Country Conversations

Under WRI’s five-year strategy, programmatic work, resources, and fundraising are all designed to strengthen capacity in WRI’s focus countries and regions. This is because progress towards our global goals is built upon country action.

Brazil

Cristiane (Krika) Fontes 
Executive Director, WRI Brasil

What inspires you about WRI’s five-year strategy?

With its systems change approach, a focus on just, country-led transitions, and the human element of equity at its core, this strategy resonates deeply with me. In particular, its recognition of the moral imperative to center the most vulnerable and local communities in climate action.

The strategy also highlights the crucial link between environmental health and human well-being. This holistic vision for a sustainable future, grounded in justice, resilience, and collective responsibility, is both an inspiration and a guiding light for our work towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

What opportunity does WRI have to deliver a major impact in Brazil?

All eyes are on Brazil at the moment, due to it serving as the current president of the G20 and host of COP30 next year. This represents a once in a lifetime opportunity, and requires Brazil to lead by example.

Brazil has already taken significant steps in the right direction. The climate solutions agenda is now mainstreamed across Brazil’s federal government, local governments are more inclined to respond to the climate crisis, and globally acclaimed climate champions, including Marina Silva, are in key positions.

Through our research and convening on the New Economy for the Brazilian Amazon, WRI Brasil is well positioned to contribute to this historic moment. By partnering with local stakeholders, advocating for evidence-based decision making, and supporting the implementation of smart policies, we are ready to seize the momentum running up to COP30, and beyond.

You joined WRI in 2023. What has surprised you most about WRI?

The people! The diversity of expertise and professional backgrounds, as well as their commitment and passion.

India

Madhav Pai
CEO, WRI India

What inspires you about WRI’s five-year strategy?

WRI’s focus on solutions that are good not just for climate, but for people and nature too, is the right thing do. It is critical for countries in the Global South to center equity across all work.

I am also very inspired by the strategy’s adoption of the systems change approach to drive solutions. This pushes us to think bigger. It’s not just about what we as WRI do, but what we can enable the ecosystem to achieve, in order to reach our ambitious global goals.

What opportunity does WRI have to deliver major impact in India?

India is the fastest growing economy in the world. It aspires to achieve energy independence and become a developed country. That is why the government of India is investing close to $1 trillion in energy, transportation, and urban infrastructure in the coming decade.

The opportunity in India lies in ensuring all these investments align with India’s goals of reaching net zero by 2070 and becoming nature positive, whilst ensuring no one is left behind. Hence, India is a big impact opportunity for WRI’s strategic plan.

You joined WRI more than fifteen years ago. What is the biggest shift you have seen during your tenure?

When I joined WRI, there were about 125 staff and I was one of a few people working outside the US. Today, we have more than 400 staff in India alone! We are a diverse, global organization, and better for it. I have also seen WRI transition from an organization just beginning to think about measuring its impact, to one that has committed itself to measure its impact across its work. It’s a joy to be part of this journey.

Mexico

José Luis Samaniego
Executive Director, WRI México and WRI Colombia  

What inspires you about WRI’s five-year strategy?

WRI’s strategy does a great job of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals with the realities faced by WRI’s focus countries, including Mexico. Linking Mexico’s country transition with progress on global goals demands the upmost rigor of our work. I find that inspiring and deeply motivating. 
It’s clear to me that the strategy will foster more and better synergies between WRI’s country office teams and global programs. This offers the potential for far deeper integration, including shared lessons. I’m very committed to and excited about building that integration! 

What opportunity does WRI have for greater impact in Mexico?

WRI México is very well recognized at the national level. We are known for our great advocacy and long-standing relationships with different areas of government. Thanks to our 20-year track record, the government is beginning to take a more integrated approach to development.  
WRI México has a great opportunity to strengthen and influence the agenda around cities, mobility, and energy. Now is the time to scale our efforts. Quality, electrified mobility is a top priority, as is a socially just approach to delivering renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.

You joined WRI in 2023. What has surprised you most about WRI?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how passionate the team is about achieving local impact. I’ve also been very pleased by the excellent quality of WRI’s global services and platforms. WRI’s wealth of knowledge, experience, relationships, and projects are a powerful mix, and well worth getting to know it in depth. I look forward to delving into the WRI’s publications dating back to our inception.