Meet the staff
ICLEI has more than 500 staff in 24 offices around the world, offering expertise that positions local and regional governments to advance sustainable urban development along our five pathways.

ICLEI South Asia Secretariat
| ICLEI Deputy Secretary General Emani works with all the offices in Asia, to ensure cohesion in the implementation of ICLEI’s agendas and spearhead advocacy activities in the region. Emani has a background in environmental management and planning and more than twenty years of experience in climate change policy and planning, local governance, renewable energy, systems management and auditing. South Asia Secretariat C-3, Lower Ground Floor Green Park Extension New Delhi - 110016, India Tel. +91 – 11 – 4974 7200 Fax +91 - 11 - 4974 7201
ICLEI Africa Secretariat
| ICLEI Deputy Secretary General
Africa Secretariat
Knowledge park III Century City
Cape Town South Africa
Email: iclei-africa@iclei.org
Gino Van Begin has been the distinguished Secretary General of ICLEI since 2013. Before that, he served as ICLEI Regional Director for Europe and as Deputy Secretary General. He has ensured ICLEI performs as a responsible, forward-looking, not-for-profit local and regional government organization serving its Members worldwide. Gino Van Begin graduated with a law degree from the University of Brussels as a lawyer and speaks Dutch, French, English, German and Russian. For more information, please visit his full profile here.
Sunandan leads the global projects team and coordinates the biodiversity work. He manages and supports the implementation of key projects funded by the International Climate Initiative run by the German government. He previously worked in the ICLEI South Asia Secretariat and developed the urban resilience program. Sunandan has a background in ecology with over 20 years of experience across a range of sectors from rural to urban domains.
& Head of Membership and Governance
Eva directs the coordination between the Communications, Knowledge Management and Membership & Governance teams, as well as leading the global membership policy and governance engagement. As Chief of Operations, she also ensures the effective management of internal procedures and steers joint initiatives among the World Secretariat teams. Eva’s 15-year experience also includes a background in human resources and talent management, conference planning and training facilitation, with an education in economics and business management.
Maryke directs the global low carbon strategy at ICLEI and is the Director of the Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting (carbonn Center). She oversees global programs and projects, working closely with national and subnational governments on integrated climate action. Linked to this, Maryke also supports ICLEI’s global climate advocacy work. Specializing in local climate action, sustainable energy and energy security, she has over 20 years of experience in the field.
Yunus leads the global advocacy team at ICLEI. Since 2013, he has led global advocacy towards international bodies and multilateral agreements. Yunus helped establish the Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting – carbonn – and served as the Director of the Secretariat for the World Mayors Council on Climate Change. He has a background in environmental engineering.
León assists the Secretary General in his priority planning, supporting decision making, and acting as hub for strategic communication with partners, as well as between different ICLEI teams and offices. León has experience in working with cities and subnational governments. He holds an MSc in City Design and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Yunus leads the global advocacy team at ICLEI. Since 2013, he has led global advocacy towards international bodies and multilateral agreements. Yunus helped establish the Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting – carbonn – and served as the Director of the Secretariat for the World Mayors Council on Climate Change. He has a background in environmental engineering.
& Head of Membership and Governance
Eva directs the coordination between the Communications, Knowledge Management and Membership & Governance teams, as well as leading the global membership policy and governance engagement. As Chief of Operations, she also ensures the effective management of internal procedures and steers joint initiatives among the World Secretariat teams. Eva’s 15-year experience also includes a background in human resources and talent management, conference planning and training facilitation, with an education in economics and business management.
Membership and Governance
Philippe works in the Membership and Governance team. In particular, he contributes to the coordination of ICLEI’s global efforts in terms of membership services and relations, and participates in the facilitation of the work of ICLEI’s governance bodies. Holding a Master Degree in International Relations from Sciences Po Bordeaux, he previously worked in the field of development in Africa.
