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Erika Spagakou, Ecogenia - May 23 @ 5 pm GST (UTC +4)
Erika Spagakou, Ecogenia - May 23 @ 5 pm GST (UTC +4)
Erika Spagakou, Ecogenia
Erika Spagakou is the Co-founder, COO and Acting Executive Director of Ecogenia. She graduated with a BA in Political Science & Public Administration from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens majoring in European and International Affairs, and holds an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from the University College London.
A dedicated sustainability advocate with over 15 years of experience in energy, female and youth empowerment and social innovation, Erika has a track record working in the public sector at the national, regional and international level. She has lived and worked in Greece, the UK, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, contributing to the mission of organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the European Commission (DG Environment), Zayed Sustainability Prize, NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Greek Ministries of Culture & Sports, Tourism and Education.
Driven by her commitment to social impact, Erika co-founded Ecogenia in 2020 with a goal to mobilize Greek youth in climate action through paid service opportunities. Leveraging her experience in governance, policy and stakeholder engagement, Erika is responsible for Ecogenia’s advocacy and policy strategy, managing critical relationships with the communities the organization serves, as well as national stakeholders that are key to creating the enabling environment for civic service to scale nation-wide.
Through her work, Erika aspires to ignite a movement whereby civic service acts as a vehicle to retain and develop Greece’s young talent, creating the climate-minded workforce that will catalyze the country’s green transition.
Usaama Kaweesa, Councillor in London Borough of Merton - June 11 @ 2 pm BST (UTC +1)
Usaama Kaweesa, Councillor in London Borough of Merton - June 11 @ 2 pm BST (UTC +1)
Usaama Kaweesa is a councillor and cabinet member in the London Borough of Merton, where he leads work on youth voice, education and social justice. He also serves as chair of governors at Haslemere Primary School, helping to create a supportive and ambitious environment for children to thrive both personally and academically.
With a background in grassroots organising and public service, Usaama works across schools, councils and community organisations to champion equity, civic participation and inclusive leadership. He has supported a range of youth and social action programmes, including City Year UK, focusing on empowering young people to lead positive change in their communities.
Usaama believes that stronger, fairer societies are built when young people are heard, supported and given real opportunities to lead. His work is driven by a commitment to social equity, collaboration and the power of community-led leadership.
Usaama Kaweesa, Councillor and Cabinet Member, London Bourough of Merton
Bia Turnbull, International Youth Think Tank - June 24 @ 6 pm CET (UTC +2)
Bia Turnbull, International Youth Think Tank - June 24 @ 6 pm CET (UTC +2)
Bia Turnbull, International Youth Think Tank
Rabia (Bia) Turnbull is a proud South African and a youth fellow of the International Youth Think Tank. She recently graduated from the University of Glasgow, the University of Trento in Italy and Charles University in Prague with an international master's degree in security, intelligence and strategic studies, focusing on great power politics and its implications for development and democratisation in Africa and the Middle East.
Currently working as an intelligence analyst, Ms. Turnbull is passionate about international security affairs, development and democratisation from a postcolonial perspective. She has dedicated much of her work to volunteering and activism, addressing postcolonial racial justice and migration challenges academically as well as for several organisations and NGOs.
As a recent Mandela residential fellow of the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement, she is committed to advancing peace and reconciliation to further democracy and equality. She is particularly passionate about Israel–Palestine, and the prospect of a peaceful transition to democracy inspired by the successes and shortcomings of South Africa's democratic transition and reconciliation.
Ms. Turnbull also volunteers as a research lead for organisations such as the African Youth Security Network to empower youth by promoting diverse youth perspectives and encouraging diplomatic dialogue. The Network has recently worked with several youth-led African civil society and media organisations to found the African Network for Peace and Security, dedicated to addressing media biases and underreporting of African conflicts, whilst amplifying young African voices and narratives.
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