Our Mission

Erin is a climate policy researcher focusing on Loss and Damage, adaptation and the role of leadership in shaping climate action. She has worked across the globe in many different contexts, always with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable on the frontlines of climate change. Erin is passionate about empowering young climate leaders from the Global South in everything she does. In her role with CLI she supports the core team delivering the New Generation program.

Hyacinthe Niyitegeka is a water scientist and climate negotiator with experience in the fields of Loss and Damage and climate policy in general. Currently, she serves as the office manager for the CLI, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the office and core team as well as fostering a positive work environment. In addition to her managerial duties, Hyacinthe contributes to the development of strategies and guidelines that direct the CLI’s initiatives.  Additionally, Hyacinthe serves as coordinator of the Loss and Damage Collaboration (L&DC).

Honorine is a passionate environmentalist and driven climate leader with over 5 years of proven leadership experience in nonprofit organizations focused on climate change with a strong focus on youth empowerment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in land survey engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in GIS for environment and sustainable development. She is serving as coordinator of the New Generation Program, where she oversees the overall implementation of the New Generation program plan. She has undergone climate leadership, diplomacy, and negotiation training by the Africa Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) and continuous empowerment and mentorship on the UNFCCC negotiations process under the New Generation program as a member of the first cohort. Since 2021, Honorine has been actively engaged in climate negotiations focusing on agriculture and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).

Prakriti Koirala is a climate researcher from Nepal with a Master’s in Environmental Science. She is a Project Coordinator at Clim Adapt for Building Women’s Climate and Disaster Resilience by Strengthening Climate Smart Villages for Gender-responsive Climate and DRR Actions. She follows climate negotiations on Loss and Damage under the UNFCCC process and serves as Youth Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, advocating for the resilience of vulnerable communities. Prakriti is a fellow of 1st cohort of New Generation Program and serves as a communication co-lead for the Climate Leadership Initiative.

Justina is an environmental and sustainability specialist with over five years of experience in environmental policy under the Montreal Protocol. She’s worked with UNEP and UNDP to phase out harmful substances and boost climate resilience. Since 2019, Justina has been actively involved in climate negotiations, focusing on Loss and Damage. As a founding member of the New Generation Program, she coordinated its second cohort and now leads communications to elevate the voices of emerging climate leaders. Justina believes people are the true drivers of change and is dedicated to empowering others to make a lasting impact.

Heidi is an Australian lawyer and independent consultant with expertise in UN climate change negotiations, particularly on loss and damage. A former legal associate at the Federal Court of Australia, since 2018 she has been providing strategic and technical advice aimed at achieving ambitious outcomes for developing countries in the negotiations. Heidi supports a range of stakeholders, including the New Generation, which she views as a critical driver of effective change.

Camilla is an Australian lawyer who has been following the UN climate negotiations closely since 2017. She works in IIED’s Global Climate Law, Policy and Governance Team to support the Least Developed Countries Group achieve equitable and ambitious outcomes in UN climate negotiations, particularly those related to loss and damage. Camilla passionately hates jargon, but sometimes can’t help it. Camilla provides guidance and mentorship to the New Generation support team.

Olivier is a dedicated environmentalist from Rwanda with a background in Water and Environmental Engineering. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at The Green Protector, a youth-led NGO, and as Co-coordinator of the Article 6 team for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group. Olivier began his journey in climate diplomacy at COP26 in 2021 as a junior negotiator on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, advocating for equitable and transparent carbon markets. Since then, he has represented Rwanda and the LDC Group, focusing on amplifying the voices of communities most vulnerable to climate impacts and advancing climate justice. Olivier mentors fellows in the third cohort of the New Generation Program.

Adeline holds a bachelor's degree in Water and Environmental Engineering. She coordinates the storytelling working group within the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition. Working closely with frontline communities, Adeline amplifies their narratives to ignite advocacy for transformative change. Since 2022, Adeline has actively followed climate negotiations, focusing on climate finance.Adeline provides mentorship to fellows in the third cohort of the New Generation Program.

Brenda Mwale is a climate change advocate with extensive knowledge and experience in international climate action, focusing on youth and gender mainstreaming. She serves as a Loss and Damage negotiator for Malawi and is a part of the Loss and Damage Collaboration as the Finance Working Group Coordinator. Currently, she is the Climate Diplomacy Advisor supporting the LDC Chair. Brenda also provides mentorship to the fellows of the third cohort of the New Generation Program.