Impact Makers: Fiona Pelham

NAME

Fiona Pelham

TITLE

CEO, Positive Impact

LOCATION

Copenhagen, Denmark

ABOUT

For the past three years, the non profit Positive Impact, which is led by Fiona, has championed the vision that all voices can and should be heard in events like COP through the initiative The Pavilion for People. Fiona believes that when people feel connected to those experiencing climate impacts, they are more likely to take action.

The Pavillion for People is a virtual environment accessible to everyone, where communities share their stories and make connections and, for example, demonstrate how investments in technology can deliver benefits beyond emissions reductions, such as better health and reduced inequality.

One example comes from the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where traditional reliance on firewood or charcoal exposes women and children to risks when collecting fuel, and to respiratory problems from smoke inside their homes. Through the Pavilion, this community has been able to speak directly with policymakers, investors and influencers to champion solar-powered electric cooking. Another example comes from groups of artists and faith communities who use the platform to gather global communities to meditate for the planet or participate in drawing classes.

In addition to co-creating engagement opportunities with refugee communities, the Pavilion connects those physically present at COP with global communities who cannot travel. For example, New Women Connectors, an organization led by migrant and refugee women to promote their involvement and engagement in policy making processes and the Youth Negotiator Community, an organization that empowers the next generation of environmental negotiators with the skills, knowledge, community and networks, use the Pavilion to gather input from their international network of women.

MOTIVATION

“Our ability to connect human to human is our superpower. Events bring people together to share stories, connect and collaborate for a shared future, and technology is giving us the chance to overcome language and travel barriers so everyone can be included and participate. Everyone’s voice being heard, especially women, drives my passion for the work I do.”

IMPACT

• In 2023, 2,000 people from over 40 countries participated in the Pavilion and 10% made a commitment for action.

• In 2024, activations with refugee communities in Uganda and Kenya raised the profile of solar powered electric cookers. 41 people from 11 countries, including potential investors and policy makers, joined the event. Over 12 refugees were trained to share their stories and this approach was repeated at COP29.

• At COP29, the Faith Pavilion, Race to Zero, New Women Connectors, British Standards and other engaged through the Pavilion, with training on resilience and the direct input of global communities reflected in on-site presentations.

• Refugee communities have become ‘hosts’ of conversations, training in technology use and passing skills on to others.

• Investors who engaged with the Pavilion reported being more likely to invest when they had met the “end user.”

• The Pavilion has inspired communities with physical space at COP to use the platform so voices unable to travel can still be heard.

ADVICE

“Use your imagination to bring your innovation to life. If you are delivering real impact, it will change systems and business models. It’s ok if people voice their disagreement (it’s a natural reaction to change). Use your imagination so you are always thinking of what could be possible and use your energy here. Those who initially disagree will gradually change their minds).”

CONTACT

LinkedIn