Governance

Johannes has worked for over 50 years on development challenges and more recently also on climate change issues. He is committed to support the mobilization of financial and human resources to help achieve the SDGs and the Paris Agreement climate goals, including through improved weather and climate observations. But he also believes that we must improve the way these resources are deployed to achieve sustainable impact at scale and is working towards that goal as Co-Chair of the international Scaling Community of Practice.

Laura has over 40 years of global experience working on development issues; including senior leadership at the World Bank where she was responsible for climate change and sustainable development more generally. As a Global Facilitator for SOFF, she is committed to improving weather and climate forecasting to increase the efficiency and impact of climate action in mitigation and adaptation, as well as in all sectors that rely on sound weather forecasts (e.g., agriculture, transport, renewable energy).

Khadeeja Naseem was the Minister of State of Environment Climate Change and Technology where she was the lead negotiator for Maldives in international climate change talks. She was also elected to represent the Alliance of Small Island States in the transitional committee established to design the new global fund for loss and damage, a key outcome of UNFCCC’s 27th COP in 2022. Khadeeja also was the national lead for the UN Secretary Generals Early Warnings for All Initiative for the Maldives and oversee regulatory and capacity strengthening work of the Maldives Meteorological Service. She also headed the energy portfolio of the Ministry, leading and coordinating the investment plan for the ambitious commitment of Maldives becoming net zero by 2030. She also oversaw the renewable energy programs in 113 islands including close liaison with multiple donor agencies including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and bilateral partners. She has over 10 years of senior management experience in managing sustainable development programs, public administration, establishing strategic partnerships and climate diplomacy both domestic and internationally. She holds an undergraduate degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic, USA and a Master of Environment in Climate Policy from the University of Melbourne, Australia.