Riccardo Magini

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself:

Since I was a child, I’ve lived in various African countries and later on spent most of my professional life across Latin America and Africa. My passion for environmental work was ignited by witnessing the diverse impacts of climate change across regions, fuelling my dedication to crafting solutions for vulnerable communities. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bridge the divide between high-level climate policy and grassroots implementation, collaborating across continents to design transformative projects and secure funding. I find the greatest fulfilment in enabling countries to access climate finance and develop locally tailored adaptation strategies. Beyond work, I recharge by exploring nature with my family including my two dogs and immersing myself in different cultures through food, music, and language. As a musician, I love channelling my artistic vocation through music, especially percussions. This creative outlet not only balances my technical focus but also deepen my connection to diverse communities and people in a unique and meaningful way.

What are your loves?

Friends gatherings, playing music, exploring mountains and coastlines, cultural diversity, good books, cooking traditional dishes from around the world, learning new languages, and witnessing the moment when a community takes ownership of a climate resilience project!

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who embodied integrity in every aspect of his life, who approached challenges with both technical expertise and genuine empathy, and who always remained committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable have a voice in shaping climate solutions.

When are you happiest?

I’m happiest when I see concrete results from projects I’ve helped develop – whether that’s a coastal community implementing new adaptation measures or a country successfully accessing international climate funds that will transform lives.

What drives you to do this kind of work?

The opportunity to create meaningful change at multiple levels – from helping shape national climate policy to seeing tangible improvements in community resilience. I believe climate action must be both ambitious and equitable, and I’m driven by the chance to help ensure that resources reach those who need them most.