Ms. Zheng, holding an MPhil in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from Cambridge University, has extensive experience in advancing Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) through research, practical projects, and advocacy. MHH is critical for the well-being and empowerment of women and adolescent girls, which is central to achieving the development outcomes.

An inspirational leader, Ms. Zheng has led successful campaigns in China, including advocating for reduced VAT on sanitary pads, which attracted over 35 million views online. Her organization is actively engaged on Chinese social media. 

Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh, founder of Zero Waste Laos and a prominent environmental advisor, plays a crucial role in shaping Laos's approach to plastic waste and broader environmental issues. With a master's degree in Environmental Engineering and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology and undergraduate degrees in English Pedagogy and Environmental Science from the National University of Laos, her expertise underpins her leadership in environmental advocacy. Since 2019, her youth-led group has been pivotal in promoting environmental protection and influencing government policy and international corporate environmental programs.  

Bumanbuyan Tsedevsuren, currently serving as an advisor to the Governor of Tuv Province, has had a distinguished career in public service. Her recent transition from the position of Deputy Governor marks a significant shift, yet her influence in Mongolian governance continues. In a country with 21 provinces, Ms. Bumanbuya's was one of the few female deputy governors. Her experience and insights now guide her advisory role, where she remains a pivotal figure in shaping policies and initiatives for the betterment of Tuv Province and Mongolia at large. 

Win Ma Ma Aye is the Director of Turquoise Mountain Myanmar, an organization dedicated to the preservation of artisanal heritage, particularly in contexts where such traditions are under threat. In Myanmar, the artisanal heritage sector is predominantly upheld by women, who are not only practitioners of unique craftsmanship traditions but also their guardians. Turquoise Mountain Myanmar is committed to supporting these artisans, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive and pass on their skills to the next generation. By facilitating access to international markets, the organization helps these women build sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to connect meaningfully with a global audience.  

Martina Barum is a women’s representative for her village of Awar, which is seeing better access to health, education and job opportunities because of a new road on Papua New Guinea’s north coast, recently-rehabilitated with World Bank support. 

In April 2023, road maintenance work on the 26km Bogia-Awar Road was completed under the World Bank financed PNG Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Project (RMRP II).  

Through local contractors, the project has also delivered thousands of workdays and incomes for hundreds of local communities, including over 8,000 women.  

As the general manager of Biao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Cooperative (BARBCO), Guadalupe Ocial has become one of the respected voices in the local cacao industry and has helped to establish their co-op as a leader in the industry. Through her leadership and DA-PRDP’s “Chocolate Processing Enterprise” subproject, their Cacao de Biao line has grown into a diverse line of chocolate products that have helped Davao City to become the chocolate capital of the Philippines. 

Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej is an expert in Disaster and Risk Management, Public Policy, Strategic Management, and Social Science Research. Her robust academic and professional background has significantly contributed to public administration. As the Deputy Governor of Bangkok since 2022, she plays a pivotal role in managing and overseeing various aspects of the city's governance, using her expertise to make a positive impact on communities.

Nattha Komolvadhin is the News Director at The Standard. With a rich background in journalism, she has served as Editor and Anchor at Thai PBS and began her career at the Nation Group in 1994. Her journey includes economic journalism at the ITV from 1996 to 1998 and part-time work as a BBC correspondent while pursuing postgraduate studies in London. Funded by the Royal Thai Government Scholarship, she earned her Master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology and Gender Studies from the London School of Economics in 2004. 

Jean Malupo Veilofia, leads her family’s construction business in Tonga. A few years ago, their company was awarded a contract to construct climate-resilient roads around ‘Ohonua village in ‘Eua. These opportunities used to be won by international contractors, who would fly in and complete the work, then fly out, taking their income and experience with them. Having overcome many challenges, including of working in a male-dominated field, Jean is focused on helping her country become more resilient to the effects of climate change.  

With over 16 years of human resources and recruitment experience, Nguyen Thu Trang is a trusted advisor for Vietnamese companies of all sizes. A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), she leads a team dedicated to empowering women through career development programs and connecting them with meaningful job opportunities that allow them to thrive.