Voices of Sustainability

<p>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 management to storytelling as a tool for cultural change. He shares why meaningful solutions begin with humility and observation, how living in rhythm with nature can reshape everyday life, and why regeneration must grow organically from communities and place. Discover how creativity, stewardship and intergenerational thinking can help shift su...

<p>For more than 50 episodes, Voices of Sustainability has featured global leaders and thinkers — exploring the ideas, opportunities and solutions shaping our world.</p><p>Meet your new hosts, Anita Erskine and Omar Butti, as Voices of Sustainability enters its next chapter. </p><p>Together, they will industry experts into more candid, grounded and human conversations — creating space for deeper dialogue.</p><p>Presented by the Zayed Sustainability Prize.</p><p>New episodes coming soon.</p>

<p>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. <br>With women as a driving force behind rural business networks — reshaping access to clean energy, essential goods and digital services — this episode highlights how community insight, local leadership and data-driven platforms designed around real lives can unlock sustainable growth at scale.</p><p>Discover how purpose-driven business models and women changemakers at the last mile are building resilient markets and delivering measurable impact.</p>

<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>From rethinking food, energy and water systems to embracing nature-based solutions and celebrating experimentation, this episode makes the case for development models that are adaptive, grounded in community knowledge and designed for uncertainty. </p><p><br></p><p>Discover how innovation, traditional wisdom and strategic policy can work together to build ec...

<p>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. </p><p>From tackling the global debt crisis and empowering youth-led innovation to investing in resilience and equity, this episode highlights why capital flows must align with climate and social justice. </p><p>Discover how collaboration between philanthropy, policy and communities can drive meaningful reform and unlock opportunity for all.</p>

<p>In Episode 52 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the future of global energy systems at a time of rising demand and deep uncertainty. </p><p>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. </p>

<p>In Episode 51 of Voices of Sustainability, we explore the transformative power of youth-led action in advancing sustainability. </p><p><br></p><p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>The conversation is moderated by Jackline Wambua, Research Fellow at Stanford University, who brings her expertise and perspective as a youth leader. </p><p><br></p><p>Through this youth-led conversation, the episode highlights how young innovators are...

<p>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 equitable in Africa. </p><p><br></p><p>Discover the challenges that are unique to Africa and how government, business and civil society can come together to implement solutions that can be used in the region and beyond. </p><p><br></p><p>...

<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>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 taxis could reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions, while offering faster, more inclusive transport options. </p><p><br></p><p>Learn how public acceptance, regulatory pathways, and scaled production are critical to bringing clean aviation to li...

<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>Through a dynamic conversation, they unpack how open-source principles – such as transparency, accessibility, and community ownership – can help build ethical, trustworthy AI systems. The episode features real-world applications of AI in social work, education, and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, and highlights the importance of responsible data practices, energy-efficient models, and inclusive design to ensure AI becomes a for...

<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>From decentralised solutions and impact capital to policy frameworks and community engagement, the conversation reveals what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s next in Africa’s energy transition. </p><p><br></p><p>Watch now to discover how collaboration, innovation, and grassroots...

<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>Drawing from decades of leadership in climate diplomacy, Kerry highlights key shifts in policy, investment, and emerging technologies that are driving progress. From positioning climate investment as a smart and profitable opportunity to highlighting the role of emerging technologies, this conversation explores how strategic f...