Diwigdi Valiente is a sustainability advocate, Indigenous leader, and expert in sustainable tourism and climate policy. A proud member of the Guna Indigenous peoples from Panama’s Caribbean coast, he combines deep-rooted Indigenous wisdom with international academic expertise to address critical issues at the intersection of conservation, tourism, and climate change.

With over a decade of experience as a project and program manager in Panama’s public sector, Diwigdi holds a Swiss Higher Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Bachelor’s in International Business and Tourism Management from César Ritz Colleges, Switzerland. He further specialised in Economics and Finance at INCAE in Costa Rica, focusing on public policies for Panama’s tourism sector. His academic journey also includes a specialization in International Trade and Tax Law from Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Diwigdi has consulted for hotel chains, NGOs, and international organizations on sustainable tourism, Indigenous rights, and the blue economy. His work has influenced national policies on environmental protection in Panama, and he is a sought-after speaker at global forums, including COP, Te Aratini Festival, One Young World, and The Hay Festival. Recognised for his contributions to ocean conservation and Indigenous advocacy, he was named one of Panama’s Top 10 Young Leaders of the Future in 2020. In 2024, he was also included in Vanity Fair's List of 17 Activists to Keep on Your Radar, highlighting his ongoing impact in sustainability and Indigenous rights.

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