Global Communications
Ariel Dekovic is a nonprofit marketing and program development expert with a strong track record of organizational management and community engagement. For over 15 years, she has worked strategically to raise the impact and brand awareness for global organizations in such diverse fields as sustainability, food policy, water management, arts and education. Ariel has an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and a BA from Vassar College.
Global Communications
Matteo is a social media and communication professional with experience in international and governmental organizations in Europe and the US. With a background on economics, politics and rehabilitation support for disabled children, Matteo is committed to fostering inclusive climate action that leaves no one behind. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations & a Bachelor’s in Economics.
Global Communications
Olga is responsible for the graphic design and multimedia production for ICLEI’s projects. She has experience in brand design, print design and illustration, and has previously worked at the UNFCCC Secretariat. Olga holds a Master’s Degree in Foreign Regional Studies with a focus on environmental policies.
Data and Knowledge Management & Global Events
Joseph leads the ICLEI Knowledge Management & Global Events team. He manages the strategic development of data and knowledge management systems used by the global organization, and advises on the development and use of sustainability indicators and performance reporting systems. Joseph has also coordinated several of global conferences at ICLEI. He has a background in environmental governance.
Data and Knowledge Management
Snezhana supports the Capacity Center in Data and Knowledge Management. Through her broad technical experience, she facilitates data management process for different ICLEI projects. Snezhana has a background in Computer Engineering, with the main focus in the development and maintenance of Databases and Information Systems. Prior to joining ICLEI, Snezhana worked in the Private Sector as a Developer & Reporting Specialist.
Data, Knowledge Management & Equity
Patricia supports ICLEI World Secretariat’s systems work, including the ICLEI Activity Reporting platform and the maintenance of core data in the global database. She is coordinating the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive and Equitable Communities, and supports the design and implementation of equity guidelines at ICLEI’s global events. Patricia has experience in data analysis and economic research. She has a background in development economics.
Global Events
Giulia coordinates the planning, organization and implementation of ICLEI’s global events and worked as administrator for the project “Global Platform for Sustainable Cities”, a multi-faceted project under the Global Environment Facility (GEF). With an academic background in foreign languages and tourism management, Giulia has experience in project management and events organization.
Global Events
Johanna supports the planning and implementation of ICLEI’s global events, ranging from event logistics and technical preparations to participant support and communications. Her previous experience includes policy analysis and event planning with the Canadian federal government. Johanna’s academic background is in environmental management and the relationship between circular economy and biodiversity.
Global Events
Catalina supports the planning and implementation ICLEI’s global events, mainly focusing on virtual events. She has experience in events management, as well as in communications and recruitment. Catalina has a background in migration and development studies and public policy.
Global Events
Ipek supports the planning and implementation of ICLEI’s global events, from event logistics to participant management and support. Prior to joining ICLEI, she gained experience in climate change – sustainability research and communication. Ipek has a background in urban and regional planning and global change management.
Global Projects
Jiwon specializes in designing and implementing international development projects in the themes ranging from climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, and urban food system. She coordinates a BMU-funded project that supports cities in Southeast Asia in developing inclusive climate action plans. She holds a BSc degree in environmental engineering and MSc in environmental governance.
Global Projects Thibault manages international projects with a focus on biodiversity and specializes in acquiring and managing grants and service contracts. He also provides legal support to ICLEI offices on corporate law, contractual and procedural matters, and supports the development of organizational policies. Thibault holds LLMs in both International Law and in Intellectual Property, and has previously worked at IUCN.
Global Projects
Isabelle specializes in the financial and administrative management of international projects and business acquisition. Her expertise lies in developing complex multi-partner budgets, forecasting and controlling project expenditure, and liaising with partners and donors for effective project administration. She also has experience in supporting human resource management and organizational administration.
