We are delighted to introduce the independent judging panel for the GSL Global Goals Competition 2025/26. Each member of this year’s panel has been specially selected on the basis of their global experiences and/or a knowledge of sustainable development. They represent a wide range of specialisms and bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to the panel.
Jim is Clinical Associate Professor of Strategy at the University of Texas at Austin in the Rosenthal Department of Management in the McCombs School of Business, research affiliate at Harvard, president of the Institute for Strategic Clarity, and author/co-author of Leadership for Flourishing (2025), Agreements (2023), Ecosynomics (2014), Managing from Clarity (2001), and many chapters and articles. He blogs regularly at jlrd.me. He has a BS in Petroleum Engineering (UTulsa), an MIM (Thunderbird), an MBA (ESADE) and a PhD in Decision Sciences (UTAustin).
Ben is Big Change’s Managing Director. Ben is a chartered accountant and has spent the last 13 years working across the not-for-profit sector. He has experience across social finance and social investment, design for good, employability and mental health policy and advocacy. He is also a non-executive director and treasurer of the New Economy Organisers Network.
Antonia is BBC R&D’s Chief Technical Advisor. Her team provides independent, objective advice on how emerging technologies will enable the BBC to inform, educate and entertain for the next 100 years. This analysis helps the BBC to make informed choices about future products & services, influences the industry through the development of new technology standards and delivers insights on the social, editorial and ethical challenges technology raises for public media, people and society.
Prior to joining the BBC, Antonia worked at The Economist Intelligence Unit where she provided evidence-based analysis and policy recommendations in areas relating to technology, media and education.
Nicholas is a policy and advocacy expert who has led work for international organizations across the education, technology and human rights sectors. He currently leads advocacy and partnerships for the Varkey Foundation, a global education charity. As of 2026, he also represents Private Foundations at the SDG 4 High Level Steering Committee as Sherpa.
Through his career Justin has gained wide ranging experience of corporate finance and strategic business/corporate development, mainly across the leisure and entertainment sectors.
Following his graduation from University, Justin started his career in investment banking, originally based in Frankfurt, Germany. Over the years he has been fortunate to have had opportunities to work extensively across Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Justin is a founder of URWLD (‘Your World’), an exciting, new sports, leisure and entertainment business that is working to develop destination lifestyle venues in major cities around the world that will offer a variety of adventure sports and activities, including canyoning, coasteering, scuba diving, climbing, caving, surfing, ice climbing, virtual reality experiences, and many more.
Having graduated from Bristol University, Mark practised as a barrister, specialising in crime, financial crime, professional discipline and sports law. He took Silk in 2006, and was appointed as a Judge specialising in criminal work in 2023. He is a member of the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission, and is a past Chair of the MCC Disciplinary Panel.
Mark is a Governor of Wellington College, and a Trustee of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation and the Hazelhurst Trust, these roles providing him with the privilege of following his passions of education and cricket.
Rebecca Warren is Head of Learning Programmes for the School of System Change. She is a passionate educator and loves designing experiences for students to explore their passions and positively engage in making the world a better place. She has been a teacher, a school leader, and worked in both formal school settings as well as international youth programmes. Rebecca loves the Global Goals Competition and champions it as an excellent experience to build the mindset and the skillset for taking action and developing agency.
Charlie is currently building a programme of summer maths camps for high-performing 12 to 14-year-old mathematicians from publicly funded schools in the UK.
Previously, he has worked as a fundraiser for Street Child (an international NGO focused on education in the world’s lowest-income and most disaster-affected countries) and worked for almost ten years in the Books and Prime businesses at Amazon UK.
Cheng Keat Oo is the Programme Director for the Bachelor of Political Science and Bachelor of Liberal Studies at Open University Malaysia (OUM), where he also serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. With over a decade of service at OUM, he brings deep academic and leadership experience.
He holds a BA and MA in Political Science from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on Global Citizenship Education (GCE). Passionate about education for social impact, he actively trains both pre-service and in-service teachers in GCE and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering educators to integrate global values into classroom practices. He is frequently invited to speak on SDGs, global issues, and pedagogical strategies, bridging academic insight with real-world application to inspire transformative change in education and society.
