Voices of Sustainability
Voices of Sustainability is a podcast by the Zayed Sustainability Prize that highlights the people and ideas driving real change in sustainability. Hosted by Anita Erskine and Omar Butti, each episode features candid conversations grounded in human stories, lived experience, and practical solutions. The show focuses on turning ambition into tangible impact, offering listeners insights into how individuals and communities are addressing environmental and social challenges.
Episodes
Dr. Jason Arora
In Episode 60 of Voices of Sustainability, host Anita Erskine speaks with Dr. Jason Arora, physician, public health expert and health technology leader, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping global health systems.From misinformation and health literacy to ethics, trust and equitable access, the conversation explores how AI can support stronger, more resilient healthcare systems w
With 2026 Winners: BASE Foundation and Build up Nepal
In Episode 59 of Voices of Sustainability, host Anita Erskine is joined by two of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize winners — Daniel Magallon from BASE Foundation and Björn Söderberg from Build up Nepal — to discuss what it takes to scale solutions that last.From energy access that transforms daily life to affordable housing designed to withstand disasters, this episode explores how imp
Gary White
In Episode 58 of Voices of Sustainability, host Anita Erskine speaks with Gary White, Co-founder and CEO of Water.org.Drawing on over three decades of experience in water sustainability, Gary shares insights from his work expanding access to safe water for communities around the world.He explores why, despite existing solutions, billions of people still lack access, and outlines the criti
2026 Winners
In Episode 57 of Voices of Sustainability, moderator Omar Butti is joined by three 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize winners —Didi Gan of N&E Innovations (Food), Ronaldo Cohin of JADE (Health) and Marília Lara of Stattus4 (Water).Together, they explore the entrepreneurial journeys behind their innovations, the influence of family and community in shaping purpose-driven work, and the rea
Adrian Grenier
In Episode 56 of Voices of Sustainability, actor, filmmaker and environmental advocate Adrian Grenier explores how creativity, culture and lifestyle can become powerful forces for environmental action. In conversation with Anita Erskine and Omar Butti, Grenier reflects on his personal transition from entertainment to environmental stewardship — from regenerative farming and land managemen
Meet the Hosts
For more than 50 episodes, Voices of Sustainability has featured global leaders and thinkers — exploring the ideas, opportunities and solutions shaping our world.Meet your new hosts, Anita Erskine and Omar Butti, as Voices of Sustainability enters its next chapter. Together, they will industry experts into more candid, grounded and human conversations — creating space for deeper dialogue.
Why Inclusive Development Starts with Women with Ajaita Shah
In Episode 55 of Voices of Sustainability, Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets explores how inclusive entrepreneurship and digital innovation are transforming opportunity in rural communities across emerging economies. With women as a driving force behind rural business networks — reshaping access to clean energy, essential goods and digital services — this episode highlights
Building Resilient Economies for the Future with Dr Arunabha Ghosh
In Episode 54 of Voices of Sustainability, Dr Arunabha Ghosh, Founder and CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Selection Committee Member at the Prize, explores how economies can grow while building the resilience needed to withstand escalating climate shocks. From rethinking food, energy and water systems to embracing nature-based solutions and celebrating exper
Designing the Future: Innovation, Investment and Equity with Kate Hampton
In Episode 53 of Voices of Sustainability, Kate Hampton — CEO of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury member — examines how finance, governance, investment and innovation can be reimagined to create a fairer and more sustainable world. From tackling the global debt crisis and empowering youth-led innovation to investing in resilience and equity, th
The future of global energy systems with Narendra Taneja
In Episode 52 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the future of global energy systems at a time of rising demand and deep uncertainty. Guest speaker Narendra Taneja, Chairman of the Independent Energy Policy Institute, shares powerful insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead, the game-changing role of innovation and the urgent need to secure inclusive access to energy.