Global Projects
Balance supports the development and management of ICLEI’s city food program and the implementation of the multi-country projects focusing on urban food systems. She is a qualified aquaculture specialist and previously worked at eThekwini Municipality, South Africa where she led and supported sustainable agriculture and aquaculture projects for small-holder farmer initiatives. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
Global Projects Tim supports the financial and administrative management of the International Climate Initiative projects, with additional communications responsibilities. Previously, he has worked in US politics in communications, governance, and outreach, and researched crisis governance of essential services, including public transport and schools. He holds a Master in Urban Management from TU Berlin, a BA in Urban Studies and BS in Management from the University of Pennsylvania.
Global Projects
Lan supports the team with project acquisition and implementation of administrative and financial tasks of projects. She worked for a French non-government organization with a focus on fundraising, project implementation, communication and outreach. Her background is in business administration and social policy.
Sustainable Mobility
Tu My leads the Sustainable Mobility Program at ICLEI, overseeing initiatives towards integrated, socially-inclusive, and environmentally-friendly urban mobility for people and goods. Experienced in partnership building, project management, and workshop facilitation, Tu My has a background in management and international relations. Tu My is proficient in Italian, English, Spanish, and German.
Sustainable Mobility
Part of the Sustainable Mobility team at ICLEI, Tanya is involved in strategizing sustainable urban freight management and digitalization of urban mobility systems. She is an experienced architect-urban planner with masters in urban and regional planning from CEPT University. Proficient in project management, performance assessment and stakeholder management, she was previously associated with PwC India for smart cities consulting.
Sustainable Mobility
Heba is an urban planner and architect. Her career and advocacy activities are focused on inclusive and sustainable urban mobility. She holds a BSc from Alexandria University and an MSc in urban Development from TU Berlin. Heba is a junior sustainable mobility officer in the ICLEI World Secretariat with a focus on community engagement, climate advocacy and mobility projects in the global south.
Sustainable Mobility
Andres is an expert in management and planning of freight transport and digitalization. He thrives in international environments and has interdisciplinary experiences in startups, research institutes, and consultancies. In 2022, he joined ICLEI’s Sustainable Mobility team. He holds a Civil Engineering degree and an MBA in Sustainable Mobility Management.
Circular Development
Dr. Naidoo is responsible for the strategic direction of ICLEI’s Circular Development work, overseeing key projects, and fostering strategic relationships to bring about sustainable systemic change. Previously, he spent 14 years with the eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, in multiple Departments such as the Energy Office, where he worked on thematic areas such as the Green Economy. He holds a Doctorate of Business from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Circular Development Rebecca leads the work on urban transitions, social equity and inclusive governance. As part of the Urban Transitions Alliance, she facilitates peer-to-peer learning between industrial legacy cities and coordinates the project’s knowledge creation, cooperation and dissemination activities. Rebecca’s previous experience includes education, curriculum development and research in the field of audiovisual publishing. With her M.A. in humanities, Rebecca advocates to strengthen the citizen focus in sustainable urban development.
Built Environment and Circular Development
Dr. Ying-Chih Deng-Sommer takes charge of Circular Built Environment initiatives, leveraging his expertise in architecture and environmental impact management to influence policies and practices related to circular development. He places a strong emphasis on promoting innovation and resource efficiency. His proven track record and contributions are pivotal in advancing the goal of establishing sustainable built environments within urban areas. Furthermore, Ying-Chih plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between cities and businesses, thereby facilitating the emergence of circular innovation in practice.
Circular Development
Charis manages content development and communication activities for the ICLEI Circulars platform and supports ICLEI’s circular development advocacy activities and global efforts to collect needs and priorities from local governments across different world regions. Her previous experience includes engaging stakeholders in the circular economy policy process at European level. She has an academic background in psychology and public policy.
Circular Development
María manages content development and communication activities for the ICLEI Circulars platform. She implements and supports several circular food and social equity projects, while assisting the development of strategic work for the team. María has professional experience in business management and holds an academic background in environmental management and food sociology.
