Since graduating with First Class Honours in French and Economics from Otago, Amanda Ellis has travelled the world in high flying roles in government, industry and education. She describes herself as a passionate proponent of climate action, sustainable development, women's economic empowerment and leadership, and radical collaboration.

Earlier in her career, Amanda’s roles included New Zealand UN Ambassador to Geneva, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary, and she was the first woman to lead the New Zealand Aid Programme and New Zealand’s inaugural Ambassador for Women and Girls.

She served as Lead Specialist Poverty Reduction and Economic Management for the World Bank Group and founded the global gender programme at the international finance corporation.

Today, Amanda is based in Hawaii, and is a globally-recognized leader in sustainable development and international relations, serving on a number of boards and holds dual roles at Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation.

We caught up with Amanda while she was on a trip back to Aotearoa in October to take part in the Adaptation Futures Conference.