USAID's Mission, Impact, and Closure

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Diana Njeru, Project Director at BBC Media Action, about her work equipping local journalists across Africa to tell community-centered stories of climate change. Diana shares how her team partners with rural media stations — often lacking resources, infrastructure, and formal training — to build storytelling capacity that can save lives and inspire action. From early warning systems for floods and droughts to stories that challenge traditional norms, Diana’s work shows how powerful local media can be in both daily decision-making and long-term climate resilience. Tune in to learn how she and her team are turning media into a tool for transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I speak with Philipp Meister, Global Fashion and Sporting Goods Chemical Lead at Quantis, about the need for sustainability leaders to begin rebuilding the business case for sustainability.With over 16 years in the sporting goods industry at companies like Nike and Adidas, Philipp brings deep insight into how sustainability roles are evolving inside organizations—and how today’s Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) must adapt to shifting business and geopolitical realities. Through our conversation, we explore how leaders can maintain momentum in the face of headwinds, why data-driven business cases are reshaping sustainability strategy, and what’s required to turn internal coalitions into engines of real change.Whether you're an experienced CSO or just entering the field, this conversation is a valuable look at how to lead during uncertain times—and how to translate sustainability into resilience and business value.Link to research: https://quantis.com/insights/how-csos-can-lead-the-climate-comeback/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Bernadette Victorio, Program Lead for Fair Finance Asia, to explore how raising the bar for transparency and accountability across the region’s banking sector. Bernadette outlines the network’s three-tier strategy—capacity-building at the national level, coordinated advocacy at the regional level, and alignment with global standards—to ensure capital respects both people and planet. Together, we unpack the legacy of the 2008 financial crisis, the emergence of “just transition” as a guiding principle, and the practical challenges of engaging regulators, multilateral banks, and local communities. If you want a clear view of what sustainable finance must look like in Asia—and what it takes to get there—this conversation delivers a grounded, policy-focused roadmap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Blair Glencorse, founder and co-CEO of the Accountability Lab, about their research to measure the impact of USAID's closure.With over 800 NGOs surveyed, their research seeks to understand the immediate and long-term impacts, and in this conversation, Blair shares what the data reveals about financial vulnerability, sector-wide reliance on aid, the structural weaknesses exposed by this shift, and the urgent need for resilience and adaptation across civil society.Click here for the full report: https://www.globalaidfreeze.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Veronica Lee, who shares insights of USAID's mission, impact, and closure.A 15 year veteran of the organization, Victoria discusses her path into international development, the critical role USAID plays in global soft power and development assistance, and the detailed processes behind the agency's operations. She candidly addresses the recent events surrounding USAID's closure, reflecting on the immediate and long-term impacts on global communities and partners. Victoria also opens up about her personal experience navigating this significant transition in her professional life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy for the Netherlands to speak about the work of a climate envoyWe explore the critical role of climate diplomacy in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape—from translating science into action to brokering climate finance and empowering local solutions.Jaime shares how he navigates resistance, builds global coalitions, and why he believes everyone can contribute to the climate agenda—regardless of background. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speaks with Pritha Hariram, iPAC Director for Water Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation at Ramboll, about the complex challenges and opportunities surrounding global water resilience and climate smart cities. Drawing on her 23 years of experience across nonprofit, multilateral, corporate, and consulting sectors, Pritha highlights the urgency of the water crisis, the importance of financing and stakeholder collaboration, and the essential role that empathy and on-the-ground experience play in delivering sustainable, impactful solutions. She also offers valuable advice to young professionals entering the water space, emphasizing curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn continuously. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Madhu Marasini, Secretary at Nepal’s National Planning Commission, about his work to support Nepal's path to economic and climate security.Through our conversation, Madhu explains how, as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Nepal seeks to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change policies, and international partnerships into its planning and budgeting processes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Martina Igini, Editor-in-Chief of Earth.org, about her journey into a career in climate journalism, the unique volunteer-based model at Earth.org, and the challenges of covering climate and environmental news. Martina sheds light on how she coordinates a global network of more than 400 contributors, balances editorial quality and content variety, and navigates fundraising in an era where journalism itself faces financial hurdles.She also offers practical tips for aspiring environmental journalists, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, networking, and staying hopeful amidst the complexity of climate reporting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speaks with Sanushka Mudlair, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, about the work they are doing to better align policies and programs to support safer pathways for migrants.As part of our conversation, we speak about the complexities of global migration, the importance of understanding migrants’ lived experiences, and the ways in which humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross can better align programs and policies. Sanushka shares insights on how qualitative data collection reveals deeper human stories behind migration statistics, underscores the need for humanitarian neutrality amid politicized migration debates, and illustrates how climate change acts as a multiplier of existing inequalities. She also reflects on her own journey—from childhood experiences shaped by social justice movements to her current work leading cutting-edge research in one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. Finally, she offers practical career advice for students and aspiring professionals looking to enter her space, emphasizing relationship-building, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the people and communities directly affected.Timestamps:00:00 – Opening & Introduction01:22 – The Scale & Nature of Global Migration03:49 – Climate Change & Systemic Gaps08:01 – Inside the Global Migration Lab12:26 – Research Methodology & Field Engagement16:07 – Sanushka’s Personal Journey & Career Path19:54 – Field vs. Policy Realities24:27 – Being a “Scrappy Startup” in a Large Institution29:00 – Advice for Aspiring ProfessionalsAbout SanushkaSanushka Mudaliar has over 20 years of experience in working in Australia, China, Singapore and the U.K on policy advocacy, research and global program management related to migration. Sanushka has worked for Oxfam Australia, the Association for Women's Rights in Development and the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at Singapore Management University, and as a specialist consultant on labour migration and human rights advising United Nations bodies (ILO, IOM, UN Women), and regional intergovernmental bodies (African Union, ASEAN) amongst others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.