Youth Leadership in Sustainability
In Episode 51 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the transformative power of youth-led action in advancing sustainability. Guest speakers Kehkashan Basu, Founder-President of Green Hope Foundation, and Mukudzeiishe Madzivire, Columbia University student, share their journeys as young leaders, the lessons they have learned and their advice for others eager to create change. The conver
Water, Health, and Human Dignity in Africa
In episode 50 of Voices of Sustainability, we hear from newly appointed Zayed Sustainability Prize Selection Committee members Natasha Ramkirpal, Water Security Strategist and Sareen Malik, Vice Chair, Sanitation and Water for All, as they highlight the urgent need for collaboration and investment to build resilient and secure water systems that are essential to a healthier and more equit
The Future of Urban Air Mobility with Dr. Burt Guo
In the 49th episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr. Burt Guo, CEO & Chief Scientist at AEROFUGIA, explores how electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could redefine urban mobility and advance sustainable development. Dr. Guo discusses the overlap between EV and eVTOL infrastructure, the role of communication networks like 5G/6G in air traffic systems, and how flying
AI for Good: Driving Sustainability and Social Change
In Episode 48 of Voices of Sustainability, Paul Duan, Founder and President of Bayes Impact, and Stefano Maffulli, Executive Director of Open Source Initiative, explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in advancing sustainable development and social good. Through a dynamic conversation, they unpack how open-source principles – such as transparency, accessibility, and community
Powering Africa’s Energy Future
In Episode 47 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the future of energy access in Africa and the opportunities ahead in building inclusive, sustainable energy systems. This episode features insights from Angela Homsi, Founder, Ignite Energy Access, and Dr. Al-Hamndou Dorsouma, Acting Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank. From decentralised solutions a
Driving Economic Resilience in Small Islands with Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
In the 46th episode of Voices of Sustainability, Hon. Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action & Constituency Empowerment for St. Kitts & Nevis, shares how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are leading the way in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Climate Action Unlocked with John Kerry
In the 45th episode of Voices of Sustainability, John Kerry, Former U.S. Secretary of State and Co-executive Chair at Galvanize Climate Solutions, shares his insights on accelerating global climate action. He discusses the critical role of AI, clean energy transitions, and public-private collaboration in shaping a more sustainable future. Drawing from decades of leadership in climate dipl
Empowering Sustainable Impact
In Episode 44 of Voices of Sustainability, we spotlight our 2025 winners in Health, Food, Water and Climate Action. Join us as we discuss their pioneering solutions with Veena Moktali of Periwinkle Technologies, AbdulLateef Olaosebikan of NaFarm Foods, Rhett Butler of SkyJuice Foundation and Innocent Maholi of OpenMap Development Tanzania. Tune in to explore how their solutions are changi
Building Resilient Food Systems
In Episode 43 of Voices of Sustainability, we spotlight innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and food security. Join us as we discuss groundbreaking projects with Dr. Serge Raemaekers of ABALOBI, Dr. Gang Chen of Xinjiang Shawan Oasis Sustainable Development Institute, and AbdulLateef Olaosebikan of NaFarm Foods. Tune in to explore how their initiatives are building resilience
AI for Impact
In episode 42 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the transformative role of AI in sustainability. Join Tunde Adeyemi, CEO & Co-founder of D-Olivette Enterprises; Jane Glavan, Co-founder of Distant Imagery; and Asif Ansari, President & CTO of Hyera, as they discuss breakthroughs in smart waste management solutions, environmental monitoring and carbon capture technology. Tune i
AI-powered Healthcare
In the 41st episode of Voices of Sustainability, we delve into how AI is transforming health outcomes in underserved communities. This episode features insightful discussions with Amr Abodraiaa, Co-founder and CEO of Rology; Veena Moktali, Co-founder and CEO of Periwinkle Technologies; and Camila de Pamphilis, Head of Global Business Affairs at Mamotest. Our speakers share their innovativ
People, Planet, Climate Action with Satya Tripathi
In the 40th episode of Voices of Sustainability, Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, shares his transformative insights on advancing global climate resilience. Satya emphasises the need for virtuous partnerships, financial inclusion, and empowering indigenous communities to protect the planet's ecosystems. Drawing from decades of experience i
Unsung Heroes: The Impact of Humanitarians with Tjada D'Oyen McKenna
