Samuel Budoi is an atrocity prevention practitioner with progressive experience in leading multi-sectoral programs in Africa. Skilled in program design and management, public and private partnerships coordination, and evidence-based policy advocacy. He has a proven ability to mobilize resources, manage diverse teams, and implement inclusive peacebuilding dialogue models aligned with the atrocity prevention architecture priorities. He is passionate about SDG 16, preventive diplomacy, environmental peacebuilding, preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), election violence prevention, and transitional justice. Samuel is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Community Research and Action at Binghamton University, State University of New York, where he previously earned his Master’s degree in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention. He holds a Bachelor’s in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies and Political Science from the University of Nairobi.

Winfred Mutinda, HSC, is an electrical engineer by training, a policy practitioner by evolution and a systems thinker by practice. With 12 years of experience at the intersection of energy, climate and sustainable development, she brings a tri-sector perspective that shapes evidence-based policies, fosters strategic partnerships and advances inclusive growth across Africa. Beyond her professional work, she actively mentors the next generation of changemakers. Winfred’s accolades reflect her commitment to servant leadership. She is a 2022/23 Chevening scholar, 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow, an alumna of the YALI Young Women in African Power program (2018), and a recipient of the African Queen of Energy Philanthropy Award (2020) and the Head of State Commendation (2020). Winfred earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and holds a BSc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

Arnold Gekonge is a Seasoned Sustainability and Communications Specialist who uses his expertise to positively impact the world. In March 2019, he founded Champions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Youth, a diverse, youth-led, and youth-focused organization that works toward education for sustainable development, meaningful involvement of youth, just and inclusive societies. The organization actively leverages strategic partnerships and technology to host regular hybrid information sessions, dialogues, workshops, and conferences to equip young people with relevant knowledge and skills to meaningfully engage in the implementation, monitoring, and review of the SDGs. He is a 2025 Climate Reality Leader, a 2024 Danida fellow, a 2023 Global Peace Foundation President’s fellow, a 2023 African United Nations youth fellow, a 2019 UNLEASH Innovation Lab for SDGs talent, and an alumnus of the Regional Leadership Center, East Africa.  Arnold takes a keen interest in SDGs 4, 10, 13, and 17.

Zoel Ng is a Malaysian sustainability strategist, ecosystem builder, and youth development advocate. She serves as Director of MySDG Academy, where she works with government, parliamentarians, businesses, universities, civil society, and youth to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through partnerships and practical implementation. Her work focuses on youth engagement, policy participation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Zoel is also a PhD candidate at Sunway University researching innovation and competitiveness among Malaysian family-owned MSMEs. She is an Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader and one of Malaysia’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons. As an Advisory Board Member of Champions for SDGs Youth, Zoel brings an ASEAN and Global South perspective to the organisation. She hopes to support its strategic development, strengthen international partnerships and create meaningful bridges between youth-led SDG movements in Africa and Asia. Her vision is to help build sustainable, inclusive and collaborative systems where young people can influence policy, mobilise resources and lead long-term social transformation.

Peter Nguka is engaged in sustainable global economic and policy discourse. As a member of the Academic Council of the United Nations, he contributes to policy-oriented research, papers, and presentations addressing global development challenges. His work emphasizes sovereign ESG frameworks, responsible investment, and embedding sustainability, governance, and social inclusion into economic systems to support equitable growth. He also translates these discussions into grassroots impact. Through the Kilimo Sasa Initiative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Peter has worked with women’s groups and persons with disabilities in Kenya’s semi-arid regions to strengthen food security and resilience. He serves as a Research Specialist at Transsion Holdings, generating insights for strategic decision-making across diverse markets, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from The University of Nairobi and a Master’s Degree in International Economy and Business from Corvinus University of Budapest.

Jane Chege is an electrical engineer and energy systems specialist with expertise in hybrid renewable energy systems, battery energy storage, and energy markets. She serves as a Hybrid Project Engineer at Vena Energy in Japan, working on utility-scale solar, wind, standalone storage, and hybrid renewable projects, and as Research and Energy Systems Advisor at Voltaris Limited in Kenya, supporting energy research, system modeling, and project development. Since 2019, she has designed and managed solar mini-grid projects across Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the DRC, Zambia, South Sudan, and Somalia, and provided technical asset management for PV plants in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. She is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of the Ryukyus under a 2024 MEXT Scholarship, researching the multi-objective optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems across performance, economics, sustainability, reliability, and circularity. A 2021 JICA Scholar, Jane holds a Master of Green Science and Engineering from Sophia University, Japan, and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Meru University of Science and Technology, Kenya. Her work contributes to SDGs 7, 9, 12, and 13.

Emmanuel Makokha is a passionate disability inclusion, community engagement, and youth development professional with over 10 years of experience advancing sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa. As an agronomist, certified disability inclusion facilitator, and program growth practitioner, he designs and implements inclusive strategies that empower marginalized communities through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and community-led development. He sits on the Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Board, providing strategic insights on inclusive communication to help shape accessible and youth-centered initiatives across Africa. Emmanuel is a champion of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). He is committed to advancing sustainable livelihoods, food security, economic inclusion, and resilient communities. Further, he leverages leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making to drive lasting social impact and ensure no one is left behind.

Stacy Owango is a Communications and Project Management Consultant with over three years of experience leading strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery in multi-stakeholder environments. She currently serves in the Secretariat to the Coalition for Digital Africa (CDA), supporting initiatives that advance Africa’s digital transformation and expand Internet access. She also works as Communications Manager at Namelok Wireless, championing community networks and digital inclusion for underserved communities. She is passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals and believes that they provide a roadmap for creating inclusive, resilient, and equitable societies. Her work is driven by the commitment to partnerships, innovation, and empowering communities through connectivity.

Festus Odingo is a seasoned Data and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) specialist with over 10 years of experience turning data into decisions and evidence into impact. With a strong foundation in economics, econometrics, and mathematical modeling, he blends rigor with creativity – equally adept at quantitative and qualitative analysis, with expertise that spans experimental and quasi-experimental methods, including RCTs and difference-in-differences. He has worked across India, Uganda, Benin, and Kenya, focusing on gender, agriculture, and development outcomes. He has worked with institutions such as UNWFP and the National Gender and Equality Commission and previously served at the SDGs Kenya Forum in M&E and data leadership roles, before taking on global assignments with PARIS21 and the UN Statistics Division, advancing citizen-generated data frameworks. Currently a Program Manager at Co-Impact, he works at the intersection of grantmaking and learning, measurements, and evaluation.

Evelyn Odhiambo has over five years of experience in the space of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Communications. She currently serves as the Head of Communications and Partnerships at Nyanam Widows Rising, an NGO serving widows and their children in Kisumu, Kenya. She uses her communications expertise to challenge dominant and oppressive narratives and drive systemic change. Committed to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), Evelyn advocates for inclusive policies while equipping adolescents and youth with essential skills for personal and societal growth. At Champions for SDGs Youth, she began as a volunteer supporting SDGs learning and engagement. Now, as an Advisory Board Member, she leverages her knowledge and experience to strengthen the movement and expand its impact.