Renew Our Power

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Moderator: Ilan Zugman (Brazil) – 350.org Latin America director.

Speakers:

• Maria Cunha (Brazil) – is an incredible young leader from São Raimundo, a community in the Brazilian Amazon, who organizes in defense of traditional peoples and communities. She’s been involved in a game-changing effort to utilize the management of the pirarucu – a famous freshwater fish – to generate resources to install community-owned renewable energy. Once limited by unreliable and limited electricity resources, Maria’s community enjoys 24hr/day energy access, and all the benefits that have followed.
• Melina Loubicon Massimo (Canada) – is founder and executive director of Sacred Earth Solar, a women-led organization that empowers frontline and Indigenous communities from across so-called-Canada with renewable energy. Melina has offered many gifts to the climate movement, including authoring the Just Transition Guide, a resource for communities who want to work toward a just transition drawing on Indigenous wisdom.
• Pabita Shahi (Nepal) – is an Indigenous uplander from Nepal, campaigning at the intersection of gender and the natural environment. As a coordinator with Powershift Nepal, she has contributed extensively to projects combating climate change and addressing other environmental issues. As Pabita’s work evolves, she has big plans to bring renewable energy access – and all the benefits that will come with it – to the communities she serves.
• Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa (Fiji) – is a Pacific Islander who represents the Pacific Climate Warriors, an organization she’s been a part of since its inception. As one of Fiji’s leading ocean experts, and extensive experience in conservation, climate activism and indigenous peoples’ traditional rights and knowledge advocacy, her advisory role as a Council Elder has shaped the inspiring campaigns emerging in the Pacific.
• Ireen Twongirwe (Uganda) – is a climate activist, community organizer, and mobilizer, serving as the Executive Director of Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda (WoGEM). As a women-led community-based organization, WoGEM is committed to promoting the active participation of women and girls in building a greener economy for sustainable social and economic development. Ireen also works closely with marginalized women impacted by the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), advocating for renewable energy and green economic alternatives that improve lives while protecting the environment.

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Moderator: Chibeze Ezekiel (Ghana) – a celebrated climate justice leader, is the moderator of this power-house panel. Chibeze is an advocate for youth leadership in the governance of natural resources and environmental policy. In Ghana, he is the Executive Coordinator of the Strategic Youth Network for Development and the Chair of the Youth in Natural Resources & Environmental Governance.

Speakers:

• Majd Alkhoury (Palestine) – is a climate campaigner with Oxfam, his advocacy is shaped by his experience as a Palestinian who has grown up experiencing occupation. For Majd, resiliency in the face of climate change demands access to health care and freedom from violence for all people. A just energy future will not only see access to renewable energy, but political and social rights too. He believes deeply that people power can and will win a safe and just future for all.
• Luene Karipuna (Brazil) – Luene belongs to the Karipuna indigenous people, Uaça indigenous land, in the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá/Brazil. She is the Executive Coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples and Organizations of Amapá and Northern Pará where she uses her voice and Indigenous alliances to push back against oil exploration in the Amazon.
• Mitzi Jonelle Tan (The Philippines) – is a full-time climate justice activist based in the Philippines. Their activism is grounded by the principles of anti-imperialism, anti-colonialism, joy, love, and collective world-building. Mitzi leads the Climate Justice Squad Fellowship – a program hosted by 350.org and Together For Future that supports young activists worldwide in strengthening their campaigns through coalition-building and intergenerational learning.
• Brianna Fruean (Samoa)– Brianna has been leading grassroots community projects to push for climate justice since she learned about the effects of climate change and noticed the subtle changes to her island of Samoa as a child. At age eleven, she became a founding member of the Samoan chapter of 350.org and at sixteen, she became the youngest winner of the prestigious Commonwealth Youth Award for her environmental activism. In 2022, Brianna was awarded the Global Citizen Prize for her years of advocacy and organizing. Brianna is currently a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Champion from the Pacific and integrates the Council of Elders for the Pacific Climate Warriors.

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Moderator: Rukiya Khamis (Kenya) – Senior Africa Organizer at 350.org, passionate about environmental, climate, and social justice with a focus on sustainability, grassroots community empowerment, and climate education.

Speakers:

