Amandla serves as the Global Senior Manager, CFO Network for African Cities – an initiative focused on engaging and empowering senior finance officials in C40 Cities’ network to access climate finance, and implement evidence-based budgetary decisions and policy making in public financial management. Amandla is responsible for driving new strategic priorities, partnerships and programming to develop the network.
Amandla is currently based in the United Kingdom and has worked across a wide variety of areas within international development, including environmental sustainability, agribusiness management, private sector development, women’s economic empowerment and innovation in Europe and Africa. Before joining C40 Cities, she was stationed in Nairobi, Kenya and worked as an internal consultant for One Acre Fund. Amandla has also consulted on a Horizon2020 climate change project to set up a twinning programme between European cities and African cities and municipalities to empower climate-vulnerable communities within Africa to develop and sustain nature-based solutions to climate change and inequitable exposure to air pollution. In addition, she has previously held project management positions at UK Research and Innovation and Connected Places Catapult.
Amandla holds an MSc in Public Policy and Administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a BA in Social Policy, Politics and Economics from the University of Birmingham.
As Project Manager, Strategic and Co-Chair Communications, Amelia spends her time supporting the Director of Communications to undertake various activities including working on media outreach, creating and executing communications activities, ensuring the delivery of key communications projects with other C40 teams and providing specific support to the Co-Chair’s communications.
Prior to her current role, Amelia led Communications and Campaigns for a pro-EU organisation based in London and before this worked for the United Nations in Sydney, Australia where her work centred around implementing the Sustainable Development Goals on a city level.
Amelia graduated from the University of Manchester in 2019 with a BA in Geography. During her undergraduate degree she also spent a year studying at the University of Maryland, College Park, United States. Additionally she holds an MA in Gender, Society and Representation from University College London. Her academic research focused primarily on feminist geographies and gendered practices in public and private space.
Amy Buitenhuis is the Head of Urban Heat Programmes at C40. She leads a team that supports a network of global cities to identify, plan and implement projects to increase resilience to urban heat. She also leads C40’s Urban Nature Accelerator.
Before joining C40, Amy spent almost a decade working at the City of Toronto on programs and policies related to resilience, housing, and COVID-19 response and recovery. During this time, she is proud to have delivered Toronto’s first Resilience Strategy and led the City’s 2020 hot weather response during the COVID-19 emergency (and hottest summer in 50+ years). She also designed and established a new apartment building quality standards program, regulated short-term rentals, and developed Toronto’s plan for the future of its temporary COVID-19 shelters for people experiencing homelessness and on its journey toward recovery from the pandemic.
Amy holds an MA in geography from the University of Toronto and a BScE in engineering and BA in geography from Queen’s University (Canada).
Amy is the editorial lead for C40’s knowledge management work. Principally, this means that Amy leads the editorial direction and oversight of the C40 Knowledge Hub, our platform on the design and delivery of urban climate action for city and climate professionals. She also works with C40 teams across the organisation to support the development of quality outputs that meet the needs of target audiences and contributes C40 knowledge of city examples and good practice to external processes.
Amy started at C40 in 2018 as the Knowledge Hub’s Content Editor, writing and managing the library of content on the platform ahead of the platform’s 2019 launch and in its first years. She has continued to build and oversee the Knowledge Hub since, aiming to ensure it captures the insights of leading cities as well as the most relevant resources from organisations around the world to deliver a comprehensive, practical platform for cities on climate issues. Amy also developed and manages an internal knowledge-sharing platform for C40 staff.
Prior to C40 Amy spent seven years at the Overseas Development Institute, first as part of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network and later as a researcher on climate risk and resilience. She holds an MSc in Disasters, Adaptation and Development from Kings College London, and a BSc in Geography from Sheffield University.
Anais Alfieri is C40’s Regional Coordinator for Europe. She plays a key role in supporting the regional team, overseeing the communication with European member cities, coordinating the delivery of projects across the region and ensuring the effective engagement of our cities.
Before joining C40, Anais worked as a project manager on urban development projects with diverse stakeholders. At the neighbourhood level, she creatively engaged citizens to better care for their local environment and public space, and at the municipal level, she worked on the concept of inclusive and smart cities, developing projects and supporting cities with their strategies through participatory processes. She is passionate about collectively transforming our modern urban world into a more sustainable future.
Anais holds a B.Sc. in Urban Planning from HCU Hamburg and a M.Sc. in Urban Design from the Technical University of Berlin. During her undergraduate degree, she also spent a year studying at ESTAV, Barcelona.
Anantha serves as theC40 Head of Mobility, in India, supporting electrification of freight and passenger transport, and inclusive climate action in cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.
Anantha has almost 15 years of experience in sustainable transport, air quality, electric mobility, public transport, multi-modal integration, non-motorized transport, shared mobility, climate action and policy. She has actively worked with diverse stakeholders involving government, private organisations, academic institutions and international organisations on various climate change and sustainable transport projects. Prior to joining C40, she worked with the World Bank as a consultant, where she supported the development of transport sector implementation strategies for clean air management projects. She previously worked as a Research Scientist with the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy in the climate environment and sustainability sector, supporting energy, environment, and sustainability projects.
