Ms. Athena Denise Galao Ms. Athena Denise Galao is a development practitioner with over a decade of experience working in humanitarian actions, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. Her work focuses on strengthening capacities on gender-responsive climate action, providing technical support to governments and stakeholders, co-creating tools and guidance, and facilitating knowledge production processes. Prior to joining UN Women, she has co-led research on the impact on climate finance, tracking adaptation funds and assessing its impact on adaptive capacity, poverty, and gender equality. She has also supported organizations to undertake reflection and accountability actions grounded on transparency, learning, and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders in the process. Athena holds a master’s degree in Women and Development.