Feb 19, 2024

UNPO welcomes Dr. Liam Saddington and Alexandra Gavilano to its Sustainable Empowerment Campaign Advisory Board


The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is thrilled to announce the addition of two members to its Campaigns Advisory Board, Dr. Liam Saddington and Alexandra Gavilano. 

With their diverse expertise and dedication to social and environmental justice, Dr. Saddington and Gavilano bring invaluable perspectives to UNPO's mission of advocating for the rights of marginalized and unrepresented peoples worldwide.

  • Dr. Liam Saddington

Dr. Liam Saddington is a political and environmental geographer whose research focuses on the geopolitical implications of climate change, particularly concerning small island states and rising sea levels. His research on the changing role of the UK in the South Pacific sheds light on historical narratives of environmental degradation and population displacement, crucial for informing contemporary climate discourse.

Dr. Saddington's involvement in the development of the Model UNPO together with Professor Fiona McConnell, brings a role-playing debating exercise on human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental justice, inside primary and secondary schools in the UK . He is also the academic advisor for the UNPO Youth Network and part of the preparatory team for the study sessions organized in collaboration with the Council of Europe. His expertise in the intersections of geopolitics and environmental justice brings a unique perspective to UNPO's advocacy efforts.

  • Alexandra Gavilano

Alexandra Gavilano is an environmental scientist and climate justice decolonisation and democracy activist. With a focus on environmental protection, democratic decision-making, and personal and collective adaptation, Gavilano brings a wealth of experience in grassroots activism and advocacy to UNPO.

As a climate and food justice activist, Gavilano has co-launched initiatives and associations that address social and ecological challenges. Her focus lies on system change for environmental protection, strengthening of democratic decision-making, and personal and collective deep adaptation.

The appointment of Dr. Liam Saddington and Alexandra Gavilano to UNPO's Sustainable Empowerment Campaign Advisory Board marks a significant step forward in strengthening the organization's capacity to address the needs and concerns of marginalized and unrepresented communities worldwide. Their expertise, activism, and commitment to social and environmental justice will undoubtedly propel UNPO's advocacy efforts to new heights, fostering positive change for all.