Supporting climate-responsive strategies and development

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.

Claudia is passionate about the intersection of climate resilience, energy, and urban sustainability, particularly in the dynamic contexts of African cities. With degrees in Social Dynamics, Environmental Management, and a Master's in Environment, Society, and Sustainability, she explores the intricate relationships between people, nature, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. At ICLEI Africa, she works alongside local governments to design and implement practical, context-specific solutions that strengthen urban resilience and advance sustainable energy transitions. Drawing on her expertise in project management, research, and knowledge management, she helps cities access the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to drive lasting, transformative change.

Anton holds a Masters’ degree in Environment and Development from the University of London (SOAS). He has led teams in water management and development internationally, facilitating interaction between governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders aimed at risk-reduction for investment in climate-resilient development. Anton’s significant experience extends to Africa, the Middle-East and East Asia. In his position at ICLEI, he is leading the development of a vision for ICLEI’s water programme globally, supporting local and subnational governments to secure sustainable and equitable access to water, while ensuring that healthy ecosystems continue providing their vital water quality, water storage, and flood attenuation services.

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.

Hayley has extensive experience working at the interface of climate change and development issues, with a specific focus on climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and resilience. She has worked on diverse large research programmes in varied contexts, predominantly in urban centres across Southern African focused on issues such as disaster risk reduction and building climate change resilience. She has worked in academia, consultancy and research organisations entailing interdisciplinary engagement with local and national governments, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders. She holds a PhD in Geography from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Rabia is part of ICLEI Africa's Sustainable Finance Centre, and is committed to advancing finance solutions that drive sustainable development across South Africa and Africa to make finance accessible and impactful for communities. With a strong background in finance and economic development, she focuses on integrating policy, finance, and local impact to address the region’s unique challenges. 

Palesa is a climate and development professional with three years of experience at the intersection of climate adaptation, gender, social inclusion and urban sustainability. She holds
an Honours degree in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town, where she graduated with distinction. Palesa applies a transdisciplinary, rights-based approach to research, advocacy and implementation, and has led GESI-integrated project delivery, M&E frameworks and capacity-building initiatives. Grounded in environmental and social justice, she is able to translate complex data into actionable, community-driven strategies that bridge science, policy and practice to co-create equitable, resilient and locally grounded solutions across African urban contexts.