Anantha holds a PhD in Engineering specialising in sustainable mobility – urban public transport systems sustainability assessment from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISC) and a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) in Transportation Engineering.
André serves a Senior Advisor for the Clean Construction Programme. Prior to joining C40, he worked at the Climate Agency for the City of Oslo where he primarily focused on Oslo’s transition to zero-emission construction machinery and reducing indirect emissions from the buildings sector. He was also closely involved in developing Oslo’s climate strategy to 2030. André has worked at the Norwegian Environment Agency where he led the unit responsible for implementing EU’s Emissions Trading System in Norway. He has previously worked on climate change issues for over a decade at the International Energy Agency and the World Bank. André holds a Masters degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies.
Andrea Bizberg serves as the City Adviser for Mexico City for Breathe Cities, supporting the city to implement the Breathe City strategy (2024-2026).
Prior to joining C40, Andrea has worked for more than five years on air quality, climate change and public health issues in several countries in Latin America and Europe, most recently working as an international consultant for the United Nations Development Programme to support the update of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
Before this, she has worked from a public policy perspective across different sectors. With the NGO, the Nature Conservancy she has worked as a strategic consultant to increase the ambition of the NDCs of priority countries in LATAM, with the inclusion of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). She has also contributed to the development of a green finance taxonomy in Mexico with the Green Finance Advisory Council of the Mexican Stock Exchange. Finally, she has provided policy research and technical advice to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Harvard University and the Mexican Ministry of Public Health regarding air quality and public health issues.
Andrea holds a Master in Environmental Policies from Sciences Po, a Master in Environmental Sciences from Sorbonne Université (Université Pierre et Marie Curie) and a Bachelor in Science, Technology and Health from the University Paris-Saclay (Université Paris-Sud XI).
Andrea serves as C40’s Laneshift Manager for Zero Emission Freight. Laneshift is a pioneering initiative founded by The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities, aimed at mobilizing electric fleets in Latin American and Indian cities to achieve zero-emission transport by 2030.
Before joining C40, Andrea was the Chief of Staff for the United Nations High-Level Climate Champion (UNHLCC) of COP26. She was instrumental in driving operational activities and project coordination in this role. Notably, in 2021, she led the “Zero Emissions Project for LAC,” collaborating with the UNHLCC, C40, and other teams to decarbonize public transport fleets across Latin America. Andrea also gained significant experience as a Transport and Infrastructure Engineering consultant at Worley, where she conducted data analysis for international due diligence projects.
Andrea holds a Bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Glasgow and a Master’s in Economics from the Barcelona School of Economics.
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, UCAP Climate Action Implementation Programme – Andrea serves as Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to C40’s UCAP CAI Programme. She works across teams to balance and respond to funder requirements, cities’ priorities, and C40’s existing KPIs. In doing so, her objective is to demonstrate the impact of C40 and its cities’ work while enabling meaningful comparison and learning across programmes.
Prior to joining C40, Andrea worked as a Knowledge Transfer Manager on a UKAID programme that aimed to strengthen innovation networks between the UK, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Before this, she gained progressive M&E experience consulting for UN-Habitat and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
She holds an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from University College London and a BASc in Sustainability, Science and Society from McGill University.
Andrew is the Manager of the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator, providing support to signatory cities implementing ambitious actions to decarbonise buildings. He is responsible for tracking the progress of signatory cities and coordinating with the C40 networks in assisting cities in overcoming barriers to implementation. This includes providing expertise on global best practice approaches to building decarbonisation policies, from supporting cities in C40’s energy and buildings networks to assisting technical assistance programmes such as C40’s UCAP Climate Action Implementation Programme.
He previously served as Advisor for New Buildings, providing direct technical assistance to cities supporting the development of policies and programs to improve new building codes. In this role, he also supported C40’s Deadline2020 program delivering Climate Action Plans for cities across the network.
Before joining C40, Andrew was a Sustainability Consultant in a building services engineering consultancy, working in the UK development industry. Andrew was responsible for designing and implementing energy & sustainability strategies for a broad range of developments, including delivering low and zero-regulated carbon emission housing developments. He holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Sussex.
Andrew works closely with the Head of Climate Data and leads various analytical projects. He is an active member of C40’s Disability, Inclusion and Anti-Racism board and also ‘Enable’.
Andrew has a strong socio-economic background, joining C40 from Newquay Community Orchard, where he was the Social Programmes Manager and NHS liaison. Being passionate about promoting the use of nature in wellbeing (and as a preventative mental health measure), he became a Governor of Cornwall Partnership Foundation NHS Trust to further this cause.
With a keen interest in socio-economic deprivation, especially around food supply and sustainability, Andrew founded and runs End Hunger Cornwall and is the chair of the Cornwall Food Access Alliance, both published and regularly referenced in this field.
Outside work, Andrew’s biggest hobby is playing the guitar, and he is well-known on the local music scene–everything from folk to heavy metal.
