Speakers
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Kamran ShezadIslamic Foundation for Ecology & Environmental SciencesKamran Shezad sits on the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development (UN IATF) and previously served on the Civil Society & Youth Advisory Council to the Presidency of COP26.
A strong advocate of using faith-inspired approach in guiding behavioural change. Kamran is a grassroots environmental activist and social justice campaigner, he has worked with a diverse range of faith groups and has produced toolkits, practical guides and mobilised communities for climate action.
Kamran is a Chartered Environmentalist, awarded by the Society for the Environment.
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Lucy PlummerSoka Gakkai International,
National Youth Leader (UK) and Youth Consultant at SGI UN Office
Bio: Lucy has worked professionally with and for youth in various roles at the national and
international level for more than a decade. Lucy has a bachelors in Youth Studies and a
masters in Sustainable Development, with her area of expertise being young people’s
participation in climate and environmental policy processes. Lucy has co-ordinated
numerous youth engagement groups and projects on behalf of institutions and NGOs,
including faith-based organisations and UN offices. She is currently serving as a Youth
Consultant for the Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs. Lucy is an advocate for
youth inclusion at the UN and plays an active role in advancing young people’s inclusion in
climate processes as a member of the UNFCCC children and youth constituency group,
YOUNGO. -
Mandisa GumadaClimate YES & Green Anglicans, Youth Rep, Province of Southern Africa
I am Mandisa Gumada, an Active Green Anglican and member of Climate YES South Africa, currently working as a Diocesan Children and Youth Coordinator in the Anglican Diocese of Natal (ACSA), I am a lover of Creation Care, passionate about children and youth development in and outside the church. I believe the voice of the young people need not just be listened to with regards to issues of climate change; but also to sanction immediate actions in order to not further be contributors of ignorant acts that see our world in devastation from environment disasters. My motto is: “We can ALL do better”
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Taimur AshfaqEnergy Professional, Climate Learner, Pakistan
An experienced professional in Pakistan’s energy sector, his core dedication lies in advancing Pakistan’s energy industry aligning with the UN SDG, with particular focus on enhancing food security and addressing climate change. Influenced by his participation in Strategic Leadership Fellowship at Al-Sharq Forum, Taimur is deeply committed to bridging the nexus between energy, climate change, and education to drive community-driven behavioral shifts. He expanded his knowledge through a Summer School on Climate Change at the National University. In 2022, he authored a research paper in line with COP-26 commitments, specifically addressing energy security and Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Pakistan. Presently, his focus centers on actively promoting climate change awareness, advocating for efficient energy utilization, and fostering the integration of Renewable energy into national grid.
Youth, Climate Anxiety and the Role of Faith – Bahu Trust
Exploring climate anxiety and trauma suffered by young people as a result of the climate crisis. We will examine the role of faith, whether in modern times it plays a role in bringing about healing. We will hear the testimonies and explore the coping mechanism of young people involved negotiation spaces at COP and in their respective professions.