SMILY Academy Launches Ghana Hub at Women Economic Forum for the Mediterranean
SMILY Academy has officially launched its Ghana Hub during the Women Economic Forum (WEF) for the Mediterranean, held in Palermo from October 30 to November 1, 2025.
The new hub will be led by Kofi Don Agor, who has been appointed as its first Director.
Kofi Don Agor serves as President of Climate Communications and Local Governance–Africa, Lead Advocate on Climate Change in the Ghanaian Parliament, and is a member of the Climate Reality Project founded by Nobel Laureate Al Gore.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Claudia Laricchia, President of SMILY Academy, described the move as a significant step in strengthening the organization’s presence in Africa.
“The WEF for the Mediterranean has been the perfect occasion to reaffirm our commitment to Africa,” said Prof. Laricchia. “We aim to build solid ecosystems united by shared values and co-create impactful international cooperation projects starting from education.”
She highlighted Ghana’s vast potential and unique challenges in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and waste management — areas where SMILY’s integrative learning approach can drive transformative change.
The Ghanaian delegation at WEF included a diverse group of women entrepreneurs and leaders dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
“I am honored to represent SMILY in Ghana,” said Kofi Don Agor, the newly appointed Director. “We plan to engage communities, businesses, and institutions in eco-entrepreneurship and international cooperation initiatives. Our upcoming trip to India will help us develop educational programs focused on innovation in agriculture and waste management — two key areas for Ghana’s sustainable growth.”
Following the Palermo event, the Ghanaian team will participate in the Earth Mother Experience 2026, scheduled for March 20–26, 2026, in Assam, India. The event will bring together global leaders and indigenous communities to co-create the Women for Mother Earth Manifesto and inaugurate the first hydroponic forest in Assam, a project to be later replicated in Ghana in partnership with Got Produce, a world leader in hydroponic technology.
Why Ghana?
With a population of over 33 million and one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Ghana stands as a beacon of political stability and innovation in renewable energy, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship. Yet, it faces critical environmental challenges such as deforestation, waste management, and climate adaptation — areas where SMILY Academy’s regenerative education model seeks to make a meaningful impact.
A Global Movement for Regenerative Futures The launch of SMILY Ghana represents a major milestone in the organization’s South–South cooperation strategy, which promotes collaboration among Africa, Asia, and Latin America through SMILY’s 4D Model — Decolonization, Decentralization, Decarbonization, and Democratization.
During the forum, Prof. Laricchia was also appointed Chair for Italy of the G100 Group on Indigenous Communities and Integration, further aligning SMILY’s mission with global efforts to empower local communities and promote sustainable development.
“Through our collaboration with the Women Economic Forum — a network of over 500,000 women across 150 countries — we will bring to Ghana a global community of entrepreneurs, activists, and changemakers committed to a regenerative future,” Prof. Laricchia added.
About SMILY Academy
SMILY, an acronym for Sustainable Mindset and Inner Level for You/Youth — is an innovative global platform that uses experiential education to drive international cooperation projects focused on sustainability and social impact.
Launched during COP28 in Dubai (2023) by Claudia Laricchia and Matteo Salerno, and developed in collaboration with Rituraj Phukan, Jadav “Molai” Payeng (The Forest Man of India), and Munmuni Payeng, SMILY Academy is a special project of the World Forum of Indigenous Peoples on Climate Justice, representing over 400 million people across 90 countries.
Its initiatives include a hydroponic forest and green skills training center in Assam, India, in partnership with Got Produce, Solar-powered bioengineered ponds in Benin, created by local fellows from Aadifé and the Circle of Great Pioneers and a documentary on climate action in Brazil, produced by fellows from Change for Planet for COP30.
Source: expressnewsghana.com
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