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AGES Speaker

Ms Sibongile Mavimbela is the Senior Programme Officer managing the Environment and Climate Change portfolio at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. Her overall responsibility is to enhance sustainable management of the environment for socio- economic development in the SADC region.  

Ms Sibongile Mavimbela has vast knowledge and over 20 years experience in Climate Change, Green Economy, Blue Economy, Waste Management, Integrated Water Resource Management, Sustainable Land Management and other environmental issues. She has worked in International Relations issues and diplomatic relations for over 12 years. She has worked for various Departments of the South African Government (Water, Forestry, Environment) and later joined the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where she is responsible for a multilateral relations portfolio in Environment and Climate Change in 16 countries.  

She holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences. She also has experience in Knowledge Services in the Water and Sanitation sector where she can translate research findings, package and disseminate knowledge to various stakeholders. She has strong networks with international organisations, political networks, faith groups and grassroot community groups.  

She is part of leadership cohorts in Women Environment Movements, Women in Peace and Security, Women in Marine and Coastal Management. She is a Board Member in a number of NGOs and Institutes. She is a facilitator, a negotiator and coach. She has been the Co-Chair for Gender and Climate Change under the Subsidiary Body of Implementation (SBI) in global Climate Change negotiations under the UNFCCC.