• Edwin Mumbere (Uganda) – Edwin is the Director of the Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC) in Uganda, where he leads initiatives focused on energy justice and community empowerment. He is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, especially women, by training them in solar energy installation and promoting community-owned renewable energy solutions. With a strong commitment to climate justice, Edwin advocates for a just energy transition that prioritizes local solutions and sustainable development. His leadership continues to drive impactful change in Uganda, proving that access to clean energy can transform lives.
• Portia Adu Mensah (Ghana) – Portia is a passionate climate activist in Ghana, co-founder and National Coordinator of 350 Ghana Reducing our Carbon (350GROC). She is also the founder of Dream Hunt, an organization that raises young environmental advocates in schools. She won the Most Impactful Climate Change/Biodiversity Conservation Advocate at the Ghana Environmental and Sanitation Awards in 2022. Portia’s unwavering commitment to the cause of environmental sustainability and climate justice continues to inspire and motivate many young people in Ghana and beyond.
• Arturo Massol-Deyá (Puerto Rico) – Arturo is the executive director of Casa Pueblo, a community-based group with 38 years of services in natural resources conservation, education, and sustainable development. He is a leading investigator on microbial ecology, focusing on how biological processes help to restore contaminated environments. After Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Arturo and Casa Pueblo have led a community aid response to change the energy landscape of a country. Their goal is to get Puerto Rico to quit their dependence on fossil fuels and invest on renewable energy sources.
• Tri Mumpuni (Indonesia) – Tri is an agricultural engineer who has been campaigning for more than 30 years to replace diesel power plants with micro hydro plants to develop local economic growth in rural Indonesia. She has worked on renewable energy production with many key stakeholders. Her organization, People-Centered Business and Economic Initiative (IBEKA), has successfully installed more than 60 micro hydro projects as well as solar photovoltaic technology for water pumping system across Indonesia.
• Arfread De Mesa (The Philippines) – Arfread is a community organizer and activist leading 350 Pilipinas, an affiliate of 350.org that has been championing grassroots renewable energy initiatives since 2013. With a focus on the urban low income areas, they work to empower local communities in Metro Manila by promoting community-driven renewable energy projects. One of their flagship initiatives involves collaborating with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and local technology institutes to establish solar charging stations. These projects not only provide clean energy to underserved communities but also foster skill-sharing in renewable energy and adaptive technologies, helping them become more resilient to climate impacts.
• Isra Adwan (Palestine) – Isra Adwan is an advocate for climate justice and economic equity, holding a BSc in Computer Engineering and an MBA. She collaborates with NGOs, CSOs, ministries, and youth groups on initiatives that empower youth and local communities in Palestine, ensuring their active role in climate resilience and economic development. Previously, as Oxfam’s Climate Change Focal Point, she led key interventions in climate adaptation, mitigation, and advocacy. She played a central role in organizing Palestine’s first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), equipping young leaders with advocacy and policy engagement skills. Isra also works at the regional level, collaborating with networks such as the Arab Youth Green Voices Network (AYGV) to amplify youth-led climate action across the MENA region.
• Nantu Canelos (Ecuador) – Indigenous leader from the Achuar peoples in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Nantu is the founder and president of Kara Solar, a foundation creating fluvial transportation based on renewable energy solutions in the Amazon. Kara solar aims to create technologies that equip Amazon communities with new tools to build clean energy autonomy, strengthen cultural resilience, and contribute to the defense of rainforest ecosystems that sustain us all.

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Moderator: Drue Slatter (Fiji) – Pacific Communications Manager at 350.org. Drue is a Fijian climate communicator and writer, who has helped develop the story of the Pacific Climate Warriors, a youth-led network working to fight climate change and build resilience in the Pacific. She is a traditional ocean voyager and avid surfer & scuba diver, with a passion for ocean-based storytelling.

Speakers:

• Amalen Sathanantar (Malaysia) – supports and develops Asian-led campaigns through creative activism and artistic interventions, working with ArtivistNetwork.org and in partnership with regional groups like DBI. Amalen is also a proud farmer, bringing grounded, community-rooted perspectives into their organizing and creative work. They will be co-hosting our art space.
• Thiago Mundano (Brazil) – is an artist and activist who was part of the Global Power Shift. Known for his powerful contributions to the climate movement like Rise for Climate and Power Up, Thiago uses art as a tool for social and environmental justice. His work boldly weaves together creativity and activism, spotlighting urgent issues through striking visual storytelling.
• Sani Montahuano (Ecuador) – is a producer and filmmaker of Sapara Nation and co-founder of Tawna Cine desde Territorio. Since 2019, she has been organising audiovisual training workshops for young people from the Amazonian territories with the Tinkas school in communities in Pastaza. She directed several award-winning documentaries.
• June Bartuin (Kenya) – is a climate change expert and founder of Indigenous Peoples’ for Peace (IPPCJ), focused on sustainable development, solar energy, and climate justice. She advocates for solar energy solutions for marginalized communities in Kenya, earning the YPC Global Grand Prize 2024 for her work. With expertise in climate finance, policy, and adaptation strategies, she promotes equitable solutions that involve indigenous communities, women, and youth in the climate dialogue.
• Rev Dr. Ambrose Caroll (United States)– is the senior pastor of Renewal Worship Center in Oakland, California, and founder of Green the Church. His initiative empowers African American churches to lead in environmental stewardship and renewable energy adoption.

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Speakers

• Marina Silva – Marina is the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change in Brazil. She is a renowned and long-standing environmentalist, educator, and politician who rose from a childhood of challenges in the Amazon to become one of the country’s most influential public figures. Born in a rubber-tapping community, she overcame illness, illiteracy, and loss to pursue education and become a powerful voice for social and environmental justice. She became a leader in Brazil’s environmental movement, and received global recognition for her defense of the Amazon, including global awards such as the Goldman Environmental Prize and being named a “Champion of the Earth” by the UN. Minister Silva’s journey embodies resilience, leadership, and a lifelong fight for climate, sustainability and social justice.
• Savio Carvalho – Savio, originally from India and currently living in the Netherlands, has worked with human rights, development and campaigning organizations for over two decades and across several countries in four continents. His belief that climate justice is a basic human right translates into his leadership over 350.org’s department responsible for aligning and empowering our local work across the globe.
• Sonia Kwami – Sonia matches her passion for movement building with an extensive background in campaigning at local and global levels. Based in Ghana and with over two decades of experience supporting teams in more than 60 countries, especially in the Global South, she leverages her strong leadership skills to steer 350.org’s teams responsible for training, network and partnership building, and global online and offline campaigning.