Pius joined C40 as Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s Head of Coordination in the Co-Chair’s Office in April 2024. He undertakes this connecting role between C40, London and the Freetown Mayor’s Office, and is responsible for all external engagements for the co-chair, all internal and external briefings to the co-chair and her wider team and feedback to C40 teams.
He comes with more than 12 years of experience working at government offices to support shaping and implementing their vision on sectors like waste management and the climate; investing in and managing businesses around green and waste management technologies and services; and working in the INGO sector in coordination and leadership positions. Pius has developed significant experience of working with municipal governments, with senior officials and managing micro, meso, and macro projects based on cities’ needs.
He has worked with a diversity of donors through the coordination of numerous consulting assignments and projects funded by the multilateral and UN-funding agencies including the World Bank Group, AfDB, GIZ, FCDO, JICA, UNICEF, USAID, and other public and private sector clients including various ministries and government agencies.
Pongsatorn is C40’s City Advisor, Breathe Cities, Bangkok. He is a part of the Breathe Cities Regional Team and the ESEAO team to advise and support Bangkok in implementing Breathe Cities on the ground to deliver ambitious priority air quality actions to meet clean air goals.
Prior to joining C40, Pongsatorn was an Advisor at GIZ (Thailand) where he worked on climate change mitigation in the transport sector by providing technical support for fuel economy policies and the electric vehicle roadmap for the Thai government. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as Chief of Staff to the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Move Forward Party in Thailand.
Pongsatorn is living in Bangkok with his wife, Thun, and raising a one-year-old Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Zuko
Prian Reddy is Senior Manager for Zero Emission Buses (Africa), leading C40’s electric bus work in Africa with a growing electric bus team, and spearheading the expansion of ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Rapid Deployment Accelerator) in the region. He is a Civil Engineer with specialized expertise in sustainable mobility and the transition to net-zero energy systems. Holding an MSc in Civil Engineering (Sustainable Mobility) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Prian brings a wealth of experience working at the intersection of business, government, and academia in South Africa.
He has cultivated strong networks and strategic partnerships within the electric mobility industry, spanning key sectors such as public transport, passenger EVs, micro-mobility, and freight & logistics. Passionate about driving a just and inclusive electric vehicle (EV) transition, Prian is dedicated to leveraging innovative solutions to expand EV accessibility and adoption across Africa.
Bien serves as the Engagement Manager for Ho Chi Minh City. With a robust background in consulting, Bien previously worked with major firms in Vietnam, including AMPERES and RCEE NIRAS. His extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the energy transition landscape in the country, making him a valuable asset in the pursuit of innovative energy solutions.
He began his career in oil refining, gaining firsthand experience in the traditional energy sector before transitioning to renewable energy. Throughout his career, Bien has engaged in fruitful collaborations with prominent partners, such as USAID, GEAPP, GIZ, PetroVietnam, and Petrolimex. These partnerships underscore his commitment to driving meaningful change within the energy sector, focusing on sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. His role also involves providing technical support to various local authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he has honed his skills in navigating the complexities of government operations and policy-making.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology and a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship from the University of Nottingham (fully funded by the Chevening Scholarship). Bien is deeply passionate about raising awareness of renewable energy among the youth in Vietnam. He actively organises workshops in schools, aiming to foster a new generation that is informed and engaged in sustainable energy practices.
Rafael Lisbôa is the Head of Communications for the C40 x GCoM Joint Program, where he leads strategic communications, media engagement, and advocacy for a global initiative focused on climate finance, multilevel partnerships, and data-driven climate action, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. He is a communications and journalism professional with over two decades of experience across media, public administration, and strategic communications.
Rafael began his career as a reporter and producer at Brazil’s largest TV network, TV Globo, before spending more than a decade as Communications Director at Rio de Janeiro City Hall. In this role, he oversaw communications for the city during major global events such as Rio+20, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Olympic Games. He also served as Partner and Executive Director of Communications at FSB Comunicação, Latin America’s largest PR agency.
In addition to his role at C40, Rafael serves as Special Advisor for Strategy and International Affairs to Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and C40 Vice Chair for Latin America. He also teaches in the postgraduate program in Politics and Society at IESP/UERJ and at the General Archive of the City of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on paradiplomacy and the role of cities in global governance.
Rafael is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), an MBA in International Relations and Affairs from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), and a Master of Research in History, Politics, and International Relations, also from FGV. He was also a visiting scholar at Columbia University’s Institute of Latin American Studies.
