Simon Odawa, from Kenya, will pursue an MPhil in Conservation Leadership. His research interests include biodiversity conservation, climate change, environmental policy, nature-based solutions, and resource use planning. He has participated in numerous conservation projects bringing together the government, private sector and local communities. He is committed to supporting government policies on climate change to ensure Kenya is not caught off guard by worsening climate change impacts. He intends to use the acquired knowledge to support marginalized communities, where climate change impacts have aggravated inequalities, by pushing for locally led climate actions and encouraging inclusive governance through greater public participation.