The event features a prestigious lineup of forest ministers, ambassadors, and leaders from the private sector and civil society. Confirmed high-level participants include:
Keynote participants
- H.E. Ambassador Dr. Aurélie Flore Koumba Pambo, Co-Facilitator of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership a key platform fostering regional cooperation and collective action in this critical landscape. She is the Ambassador-at-Large for Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Development for the Government of Gabon.
- H.E. Dr. Rosalie Matondo Minister of Forest Economy of the Republic of Congo. Dr. Matondo has held this role since April 2016. In addition to her political and strategic leadership, she is a dedicated field professional committed to conservation. Between 2007 and 2016, she served as the Director of the National Reforestation Service, National Coordinator of the National Afforestation and Reforestation Program, and Advisor to the Head of State. She holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology from the Institute of Genetic Engineering at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
- Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry of Kenya. Dr. Barasa was appointed to this role by H.E. President Dr. William Ruto on March 26, 2025. Previously, she served as the Cabinet Secretary for Health. A seasoned physician and infectious diseases expert, Dr. Barasa brings over 17 years of experience in clinical practice, public health policy, and international health development. Her transition to the environment portfolio reflects her deep understanding of the links between health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
- H.E. Professor Marie Nyange Ndambo Minister of Environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Appointed in August 2025, she leads a ministry central to environmental governance for both the DRC and the Central African subregion. An alumna of Laval University in Canada, Professor Ndambo is recognized for her expertise in sustainable natural resource management. Before joining the ministry, she built a career in research and higher education, focusing on ecological challenges and responsible practices tailored to the Congolese context.
- H.E. Jules Doret Ndongo Minister of Forestry and Wildlife of Cameroon. A prominent figure in Cameroon’s political landscape, he has served in this role since March 2018. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to national forestry policy, including the launch of the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the South West Region.
Organizational leadership
- Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International. Dr. Bhattacharjee brings over 20 years of experience in climate change policy and sustainable development. She has worked extensively with the United Nations, the Reserve Bank of India, and academia. She holds a PhD in Economics from Iowa State University.
- Dr. Peter O. Alele FSC Africa Regional Director. A conservation leader and scientist, Dr. Alele has over 22 years of experience working with research and development organizations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. He is known for transforming complex environmental challenges into impactful outcomes.
- Marc Jessel Managing Director/Chief Engagement Officer (CENGO) at FSC International. Based in Bonn, he leads FSC’s external-facing engagement, including government relations, advocacy, and communications. He also oversees collaborations with the FSC Indigenous Foundation.
- Lieske van Santen Lieske Global Network Director. Lieske joined FSC in 2018 to drive the organization's local impact across more than 45 countries. Prior to FSC, she oversaw global business development at SGS and worked with the World Economic Forum, where she helped anchor forest protection on the global high-level meeting agenda.
