there products are stocked across the UK. They are continuing to develop new products and are investing in a larger production site to launch their products further a field.

Guided by their ethos, and trusted for making great products, the future holds many other lines for them to branch into but for now its all about great tasting relish - a perfect way of preserving surplus fruit and veg!

Love your Food, Love your Planet.

Mark Rozario was Group Managing Director of a Malaysian listed property group, before stepping down to assume his current role at AIM in 2011. He is charged with driving AIM, a government statutory body chaired by the country's prime minister, to implement a national innovation strategy. AIM was created to jump start wealth creation through knowledge, technology and innovation to stimulate and develop the innovation eco-system in Malaysia by laying down the foundation of innovation to inspire and produce a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs.

Mr. Rozario graduated with a BSc degree in Economics from the London School of Economic and is a Fellow of the Institute of Charted Accountants in England and Wales.

Dr. Imad Mohammad Saad has more than 15 years of Experience in the field of environmental consulting and training at UAE. He has presented and conducted hundreds of lectures and training courses and specialized workshops in the field of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Social Responsibility, and Quality Management to the various sectors of society and social classes. He represented UAE in many international conferences and events. The most important, Earth Summit Conference on Environment, held in Johannesburg, South Africa 2002. He also presented dozens of scientific papers at conferences and environmental courses at the local and international level, (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Germany...). He has got more than 1000 Certificate of Appreciation from government agencies, private sectors and civil society from both inside and outside the country. He won numerous international awards for his efforts in the transfer and resettlement of knowledge and building a sustainable society.

International Awards:

• Abu Dhabi State Award for Serving the Community of Abu Dhabi in the field of environment from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 2007.
• Abu Dhabi Award (for Excellence) of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 2007.
• Award advocate of the environment of the Arab Towns Organization in the League of Arab States, 2010.
• Sharjah International Award for volunteer work in 2005.
• Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport 2012.
• Award of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in the UAE in 2013.
• Best Environment Website, Dubai, 2013.

Dieter Ernst studied law & practiced for 5 years as a Public Prosecutor and had for 10 years a seat in the board of the district of Berlin-Tiergarten with various responsibilities. In 1996 the Senate of Berlin nominated him as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Economics, in charge of all for the Utilities of the city (Water, Waste, Transport, Harbors). In 1999 he was appointed to the board of Berlin Wasser Holding & became responsible for the International Project Development of the group and acted in this function 2003 – 2011 as a CEO of Berlinwasser International AG (BWI AG). In 2011/12 he was the Representative of the RWL Water Group (New York) for Europe/Mena and in 2012 started his own business "IWC-innovation and water consult". He holds various positions like German Asia-Pacific Association (OAV, steering committee), German Near Middle East Association (NUMOV, Member of the board), German Water Partnership (GWP, founding member of the board), Helmholtz Society (UFZ, member of the supervisory board) and Budapest Sewage Company (FCM, Chairman of the supervisory board). During the World CSR Day 2015 he was awarded to be one of the 50 most Talented Leaders in Water & Water Management.

Barry is a Senior Manager at SANEDI, responsible for the energy efficiency portfolio. He has worked in the distribution, customer service, marketing and Demand Side Management (DSM) areas of the national electricity utility in South Africa (Eskom) for a period of 27 years. While at Eskom he helped develop and implement the Eskom and Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded, Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI) which set the scene for the current roll-out of efficient lighting in the country. Barry is acclaimed locally and internationally for contributions to the rapid market transformation to efficient lighting in South Africa and presents papers on energy efficiency at various conferences, both locally and internationally. He also represents South Africa on various multi-lateral working groups, working towards an accelerated transition towards a global low-carbon society. Barry is a former President of the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA), the Southern African affiliate of the International Solar Energy Society, (ISES) and has served on various committees of the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa, (IESSA) and Technical Committees of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). More recently, Barry has played a leading rolein the development and implementation of energy efficiency related tax incentives, together with the South African departments of Energy (DoE), Trade and Industry (dti) and Finance and continues to be recognised for his contribution to energy efficiency in South Africa.