Amy Brereton is the CEO of Enactus UK & Ireland, where she leads a national network of students and professionals using entrepreneurial action to address social and environmental challenges. Under her leadership, Enactus provides young people with the practical skills and confidence to lead responsibly, helping them transform their ideas into social enterprises that benefit their local communities.
With an extensive background in operations and executive leadership, Amy has been instrumental in expanding the Enactus network and its mission to develop socially-minded leaders. She is a strong advocate for youth-led innovation and focuses on bridging the gap between education and impactful career pathways, ensuring students are prepared for the future of work.
Outside of her professional role, Amy is an active contributor to her local community as a dedicated Brownie Leader, where she supports young girls in developing their potential. Her approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity and a commitment to inclusive growth, driven by the belief that business is a practical tool for creating positive social change.
Michelle Davies has in-depth experience advising global companies with their energy transition, climate change, and decarbonization solutions. Michelle has an unparalleled track record of advising clients on every facet of the transition towards clean energy and sustainable development as well as advising on sustainability regulatory compliance and wider sustainability strategy.
Michelle has worked with financial institutions, clean energy and energy transition developers and suppliers, corporations, and governments on innovative and complex mandates in the climate and sustainability space and across all forms of renewable and clean energy (onshore and offshore wind, solar, clean hydrogen, biofuels, biomass, and energy from waste). Michelle has helped clients create and finance large global decarbonized offtake structures and create finance vehicles across private and public capital markets.
Michelle has advised carbon, sustainability, and energy funds and developers and governments in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East/Africa (MENA).
Prior to joining Jones Day, Michelle advised funds on fund raising and investments across numerous established and new energy transition assets. Michelle also advised developers on fund raising and projects globally across all technologies and worked with various governments on developing energy transition frameworks and carbon trading and funding structures. Most recently she advised an EV (electric vehicle) charging infrastructure company on a fund raise and joint venture with its new investors and advised a large Saudi corporate on a fund raise for clean energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, an Australian developer on the sale of its solar and BESS (battery energy storage system) portfolio, and an Irish developer on its solar portfolio sale.
Cheryll is a qualified psychotherapist and executive coach, specialising in working with and developing frameworks for women and girls. Her philanthropic work is well known both personally and having assisted organisations including The Invictus Games, Help for Heroes, We are Humans, Hurting to Healing and the British Armed Forces. She has assisted refugee women and their children, as well as young people who have been displaced by war and relocated to the UK. In Antigua (West Indies), she has established a second home where she funds and organises educational programmes, she is on the board of The Four Knights Academy and she also helps fund and organise a dog sanctuary. In Barbados, she has collaborated with Roland Butcher to create the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club.
Cheryll has built connections across the world in government, professional sports, business and charity, She is well known to be a no nonsense, hands on individual, able to cut through to the necessary actions and deliver high quality projects with integrity and vigour. Her strengths are strategy creation and delivery, collaboration and governance. She is able to innovate and challenge established patterns, uplift those around her and create environments where everyone benefits and thrives. She has recently stepped down as CEO of Fairbreak Global, an innovative global cricket organisation striving for equality. Her unique skill set and connections will be invaluable to anyone seeking support in the sports and education environment and is now Chair of Day1Sports developing a global online and in person cricket gaming and playing platform.
She holds ambassador roles with See The Good Now, Sports Businesses Syndicate, European Career Support, Global Social Leaders (where she sits in the finalist judging panel). She is a recognised partner to Barnardo’s and Centrepoint, Advises the Kings Trust Development Board in Wales and has partnered to create a new school in Rwanda. She is a member of The Sorority. She is a trustee of The Donne Foundation and she holds a fellowship with the Caribbean Global Institute and sits on their educational awards and grant making panel.
Prof Amy McLennan is a social researcher, education innovator and systems thinker who’s all about improving population wellbeing. Her undergraduate training was in the medical sciences and French, and she completed doctoral and postdoctoral training in medical anthropology at the University of Oxford, in the world’s leading anthropology department. Her work on topics including chronic disease, women’s health, food and technology has reached audiences via a range of academic journals, government policy, and global media, including The Guardian, Aeon Magazine, ABC and BBC radio.