Check out the 39th episode of Voices of Sustainability for World Humanitarian Day, featuring Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps. Learn how Mercy Corps drives global humanitarian efforts, balancing immediate relief with long-term solutions and tackling climate challenges. Discover the crucial role of resilience in empowering communities to overcome climate change, conflict and povert
Global Health Equity: Leaving No One Behind
Join us for the 38th episode as we explore the groundbreaking solutions and collaborative efforts that are advancing universal healthcare coverage. Our expert panel, featuring Dr. Laura Stachel, Frank Beadle de Palomo, and Harish Hande, and moderator Charlotte Kan, will explore healthcare solutions for vulnerable populations, emphasising the importance of reliable energy access, community
Franz Tattenbach on Costa Rica's Inclusive Climate Resilience
Meet Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach, in the 37th episode of 'Voices of Sustainability.' Celebrating June’s World Environment Day, we delve into Tattenbach's pioneering environmental policies and visionary strategies for global sustainability. Discover Costa Rica's success in halting deforestation, driven by the creation of national parks and its innovati
Harnessing AI for Global Food Security
Join us for our 36th episode as we delve into how AI is transforming farming practices to combat global food insecurity and climate challenges. Our expert panel, featuring Allison Kopf, Christopher Chileshe and Satyam Bose, will explore the pivotal role of AI in addressing critical humanitarian and security concerns. Moderated by Charlotte Kan, this insightful discussion offers key insigh
Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution
Join us for Episode 35 of Voices of Sustainability- Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution
Climate Catastrophe Relief: Charting a Path Forward with the New Fund
Join us for Episode 34 of Voices of Sustainability as we explore the establishment and operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund post-COP28 UAE. Our panel features Honourable Minister Flavien Joubert and Joan Carling, moderated by Eithne Treanor. We'll discuss strategies to support vulnerable communities and developing nations impacted by climate disasters, focusing on incorporating
Bertrand Piccard on Zero Emissions Aviation
Embark on an exciting journey with intrepid explorer Bertrand Piccard as he unveils this groundbreaking ‘Climate Impulse’--the world's first around-the-world hydrogen powered flight--in the latest episode of Voices of Sustainability. Delve into Piccard's mission to revolutionise aviation with zero emissions flight and discover how his vision is reshaping the future of sustainable travel.
Clean Energy Initiatives that Empower the Future
In the 32nd episode of Voices of Sustainability, aligning with the International Day of Clean Energy, we are privileged to have as our guests Angela Homsi, Co-founder of Ignite Power and Joseph Nganga, Interim CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. They join moderator Dr. Binu Parthan, Deputy Director of Country Engagement and Partnerships at IRENA, in an insightful conv
Celebrating Sustainable Success: Turning Vision into Reality
Episode 31 of the Voices of Sustainability fireside chat series, hosted live at COP28 UAE, showcased our newly honoured organisational winners. They shared insights on their Prize-winning innovations and hopes for COP28. Don’t miss their keen insights on sustainability issues that impact all of us. #ZayedSustainabilityPrize #COP28UAE
Pioneering Positive Change: Mobilising Youth & COP28 UAE
In this 30th episode of Voices of Sustainability, young sustainability leaders Helen Watts, Executive Director, Student Energy; Brighton Kaoma, CEO & Co-Founder, Amano Learning and Global Advisor, UN SDSN Youth; and Garrett Malloy, Climate Ambassador, Environmental Education Unit, An Taisce, explore the pivotal role of youth at COP28 UAE. They share their experiences as youth leaders
Revolutionising Food Sustainability: Meet the Food Finalists
In this 29th episode of Voices of Sustainability, our Climate Action Finalists: Ahmed Sourani Co-Founder & General Coordinator, Gaza Urban & Peri-urban Agricultural Platform (GUPAP); David Auerbach, Co-Founder, Regen Organics; and Curt Bowen, Executive Director & Co-founder, Semilla Nueva; join Charlotte Kan, Journalist and Editor, in a lively discussion that illuminated their
Climate Action Innovations–Zayed Sustainability Prize Finalists
In this 28th episode of Voices of Sustainability, our Climate Action Finalists: Robert Niven, CEO, CarbonCure Technologies; Caroline Slootweg, Co-founder, Kelp Blue; and Virgilio Viana, General Director, Foundation for Amazon Sustainability; join Rob Bradley, Managing Director of Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS), EY, in a lively discussion that sheds light on their innov
The power of technology to solve humanitarian challenges
In this 27th episode of Voices of Sustainability, Stefano Raciti, Chief Operating Officer, Mubadala Energy; Alexandre Anjuere, Executive Director, Electriciens sans frontières; Carolyn Florey, Senior Director, Technology for Development, Mercy Corps; and Monique Ntumngia, Founder and Executive Director, Green Girls Organisation, join Marco Duso, EY EMEIA Sustainability Solutions Leader, i
Can AI save the planet?