Innovative Finance
Eszter manages the Innovative Finance Team within ICLEI’s Low Emission Development and Resilient pathways. Her job focuses on unlocking and catalyzing financial flows to local and regional communities. She has 20 years of experience in managing and leading various sustainability oriented projects in different national and international organizations, providing assistance and analytical support to matters related to climate finance. Eszter has a background in economics and business administration.
Innovative Finance
Jaume supports the management of the Transformative Actions Program (TAP) and ICLEI’s work and engagement in global initiatives in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Jaume holds a MSc on Global Energy and Climate Policy from SOAS University of London and has a professional background in advocacy, project management, and climate change consultancy in Southeast Asian countries.
Innovative Finance
André is an Officer in the Innovative Finance Team at the ICLEI World Secretariat. He supports the management of the Transformative Action Program (TAP)’s project pipeline and ICLEI’s engagement in other global initiatives for climate finance, especially in Africa and South America. He has a background in public administration and urban governance, having worked with and researched local and regional development in Brazil, India, and South Africa.
Climate Action
Alyssa leads the Climate Action team through strategy, program management, stakeholder relations, advocacy and fundraising to support projects like UrbanShift, CDP-ICLEI Track, GCoM, and GreenClimateCities. With over 15 years non-profit and local government experience, Alyssa joins us in Bonn after previously serving as Communications Project Manager representing the mayor’s office for the City of Columbus, USA on their smart city initiative, Smart Columbus. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Communications from Capital University.
The Climate Action team supports subnational governments to assess, act and accelerate climate and energy action to achieve low emission development, climate neutrality, localizing NDCs, towards 100% renewables, ensure energy access, energy security, and SDGs. ICLEI’s GreenClimateCities (GCC) Program is at the heart of this work, with a host of tools and guidance provided to the ICLEI network. Take a look at the Solutions Gateway and join the 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Network where we work with partners on technical and policy guidance.
Climate Action Evgenia is a climate resilience expert leading ICLEI’s engagement in facilitating integrated climate action planning worldwide through coordinating flagship projects and initiatives, such as the GCC and UrbanShift. She has experience consolidating strategic partnerships and managing large-scale events, including program development, team and project cost management. She has an MA in International Humanitarian Action.
Climate Action
Karishma supports project coordination, climate research, and communication for integrated climate and energy action, supporting sub-national governments to achieve climate neutrality. She also supports ICLEI’s GreenClimateCities (GCC) Program and the Solutions Gateway. Karishma is experienced in working on sustainable urban energy transition, spatial planning and youth engagement in climate policy. She has a background in urbanism and architecture with professional work experience in the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
Climate Action & Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
Dewi supports ICLEI’s engagement in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience. Activities include coordination support for climate projects and ICLEI’s contribution to all the GCoM technical working groups to harmonize a global approach that showcases local leadership and action. She further supports research and policy analysis to inform ICLEI’s climate advocacy messaging. She is a political scientist with a Master’s Degree in Governance and Regulations specializing in international climate policy and SDGs.
Climate Action
Sustainable Energy
Rohit, a senior energy expert, heads ICLEI’s Sustainable Energy program. With over 13 years of expertise in renewables, energy management, and project finance, he leads ICLEI’s flagship effort in transitioning Cities & Regions to 100% Renewables. His portfolio encompasses ICLEI’s vision for global energy transformation toward a resilient, net-zero emission future. Rohit offers policy and technical assistance, along with distilled knowledge, supporting subnational governments worldwide in their commitment to sustainability. With an engineering background in renewables and energy management, he fluently communicates in English and Hindi and possesses professional proficiency in German.
The Sustainable Energy team supports local and regional governments to drive the transition to sustainable energy, aiming for net-zero emissions and climate neutrality. We help integrate sustainable energy into their development plans, boost renewable energy adoption, and align with NDCs and SDGs. Through collaboration with global and local partners, our flagship initiative 100% Renewables for Cities and Regions empowers cities to enhance energy access, security, resilience, and reduce energy poverty. This effort brings about socio-economic opportunities and improved health for both people and nature.