Anthony Bridgen is a dynamic researcher and project manager with a PhD in Plant Science from the University of Cambridge. Currently coordinating the Oxford Global Challenges Programme’s Generation AI initiative, Anthony brings a strategic, evidence-based approach to complex challenges. His background spans interdisciplinary research, international collaboration & stakeholder engagement – including work at the University of Cambridge addressing the UN Sustainability Goals.
With expertise in data analysis, communication and project delivery, Anthony has led projects for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Cambridge & the REAL Centre, developing impactful research to guide strategic decisions. A skilled communicator and team-leader, he is passionate about projects that deliver real change. Outside of work, Anthony is a keen potter and houseplant collector.
Focused on Service Learning and its role in shaping globally conscious, socially responsible leaders. Interested in exploring how education can be transformative and help build more just and peaceful societies.
Brooke Bacigal works on US-China AI safety coordination and policy research at the Safe AI Forum (SAIF), the host organization of the International Dialogues on AI Safety (IDAIS) — a flagship Track 2 dialogue convening leading AI scientists from China and the West.
A Schwarzman Scholar, she holds degrees from Tsinghua University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Michigan, with academic research spanning peacebuilding, transitional justice, and emerging tech diplomacy.
Charlie Jenkinson works with schools and students across six continents to put character development and global action at the heart of education. Following leadership experience in UK schools, including Eton College,
Charlie founded multiple education organisations, including BeWorldClass, based on the clear conviction that young people must leave school knowing who they are in the world and what the world needs from them.
Cheng Keat Oo is the Programme Director for the Bachelor of Political Science and Bachelor of Liberal Studies at Open University Malaysia (OUM), where he also serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. With over a decade of service at OUM, he brings deep academic and leadership experience.
He holds a BA and MA in Political Science from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on Global Citizenship Education (GCE). Passionate about education for social impact, he actively trains both pre-service and in-service teachers in GCE and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering educators to integrate global values into classroom practices. He is frequently invited to speak on SDGs, global issues, and pedagogical strategies, bridging academic insight with real-world application to inspire transformative change in education and society.
d’Arcy Lunn’s dreams and daily life are dedicated to see a world with access and opportunity for everyone, everywhere!
For the past 25 years d’Arcy has experienced more than 100 countries, given over 24,00 presentations to 190,000+ people and worked with leading development, environmental, social justice and global education organisations and people.
Since starting Teaspoons of Change with a 1000km walk in Japan d’Arcy has worked with leading organisations and projects including the United Nations and INGOs supporting and movements around the world giving keynote presentations and workshops.
Among other things d’Arcy has also built two self-sufficient Happy-simply tiny homes and is currently building his third in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia. d’Arcy’s main message for Teaspoons of Change, is about making a connection to something bigger than ourselves and feeling like our actions matter.
Dave helps purpose-driven organisations clarify their story and own their space – through thoughtful marketing and brand-building.
He has lived and worked in the UK, US, Germany and Cambodia – starting his career within the overseas NGO world before taking the reins at said & done (a UK-based brand consultancy) where he has led on global brand projects for the likes of Pfizer, Oxford University Press, Salzburg Global and Catalyst Now.
Dave has also mentored over 400 founders as part of the British Library’s Innovating for Growth Programme – where leaders rated his sessions 4.8 out of 5.
He lives just outside of London with his wife, teenage kids and a miniature schnauzer called Pretzel.
As a dedicated professional in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and business, I have consistently fostered a collaborative project-based approach to education. My teaching philosophy revolves around guiding students to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application by engaging in tangible projects. With a focus on maximizing critical thinking and encouraging constant self-assessment, I strive to empower my students to excel in dynamic, ever-evolving environments.
My passion for nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs drives me to provide an educational experience that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, fostering a deep connection with practical, real-world challenges.
Evelyn has over 24 years of experience of diverse skills in Program management, Finance, Operations, Administration, Human Resource, Grants, SME development, community development, and capacity building with international development organizations. Evelyn worked in various roles in the development sector as Country Director, Head of Operations, Admin & Finance Manager, Youth & Gender Coordinator and currently Head of Finance & Operations. Evelyn has been involved in capacity building and training of youth in the Senior High Schools and the Universities and worked with the project management cycle of various projects in the development sector. Experienced in restructure of organizations’ operational, financial, programs and the M&E systems for evidence -based data reporting.
