Kai Lindow is an expert in sustainable digital technologies. For over a decade, he has been developing systemic solutions to make products and processes more efficient and resource-saving. After studying mechanical engineering in Berlin and Stockholm, he completed his PhD on the topic of knowledge-based development of sustainable products at Technische Universität (TU) Berlin. As a post-doctoral researcher at TU Berlin, he led numerous research projects at the interface between mechanical engineering and information technology. He then became head of the Information and Process Control department at the Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK) in Berlin. His work today focuses on digital ecosystems, sustainable digital twins, smart product-service systems and the industrial metaverse.
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Liza Kengran
Bioeconomy Youth Champion
International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB)
Liza is a food security advocate and agricultural engineer. She has an extensive experience in developing and managing sustainable food systems, and is a sustainable food systems curriculum manager at the Kings Foundation. Liza has worked with organisations like the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and various institutions in Cameroon, driving innovative solutions and promoting food security through hands-on education and research. Her expertise spans multiple areas of food systems, from food preservation to sustainable farming practices and youth involvements.
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Emma Westerlund
Education and Sustainability Designer
Novia University of Applied Sciences
Emma Westerlund works as a sustainability and education designer at Novia University of Applied Sciences in Finland. With twenty years of experience in higher education and strategic development processes, she now focuses on higher education's responsibility and curriculum development when it comes to transition and system change. Westerlund initiated and leads a unique master's programme in circular design. She also serves as a key expert in various RDI projects related to a circular economy, circular design and curriculum development, both on a national and a global scale.
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Flávio de Miranda Ribeiro
Circular Economy Expert
Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial São Paulo (SENAI-SP)
Flávio is a consultant and researcher in the circular economy, EPR, waste management, cleaner production, LCA, and corporate environmental regulations, as well as an advisor to the UN Global Compact and ambassador of Movimento Circular. He has a background in mechanical engineering, with an MBA, a master’s and a PhD in environmental studies, and has 20 years’ experience at São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB). Flavio has worked as a consultant for international organisations (such as UNEP and OECD), industry associations (such as FIESP, SENAI and CNI), global and local businesses and governments. He is a professor at Santos Catholic University and also lectures at other institutions. He has authored a textbook on the circular economy and has an extensive publication record.
Beatriz is the regional head of finance and economic transformations at UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean office, aiming at shifting finance and business practices towards sustainable patterns of consumption and production and reducing climate impacts, biodiversity loss and pollution. She’s a trained lawyer, specialised on sustainable development. Before joining UNEP in 2017, she worked at the Brazilian Ministry of Development Industry and Foreign Trade, Brazilian Ministry of Environment, World Business Council for Sustainable Development – Brazilian Chapter, WWF Brazil and at UNDP. As part of her role at UNEP, Beatriz leads the coordination of the Latin America and the Caribbean Circular Economy Coalition.
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Severino Lima Junior
President
International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP)
Severino Lima Junior is a prominent Brazilian waste picker leader and founder of ASCAMAR (1999) and COOCAMAR (2007), waste pickers' organisations in Brazil. He is also associated with the Brazil-based waste picker organisation UNICATADORES, an affiliate of the IAWP. He is currently serving as the first President of IAWP. He is well versed in public policies on waste management, cooperatives, climate change and plastics pollution. IAWP is supported by WIEGO.
Anderson da Silva Nassif, born on 24 March 1978, is a community and environmental leader from Orlândia, São Paulo. He was the president of COOPERLOL for 12 years, promoting advancements within the cooperative. Currently, he is the manager of COOPERLOL, director of ANCAT, responsible for the Reciclar pelo Brasil Program, and secretary director of Rede Anastácia. He works on project coordination and providing consultancy for cooperatives. His work strengthens cooperativism and sustainability, generating significant social and environmental impact.
