Dr. Hlamalani (Hlami) Ngwenya, a South African-born global citizen, is a recipient of the South African Presidential Award Order of the Baobab in Bronze, 2021 for her contributions to sustainable agriculture, education, and community empowerment. She was recently appointed as the Research Chair: Communication for Innovation, University of Free State in South Africa. With a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture, Dr Ngwenya has over 33 years of experience and well known for driving systemic change in the broader agri-food systems through innovative Communication. She is recognised for her exceptional skills in moderating high-level panels, policy dialogues, and UN multistakeholder engagements and facilitation of multistakeholder engagements at all levels. A former Senior Manager in government, university lecturer, and international consultant, she has done assignments worked in over 55 countries, engaging diverse stakeholders and navigating the complexities of the global food system. Dr Ngwenya is a proud mother of three, a poet and author.