Welcoming Harini Nagendra as Keynote Speaker

Join us in welcoming Harini Nagendra, a distinguished keynote speaker at the upcoming IUFRO World Congress.

Harini Nagendra, Director and Professor at the Research Centre and Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University in India, is a prominent figure in the field of forest and urban research. Her presentation, titled “Thinking Ecologically about Cities in the Global South,” is set to be a thought-provoking exploration of a crucial theme, “Forests for Sustainable Societies.”

In a world where cities in the Global South are experiencing rapid growth amidst the challenges posed by climate change, Professor Nagendra’s expertise shines. Her extensive experience, spanning over 30 years, encompasses groundbreaking research that delves into the intricacies of forest conservation and urban development in South Asia. Her unique approach combines landscape ecology with a strong commitment to social justice.

Harini Nagendra’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the 2009 Cozzarelli Prize from the US National Academy of Sciences, the 2013 Elinor Ostrom Senior Scholar award, and the 2017 Clarivate Web of Science award.

Her involvement in key international initiatives further underscores her influence. Professor Nagendra served as a Lead Author of the IPCC AR5 reports and played vital roles in organizations like DIVERSITAS and the Global Land Programme. She is an essential figure in shaping the future of ecosystem change and society as a member of the Steering Committee for the Future Earth Programme and the Future Earth Urban Knowledge Advisory Network. Additionally, she contributes to the Advisory Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s Climate-KIC and the WRI Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a trailblazer in the field of forest and urban research. Professor Harini Nagendra’s insights promise to shed light on the crucial intersection of ecology, urban planning, and climate change resilience. Her keynote address is sure to inspire, educate, and ignite discussions on the path towards sustainable and resilient societies.

Meet more of our invited  Keynote Speakers of the Congress.