Louise Baker
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) | Managing Director of the Global MechanismAbout Speaker
Louise Baker is the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). With a career spanning over two decades in various roles within the United Nations and European Union, Louise has been instrumental in global efforts aimed at combatting land degradation, promoting sustainable land management and delivering on public health goals.
Originally from a rural farming community in the UK. Louise is at the forefront of innovative financing and resource mobilization efforts for land degradation neutrality contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land. Her team are developing a pipeline of investable projects and programmes worldwide. She manages the Accelerator programme for the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative, which involves the mobilization of up to USD 19 billion pledged during the One Planet Summit. She first joined the UNCCD as Coordinator of External Relations and Policy where she spearheaded efforts in policy development – (private sector/gender/drought/migration), advocacy and partnership development.
Prior to this role, she has been involved in high-profile public health campaigns on polio eradication and immunization, HIV/tuberculosis and tobacco control for the World Health Organization.