Kundai Ngwena bridges the gap between Advocacy, Diplomacy and Inclusion
Kundai Ngwena is a multidisciplinary climate change advocate who has found a distinctive space at the intersection of mining, media, diplomacy and civic engagement.
Her experience in the mining sector gave her an appreciation of the technical and business dimensions of climate issues. As she progressed academically and professionally, she noticed a gap on how climate diplomacy often lacked sufficient technical expertise and a strong business case.
That realisation helped shape her commitment to bringing multidisciplinary perspectives into conversations that determine the future of communities and economies.
” As I was pursuing my studies, I realized that the climate related issues lacked a business case and was mostly spearheaded by stakeholders who at times wouldn’t be privileged to have the technical background leading to limited or slow progress in the multilateral space”,she noted.
Ngwena’s advocacy has placed meaningful youth participation at the heart of her work. As Chairperson of a Youth Advisory Board, she championed greater youth inclusion through consultation and collective action.
During consultations on the Climate Change Management Bill, she worked with stakeholders to mobilise young people and persons with disabilities, helping broaden participation in national climate governance.
Being recognised as a semi-finalist for The List Awards 2026’s under the Climate and Environmental Impact Award , for Ngwena, it is the affirmation that the work being done in communities is visible and meaningful. More importantly, she sees the recognition as motivation to deepen her contribution.
“From the inception, having someone to appreciate the work I do to the extent of nominating me, it shows the impact of my work in communities we serve”, she added.
This award celebrates the significant efforts of an individual who has contributed to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Ngwena, says the final outcome will not stop her from doing more for different communities in Zimbabwe and the African continent.