Michael Simire is an urban planner, environmentalist and science journalist. He is Principal Consultant/CEO of MS & Associates Limited, a diversified outfit focused on urban planning, environmental management, development consultancy, environment/science media training/management, and corporate communications. The firm publishes EnviroNews Nigeria (www.environewsnigeria.com), which Simire edits. EnviroNews is an online news magazine with a bias for environment and development issues.

A Fellow of the Leadership for Environment & Development (LEAD) (LEAD-AWA, Cohort 13) and Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), he holds bachelor and masters degrees in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Lagos, Akoka. He also holds post-graduate qualification in Journalism.

He is a professionally qualified urban planner - a corporate member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (MNITP) and registered by the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (RTP). MS & Associates is a registered firm under the Council.

A recipient of numerous media awards, Simire served as Africa Regional Juror for the Internews' Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Awards and was co-author, Nigerian Environment Centenary Symposium (1914-2014).

Femi Oye, CEO & Co-founder of SMEFUNDS, an International Social Enterprise fighting to end poverty through the promotion of sustainable enterprise development in Africa. The platform, SMEFUNDS accelerates the flow of finance to SMEs in Africa using social investments and ethical financial intermediation solutions.

SME FUNDS invest in ethical, green enterprises by creating linkages & capital to transform ideas into thriving businesses while creating jobs, improve women's livelihood & move the poor out of poverty. A Renewable Energy Senator, recipient Several Awards, Conference speaker, IT visionary, Investor, Conference and Business Speaker on SDG, Climate Change & Clean Energy

For over 15 years, Femi has continued to harness his strengths and resources toward evolving visionary entrepreneurs ending poverty in Africa through the creation of job opportunities, increasing productivity and providing mentorship.

Femi Oye is a world travelled Conference Speaker with Businesses, UN Global Compact, United Nations Foundation, African Development Bank (AfDb), IFC, Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Danish Government, USAID, DFID, European Union, ECREEE, UNFCCC, Nigerian Government's addressing Global issues such as Entrepreneurship, Investments, Clean Energy, Poverty, Climate Change, Clean Cook Stoves, Microfinance, Solar Mini Grids, Biofuels and Sustainable Development.

Dr. Michael Atchia is a senior Mauritian consultant in the Education and Environmental Education sectors. He has been a Programme Director at UNEP (Chief, Environmental Education and Training Unit) in Nairobi from 1986 to 1996, responsible during the same period for the "International Environmental Education Programme" of UNESCO/UNEP, active in over 100 member states. He has gained his professional experience in both developing countries (Africa, Asia, and South America) and in Europe/North America/Australia.

He is a graduate from these Universities: Calcutta (B.Sc with Distinction): London (BSc); Chelsea College of Science and Technology (Postgraduate diplomas in Microbiology, 1st class); Institute of Biology (MIBIOL); Salford in Manchester (MSc, PhD, DSc).

From 1997 to 2003, he was a Director of Education in Mauritius responsible for 77 Diocesan institutions.

He is a founder Fellow of the Mauritian Academy of Science and Technology and one of the 5 founder members and current animator of 'Democracy Watch Mauritius'. From 1st October 2012 to present day a Vice-President of FAFICS, the world wide federation of associations of ex-UN staff.

Well known internationally in the field of environmental education and sustainable development education he is often invited as a speaker to conferences and meetings (for example in Rio, Ahmadabad, Nairobi, Torino, Chamonix, Durban, New Delhi, Geneva, London, Manchester, Boston etc).

Awards:

1990: Recipient of the TREE OF LEARNING AWARD of IUCN for 20 years significant contribution to conservation education.

2012: Recipient of a Honorary D.Sc. from the University of SALFORD, Manchester, UK, for "outstanding achievements in the field of science" (Conferment at Salford on 20th July 2012 with a address by the recipient on the theme of Innovation)

Michelle is Global Head of the Clean Energy and Sustainability Group. The Group has advised on over 30GW of renewable energy projects globally. She advises across all technologies including offshore and onshore wind, biomass, solar, hydro and biofuels. Michelle's focus is on corporate strategy including M&A, equity raising and investment and exit mechanisms. Clients include utilities, IPPs, private equity and infrastructure funds, institutional investors, banks and governments.