Ragene (or Jean) is the Inclusive Climate Action and Engagement Senior Manager for the UKAID CAI Programme in Southeast Asia. In this role, she facilitates the adoption of inclusive, fair, and just approaches and transformational action of cities in the region.
Prior to C40, Jean served as an urban researcher and development consultant. She has worked on urban informality, the climate-migration nexus, women and gender in climate adaptation, local economic development, and disaster rehabilitation with various UN agencies (including UN Women, IOM, UN-Habitat, and UNDP) and other international groups. Jean has published and presented various works about urban affairs, including feminist cities, urban inequality, care in cities, and public life and spaces.
Jean completed her MA in International Planning and Sustainable Development at the University of Westminster, London, as a Chevening scholar. She has represented the Philippines in professional fellowships and regional workshops and serves as a mentor for aspiring planners and young scholars.
Jean enjoys music, gardening, and cultural crafts.
Rebecca works in the Political Strategy and Leadership Support department and is C40’s Head of Internal Engagement and Steering Committee, responsible for supporting the Office of the C40 Chair by managing the processes of the Steering Committee. Prior to this, Rebecca was the Deputy Managing Director of the political organisation STRING, bringing together European cities and regions for sustainable infrastructure and sustainability. She has also worked for the Swedish/Danish cross-border cooperation the Oresund Committee and has experience in transport planning, strategy and stakeholder management from Newcastle City Council in the UK.
Rebecca’s academic background is in political science, and she has a Master’s degree from Lund University in Sweden and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northumbria in the UK.
Reka is C40’s Grants and Legal Coordinator. In this role, she supports the team across the grant management cycle, from pre-award reviews to data management and reporting, and she also supports our work on governance and compliance.
She has experience volunteering as a social researcher, where she collected and analysed data to create reports as a fundraising tool for charities. Prior to C40, Reka joined teams such as Clean Air Fund, working on a variety of projects ranging from fundraising to HR and governance.
Reka holds an MSc in Evolutionary Psychology from Brunel University London. She also holds a BA in Psychology from University of Pecs, Hungary.
Richard is C40’s Head of Global Media, responsible for bringing the exciting, innovative and vitally important work of the C40 teams, mayors and cities to a global audience.
Prior to joining C40, he worked as a journalist across TV and radio for the BBC, including as a senior producer on BBC Breakfast and a reporter and newsreader for BBC London. He then moved to the Mayor of London’s press team, taking a lead role on high-profile communications projects including the launch of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, hosting the men’s and women’s European Championships and the capital’s response to the pandemic.
Richard is based in London and holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Leeds.
Rodolphe serves as Technical Officer for Climate Change Mitigation, within the Measurement and Planning Team. In this role, he works on the greenhouse gas inventories of all cities within the C40 Network, ensuring that they are high quality and fit for use in the Climate Action Planning Programme. Rodolphe transitioned to this role after interning with the C40 Regions/Deadline2020 Team, where he worked on ensuring the continual participation of cities within the C40 network. Prior to joining C40, Rodolphe worked as an academic research assistant in Montreal, studying the effects of agricultural certification in relation to deforestation rates. Rodolphe is a graduate of McGill University, where he received a BA in Urban Geography, Environmental Studies and GIS.
Ruchi leads C40’s global events portfolio, shaping strategic, high-profile convenings that bring together city leaders, partners, and stakeholders to accelerate climate action. She works across teams to design mayor-focused experiences that drive collaboration and impact on a global scale.
With previous roles at Google and the Clinton Global Initiative, Ruchi brings deep expertise in executive engagement, large-scale event strategy, and cross-sector partnerships to C40’s mission.
Ruchi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Columbia University, Barnard College.
Sachin serves as C40’s Director of Climate Resilience. He oversees C40’s adaptation programmes and activities, including urban heat, water and urban nature.
Previously, Sachin worked in Arup’s International Development and Urban Design Departments for thirteen years. Sachin has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Mumbai University and a Master’s degree in Urban Design from Harvard University.
Sallieu Kanu serves as Senior Manager, Youth Engagement and Campaigns at the C40 Co-Chair’s Office in Freetown. Sallieu possesses an extensive professional background and strong experience working with government leadership. He has a deep understanding of climate governance, backed by a wealth of years of experience as a Senior Project Lead for the clean cooking program at Freetown City Council, where he worked closely with C40 Co-Chair and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. He is passionate about advancing youth-led climate actions in urban areas, focusing particularly on the needs of poor and vulnerable communities.