In this 26th episode of Voices of Sustainability, we delved into an exciting virtual fireside chat titled "Can AI save the planet?" On 31 July 2023, esteemed guests Micheline Ayoub and Julius Mugwagwa, along with the skilled moderation of Tim Baldwin, participated in a thought-provoking conversation centred around the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing sustainability
Jobs of the Future
In the 25th episode of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the topic of the future of the workplace. In this engaging virtual fireside chat titled "Jobs of the future," esteemed futurists Richard Watson and Angela Oguntala, along with moderator Tatiana Antonelli Abella, discuss the integration of technology into human life, the need for optimism, and the balance between high-tech solutio
Fuelling the Future: Building a Green Hydrogen Economy
In this 24th episode of Voices of Sustainability, we delve into an exciting virtual fireside chat titled “Fuelling the Future: Building a Green Hydrogen Economy.”On 31 May 31 2023, esteemed guests Shigeru 'Sam' Muraki and Enass Abo-Hamed, along with the skilled moderation of Eithne Treanor, participated in a thought-provoking conversation centered around the pressing need to accelerate th
Climate finance: the road to resilience
In this 23rd episode of Voices of Sustainability, William Asiko, Vice President, Africa of Rockefeller Foundation and Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner of Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, join Tanzeed Alam, Managing Director and Founder of Earth Matters Consulting, in a discussion on the promising strategies for ensuring that climate finance is effectively mobilised and deployed to s
Women’s Role in Accelerating Sustainable Development
In this 22nd episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr. Maria Neira, Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage and Healthier Populations and Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organisation, and Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen, join Sally Mousa, International Presenter and Speaker, in a lively discussion on ways in w
Building a More Sustainable World through the Metaverse
In this 21st episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr. Hao Li, Associate Professor at MBZUAI and CEO of Pinscreen, Jon Copestake, Global Lead Consumer Analyst at EY, and Judith Okonkwo, Founder of Imìsí 3D Creation Lab, join Linda Ricci, Founder of Decahedralist Consulting, in a lively discussion on ways in which organisations and entrepreneurs can unlock the potential of the metaverse to
Scaling Up: Approaches that Work
Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series that takes stock of the latest trends and themes in the global sustainable development agenda and provides a platform for the greatest thought leaders of our time to answer big questions about how we can achieve a transition to an inclusive and prosperous future that leaves no one behind.
Healthcare Access for All
In this nineteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Guillermo Pepe, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Mamotest, and Dr. Gérard Krause, Head of Epidemiology Dept., Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, discuss how organisations can overcome key challenges to increase funding and leverage the latest technological advancements to ensure health access for a rapidly increasing popu
Raising Ambitions & Actions to Reach Net-Zero
In this eighteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, the 2023 Zayed Sustainability Prize Energy finalists, including Eng.Heba Asa’d, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuroTech, Thomas Rieger, CEO of Solarkiosk Solutions GmbH, and Monique Ntumngia, Founder and Executive Director of The Green Girls Organisation, reflected on the outcomes of COP27 and discussed the role that small business and nonpr
Improving Food Security Amid Climate Change
In this seventeenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, food experts and guest speakers Helen Munday, President of Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), discussed the need to meet rising global food demand while also reducing the carbon footprint of our food systems, and how to achieve this
Driving Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
In this sixteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, climate policy experts and guest speakers Prof. Youba Sokona, Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Dr. Barbara Buchner, Global Managing Director, Climate Policy Initiative, discussed the urgent need to ramp up investment in climate mitigation and adaptation solutions in order to ensure greater climate
Youth at the Wheel
In this fifteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr Andreas Jacobs, Dr Bisher Imam, Jesse Forrester, Hayley Payne and Aisha Sarah Ahmed consider the different dimensions of ageism; from safeguarding basic human rights for people of all ages, to creating the enabling conditions for youth leaders to make an impact. Additionally, they examine the distinct role youth can play towards ac
Financing the Gap
In this fourteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, energy experts and guest speakers Rebecca Bregant, President of Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), Surabhi Visser, CIO of SunFunder, and Colin McQuistan, Head of Climate Resilience at Practical Action, discussed how to accelerate access to climate financing to support climate action and help close the net-zero funding gap.Voic
