Advisory Board
The Next Impact Advisory Board brings together a group of senior leaders and practitioners who support the organisation’s strategic development, partnerships, and global positioning. Drawing on experience across international organisations, governments, and global initiatives, the Board provides guidance, connections, and perspective as Next Impact continues to grow its programmes and engagement worldwide.
Erik Solheim, Global Senior Advisor
The Sixth and former UN Environment Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Erik Solheim is a global leader in sustainable development and international cooperation. He previously served as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Prior to joining the UN, Erik held the combined portfolio of Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, and from 2005 to 2007 served as Minister of International Development. This unique portfolio mixture allowed him to bring a coherent approach to development and the environment.With decades of experience across government, multilateral institutions, and global partnerships, Erik brings strategic insight into sustainability, climate, and development at scale.
At Next Impact Learning Hub, he supports the organisation’s global positioning and engagement with international partners, particularly in advancing youth leadership and youth-led solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
David Guhl, Advisor
Director, UNESCO International Jazz Day (in partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) | Former Diplomat, U.S. Embassy Beijing
David Guhl is an international leader working at the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and global engagement. With a multicultural background spanning China, the United States, and Europe, he brings a unique perspective to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration. He currently serves as Director of International Jazz Day, a global initiative of UNESCO in collaboration with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Through this role, he helps lead a worldwide celebration that promotes intercultural understanding and cooperation across more than 190 countries.
Previously, David served as a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, acting as an assistant to U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad. In this role, he worked closely with senior leadership and supported international coordination efforts, including crisis response and large-scale public engagement initiatives. He is a Fulbright Scholar and has been recognised by the U.S. State Department with multiple awards, including a Superior Honor Award. His academic background includes studies at the University of Oxford and Cornell University.
David’s experience spans public, private, and international sectors, including work with global organisations, entrepreneurship in emerging markets, and collaboration with institutions such as the World Bank on development-related initiatives.
At Next Impact Learning Hub, David supports the organisation’s engagement with global cultural initiatives and international partnerships, contributing to the development of programmes that connect culture, diplomacy, and global challenges.
Let’s build together!
From student-led clubs, schools to global organisations, we partner with those looking to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for the next generation.