Introducing the 2025 DGM Global Fellows

Building Inclusive Climate Solutions Through Gender Equity and Indigenous Leadership

We are proud to welcome the new cohort of DGM Global Fellows—a group of emerging leaders from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) who are each driving change within their territories and across the globe. Representing diverse geographies, cultures, and lived experiences, these Fellows are united by a shared vision: climate action that is just, inclusive, and rooted in Indigenous knowledge.

The DGM Global Learning Fellowship is a leadership and capacity-building program that supports IPLC representatives in strengthening their skills, expanding their networks, and deepening their impact. Over the course of four months, Fellows engage in interactive virtual learning, peer exchanges, and mentorship opportunities focused on key areas of climate leadership.

This Year’s Theme:

“Building Inclusive Climate Solutions: Centering Gender Equity and Indigenous Leadership in Adaptation and Mitigation Efforts”

The 2025 Fellowship cycle places gender equity and Indigenous leadership at the center of climate action. As frontline defenders of land, forests, and ecosystems, IPLCs—and especially Indigenous women—have long contributed to climate resilience, yet their voices are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces.

This year’s theme focuses on:

  • Embedding inclusive leadership and gender equity into IPLC governance structures

  • Ensuring climate adaptation and mitigation efforts reflect community realities and needs

  • Strengthening communication and advocacy to elevate Indigenous and gender-equitable narratives in global climate discourse

Through this lens, the Fellowship supports participants in building the knowledge and confidence to influence policies, lead projects, and represent their communities in climate forums—locally and globally.

Learning Focus Areas

Fellows will engage with three core themes during the Fellowship:

  • Inclusive Governance in Climate Action
    Understanding how to design and strengthen governance systems that uplift Indigenous leadership and create space for marginalized voices.

  • Gender-Responsive Climate Solutions
    Exploring tools and strategies to ensure climate interventions are equitable and address the differentiated needs of women, men, and gender-diverse people.

  • Effective Communication and Storytelling
    Developing compelling narratives that highlight IPLC perspectives and elevate underrepresented voices through advocacy and media.

As they progress through the program, Fellows will reflect on their own experiences, learn from one another, and contribute to a growing global network committed to climate justice and Indigenous-led solutions.

Stay tuned to meet the 2025 Fellows and follow their journey as they shape a future where inclusion leads to action—and where Indigenous leadership lights the path forward.

Meet the 2025 DGM Global Fellows

From the Cerrado to the Congo Basin, from the Himalayas to the highlands of Guatemala—each of our Fellows brings a unique voice and vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Brazil

Emília Pewa’u Top’Tiro – A Xavante filmmaker using audiovisual tools to amplify Indigenous storytelling.
Fabrícia Santarém – A rural leader restoring native ecosystems and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Nepal

Parbata Gautam – Gender equity advocate and forest governance leader.
Amrit Bahadur Sunuwar – Indigenous filmmaker documenting cultural heritage and inclusion.

Guatemala

Herlinda Matías – Technician supporting women-led, climate-smart farming systems.

Republic of Congo

Erlich Ngali Fanny Fatima – Environmental safeguards volunteer and gender justice advocate.
Stevie Akouala – Interpreter and youth leader bridging language and participation.