Our Team

Diwigdi Valiente

Diwigdi Valiente boasts a decade-long tenure as a project and program manager across various public institutions in Panama. His academic journey is marked diverse and focused on the intersections between the private and public sector and community development in the face of climate change. He holds a Bachelor of International Business and Tourism Management from Cesar Ritz Colleges in Switzerland, a Master's in Economics and Finance from INCAE in Costa Rica, and a specialization in International Trade and Tax Law from Leiden University in the Netherlands.

What truly distinguishes Diwigdi is their profound connection to their indigenous roots as a member of the Guna indigenous peoples from Panama's Caribbean coast. This blend of international academic prowess and indigenous wisdom uniquely equips him to tackle complex challenges at the nexus of sustainability and tourism management.

Throughout their career, Diwigdi has been dedicated to researching and addressing critical issues such as climate change, conservation, and tourism. Their contributions extend beyond research, as he has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and laws for environmental protection in Panama. Moreover, his influence extends globally as an Innovation and Indigenous Wisdom Facilitator, delivering impactful speeches at prestigious events like COP2021, Te Aratini Festival, One Young World, and The Hay Festival. Diwigdi's academic excellence, combined with his deep-rooted indigenous knowledge, positions him as a respected international speaker and advocate for sustainable development.