Principal Strategist

Background

My passion lies in empowering communities and driving transformative change. My role at Forum – which is to guide 5 major palm oil companies through a pre-competitive collaboration to address systemic labour rights challenges – is a unique and exciting opportunity to do just that! My additional role in helping develop Forum’s Protein Challenge in the Asia Pacific region is a further opportunity to break new ground. This pivot to sustainability follows my prior incarnation as a human rights lawyer, where I spearheaded a landmark case on indigenous land rights before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, successfully challenged discriminatory provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement before the European Court of Human Rights (Grand Chamber), and defended stateless communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue engaging on meaningful and impactful work through Forum!                                                                                    

My dream project? 

Anything related to food security, particularly where partnerships and innovation would help safeguard or enhance the resilience of traditional livelihoods. It would also be fascinating to engage in efforts to build resilient food systems for the region’s megacities through urban and peri-urban farming. 

What floats my boat outside of work? 

British humour (even at work); learning languages; fine wine; hearty meals; sport (fortunately, in equal proportion to my appetite); canoe camping; and connecting with people – whether an old friend or a perfect stranger who might surprise me!

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Contact Cynthia