Dr Alix Willemez is an international speaker, environmental lawyer, and climate finance expert who speaks about resilience : in nature, in systems, and in people. With nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of environmental law, climate finance, and sustainable development, Alix helps leaders and organisations understand how to navigate uncertainty, build long-term value, and act with clarity in a changing world.
Her message is grounded in both expertise and lived experience. At 19, Alix survived a plane crash, an event that profoundly shaped her understanding of risk, resilience, and hope. Today, she connects that personal story with what ecosystems teach us: resilience is not about control, but about adaptation, cooperation, and courage. Alix has advised governments, international organisations, NGOs, and financial institutions, including the United Nations, WWF, the Global Environment Facility, and the African Development Bank Group, where she works on climate and environmental finance. She is a member of the World Commission on Environmental Law and an advisory board member of the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative.
She has taught sustainability, law, and management at universities in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, and holds a degree in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge. Alix is also a multi-published author, including five children’s books about the ocean, an accessible book on money, and an academic book on sustainability governance. Her work is driven by a single goal: to turn complexity into clarity, and knowledge into action.
In her talks, Alix brings together science, law, finance, and human stories to inspire optimism without denial, leadership without burnout, and action without fear. Her keynote speeches leave audiences feeling grounded, hopeful, and ready to act
Books
The Role of Law in Governing Sustainability
Dr Alix Willemez's official speaking topics are listed below:
Resilience & Personal Leadership
- How Personal Adversity Mirrors Planetary Risk and What Both Teach Us
- The Science of Adaptation: What Nature Shows Us About Bouncing Forward
- Practical Tools for Individuals, Teams, and Leaders Navigating Uncertainty
- Resilience in Action: How Individuals and Communities Thrive Amid Change
- Inspiring Teams to Act on Sustainability
Climate, Environment & the Ocean
- The Ocean Economy: Balancing Growth and Sustainability
- Resilience in the Face of Climate Change: Stories from the Frontlines
- From Crisis to Action: Turning Climate Anxiety into Positive Change
- Deep-Sea Resources: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges
- The Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Ocean Exploitation
- High Seas Governance: Why It Matters for Everyone
Energy & Innovation
- The Future of Energy: Blue, Green, and Circular Economies
- Energy Transition and Global Competitiveness
- How Finance Can Protect Nature: Green Bonds, Blue Economy, and Beyond
- Climate Finance in Practice: How Investments Can Save the Planet
Communication, Education & Storytelling
- Communicating Science and Policy to Inspire Change
- Storytelling as a Tool for Environmental Awareness
- Using Fiction and Facts to Mobilize Global Action
Leadership & Diversity
- Leading Through Complexity: Lessons from Science, Policy, and the Ocean
- Women, Finance, and Leadership: Breaking Stereotypes and Driving Impact
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Dr. Willemez delivered a high-quality training session on coastal erosion for senior civilian and military officials from ten different countries. She was instrumental in shaping the programme, created an engaging and rigorous learning environment, and guided participants to identify their strengths and challenges while developing an ambitious action plan. She was highly engaging and she blends expertise with deep humanity. Our audience left energised and hopeful. I highly recommend her as a speaker and workshop facilitator.” - Maylis, Senior French Navy Officer, Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI), Africa
“Dr. Willemez made highly valuable contributions as thematic expert on the UN Ocean Decade. Her expertise and passion for the subject were remarkable. I strongly recommend her for thought leadership assignments.” - Ekaterina, Senior Officer, UNESCO Evaluation Office
“Alix Willemez delivered outstanding, high-impact presentations for Crédit Agricole’s regional clients. She has a rare ability to take complex topics and turn them into clear, engaging, and highly accessible messages. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and stage presence made each session a real success. Alix combines technical depth with an exceptional ability to connect with audiences. I strongly recommend her as a speaker.” -Florence, Renewable Energy Expert, Crédit Agricole Banking Group
"Dr. Alix Willemez is an exceptional speaker who brings clarity, insight, and energy to every audience. I witnessed her ability to explain complex topics in engaging and accessible ways, connecting with diverse stakeholders and inspiring action. Alix’s professionalism, expertise, and passion make her a remarkable voice for conferences, panels, and events seeking thought leadership in sustainability and innovation" - Stefan, Director, Quadran Pacific Renewables
"I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Alix Willemez when she led the organization of a high-level conference in Brussels on the environmental impacts of defense activities. Alix demonstrated exceptional expertise, coordinating with international advisors from the EU, U.S., and Canada. Her deep knowledge of the scientific, legal, and military dimensions of the topic allowed her to convey complex issues clearly and engage diverse audiences effectively. Alix’s professionalism, insight, and ability to communicate make her an outstanding speaker, capable of inspiring, informing, and mobilizing audiences on critical global issues." - Brigitte, Director, 3B Conseils
- 2019 - Environmental and Climate Finance Specialist, African Development Bank Group, Global Environment Facility
- 2019 – Founder & CEO, Mamafrica
- 2019 - Member of the Advisory Board, Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative
- 2018 - Expert for the World Ocean Assessment II and III, United Nations
- 2017 - Member of the World Commission on Environmental Law, IUCN
- 2017 – Consultant on Sustainable Development, Ocean, and Energy
- 2016 – Renewable Energy Expert, Credit Agricole
- 2015 – Ocean, Energy, Climate Change Management Consultant and Professor, UNIDO
- 2014 – Renewable Energy Advisor, Synergie Nouvelle-Caledonie
- 2013 – Policy Advisor of the Consul General of New Zealand for the French Territories of the South Pacific, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- 2012 – Deputy Bureau Chief for State Action at Sea, New Caledonia Maritime Zone, Marine Nationale
- Marine Renewables Energies Market Analyst, Marine Renewable Energy Ltd
- 2007 – Chief of Project, Mer-Veille
- 2005 – Consultant, FAO
How to hire Dr Alix Willemez
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Dr Alix Willemez for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