Michelle is actively involved in policy and regulation in the sector both in the UK and globally. Michelle is on the Board of the Middle East Solar Association and the policy committee of the Saudi Solar Industry Association. She is also on the Board of the BPVA, the Advisory Board of the Climate Bonds Initiative, the REA Finance Strategy Group and is Deputy Chair of the RUK Offshore Wind Strategy Group. She founded and is Deputy Chair of the Climate Change Committee Advisory Group.

Michelle is listed as "a leader in renewables" by 'The Lawyer Hot 100 Lawyers 2012' and has been named for the last 3 years as being one of the top 100 people in global wind power by 'A Word About Wind'. Michelle has also been named Solar Woman of the Year 2014 and 2015.

Laura Azpilicueta is a sales and management executive with a record of success driving revenue and business growth for leading global manufacturing firms, lost recently in the solar industry. Throughout her progressive career, she has earned a top reputation for designing strategies to secure customer interest and loyalty while expanding sales channels through relationship building and communication of product value.

In her current role as Director–Global Sales & Marketing for EVASA, he is in charge of expanding the company's presence in new countries. Her engagement with key customers & role as an enthusiastic corporate representative at international exhibitions have led to establishment of global production sites, a successful London sales office, and alliances with key partners.

Prior to EVASA, Laura spent four years as European Sales Manager for Madico Inc., where she began building her knowledge of solar products. She generated a remarkable 90% revenue increase in her first year alone by collaborating with management to create a sales strategy aligned with the European market. Active participation in trade shows was essential to enhancing the company's reputation. Once business was secured, Laura provided post-sales support to further solidify customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Laura's commitment to the solar industry extends to outside roles—she has served on the Board of Directors for SolarUnited since 2013 and as Co-chair of SolarFUTURE.today, a solar awareness program focused on the accelerated growth of solar as a mainstream energy source. She has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Terrasa University in Spain and has completed several prestigious training programs in the U.S. and London.

Matthias Gelber comes from Burbach-Lippe, a small German village surrounded by the forest. He developed a strong connection with nature from a young age, and has been a passionate advocate of green living ever since. In 2008, he was voted 'Greenest Person on the Planet' in an online competition by 3rdWhale in Canada. Matthias lives in Malaysia without a car and a monthly USD$10 electricity bill. He also started Eco Warriors Malaysia, a community movement focused on taking positive action to combat climate change.

Matthias graduated with Masters in Environmental Science from Brunel University in the UK and went on to start a successful environmental consulting company in 1999. In 2007, he co-founded Maleki GmbH, a German company specializing in high performance, low carbon footprint construction materials. He also serves as a Board Member of Solexel Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solexel Inc in Silicon Valley.

Matthias is also a consummate speaker and trainer on environmental issues, and is often seen giving green talks to corporate, government organizations and schools in the South East Asian region. Globally he has delivered talks in more than 40 countries and he makes his flights carbon neutral which has led him to sponsor 1889 tress as carbon sinks with Plant A Tree Today Foundation.

Dr. G.Raj Chintaram has been actively involved in community development, philanthropy and environmental advocacy for almost two decades. He is the founder of reputed NGOs like Association Civique Midlands (ACM) and ANPRAS. He has been engaged in civil society entities at international level namely at TASAM (Turkey) and the ECOSOCC of the Africa Union. In 2008, he was acclaimed as The Most Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) of the Republic of Mauritius. He is the focal point for the Earth Day Network and Earth Hour Global in Mauritius and the Patron of the Earth Mauritius platform. Raj is a Gold-Medalist in management and has pioneered research in the field of cultural & heritage tourism in Mauritius. He is a resource person in the field of sustainability and tourism and has been delivering guest lectures in many important fora, especially on the 78th Peace- Boat Voyage. In February 2015, Dr. Chintaram was elected as Chairperson for the sectoral cluster commission on Infrastructure & Energy at the African Union ECOSOCC.

Chris was previously a bank/investment executive who now consults to a range of financial services companies on business strategy. The founder of a sustainable finance company, he has interests in other entrepreneurial ventures including in wellness and entertainment. He is a Business Science graduate from the University of Cape Town with other qualifications in finance and his interest in sustainable development dates back to 1990 when he led the South African delegation to an international conference in Japan.

