Edurne's Journey
20 years of experience
Back to the beginning...
As a biochemical engineer, I applied innovative nature-based solutions for the remediation of wastewater and metal contaminated soils using fungal biomass and mycorrhizae. The goal: resource revalorization and ecosystems restoration. Nature is our greatest asset.
Pivoting focus
Early in my career, I shifted from reactive solutions to proactive change. Through civil society organizations, I championed sustainable practices and policies across Europe and the UAE. The goal: influence systemic change through advocacy. In Ireland, I represented the Irish Environmental Network in the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling, and brought joint policy positions to Irish MEPs and the European Parliament in collaboration with Seas at Risk and the European Environmental Bureau. I also contributed to grassroots campaigns on food waste prevention and the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition. In Belgium, I engaged with local authorities and the Federal Public Health Executive to advance environmental priorities. In the UAE, I contributed to the consultation process for the National Adaptation Plan, designed sustainability programs for public entities, and partnered with corporates to drive behavioral change and business transformation. Throughout the years my commitment to cross-sector impact runs deep, engaging all sectors of society through program design, awareness-raising initiatives, and strategic knowledge sharing. My expertise spans the green built environment, sustainable consumption and production, the systemic water–food–energy nexus, high- & low-tech innovation, and environmental public health.
Co-creating for impact
I specialized in designing cross-sectoral collaborations that unite academia, public, private, and nonprofit actors to amplify impact. By embedding shared-value creation into strategy and elevating grassroots voices, I bridge institutional priorities with community needs. The goal: to unlock inclusive, regenerative solutions that scale. From empowering youth to launching AI‑driven health literacy pilots in Africa and building climate‑resilient food systems for women farmers in East Africa, these initiatives have gained recognition including award wins for their measurable, inclusive impact.
Explore egsv Public Speaking
#VoicingSustainability
2025 Global Transformation in the Age of AI by Sazience and NYU Stern Abu Dhabi - Panelist: Government Integration and Collaboration for AI: Catalyzing Economic Development and Sustainable Outcomes 2025 RiseUp Global Dialogue Youth Forum in Dubai - Workshop co-lead: Embedding SDGs into the DNA of Academia and Youth Leadership 2025 SHAKTI-WomenXClimate ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter - Speaker: Climate Action Led By Women For Women 2025 World Future Energy Summit Abu Dhabi - Panel Moderator: Resilient Approaches to Food Security and Climate Adaptation 2024 PropteX Acceleration Program Egypt for start-ups - Workshop: Value Creation and Sustainability in the Real Estate Tech Industry 2024 Strategic Foresight and Innovation Program - Working group member at Dubai Future Forum’s Learnings Day with OCAD University 2024 World Future Energy Summit Abu Dhabi - Panelist: Smart Water Perspectives for Livable Cities 2022 G-STIC Conference - Keynote Speaker: Leveraging local partnerships in the United Arab Emirates for water stewardship 2022 The Work Crowd - Panelist: Sustainability Made International: How Brands Can Drive Global Impact 2022 Re:Think Podcast ep.7 by The Private Investment Group - Water is the new gold: How Businesses and Society Can Address The Water Scarcity Crisis 2021 Praxis of Change by Firetti Contemporary - Panelist: Intersection of art, the environment, and climate change 2019 DEWA Green Week - Keynote Speaker: Rethink, replenish (global & local water challenges) 2017 Women Economic Forum - Session lead: Seven billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care 2016 Kuwait CSR Summit - Guest Speaker: CSR from the perspective of the retail industry 2015 Future Interiors Qatar - Guest Speaker: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies & Closing Forum Remarks
Edurne Gil de San Vicente
Sustainability & Impact Strategist
Holds a Bio-Chemical Engineering degree and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Earned an MBA in Women's Leadership by Synergy University Dubai Campus. Certified Advanced CSO (Corporate Sustainability Officer) Professional by ILM.