Transformative Learning to Maximize Climate Action

Mike is a Senior Sustainability Specialist with the CIF Evaluation and Learning (E&L) Initiative. He has worked at the intersection of sustainable development, learning and change for over 25 years. Mike is currently leading the CIF’s work on the Transformational Change Learning Partnership (TCLP) and contributes to work on just transitions and strategic program evaluations.  In his previous roles in national environmental NGOs, co-lead of regional programs, and international consultancies, Mike has developed, conducted, and evaluated global and local programs on sustainable development. He holds a Masters in International Environmental Science from Lund University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Henley Business School.

Heila Lotz-Sisitka is a Distinguished Professor at Rhodes University, and a Tier 1 Department of Science and Innovation South African Research Chair focusing on Global Change and Social Learning Systems. With over 30 years’ experience working within the learning sciences at the interface of the environmental and social sciences, she has worked with civil society, public and private sector stakeholders and local, national and international government partners to advance transformative learning and skills development for just transitions nationally and internationally. Trained as an educator, her work crosses social and natural science boundaries, and pioneers new approaches to Transformative Learning and Sustainability in multi-actor groups. Notable programmes worked on include the International Science Council’s Transformations to Sustainability Programme, UNEP’s Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African Universities, UNESCO’s Decade on Education for Sustainable Development and most recently UNICEF’s Green Learn to Earn pathways programme for youth.  She has authored over 250 publications, led and delivered professional development training world-wide, and has offered over 110 keynotes in 35 countries around the world. She actively contributes to numerous policy and practice processes focusing on learning and sustainability internationally and nationally. She is a Member of the Academy of Science South Africa and serves on a number of international and national policy forums and boards.