New generations are inheriting the current trade system, its supply chains as well as the associated challenges. Despite being directly affected by the long-term outcomes of current decisions, they are often underrepresented in the design, governance, and policymaking processes of these systems, and, in addition, may lack the required capacity to take part in major trade decisions.
The interactive discussion will feature young and experienced professionals working at different levels of international supply chains, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Through the exchange of experiences and perspectives, speakers will examine concrete actions required to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of supply chains, identify the knowledge and opportunities the youth need to participate more effectively in decision-making and discuss policy measures that can expand their participation and representation at the international level.
The panellists will also discuss the role that innovation plays in achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive supply chains, with a focus on practical solutions.
Ramatu Abdulkadir (PhD) is a Senior Program Manager at LEARN Logistics by the Kühne Foundation (Germany), where she leads international programs that strengthen youth development and build future supply chain talent across Africa and beyond.
With a PhD in Transport Logistics from Liverpool John Moores University (UK), she brings extensive expertise in logistics education, capacity building, and talent ecosystem development.
Dr. Abdulkadir is committed to expanding access to high-quality supply chain learning opportunities and developing the next generation of supply chain professionals to drive sustainable growth.
Marylyn Gathiru leads evidence generation, monitoring and evaluation, and policy documentation for AgriKonnekt at Kilimora, a Kenyan social enterprise building digital infrastructure for smallholder agriculture across Africa. She supports the development of systems that combine agricultural, environmental, and market data to strengthen supply chains, measure impact, and improve access to agricultural and climate finance. An analytical chemist and postgraduate researcher at Kenyatta University, Marylyn has a background in nanotechnology, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and environmental research in Africa.
The expertise of Marylyn includes research methodology, soil health analysis, farmer outcome tracking, and monitoring, evaluation and learning. She translates research findings into evidence reports and policy briefs to support institutional adoption. She is a 2026 WILD Network Leadership for Social Impact Forum Fellow and is affiliated with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Her work brings together scientific research, evidence-based decision-making, and inclusive development to advance sustainable solutions for communities.