Evelyn has a firm belief in young people and would always support young people, youth and women to achieve their full potential. Throughout her career, she demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development and led projects in community development, spearheaded initiatives that empowered SME’s, women and youth to improve livelihoods and economic empowerment.
Evelyn holds an MBA in finance, Bsc -Accounting and Certified PMP and a member of the Project Management Professional body. The future is in the hand of the young people!
Georgie is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in building global brands like Cadbury and OREO.
Currently serving as the Vice President of Growth for Hippo Harvest, she is applying her cross-sector expertise at this Californian start-up, which uses robots to grow organic leafy greens.
Alongside her corporate career, Georgie has been a dedicated coach with Future Foundations for over a decade, delivering youth leadership programs and inspiring young changemakers worldwide. She is passionate about creating a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Challenges at the University of Edinburgh.
Jack Gillman is a marketer, coach, and Youth Ambassador for Big Ideas Wales. His entrepreneurial journey began at 13 and by 27 he had worked with startups, scale-ups, global brands, charities, and government organisations while launching ventures of his own.
Having studied at five universities across five countries, Jack has been awarded 16 academic scholarships and awards over the past eight years, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Alongside his commercial work, Jack is passionate about helping others unlock their potential. He mentors students as an Enterprise Coach at University of East London, serves on the advisory board of Leonard Cheshire, provides pro bono consultancy to purpose-driven organisations, judges entrepreneurship competitions, and has supported more than 200 young people in their career journeys.
Driven by empathy, creativity, and a belief that business can be a force for good, Jack is particularly passionate about health, longevity, and peak performance, and is committed to creating meaningful impact through both his volunteering and commercial work.
Hello! I’m Karen, an Educational Adviser for schools in East Africa. I hold a BA (ed) with Geography and the Environment which has proved to be an excellent combination of learning to take into the educational world. I also hold an MA Ed focusing on coaching as a motivational tool for student learning.
Being a school leader in the UK and Kenya, working with different cultures, people and teams, has given me a unique insight into varied educational approaches. I am proud of developing the ‘Bright Talk for growing minds’ programme – launched to support parents to engage in great conversations with their children at home.
I love to hear stories from past students, parents and teachers and find out about their learning journeys beyond school.
Matthias is the Co-Founder of The Sustainability Service, a non-profit that believes that a sustainable future is a public good and will be achieved through sustainability as a public service. As an experienced and senior sustainability professional with 15+ years of experience across various domains, Matthias combines real, practical sustainability know-how with policy and advocacy skills to help make meaningful change, and with a particular focus on climate change.
Over his career, Matthias has served in a range of sustainability portfolios across Asia Pacific, including in the sustainable finance space with Moody’s Corporation, in sustainability data, disclosure and ratings with CDP, in corporate sustainability reporting with City Developments Limited (CDL), as a technical consultant with CH2M, in social impact as a Charity Chief with MILK Fund, and as a climate change policymaker and masterplanner overseeing renewable energy deployments, flood risks and GHG accounting with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and PUB.
Matthias also sits on NUS’ (National University of Singapore) Civil and Environmental Engineering Industry Advisory Board, serves as a Board Member at the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA), and lectures in NUS at a postgraduate level on Sustainability in Practice.
I am Megan, an educator with a passion for inclusion and social justice. As an educator and consultant my passion is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves despite barriers they may face, this includes supporting other educators and young people.
I have been a long standing supporter of Future Foundations working on programmes from NCS to Maths Camps. Currently, I support SVITLO education as a teacher and also volunteer for People for People, a charity that works with refugees and other displaced people.
As a certified Therapist, Counseling Psychologist, and life coach with 25 years of experience, I am passionate about empowering individuals through self-care, values, life skills, and well-being practices. My vision is to help children and adults build emotional resilience, mental strength, and a strong social identity, enabling them to create happier, more inclusive communities.
I serve as the Country Ambassador for India for World Values Day (WVD), leading initiatives that promote values-driven leadership, meaningful social impact initiatives and purposeful action across communities. Additionally, I collaborate with global organizations such as Global Social Leaders, NIIT Foundation and other organizations, to advance wellbeing-focused programs and support community development efforts in education, values-based living and social impact.
