Helena Gualinga

Helena Gualinga

Voice of the Living Forest & Global Indigenous Climate Advocate

Core Intelligence Domain: Sustainability & Environmental Rights
Location: Ecuador & Finland | Languages: English, Spanish, Kichwa, Swedish
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Helena Gualinga stands at the critical intersection of Indigenous wisdom, global climate policy, and environmental justice. Hailing from the Kichwa Sarayaku community in the Ecuadorian Amazon, she has emerged as one of the world’s most formidable advocates for nature conservation, fiercely opposing fossil fuel extraction on ancestral lands. Her strategic foresight bridges the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern corporate sustainability, offering organisations profound insights into systemic resilience, planetary boundaries, and ethical governance. As an internationally recognised climate leader, she actively shapes the discourse around ecological preservation at the highest echelons of global diplomacy.

Proprietary Frameworks & Strategic Foresight

Helena’s advocacy is deeply rooted in the Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest) philosophy—a worldview and strategic framework that recognises nature as a living, conscious entity with fundamental rights. By bringing this paradigm to international platforms, she challenges conventional economic models that view natural resources merely as capital to be extracted. Instead, she provides a regenerative blueprint for governments and C-Suite leaders, advocating for holistic ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies that respect Indigenous territorial sovereignty and prioritise long-term biodiversity over short-term commercial gain.

Global Leadership & Key Achievements

From the heart of the Amazon to global policy summits, Helena’s influence has catalysed significant shifts in international environmental awareness:

• Co-Founder of Polluters Out: Instrumental in launching a global youth-led coalition demanding the removal of fossil fuel industry influence from UN climate negotiations.
• High-Level Diplomatic Engagement: A prominent and influential voice at major international summits, including the World Economic Forum (Davos), the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP25, COP26, COP27, COP28), and New York Climate Week.
• Documentary & Cultural Impact: Featured in the acclaimed documentary Helena Sarayaku Manta, which debuted at the Environmental Film Festival, highlighting her community’s triumphant legal battle against global oil conglomerates.
• Mainstream Advocacy: Featured in prestigious global publications such as Vogue and Time, successfully merging cultural visibility with hard-hitting climate advocacy, and collaborating with global brands to shift consumer consciousness toward sustainability.
• Human Rights Defence: Works closely with international organisations like Amnesty International to protect the lives and rights of frontline environmental defenders who are often under threat.

Speaking Topics & Executive Briefings

Helena delivers compelling, actionable keynotes tailored for policy-makers, international NGOs, and forward-thinking corporations seeking to align their operations with global climate imperatives:

• The Kawsak Sacha Paradigm: Integrating the ‘Living Forest’ philosophy into modern corporate sustainability and environmental policy.
• Indigenous Rights as Climate Action: Understanding why protecting Indigenous land sovereignty is the most effective strategy for global biodiversity conservation.
• Corporate Accountability & Divestment: Navigating the energy transition by addressing the historical impact of the fossil fuel industry and committing to ethical supply chains.
• Youth Leadership in the Climate Crisis: Harnessing the power, vision, and strategic mobilisation of the next generation to drive structural policy shifts.
• Frontline Environmental Justice: The realities of defending the Amazon and the crucial need for international frameworks that protect climate defenders.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience Through Heritage: Incorporating ancient ecological stewardship into contemporary business and environmental strategies builds unmatched systemic resilience.
• Authentic ESG Integration: True sustainability requires moving beyond performative metrics to ensure genuine respect for human rights and frontline communities.
• The Power of Global Solidarity: Uniting grassroots indigenous movements with international institutional influence is essential for achieving binding, impactful climate agreements.