He postulates that solving many of the world's social and environmental challenges will require a re-orientation of the present economic models which in turn requires a transformation of the financial services sector. He believes that financial institutions should be in the background, enabling the real economy, not at the forefront as they presently are but that this transformation can only take place when individual savers and investors recognize their collective power and insist on greater accountability for the flow of money.

Kris has worked in the clothing industry for over 25 years and has been responsible for developing brands and product lines for some of the best known clothing companies in the world of fashion and corporate wear. His industry knowledge covers all aspects of design and product development, sourcing directly from specialist manufacturers and establishing supply chains.

In 2009 Kris established DGrade Ltd., a UK company producing exclusive ECO friendly clothing ranges made from recycled materials and is proud to introduce this technology into the product lines produced by DGrade today.

The product is fully sustainable and uses 50% less energy, 20% less water and produces 55% fewer carbon emissions than it takes to produce conventional Polyester.

Having spent the past 7 years researching and developing yarn technology and the supply chain process in China and Asia, DGrade are partnering on a new venture to build a production plant in the U.A.E. This is part of their strategic plan to reduce costs, improve margin and shorten lead times to customers whilst shifting towards becoming a vertical manufacturing business over the course of the next seven years.

Eric Noir is advocate and ambassador of sustainability in the built environment in Africa. This work, under the auspices first of his company GREEN by DESIGN and subsequently with WSP GREEN by DESIGN, has consistently demonstrated his commitment and extraordinary achievements for the betterment of the African continent through redressing the social injustices of the past, and embracing the sustainability imperative of the future.

In 2002, Eric founded GREEN by DESIGN, becoming WSP GREEN by DESIGN, which recently celebrated 12 years of green building excellence with numerous achievements and firsts and through continued innovation, has been the forefront of the sustainable built environment in Africa.

Eric has been recognised by his peers as the leading voice in innovation for the sustainable built environment in Africa, through several awards, including 10 SAPOA awards and 12 greenstar certifications in South Africa. eric and his projects are breaking new ground for environmental sustainability applied to the built environment. As a pioneer of green building design in South Africa, eric has shared his knowledge and passion with the built environment professionals with whom he has worked and led. He has mentored, trained and developed key competencies in the sustainability space, both within his business space and in the broader African community becoming a true thought leader in sustainability.

Combining skills of urban design, architecture and engineering with his innate ingenuity, eric's initial work as an urban designer was on four public bathhouses in Katlehong, Tokoza and Vosloorus between 1996 and 2000, using solar hot water and greywater recycling systems.

The BP head office at the V&A Waterfront was his first major commercial green building, which became the commercial benchmark for green building at the turn of the century. His first greenstar certified green building was the Nedbank Phase II building in Sandton.

Eric's experience as lead sustainability consultant is crowned by his masterpiece, the Vodafone Innovation Centre in Midrand. The Vodafone Innovation Centre is the greenest certified building in Africa, the first to receive a 6 star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa, and is still, today, the highest scoring greenstar certified building in Africa.

Winning the design competition for the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies in Nairobi is characteristic of eric's contribution to the continent.

Eric's consulting to professional teams and client bodies on matters of sustainability in the built environment bears testimony to his integrated and trans-disciplinary approach to design; he is acutely aware that no particular discipline can address sustainability issues on their own: it is always a team effort!

Eric noir is one of the founding directors of the Green Building Council of South Africa where, along with other South Africans, he is eager to lead the country in practically addressing the sustainable imperative for the built environment by thinking differently about architecture, engineering, design, urbanism, and providing independent third-party peer reviewed certifications. In a continent which has to prioritise social and development issues, eric has consistently led his peers, architects, engineers, urban designers, as well as land and property developers to share the crucial vision - what once seemed a commercially un-viable quantum leap - the vision of green design.

As a CSR and Sustainability Expert, Kanika is credited with strategizing, designing and implementing several environment and social programs in the corporate sector. By training she has a Professional Masters Degree in CSR from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Also a LEAD fellow, she actively writes on sustainability issues. An ardent photographer, nature enthusiast and wildlife lover, she enjoys taking time off to visit the national parks in India, photographing wildlife and probing deeper into the local nuances of conservation.

