Distinguished Guests
A big shoutout to our past guests who lit up the Global Sustainability Awards with their energy and ideas! Their passion for the planet made waves — and we're still feeling the ripple effect. 🌍💚
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey Ji
Minister of State, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey Ji serves as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He is known for his longstanding dedication to public service and environmental advocacy.
Douglas Ragan
Programme Management Officer, UN-Habitat, Nairobi, Kenya
Douglas Ragan is a Programme Management Officer at UN-Habitat, focusing on human rights and social inclusion. With over 30 years of experience in urban development, he has led programs impacting over a million people across more than 70 developing countries.
Dr. Vibha Dhawan
Director General, TERI
Dr. Vibha Dhawan is the Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). A renowned environmental scientist, she has significantly contributed to research in biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy.
Andrea Pereira
Co-Founder, GiveBack Sustainability Consultancy
Andrea Pereira is a Brazilian entrepreneur and former Coca-Cola executive who co-founded GiveBack, a consultancy focused on sustainability in education.ß
Dr. Ashok K. Pandey
Director, Ahlcon Group of Schools
Dr. Ashok K. Pandey leads the Ahlcon Group of Schools, emphasizing holistic education and teacher development programs.
Dr. Marianne Juntunen
Founder of EduGems Finland
A Ph.D. holder in Chemistry Education, Marianne is renowned for her work in Education for Sustainable Development. She founded EduGems Finland to promote holistic and inquiry-based science education globally.
Prabhjot Sodhi
Senior Program Director, Circular Economy at Centre for Environment Education (CEE); Director, Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI)
With over 40 years of experience, Prabhjot Sodhi leads circular economy initiatives at CEE and serves as Director at MRAI. He previously headed UNDP’s Circular Economy program in India, collaborating with major corporations on sustainable waste management and recycling projects.
Rakesh Khatri
Founder, Eco Roots Foundation; IUCN Member
Known as the 'Nest Man of India,' Rakesh Khatri has built over 700,000 handmade nests to conserve sparrows and other birds in urban areas. He founded the Eco Roots Foundation and is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Shabnam Siddiqui
Former Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Network India
Shabnam Siddiqui was a dedicated leader in sustainable development, with over 25 years of experience in governance, ethics, and transparency. She played a pivotal role in aligning businesses with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and was known for her passion for biodiversity and wildlife photography.
Dr. Jennifer Williams
Educator, Public Speaker, Author & Activist
Dr. Jennifer Williams is an American educator and advocate with over 25 years of experience in the field. She co-founded TeachSDGs and Take Action Global, initiatives aimed at integrating sustainable development goals into education. As a professor at Saint Leo University and an author of the ISTE book 'Teach Boldly,' she champions the use of educational technology for social good.
Mohammed Asif
Executive Director, PLAN India
Mohammed Asif serves as the Executive Director of Plan India, focusing on child rights and development programs across the country.
Nalini Malhotra
Executive Director (Finance), GAIL
Nalini Malhotra serves as the Executive Director (Finance) at GAIL, bringing over three decades of experience in financial management.
Rajeev Ranjan
Divisional Commissioner, Rohtak Division, Haryana
An IAS officer of the 1998 Haryana cadre, Rajeev Ranjan has held key administrative positions, including Commissioner of Gurugram and Rohtak Divisions. He is recognized for his commitment to governance and anti-corruption initiatives in the state.
Kamalini Asthana
Padma Shri Awardee, Kathak Exponent
Kamalini Asthana, alongside her sister Nalini, has been instrumental in popularizing the Banaras Gharana style of Kathak. Their performances have captivated audiences worldwide, and their dedication to the art form has earned them numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2022.
Michael Daube
Founder, CITTA
Michael Daube is the founder of CITTA, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing healthcare and education infrastructure in remote communities.
Nalini Asthana
Padma Shri Awardee, Kathak Exponent
Nalini Asthana is a celebrated Kathak dancer of the Banaras Gharana, renowned for her efforts to infuse the dance form with spiritual depth. As the Director of the Sangeetka Institute of Performing Arts in New Delhi, she has performed globally and contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical dance.
Michaela Eschbach
CEO, Cambridge Wireless; Former Managing Director, Founders4Schools
Michaela Eschbach is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a strong track record in the tech and education sectors. She co-founded Form the Future and served as Managing Director of Founders4Schools. In 2024, she was appointed CEO of Cambridge Wireless, where she aims to drive innovation and collaboration within the tech community.
Dr. Livleen Kahlon
Associate Director, Environment Education and Awareness, TERI
Dr. Livleen Kahlon has been with TERI since 2002, spearheading education for sustainable development (ESD) initiatives. Her work focuses on youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and integrating traditional knowledge systems into modern education frameworks.