My writing includes contributions as a Lead Author to the Values20 (V20) communique for the G20 Summit in 2024 and 2025, along with other digital platforms advocating well-being and values-based education. My book, called “Being” – a collection of poems and haikus around love, hope, and balance, was published in April 2025.
Mohamed Helmy is a global educator and Youth Empowerment Director at the International School of Elite Education in Cairo. He is a Global Schools Advocate, Senior Mentor for the Global Schools Program in the MENA region, and currently serves as Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Coordinator and Award Leader.
His work focuses on youth empowerment, sustainable development, global citizenship, strategic partnerships, international exposure, growth, and communications. Mohamed has led impactful student initiatives addressing poverty, refugee education, environmental sustainability like planting 1000 trees, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
His students were recognized as semi-finalists in the Collaboration Award category of the GSL Global Goals Competition.
Dedicated to driving impactful change through innovation and collaboration, I have a strong history of developing innovative solutions from the ground up across diverse sectors.
My experience includes innovation for large organisations, small to medium enterprises, and non-profit, combining a focus on human-centered solutions with a practical, evidence-based approach to achieving meaningful outcomes.
I’m Victoria, a sustainability professional who has a passion for improving the planet. I currently work in the retail sector, helping to make sustainability commonplace whilst empowering and educating consumers.
Being part of a social enterprise programme for 3 years whilst at university let me create some life changing impact, see the world from perspectives I could never have imagined, and develop skills like I couldn’t believe.
I truly believe in the power of social entrepreneurship in making the world a better place and believe everyone of all ages should have an opportunity to be part of the change.
Wendy is the Youth Engagement Manager at the British Red Cross where she has also been a volunteer for over 50 years.
Wendy is an experienced youth manager who is passionate in supporting young people to gain skills that support passions for personal growth, and helps them develop youth led community projects. She brings experience from previous roles at British Red Cross, and as Chair of Trustees at Compass Collective, and as a trustee for the Bumba Foundation.
Wendy has a robust skill set that includes Charities, Volunteer Management, NGOs, Fundraising, Capacity Building and more.
Dr. Oh Zi Jian is a dedicated educator with ten years of experience teaching Business Management and serves as Lead Trainer for the Vocational College Business Management Program under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education.
He is a national and international speaker, notably on “Didik TV Ministry of Education,” and is actively involved in research, publishing 21 studies and serving as a jury member for 29 innovation competitions. Dr. Oh’s commitment to innovation is reflected in his impressive achievements, including 8 Gold, 7 Silver, and 3 Bronze awards, alongside special accolades from Macedonia, Canada, and international bodies. A certified AI for Good Instructor and holder of an Advanced Certificate in Applied ESG Practices, he promotes digital skills and SDGs through collaborations with state agencies, industry, and local communities.
As Vice President for Community at JCI Bayan, Dr. Oh has received awards such as the APCEIU Honor Award and the Giving Economy Award 2024, marking him as a changemaker in education and beyond.
I bring ideas to fruition through digital transformation for organisations, which unlocks new possibilities. As a Procurement Innovation Manager, I develop opportunities and leverage technology to transform businesses, by leading changes on behalf of business departments. With a foundation of a Masters in Sustainable Energy and experience in Technology, Energy and Telecommunications industries; business digital transformation and sustainability have been core career themes. A passion for sustainable entrepreneurship launched at university through volunteering leadership roles with Enactus, and there is a continuing commitment through mentoring, committees, and charity trustee positions.
Dr. Oh Zi Jian is a dedicated educator with nine years of experience teaching Business Management and serves as Lead Trainer for the Vocational College Business Management Program under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education. He is a national and international speaker, notably on “Didik TV Ministry of Education,” and is actively involved in research, publishing 21 studies and serving as a jury member for 29 innovation competitions. Dr. Oh’s commitment to innovation is reflected in his impressive achievements, including 8 Gold, 7 Silver, and 3 Bronze awards, alongside special accolades from Macedonia, Canada, and international bodies.
A certified AI for Good Instructor and holder of an Advanced Certificate in Applied ESG Practices, he promotes digital skills and SDGs through collaborations with state agencies, industry, and local communities. As Vice President for Community at JCI Bayan, Dr. Oh has received awards such as the APCEIU Honor Award and the Giving Economy Award 2024, marking him as a changemaker in education and beyond.