Al Gore's 'sunny' proposal to India
Author: Kanika Pal

Paolo Franceschetti, founder and director of Solwa Srl, a company working in green economy field, water treatment and member of Santex Group. Dr. Paolo Franceschetti has achieved the PhD at the University Ca' Foscari of Venice (Italy) in Environmental Science. He is a young inventor and innovator. Dr. Franceschetti has developed in 2009 a system for water purification using only solar radiation, called SOLWA. He holds three patents on the thermodynamic and water management, while the product Solwa has become in 2010 one of the "ideas for the development of humanity," according to the UN. In 2011 he had the award as Italian innovator according to MIT of Boston (USA). In 2012 he founded and manages an innovative start up called SOLWA Srl, which has participated in a series of competitions by winning the National Award for Innovation. Dr. Franceschetti in the same year was awarded among the top 10 researchers in Italy. Dr. Franceschetti also work as freelance environmental consultant for companies that handle waste and with professional firms in the field of green economy.

Imad Agi is a sustainable sanitation solution expert, speaker and entrepreneur. I have been involved in constructions, renovations, innovations, R&D, import export, trading, recycling, sanitations, water and waste management, been there and done that for more than 15 years! He has spoken and presented on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in more than 20 countries across the world, and yes, he does give a shit with issues on water, waste, sanitation and hygiene across the world!

There are estimated 2.5 billion people do not have access to sanitarily acceptable toilet systems and this lead to the dying of 5 million people from diarrheal disease, more than dying from HIV and malaria. Flushing toilets do not solve problems but instead create more problems such as drinking water shortage, sewage problems and pollution due to transportation of wastes, hence the huge demand of sustainable toilet system. So he invented a sustainable toilet technology to solve the world's pressing WASH issues.

He has traveled the world to share his knowledge and skills in waste, water, sanitation, hygiene and dignity by creatingawareness through social innovation and sustainable development through social business to eliminate poverty and at the same time save the environment.

Murtala Mohamed Kamara is a media entrepreneur, the Founder/CEO of SaloneJamboree newspaper, Sierra Leone's foremost Arts and entertainment magazine. He is the outgoing Curator of The Global Shapers Community Freetown Hub and also Sierra Leone correspondent for D.W radio Germany. Kamara is a Goodwill Ambassador for Calabatown Community (In Sierra Leone). The BBC trained Journalist has worked with several local and international publications including Holland based www.africanews.com (now defunct), were he served as West Africa regional correspondent among other things. He established The Cotton tree magazine, a Sierra Leonean quarterly published in the U.K. Kamara is well respected young leader, a motivational speaker and a mentor. He is regarded as one of the most promising young leaders of Sierra Leone. He has won several local and international awards for his works including SLMTV 2011 Journalist of The Year. He is passionate about helping humanity.

Melvin Wong is a multiple award-winning entrepreneur with global business experience in 13 countries - U.S, U.K, Finland, France, Australia, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Philippines. He specializes in IT and high-tech industry.

Throughout his career as an entrepreneur, Melvin received and won industry honors and awards including Excellence Award from Global Innovation Through Science & Technology (GIST) (U.S, 2013), winner of TIE Global All-Asia Business Competition (India, 2012) and winner of Malaysia National Intellectual Property Awards (Malaysia, 2014). He was also the country representative in Global Entrepreneurship Week event in the U.S White House in 2012 and was a speaker at Global Entrepreneurship Summit, officiated by U.S President Barack Obama in Malaysia in 2013

Having been a speaker, mentor and judge at numerous industry events and competitions, Melvin embodies the "pay it forward" principle where he finds time to educate and assist upcoming entrepreneurs and professionals to be all they can be.

Melvin has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Degree in Electrical & Electronics from Nottingham Trent University, U.K and runs 2 high-tech companies - Just Mobile Sdn Bhd and FanXT Ltd

Perihan is a serial entrepreneur, with an extensive experience in web technologies and digital communication. She is currently working on MoviePigs, a platform for streaming and crowdfunding international films. Previously she co-founded Qabila Media Productions, a digital content creator that operated across the Arab region, and worked with Google Ireland Ltd. as a Business Strategist, where she consulted large tech companies on their digital advertising strategies. In 2012, she was awarded as the Best Female Entrepreneur from the MIT Enterprise Forum – Pan Arab Region. She holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, where she received the Legatum Fellowship for entrepreneurs, and the Dean's Leadership fellowship.