Sustainable Energy
Felix focuses on low emission development strategies and enhanced air quality in cities. He is ICLEI’s global coordinator of the Urban-LEDS II project, a flagship project involving more than 60 cities. With a background in Environmental Risk Management and Sustainable Development, Felix is an apt climate advocate and provides support for enhancing multilevel governance for local climate action.
Sustainable Energy
Sastry has a Master’s degree in Energy Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Following graduation, he joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as Assistant Director – Renewable Energy, where he implement the solar energy applications across the ISA member nations. He has experience on a variety of projects, programmes, training and initiatives aimed at building capacity, e-mobility, technical due diligence, Detailed Project Report preparation, and knowledge management. He also worked as a country coordinator responsible for six countries.
Sustainable Energy
Kanak supports ICLEI’s work in the 100% Renewables Regions and Cities Roadmaps project under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), as well as the 100% Renewables Network. Her background is in energy policy and international relations, and she has previously worked in various public policy institutions and international organizations in France and India.
Resilient Development Formerly Chief Resilience Officer and Metropolitan Director of Resilience in Quito, David works at the intersection of socioeconomic and spatial exclusion and the effects of extreme natural events, including the ones related to climate change. He aims to ensure access to essentials such as water, food, energy, transportation and labor opportunities. The creation of livelihoods and the betterment of living conditions is a must.
Resilient Development
Anina is a sustainability and resilience expert who contributes to the global coordination of ICLEI’s Resilient Development pathway, connecting opportunities to subnational governments on a diverse range of topics. She has an academic background in interdisciplinary studies and holds an MSc in Environmental Governance from the University of Freiburg. Anina’s previous professional experiences involve research, project acquisition activities, and supporting the City of Bloomington’s sustainability goals.
Resilient Development
Carol is a Peruvian architect and holds an Erasmus master’s in urban climate and sustainability from the universities of Finland, Spain and the UK. She has wide experience in construction, sustainability consultancy, assessment tools and research on urban UHIs and nature-based solutions. She has worked in the private and academic sectors in Peru and Germany and most recently for the United Nations (ICAT and UNOPS) in Copenhagen, Denmark. She speaks Spanish, English and German.
Urban Research, Innovation, and Development
Pourya coordinates the research activities at the World Secretariat. He manages, supervises, and coordinates research projects for ICLEI, Chief among them the IFWEN project. Pourya is also the coordinator of ICLEI Global Research. Graduated from the Technical University of Munich and with more than 8 years of professional experience, Pourya represents ICLEI in research-related spaces and is a member of GCoM’s Research & Innovation Technical Working Group.
Urban Research, Innovation, and Development
Amy is responsible for supporting the implementation and further operationalization of ICLEI’s Global Research Strategy. She also contributes to the implementation of several research and innovation projects. As well as a BA in Geography with International Study, Amy holds an MSc in Global Urban Development and Planning from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining ICLEI, Amy assisted FGV with a project on innovation in the Food-Water-Energy Nexus.
Urban Research, Innovation, and Development
David contributes to implementing ICLEI’s Global Research Strategy and supports the coordination of research activities, including the EU-funded project: RethinkAction. He holds an MSc in City and Regional Planning from the University of Cape Town, South Africa and completed his PhD in Urban Studies at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Before joining ICLEI, he collected international experience in urban planning and citizen engagement projects as well as urban analytics.
Finance and Controlling
Carmen leads the finance and controlling at ICLEI. She is responsible for the accounting and project statements, as well as preparing the annual accounts and accompanying the project exams. Through her expertise, Carmen has represented ICLEI in this position for several years. She previously worked for a German professional association.
Finance and Controlling
Yasmin is responsible for financial project controlling, budgeting and supporting in preparation of annual accounts. Leveraging a substantial background in business administration, she ensures the precision of financial statements and spearheads dynamic capacity planning endeavors. Yasmin has a wealth of expertise encompassing both business and personnel management, elevating her prowess in executing strategic project budget planning. She actively collaborates with cross-functional teams and interfaces effectively with ICLEI’s branches worldwide.
