Samuel is a dedicated professional with a strong background in atrocity prevention. He holds a Bachelor’s in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies and Political Science from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention at the State University of New York, Binghamton University. Samuel has successfully implemented projects in various areas such as youth development, transforming education, environmental conservation, prevention of violent extremism, and election violence. He is passionate about preventive diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding and aims to strengthen conflict and mass atrocities prevention mechanisms throughout his career. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and practicing golf.

Arnold Gekonge is a result-oriented youth champion for positive youth development, their meaningful involvement, just and inclusive societies. Through Champions for SDGs Youth, he spearheads regular hybrid information sessions, dialogues and conferences as a creative way of educating young people and carrying out policy advocacy. Arnold envisions an all-inclusive, equitable global society, where now marginalized populations, especially young people, are well-informed, empowered and actively take part in Sustainable Development as global citizens. He is 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 Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center, East Africa. He takes keen interest in SDGs 4, 10, 13 and 17.

Jane is an electrical engineer pursuing a PhD at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. Her research focuses on multi-objective optimization, aiming to balance competing goals like cost, performance, and sustainability. She applies this approach to areas such as hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) and explores emerging energy technologies, including green hydrogen and waste-to-energy solutions. Jane has hands-on experience designing and managing renewable energy projects, working on solar mini-grids in countries like Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, and providing technical asset management (TAM) for PV plants in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. She’s passionate about sustainable development and is committed to advancing clean energy solutions that support the SDGs 7 and 13. Jane strives to create meaningful impact through innovative energy solutions that pave the way for a sustainable future.