Uttam acquired his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and his Masters in Product Design from IIT Delhi. His expertise lies in the areas of Consumer Behaviour, Technology trends, Creative thinking and problem solving. He believes "Less is More" and is very passionate about thinking and designing products that blends sense with simplicity. He has a deep interest in the areas of sustainability and loves to play with natural materials. His designs have won several prestigious awards.

Uttam also holds several patents and design registrations in the areas of sanitation, consumer products, medical devices and many more.

Professionally, Uttam has worked in the areas of automobiles, medical products and devices, consumer electronics, and heavy electrical products to name a few. He has created several products which have received wonderful reviews in the design community in India and Abroad.

Uttam has been the Key Speaker and Jury Member for several national and international conferences, workshops and competitions on innovations in sanitation organized by Unicef, UNESCO-IHE, TNFIS - Finland and Government of India.

Presently Uttam serves as the Director and CEO at Ekam Eco Solutions and Advisory Board Member to SCNO India. He also serves as the Core member of the Advisory Committee to a Consortium on sanitation by Jagran Pehal, Reckitt & Benckiser and Govt. of Bihar

More here: http://in.linkedin.com/pub/uttam-banerjee/15/339/784

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma is the Director of NEEF, which is a non-governmental organization (NGO), established in 1997 by well-known Academicians and Researchers and registered as a Public Trust in India. She has obtained her Ph.D. in Social & Environmental Issues from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB), one of the prestigious and premier Institutes in Mumbai, India.

She has contributed to several national and international projects, which include JBIC's project on EIA; Renewable Energy projects of ERIA, Indonesia and AIST, Japan; Environmental Education Project of NTU, Singapore; Maharashtra State Development Report (MSDR) for the Planning Commission and State of Environment Report (SoER), Maharashtra, for the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India. She is an Advisor and Consultant to various organizations at national and international levels.

Dr. Sharma's research interests include Social & Environmental issues with focus on Sustainable Development. Her work focuses on research and advocacy on Environment and Energy issues and she has conducted several Action-oriented, Educational, Training and Mass Media Programs. Some of the major topics of her current research are, Waste Management; Energy Trade in East Asian Countries; Life Cycle Assessment; Women and Environment, etc. She has published several policy reports and papers, presented papers in India and abroad and organized academic events.

Highly-motivated, pro-active passionate individual with foresight vision holding a rich enormous experience of 30 years with exceptional Liaison, Teamwork, Leadership, & Organizational Abilities to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented business environment. With a entrepreneurial spirit to fore see potential growth with a strong background of crisis management in Healthcare for brownfield and greenfield projects.

Presently working as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nowrosjee Wadia & Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai and Advisor to Chairman Wadia Group for CSR Activities. Achieved 12 awards for both the hospitals in last one year in India and South Asia first time in the history of Institution (87 Years). Changed the scenario from a negative cashflow and environment to a profit making, inpite of being a charitable institution. Now expanding the pediatric hospital from 250 to 750 beds with pediatric super specialty services.

Prior to that as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a venture-based Capital Funding Group in Hospitals; Jeevanti HealthcarePvt. Ltd, Mumbai.

Prior to that as CEO for Baroda Heart Institute and Research Centre Baroda; a super speciality Cardiac Hospital. Achieved NABH accreditation in 8 months at the hospital.

Possess domain knowledge in implementation and execution as per requirements;ensuring high quality standards in service delivery. Identifying Control enhancement modules; escalate significant issues identified & proposed manner of resolution. Statistical Reporting of Deliverables in adherence to Regulatory requirements, high quality to meet regulatory approval and other critical business needs.

Experience in Successful Management of Diverse Groups of People in Teaching Arena and as well as Handling Union Committees by educating the students with the concepts of appropriate subjects to provide an effective treatment for the patients.

Increasing Revenue for the hospital by application of Six Sigma at Baroda Heart Institute, Jeevanti Healthcare Pvt Ltd. And Nowrosjee & Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospitals and Budgeting.

Successfully planned and Executed Greenfield and Brownfield Hospital projects.

Received Awards for "Woman Entrepreneur in Healthcare" , Global Award For sustainable Healthcare Models with Revenue Turnover , Global Business Leadership Award, Gold Star Millenium Award, CSR leadership Award.

