In the run up to the globe's most important meeting on climate change, the #CIWEMtalksCOP26 series asks thought leaders from the water and environmental industry and beyond to answer a common question: what do you most want COP26 to deliver? Here we'll be serialising their answers.

May Al-Karooni is the CEO and Founder of Globechain. Globechain is an Environmental Social Governance (ESG) reuse marketplace, which connects enterprises to charities, small businesses and individuals to redistribute unneeded items, making waste a resource. Globechain currently has over 10 000 members, operates in the UK, New York, Spain and the UAE with a global internal reuse solution.

May previously worked within the investment banking and asset management industry, fundraising monies for venture capital, property and hedge funds for the last 10 years totalling over £120 million in funds raised.

May has been recognised as Forbes Next 1000 and 100 Leading UK Environmentalists and 100 Meaningful Business 2020.

"Focusing on economic growth is a global priority, and fortunately, we have the opportunity collectively to do this and address the climate crisis at the same time. While we have enough theoretical knowledge on the circular economy, I would love to see tangible policy and delivery frameworks mainly focussed on the r’s - reuse, repair and rent being presented and discussed at COP26.

"These need to have clear action steps for all levels of the society ecosystem from local authorities and big business to individuals. On top of the guidelines, we need to promote small businesses already addressing and solving some of the climate problems as well as create incentives to encourage the adoption of the frameworks. I believe this year at COP26 we have the opportunity to take a global stand, form synergies and collaborations recognising the power in working together for the greater good, instead of in silos."

More from May:

Interview with The Environment editor Karen Thomas: Circular economy: waste not/want it

Connect with May

May Al-Karooni is the CEO and Founder of Globechain. Globechain is an ESG reuse marketplace.