Finance and Controlling
Doreen has professional experience in accounting, financial auditing, tax advisory, corporate and retail banking. Within the Finance and Controlling Team at ICLEI, she works primarily in the area of accounting. Doreen holds degrees in Business Administration and Banking.
Human Resources and Administration
As a Bachelor Professional in HR Management, Petra is ensuring reliable and customer-oriented operation in personnel work. Her responsibilities include, among others, recruitment, advice to teams and management, and initiatives’ management across the HR lifecycle. She gained extensive knowledge in HR-Management during several years working as Head of HR in the department store industry and for an energy-solution constructing company.
Administration Jamie is responsible for the Administration team and works closely with the Human Resources department. He is the first point of contact for internal and external queries, and supports the organization and maintenance of the World Secretariat building. Jamie has 14 years’ experience working in legal, medical and personal administration. Previous employers include Byrne Wallace Solicitors and The Irish Medicines Board (HPRA)
Administration
Julia is part of the Administration team and works closely with the Human Resources department. She supports the team with internal and external queries, as well as the organization and maintenance of the World Secretariat building. Julia has a background in administration for telecommunications companies and non-profit associations.
ICLEI Africa Secretariat
| ICLEI Deputy Secretary General
Africa Secretariat
Knowledge park III Century City
Cape Town South Africa
Email: iclei-africa@iclei.org
ICLEI East Asia Secretariat
East Asia Secretariat
14/F, Seoul Global Center Building 38 Jongno, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Email: iclei-sea@iclei.org
ICLEI European Secretariat
European Secretariat
Leopoldring 379098
Freiburg, Germany
Email: iclei-europe@iclei.org
ICLEI Mexico, Central America & Caribbean Secretariat
Central America & Caribbean Secretariat
Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 13Building Miguel Abed, Floor 5 Of. 506 and 507,Col. Centro, CP 06050 Del.Cuauhtemoc,
Mexico City, Mexico
Email: iclei-mexico@iclei.org
ICLEI Oceania Secretariat
Oceania Secretariat
Level 8, 225 Bourke StMelbourne,
VictoriaAustralia
Email: iclei-oceania@iclei.org
ICLEI South America Secretariat
South America Secretariat
Rua Marquês de Itu,
São Paulo, SP, Brasil
Email: iclei-sams@iclei.org
ICLEI South Asia Secretariat
| ICLEI Deputy Secretary General Emani works with all the offices in Asia, to ensure cohesion in the implementation of ICLEI’s agendas and spearhead advocacy activities in the region. Emani has a background in environmental management and planning and more than twenty years of experience in climate change policy and planning, local governance, renewable energy, systems management and auditing. South Asia Secretariat C-3, Lower Ground Floor Green Park Extension New Delhi - 110016, India Tel. +91 – 11 – 4974 7200 Fax +91 - 11 - 4974 7201
ICLEI Southeast Asia Secretariat
Southeast Asia
Units 3-6, Manila Observatory
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights
Quezon City, 1108
Philippines
Email: iclei-sea@iclei.org
ICLEI Canada Office
Canada Office
401 Richmond St. W, Studio 204
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8. Canada
Email: iclei-canada@iclei.org
ICLEI Japan Office
Japan Office
Shimbashi SY Building 4F 1-14-2 Nishi-Shimbashi Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0003,Japan
Email: iclei-japan@iclei.org
ICLEI Korea Office
Korea Office
ICLEI KCC
Kaohsiung Capacity Center (KCC)
6F, Building B, No.834,Chengcing Rd., Niaosong Dist.,
Kaohsiung 833201, Chinese Taipei
Email: iclei-kaohsiung@iclei.org
Since our founding, ICLEI Secretary Generals and Deputy Secretary Generals have directed the organization and guided our development into the leading global network we are today.
Former executive management