Promoter - Director at Axel Polymers Limited, Vadodara, a listed Company at BSE since 20 years. NABH AssessorCareer Summary

Stefan is the Regional Director for Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Turkey Region (AMAT), at Sealed Air Corporation. Stefan is a strong advocate of CSV – Creating Shared Value – by addressing societal needs with a business model. He specializes in helping needy communities create sustainable livelihood programs as a means to life them out from poverty. Currently, Stefan leads over 50 active projects in the region, mostly projects on child protection, anti-human trafficking, livelihood programs and disaster relief and rehabilitation. He was recently awarded the UK Crown's Medal for outstanding contribution in working with partners to address trafficking victims' needs and bringing offenders to justice. Stefan has a Bachelors (Honours) Degree in Microbiology and a Masters Degree in Molecular Epidemiology from the National University of Singapore. Stefan is a Child Protection Advocate accredited with the International Child Protection Network (ICPN) for Asia.

Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey is Green Growth Tourism Advocate,Hospitality and Tourism consultant and social entrepreneur with extensive experience in tourism and hospitality management, program development and disaster management. Rosalin is a seasoned and successful leader with a track record of producing, presenting and managing the implementation of innovative hospitality and tourism business solutions and services. Rosalin has over five years experience in the hospitality and the tourism sector.She is a Global Shaper with Global Shapers Community an initiative of the World Economic Forum and also a Vital Voice Lead Fellow.

Wing Commander Naresh Taneja, GPHR is a veteran of 38 years in HR field. Having served 21 years in HR and Admin functions in the Indian Air Force, he resigned in 1998 to work in corporate world. Since 1998, he has established and headed HR functions in FMCG, Information Technology, Automobiles and Infrastructure Companies in India and Sultanate of Oman.

A Graduate in Biology, he holds double Post Graduate degrees in Psychology and Defence Studies; and is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is a Certified Master Coach from Behavioral Coaching Institute, USA, Certified Independent Director and Certified Global HR Professional by HRCI of USA. He was awarded as 50 Most Talented Global HR Leaders in Asia by CHRO Asia at the 22nd Edition of the World HRD Congress. He is also a recipient of HR Leadership Award at Asia Pacific HRM Congress, 2014, HR & Leadership Award for Excellence in Development of Human Resources by ABP News and 100 Most Talented Global HRD Leaders at 23rd World HRD Congress.

He has extensive experience in the fields of Recruitment, Talent Management Compensation and Benefits, HR & Cultural aspects in M & A, Team Building and Executive Coaching.

Presently he is working as President HR & Administration in IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited responsible for over 6000 employees.

Peter, a post graduate in Social Work, is Founder/CEO of a youth-led NGO "Human Touch", which addresses sexual & reproductive health, substance abuse & HIV among young people in Goa. He has worked in development field, especially in area of HIV/AIDS & substance abuse field at grass root, national & international level in different capacities for a more than a decade now.

Earlier, Peter has also served as a National Focal Point for Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) for India in 2008 & researched & authored the UNGASS Youth Shadow Report for India which was launched at the High Level Meeting at New York in June 2008. He also served as a member of Advocacy Working Group, Interagency Task Force on HIV & Young People, representing Alliance of Youth CEO's through World Alliance of YMCAs. He was also Steering Committee Member for Mali Youth Summit, representing India in BRICS, organized by UNAIDS at Bamako, Mali in April 2011.

Peter has participated and contributed in numerous national and international conferences through abstracts and workshops, which includes the International Congress on AIDS in Asia Pacific & Pacific and the International AIDS Conferences. He has also been associated with INERELA+ (International Network of Religious Leaders Living with/affected by HIV/AIDS) as Regional Coordinator, Asia & Pacific & AINA (Asian Interfaith Network on HIV/AIDS), addressing HIV from faith based perspective. He has also worked as an Asst. Professor, Don Bosco College, Department of Social Work, Panjim & also served as special invitee on Board of Studies, Sociology Department of Goa University for designing syllabus for Master's in Social Work Programme.

Peter is also Secretary of Positive People, one of the leading and pioneering NGO addressing HIV in Goa and has been representing the organization on the Executive Committee of Goa State AIDS Control Society.