Niina Johanna Kylliäinen

Niina Kylliäinen is an experienced sustainability and climate change professional with over a decade of expertise in environmental policy, climate adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Currently serving as the Regional Climate Change Advisor at UNICEF MENA, Niina provides strategic guidance on climate-resilient child services (including schools and health care facilities), sustainable energy, and environmental degradation to regional management teams, country offices, and government partners.

Her career spans leadership roles at UNDP, the Red Cross, and various environmental agencies, where she has driven initiatives such as national climate strategies, policies (NDCs, NAPs, LT-LEDS), and community-based disaster preparedness programs. Niina has successfully coordinated multi-country projects, developed long-term carbon neutrality strategies, and fostered research partnerships to advance climate knowledge and solutions.

Holding an MSc in Social Sciences (Environmental Policy) from the University of Tampere, Finland, Niina combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to building climate-resilient communities.