Mr. Tiago Silveira Machado
Co-Founder, GiveBack Sustainability Consultancy
Tiago Silveira Machado is a Portuguese entrepreneur and co-founder of GiveBack, a consultancy focused on simplifying sustainability practices. With a background in international affairs, journalism, and marketing, he has dedicated his career to environmental advocacy and sustainable development.
John Collins
"The Paper Airplane Guy"
John Collins is renowned for designing and flying paper airplanes, holding the Guinness World Record for the farthest flight of a paper aircraft. He uses his expertise to educate audiences on aerodynamics and the science behind flight.
Yogesh Chauhan
Former Director of Corporate Sustainability, TCS (2012–2021)
Yogesh Chauhan served as the Director of Corporate Sustainability at Tata Consultancy Services from 2012 to 2021. He was responsible for developing the company's sustainability strategies and overseeing various environmental and social initiatives.
Anuj Ramatri
Founder, EcoFreaky & Small Box Office
Anuj Ramatri is a climate enthusiast and filmmaker who founded EcoFreaky, promoting sustainable living, and Small Box Office, a creative agency.
Ripu Daman Bevli
Plogging Ambassador of India
Ripu Daman Bevli, known as the 'Plogman of India,' pioneered plogging in the country, combining jogging with litter collection to promote fitness and cleanliness.
Neela Majumdar
Director, Education & Outreach, Earthday.org (South and Southeast Asia)
Neela Majumdar leads climate literacy programs across South and Southeast Asia for Earthday.org. Her work involves engaging youth in environmental initiatives and promoting sustainable practices through education.
Sarika Panchhi
Founder & CEO, JiViSa Wellness
Sarika Panchhi is a wellness entrepreneur and author who founded JiViSa Wellness, a brand offering Ayurvedic skincare and wellness products. She focuses on promoting holistic well-being through natural and sustainable practices.
Raman Bajaj
Managing Director, Millennium Education Management
Raman Bajaj oversees Millennium Education Management, focusing on delivering quality education through a network of schools and preschools.
Dr. Prabhas C. Sinha
Director, GPF India
Dr. Prabhas C. Sinha leads the Global Peace Foundation India, promoting peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.
Richa Jain Kalra
Anchor & Founder, Achchi Khabar
Richa Jain Kalra is a former NDTV news anchor who founded Achchi Khabar, a digital platform dedicated to positive news stories. She also hosts the 'Achchi Khabar' podcast, sharing uplifting narratives to inspire and inform listeners.
Anshul Alagh
CEO, Council of Royal Roots
Anshul Alagh is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Royal Roots, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage. He has a diverse background in garment production, sales, marketing, and brand management.
Dirleen Kaur
Healer, Energy Practitioner
Dirleen Kaur is an energy healing practitioner specializing in Reiki and intuitive psychic readings. She operates under the moniker 'The Healing Aura,' offering services aimed at helping individuals connect with their inner selves and discover their personal power.
Sandeep Malhotra
Partner, StratGrowth Business Advisors
Sandeep Malhotra brings over 35 years of experience in corporate and investment banking, private equity, and agritech. At StratGrowth, he advises on strategic growth and business development, leveraging his extensive background in various industries.
Avantika Tokas Midha
Vice Chairperson, Council of Royal Roots
Avantika Tokas Midha is a lawyer and entrepreneur dedicated to cultural preservation and wellness. As Vice Chairperson of the Council of Royal Roots, she works to promote India's heritage, and she also founded Brio Hair & Makeover Studio.
Karuna Singh
Regional Director: Asia, Earth Day Network
Karuna Singh oversees Earth Day Network's initiatives across Asia, focusing on environmental education and awareness campaigns.
Amitabh Shah
Founder, Yuva Unstoppable
Amitabh Shah, a Yale MBA graduate, founded Yuva Unstoppable, an NGO dedicated to enhancing education and sanitation in India's government schools.
Shweta Dalmia
Founder, Climapreneur
Shweta Dalmia is the founder of Climapreneur, a platform that shares stories of climate action and sustainability to inspire change.
Saachi Saxena
SDG Young Ambassador; Founder, SDG4SDGs
Saachi Saxena is the founder of SDG4SDGs, a social foundation aimed at empowering girls through education and awareness programs related to the Sustainable Development Goals. She actively participates in global movements to promote SDG awareness.
Ayush Chopra
Founder, SDGs For Children; Diana Award Recipient
Ayush Chopra is the founder of SDGs For Children, a platform that empowers youth to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, he received the prestigious Diana Award for his contributions to social change and youth empowerment.