Kristina Haverkamp and Manuel Kuehn
In this thirteenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, energy experts and guest speakers Kristina Haverkam, Managing Director at the German Energy Agency, and Manuel Kuehn, VP of Global Sales New Energy Business at Siemens Energy, discussed the role of energy diversification and how new innovations in technology and financing mechanisms will help to decarbonise energy systems while simul
Investing in a Sustainable Planet
In this special episode of Voices of Sustainability on the occasion of Earth Day, Dr. Agbor Ashu from Healthlane, Nidhi Pant of S4S Technologies, Thomas Rieger from Solarkiosk and Wateroam’s Lim Chong Tee, reflect on how their organisations are contributing to addressing the various development challenges that prevail today by scaling sustainable solutions for improved access to affordabl
Dr. Jonathan Foley and Mr. Chris Hines MBE
In this eleventh episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr. Jonathan Foley and Mr. Chris Hines MBE explore the causes and impact of the ongoing water crisis, as experienced by people and communities across the world. They also discuss the role of climate change in intensifying water scarcity and explore the intrinsic links between water access and health and the role of innovation in provid
Christine Lins and Mohammad Naciri
In this tenth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Christine Lins and Mohammad Naciri consider the different dimensions of gender equality; from safeguarding basic human rights for women across socio-economic environments, to creating the enabling conditions for female leaders to break the glass ceiling. Additionally, they examine if and how climate change affects women disproportionally,
Laurence Tubiana, Rachel Kyte, David Sandalow and Adnan Amin
In this ninth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Prof. Laurence Tubiana, Dean Rachel Kyte, David Sandalow and Adnan Z. Amin, hosted by Julia Pyper, reflect on the outcomes of COP26 and take stock of global climate action efforts, including how the pandemic has affected the pace of adaptation and mitigation policies across the world and what can be done to mobilise more climate finance.
Andreas Raptopoulos
In this eighth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Andreas Raptopoulos and Eve Hester-Wyne examine the impact of the pandemic on health systems globally, and address the multiple benefits that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can bring towards expanding access to primary health services in last-mile settings.Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize
H.E. Mariam Almheiri and David Rosenberg
In this seventh episode of Voices of Sustainability, H.E. Mariam Almheiri, David Rosenberg, and Mustafa Alrawi examine how food technology and innovation can support the ongoing transformation of food systems with a view to building climate resiliency and alleviating hunger on a global scale.Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series that
Dr. Andrew Steer
In this sixth episode of Voices of Sustainability, Dr. Andrew Steer and Joel Makower examine how the dimensions of People, Planet and Profit interact as the sustainability discourse evolves in the Decade of Acton, and what the role of climate philanthropy and environmental justice is to that end.Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak & Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
In this fifth episode of Voices of Sustainability, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak & Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim examine the effects of climate change on indigenous peoples, and the importance of empowering indigenous communities to safeguard biodiversity, achieve the sustainable development agenda and protect the planet and humanity. Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is
H.E. David Moinina Sengeh
In this fourth episode of Voices of Sustainability, H.E. David Moinina Sengeh examines the impact of a digitalised education system in equipping youth with the skills they need to continue building a sustainable future, and how innovation can catalyse social inclusion and development. Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series that takes
Virginie Helias
In this third episode of Voices of Sustainability, Virginie Helias and Julia Pyper examine how big business is harnessing technological innovation to make sustainable consumption irresistible and promote circular economy structures, and the socio-economic transformation required for a sustainable planet.Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats
David de Rothschild
In this second episode of Voices of Sustainability, David de Rothschild and Charlotte Mack-Heller examine how our modern way of living is destructing biodiversity, how that trend has evolved in relation to the pandemic, and why climate action matters more than ever in the lead up to COP26. Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series that t
H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
In the inaugural episode of Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize, moderator Julia Pyper and guest speaker H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson discuss how leadership can serve as a catalyst for accelerating the transition to a climate-safe future. Voices of Sustainability by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a virtual fireside chats series that takes stock of the latest trend
