Local Pathways Fellowship

Local Pathways Fellowship

The Local Pathways Fellowship is a 10-month action-oriented training program, where young innovators leverage their insights to develop tailored solutions to local challenges and take charge of the project from ideation to execution.

Meet the team

Nnaemeka Phil Eke-okocha

Nnaemeka Phil Eke-okocha

Project Lead

(

Local Pathways Fellowship

)

phil.eke-okocha@sdsnyouth.org

With a dynamic background spanning grassroots activism to global advocacy, Phil is a passionate advocate for sustainable development and peacebuilding. As a Project Lead at U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Youth and Founder/Director of Adesso Development Initiative, he spearheads initiatives empowering youth and fostering inclusive societies. His work, spanning continents from Nigeria to Italy, Nepal, and the United States, reflects a commitment to driving positive change. Holding a Master's degree in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action, he blends practical experience with academic insight. As a member of international organizations like the Rondine International Peace Lab and the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, he amplifies youth voices for global peace and sustainability.

Bessy Thuranira

Bessy Thuranira

Deputy Project Lead

(

Local Pathways Fellowship

)

Bessy Thuranira is the Deputy Project Lead for the Local Pathways Fellowship at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative. She is a seasoned development practitioner, project manager, and researcher focused on sustainable urban development. As the Deputy Project Lead for LPF, she combines her expertise in advisory, education, research & innovation to drive positive change. Bessy is passionate about liveable urban environments in African cities and advocating for community-based solutions. She holds an MSc. in Development Planning from TU Dortmund University, Germany and UFABC, Brazil and a Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Amer Qawasmi

Amer Qawasmi

Project Officer

(

Mentorship and Fellow Engagement

)

Amer is a Project Officer of the Local Pathways Fellowship at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth initiative. As an environmental activist, he continues to advocate for embracing sustainability and fighting climate change. In his professional career, Amer works as a Sustainability Analyst at Sustainability Excellence, where he focuses on driving businesses and corporates towards a more sustainable future. Previously, he worked on various studies related to climate change, sustainable development, and green economy. Amer holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Joran University of Science and Technology.

Zakaria Abyaa

Zakaria Abyaa

Project Officer

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Content and Training

)

Zakaria is an ambitious young architect from Morocco cherishing multicultural diversity, sustainable urban solutions and experiences' exchange. By joining the Local Pathways Program, Zakaria aims, first and foremost, at learning and sharing knowledge.

Ana Cristina Garcia

Ana Cristina Garcia

Project Officer

(

Events and Partnership

)

ana.garcia@sdsnyouth.org

Ana Cristina García is a Project Officer for the Local Pathways Fellowship at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative. Ana brings over ten years of experience working in the public and private sectors in areas such as economic development, finance, business analysis, and logistics. Ana holds a Master of Science in Global Affairs from New York University, where she focused on climate justice, international human rights, and urban development with a gender perspective. In addition, Ana holds a Bachelor’s in International Business (Summa cum Laude and Valedictorian) from Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey, Mexico, and a diploma from the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Troyes, France. She is passionate about empowering youth and women to reach their full potential.

Ryland Weaver

Ryland Weaver

Project Officer

(

Operations and Strategy

)

Ryland Weaver is a Project Officer at the Local Pathways Fellowship at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth (SDSN Youth). Ryland is a high school senior, and is preparing to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Hood College (Frederick, MD). He is a civically engaged citizen and has pioneered numerous projects (both environmentally-focused and otherwise) aimed at bettering his community. Ryland is a hard worker, and is passionately working alongside his peers to achieve the SDGs.

Aastha Sharma

Aastha Sharma

Project Officer

(

Communications

)

Cedric Bayiha

Cedric Bayiha

Project Officer

(

Communications

)

cedric.bayiha@sdsnyouth.org

Cédric is an experienced communication and marketing professional. He has excellent skills in searching, organising and managing key information. In addition to good writing skills, Cédric has a strong command of digital communications. His sense of listening and ease in dealing with people makes him a comprehensive and friendly collaborator. He is actively contributing to the partnership intelligence gathering and sharing information as well as building and managing close working relationships with WHO key stakeholders.

Annette Wanjiku Kimani

Annette Wanjiku Kimani

Project Officer

(

Communications

)

annette.kimani@sdsnyouth.org

Annette is a passionate digital communications specialist with expertise in content strategy, community management, and impactful storytelling. She currently serves as a Communications Officer at the Local Pathways Fellowship under SDSN Youth, where she leverages her skills to amplify youth-led initiatives in sustainable development. With a background in Psychology and Development Studies, Annette brings a unique perspective to digital campaigns that promote global citizenship, gender equality, and social justice. Her career spans roles in digital marketing and leadership, including managing online communities of over 30,000 users and driving engagement through creative content. Annette is committed to advancing sustainable development by fostering partnerships and utilizing innovative communication strategies. Outside of work, she is an advocate for feminist principles and intersectionality, aiming to build inclusive platforms that empower marginalized voices.

Team Initiatives

Local Pathways Fellowship

The Local Pathways Fellowship is a 10-month training program, where young innovators analyse the local context of their cities, to then develop concepts for a project to implement.

Learn more