Liesel Van Ast is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in sustainable finance and environmental management. Currently serving as Deputy Head and Membership and Regional Co-ordination Manager at the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative since 2016, Liesel oversees relationships with members and coordinates capacity-building efforts globally. Prior roles include Programme Manager for the Natural Capital Declaration at the Global Canopy Programme and Senior Analyst/Research Editor at Trucost, specializing in environmental research for investors. Liesel has also contributed as a writer/editor for various publications and holds multiple degrees, including an MSc in Business Strategy, Politics and the Environment from Birkbeck, University of London, and a recent certificate in Driving Organizational Agility from Harvard Business School.