From Africa to the World: Leading WWF’s Global Conservation Mission | Daudi Sumba

How systemic transformation, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a nature-positive future are shaping WWF’s global conservation strategy, with our guest Daudi Sumba.

What does it take to lead one of the world’s most influential conservation organisations during a time of ecological crisis and transformation? And how do you align 100+ countries, thousands of staff, and a 64-year legacy behind a single, shared vision for 2030?

Today’s guest is Daudi Sumba, Chief Conservation Officer at WWF International. With over 30 years of experience across Africa’s conservation and development sectors—and senior roles at Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and the African Wildlife Foundation—Daudi is now helping steer the global strategy of WWF as it works to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

In this episode, we explore the ambitious WWF Roadmap to 2030—including six global goals focused on biodiversity, climate, food systems, finance, and locally-led conservation. We dive into the concept of systemic change, the shift to inclusive conservation, and the bold leadership required to drive outcomes at scale.

Daudi also shares his own career story—from his unexpected beginnings in economics to investing in lifelong learning to grow as a leader. He speaks passionately about the value of natural resources in Africa’s development, the role of hope in driving impact, and why there’s space in conservation for every kind of skill—even politics.

It’s a big-thinking, deeply inspiring, and leadership-packed conversation.

Enjoy!

🔗 Learn more: https://wwf.panda.org

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🧭 Hosted by Nick Askew | Conservation Careers

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