Sallieu has successfully led and implemented multiple projects funded by organizations such as World Bank, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UN-Habitat, the European Union, Bosch Foundation, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. These projects have spanned areas including water, energy transition, COVID-19 preparedness and response, urban farming, waste valorization, and tree-tracking trading.
Furthermore, Sallieu has built and nurtured partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, compassing government partnerships, the private sector, youth groups and civil society organizations.
Sam is Digital Communications Manager at C40. As part of the Communications team, Sam works closely with the Brand, Creative and Digital Content team, as well as members of the wider organisation, to create a strong brand for C40. Keeping global reach and local relevance in mind, Sam is key in helping conceptualise, strategise, and create engaging content that connects with C40’s target audiences and key stakeholders.
Sam has over 10 years of experience in content. She began her career as a print journalist in 2010 before diving into the world of digital writing, and then expanding her skill set to include areas such as social media management. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Murdoch University.
As Creative Content Manager on the Joint Program between C40 and the Global Covenant of Mayors, Samuel is responsible for developing and delivering all visual content and assisting the team with delivering campaigns, events and media coverage.
With a background in advertising, Samuel has a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, having helped build brands, campaigns and high-value assets in the UK and internationally.
Samuel holds a BA in Advertising from the École Supérieure des Arts de Saint Luc in Liège, Belgium.
Sandino Lamarca serves as Senior Engagement Manager, Data and Tools, within C40’s Climate Action Planning and Innovation team. He has extensive experience providing technical assistance to Brazilian municipalities in the creation, implementation, and monitoring of Climate Action Plans. Sandino has led the development of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories (GHG), conducted Climate Risk and Vulnerability Analyses, and supported the formulation of Adaptation and Mitigation Objectives for cities that are signatories of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) in Brazil.
He holds a Master’s degree in Renewable Energies and Environment from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco.
Sandra Sarahí Aguirre is the City Adviser for Guadalajara in the UCAP Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme. With a degree in International Relations focusing on International Cooperation for Development, she brings over seven years of experience in international development.
Before joining C40, Sandra was the Technical Manager of International Cooperation at the Institute for Planning and Development Management of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (Imeplan). In this capacity, she led international projects, forged strategic partnerships, and collaborated with organizations such as the UNFCCC, the European Union, C40 Cities, Metropolis, and USAID.
A highlight of her career was coordinating the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara’s participation in COP26. The UNFCCC recognized the metropolitan coordination efforts in developing the Climate Action Plan within a unique governance model and high technical standards driven by C40 Cities. The team received a Climate Action Award as Climate Leaders. At the same conference, the UKAID program was announced with Guadalajara as a beneficiary city, a partnership Sandra has actively nurtured.
Sanele is a C40 Project Accountant based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She specialises in managing grant funds, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to drive informed decision-making.
Sanele holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Wits Business School and is currently enrolled for a Master of Commerce in Strategic Management at the University of Johannesburg.
In her spare time, she likes to read, write, listen to music, practice yoga and play with her dog whom she works hard for so he can have a great life.
Based in Bengaluru, India, Sanjana is the Manager, Engagement and Climate Implementation with C40’s South and West Asia Team. Before this, Sanjana worked as the Regional Officer for South and West Asia, where she led some key strategic projects.
She joined C40 after working as a Research Analyst with McKinsey for the Asia-Australia region where she worked with clients in technology, sustainability and public policy. She completed an integrated Masters in Development Studies, focusing on urban and environment, from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in Chennai, India. She has also volunteered at her local FridaysforFuture chapter for over four years, as part of the youth climate movement, supporting local and global climate advocacy efforts. In her free time, she enjoys watching her comfort shows, reading, painting and occasionally, cooking.
Santiago works as a Data Scientist Officer in the Analytics Team at C40, where he supports the gathering, processing, and analysis of large-scale and cross-sectoral data relevant to climate action in cities. Through the scoping and implementing of novel statistical and mathematical methodologies, he also contributes to the Analytics Team’s mission of improving data capability within the organisation.
Prior to joining C40, Santiago was involved in multiple research projects related to social segregation and economic development in Colombia and briefly worked as a machine learning consultant in an applied mathematics firm. He holds a double degree in Economics and Government and Public Affairs from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.