Akash Nundlal Appama

Akash Nundlal Appama, 28, is shaping South Africa’s just energy transition with purpose and innovation. As a sustainable development and grants officer at Seriti Institute, he leads climate and development programmes that empower residents while advancing national policy goals. His projects have ranged from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to green skills training for young people through the GreenWorks programme. Akash’s ability to translate complex environmental policy into community-based solutions has earned support from global funders such as Citibank, the International Labour Organisation and Sustainable Seas Trust. He is completing an MSc in sustainable energy at the University of South Africa, where his research explores converting industrial waste heat into clean energy using thermoelectric materials and CO2-capturing frameworks. As a certified GHG accountant and ESG consultant, Akash has helped clients reduce emissions, secure grants and align with global standards. Serving on the G20 Youth Agenda (Y20), Akash also mentors youth on climate advocacy and grant writing. His outreach includes temple-based environmental workshops and agroecology in rural Limpopo.

• Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sustainable Energy, University of South Africa (*in-progress)  – with a research focus on a Temperature-Driven Carbon Capture and Energy Generation (TCCEG) system
• Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Life Sciences, University of South Africa
• Bachelor of Science in Life and Environmental Science – Zoology & Human Physiology, University of Johannesburg 
• Completed Certifications & Courses: Tropical parasitology, epidemiology and environmental stress, Coursera (Duke University) – GHG accounting – ESG (9-week course) – Carbon tax, Policy development and implementation – Certified energy analyst and researcher, BRICS Energy – Certified energy and environment implementer – Oxford Climate Society course (March 2024) – Sustainable finance and climate change,  P.A.G.E. – Pan American Climate Resilient Health Systems –  PMER quarterly induction & Project Centre quarterly induction

• Designed a Temperature-Driven Carbon Capture & Energy Generation (TCCEG) System
• Securing high-value grants for the Seriti Institute for institutions like Citibank, ILO, Morgan Stanley and Sustainable Seas Trust
• Leading the Giyani Water Project (Water Research Commission) – implemented sustainable water supply systems in seven villages
• Represented the Seriti Institute at the BRICS Agriculture & Trade Investment Summit 2025 in Durban
• ESG & GHG Consulting- developed carbon-offset strategies in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
•  Appointed to the official G20 | Y20 Working Group Member for the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

One of the individuals I admire most is my beloved partner, Bellinka Maharaj. Her presence in my life has been profoundly transformative. She taught me that true strength comes from within and reminded me that my power lies in who I am — even during times when I struggled to believe in myself. Her unwavering belief in me, especially during the most challenging moments of my personal and professional journey, has had a lasting impact on the way I see myself and the world around me. Bellinka is one of the strongest women I know. She leads with compassion, resilience and quiet determination — qualities that have deeply influenced my own values and leadership style. Through her support, I have learned to navigate adversity with grace and to rise with purpose. This award, or any recognition I receive, is a reflection not only of my efforts but also of the encouragement and strength she has given me. I dedicate it to her, and to all the women — past, present and future — who inspire, nurture and lead in ways that make the world a better, more humane place.