BRokering Innovation for Decentralised climate finance and Gender Equality

Meggan believes that African cities are places of innovation and potential, where globally relevant solutions are found. She leads the Climate Change, Energy and Resilience workstream at ICLEI Africa, where a diverse team works with African city stakeholders to build resilience, enable low emission development, and improve access to finance and energy. Meggan holds a PhD in Environmental Science and before joining ICLEI Africa worked as a municipal official.

Kate holds a PhD in Environmental Science, focused on coastal changes associated with climate change. She has a special interest in understanding climate change and the associated risks, especially relating to coastal cities. She has worked with and for local governments to build climate resilience, developing climate adaptation plans, and identifying challenges and opportunities associated with natural assets to overcome shocks and stressors associated with climate change.

Blondel is an expert in climate finance and policy, with over 20 years of experience in climate justice and empowering local communities in Africa. He holds degrees in communications, ethnology and international cooperation, and strongly believes in the role of local governments in climate action. Before joining ICLEI Africa, Blondel worked as journalist and more recently in involving African civil society in the Green Climate Fund processes. At ICLEI Africa, Blondel facilitates the mobilisation and access to inclusive climate finance by local governments in Central Africa.

Stéphanie Canac is an economist with 8 years of experience in strategy, finance and infrastructure project preparation. She worked on a wide range of infrastructure and blue economy projects in Africa and recently joined ICLEI Africa to support the climate change team with its finance work.

Nick holds a Master’s degree in public policy and international relations, and his areas of expertise include public policy, climate finance and the blue economy. He is interested in channeling climate adaptation efforts in urban areas, emphasising the special needs and circumstances on the African continent. Nick has two years of experience, having worked at a think tank and at an international development cooperation entity. He speaks English, French and Portuguese.

Courtney is a committed, dynamic and diplomatic communications professional, with over two years’ experience in the climate change sector, international relations, education, and language development. She has recently completed her Masters in International Relations with a research focus on climate change in African states. Courtney joins the ICLEI Africa team as a Communications Officer for Energy and Climate Change to support communications for the CoM SSA Secretariat and other related projects.