Anelise Gonçalves is the Communications and Campaigns Manager for C40’s Zero Emission Freight programme in Latin America. She brings over six years of experience in journalism and communications, with a strong focus on crafting high-quality content, managing media relations, and developing strategic communication plans.
Before joining C40, Anelise worked at the British Mission in Brazil, acting in communication and marketing strategies. She also gained significant experience as a reporter at Folha de S.Paulo, one of the most important newspapers in Brazil, covering topics like economy, energy, and technology. Additionally, Anelise contributed to international marketing initiatives at Globo, one of the largest media companies in Latin America.
Anelise holds a Bachelor’s in Social Communication – Journalism from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and is pursuing a Graduate Degree in Digital Journalism and Communication at the Armando Alvares Penteado Foundation (FAAP). Her academic background includes a summer course on Perspectives and Views on Digital Societies from the University of Cologne, Germany.
Her career highlights include interviewing Malala Yousafzai about her work in female education. Anelise is passionate about diversity, films, music, travelling, and cats.
Angel Monjarás is responsible for managing the Qlik data analytics platform, developing and maintaining analytic applications for internal use, and the C40 Knowledge Hub.
Prior to joining C40, Angel worked at two Qlik partner organisations and held many roles, including practice leader, solutions architect, training manager and product specialist.
Angel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Diploma in Business Intelligence. He is a part-time business intelligence teacher at ITAM (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México) in Mexico City, a 2024 Qlik Luminary, and a 2022, 2023, and 2024 Qlik Academic Program Ambassador.
Anita serves as the Senior Grants Manager of Government Funding in C40’s Corporate Services team, based out of the London office. She is responsible for funder relations, contracting, and procurement for C40’s Climate Action Planning work in Latin America and Asia.
Before joining C40, Anita was the Regional Relationship Manager of global corporates for Standard Chartered Bank, South Africa. In this role, Anita provided banking solutions to blue-chip corporates across sub-Saharan Africa. Anita has over a decade of corporate and investment banking experience focusing on counterparty risk and client-facing functions from Canary Wharf to Johannesburg and safely through the financial crisis.
Anita graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Management).
Anja serves as C40’s Senior Manager of Engagement and European Public Affairs.
Her role focuses on implementing the C40 advocacy plan for the European Union, delivering the European elements of C40’s mission-driven focus on ending fossil fuels, and addressing the impacts and injustices of climate breakdown.
Based in Brussels, she creates linkages with EU policies and initiatives and keeps relations with EU institutions and other Brussels-based stakeholders. She also supports the C40 cities in the European region to lead EU advocacy work and raise ambition for other cities to take bold and ambitious climate action.
Before joining C40, Anja worked for more than 10 years for a Brussels-based city network on a variety of European-funded projects and initiatives on sustainable urban development, especially on funding, innovative finance and procurement, and urban food.
Anja has a Master’s degree in European studies and environmental management from Sussex University. Originally from Italy, she also speaks English, French and German.
Anri Manderson forms part of the Climate Solutions and Networks team. She supports the delivery of research on city business engagement in the food sector.
Before joining C40, Anri worked in food systems across southern Africa, specifically building resilience in smallholder farmer systems. She has extensive experience in community and natural resource governance, building local economies, regenerative agriculture, and youth and female empowerment.
Anri holds a joint PhD in food policy from the Universities of Antwerp and Stellenbosch and an MPhil degree in Sustainable Development Management and Planning and a BA in Visual Communication Design, both at Stellenbosch University.
Anya (Anna) Dorant-Hayes serves as Senior Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.
Based in London, Anya provides daily support to the Executive Director. She is responsible for diary and inbox management, international and domestic travel logistics, developing and coordinating the preparation of background material, and dealing with internal and external enquiries. She also works closely with the Deputy Chief of Staff on the delivery of special projects.
Anya has extensive experience of working in support roles for C-suite executives within the academia, publishing and charity sectors. She spent a large part of her career at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) as EA to the Chief Executive where she has deepened her interest in climate change and sustainability issues.
Anya graduated from Birkbeck College, University of London with a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She speaks Polish, Spanish and English.
Ariane is the Knowledge Manager for Ports & Shipping at C40 Cities, where she promotes the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. She is responsible for coordinating the delivery of engagement and knowledge products in collaboration with Green Ports Forum members. Her work also informs the future development of the Ports and Shipping programme, particularly for port cities in the Global South.
Before joining C40’s Ports & Shipping team, Ariane contributed to C40’s Women4Climate Initiative, pushing gender-inclusive climate action higher up the political agenda. Through her work, she has helped to strengthen the participation of women and people from marginalised communities in urban climate action. She also worked as a gender and climate policy intern with Women Engage for a Common Future Gender, where she supported gender and climate advocacy for COP26.
Ariane holds an Master’s (Hons) in International Affairs from Sciences Po Paris, France, where she focused on feminist and people-centered approaches to global affairs. She was awarded the Advanced Certification in Gender Studies to recognise her academic work.