Aminda Leigh
Broadcast journalist, writer and event format designer, with a firm focus on sustainability. Based in Rome.
Aminda Leigh is known as a moderator with nerves of steel and an ability to manage the unexpected with professionalism, grace and poise. She started her career as a journalist on BBC radio and TV, working for the public broadcaster in the UK for more than a decade. Now she specialises in the sphere of the environment and, living in Rome, often serves as a bridge to Mediterranean cultures.
In her moderating, Aminda excels at building in audience interaction by developing polls, soliciting questions and encouraging dialogue. Building a good rapport with the speakers and audience is a key feature of her style, creating relaxed, inclusive spaces for open and constructive discussions.
She believes in careful preparation, following the maxim coined by US President Eisenhower, “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable”. That process includes developing a narrative thread for the proceedings and writing a script with moments for reflection, inspiration, exchange and even humour, if the occasion allows.
Aminda is also skilled at co-creating events with organisers, designing unconventional formats that inspire meaningful engagement and long-lasting positive outcomes. She has developed significant experience in event and programme design in her roles as Digital Event Director for the European Commission’s flagship European Sustainable Energy Week event, and as Programme Director for European Development Days.
Q&A with Aminda
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Empowering the audience to shape the agenda during a series of online Global Policy Dialogues on the “Future of the World” for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and moderating several of these dialogues with worldwide reach.
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Successfully convincing protestors who burst into a conference waving flags and chanting to become respectful audience members, along with the time the Wi-Fi crashed in the middle of a hybrid event.
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Good planning and preparation. This creates space to really listen to speakers, engage with the audience and steer the dynamics to create fruitful exchanges.
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Developing more creative, unconventional and engaging formats, narratives and activities. Working closely with organisers to find ways to involve participants and create a two-way conversation.
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The opportunity to meet and learn from inspirational people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. Hearing the ideas and stories of politicians, scientists, artists, young people and experts of every kind.
Education
BA, Philosophy
University of Liverpool
Post Graduate Diploma, Radio and TV Journalism
University of Central Lancashire
Languages
English - native
Italian - fluent
Top topics
Environment
Biodiversity & conservation
Climate change
Circular economy
Sustainable development
Agriculture
Research & innovation
Space
Civil protection
Human rights
What they say
