AEYN Mentorship Program | Mentor Diaries
“Being a mentor is not about teaching people, but sharing with them and enjoying the process of reflection and improvement!”
— Wira Swadana
From Support Roles to Climate Action
For Wira Swadana, a career in environmental work has been a journey of curiosity, continuous learning, and growing through every opportunity.
Based in Indonesia, Wira has worked across environment, climate, community, and social development since 2018. He currently serves as Climate Action Senior Lead at the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, where his work focuses on advancing climate action and connecting climate ambitions with practical, people-centred approaches. His professional journey has also included roles with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, PT Palladium International Indonesia, and the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR).
With a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and dual Master's degrees in Environment, Development and Peace and Transdisciplinary Social Development, Wira brings an interdisciplinary perspective to his work. His experience has increasingly centred on the social dimensions of climate action, particularly the importance of just transitions and ensuring that climate policies account for the people and communities they affect.
His journey, however, did not begin in a strategic programme role. Starting in project administration and support for a peat restoration project, Wira learned to make the most of each opportunity. That experience eventually led him towards programme, research, and policy work.
Why Mentorship Matters
Wira’s own early career experiences have guided his approach to mentorship. Without much guidance or a mentor to turn to, he often relied on peers and had to navigate professional spaces independently.
Today, he wants to help young professionals feel more confident in those spaces, particularly as environmental careers become increasingly complex and competitive. For him, mentorship provides an opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges openly, and learn together.
Staying Adaptable in a Changing Sector
Wira sees analytical thinking, adaptability, and continuous learning as essential skills for environmental professionals. His own career reflects the importance of responding to how the sector evolves, from renewable energy discussions towards broader approaches to climate ambition, action, and just transitions.
His work as a Green Economy Programme Manager at an Indonesian think tank included advocating for just transition principles in the energy sector within the national medium-term development plan for 2025–2029. He has continued this work through publications and collaboration with a national government agency to strengthen the measurement of just transition indicators.
For Wira, humility is equally important. Working across social and environmental issues requires recognizing that professionals learn from communities, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Learning Across Borders
Reflecting on his experience as an AEYN mentor, Wira recalls collaborating with a mentee from the Philippines to explore how climate-related challenges intersect with public health. Together, they worked on developing a proposal around the topic. Although it was not successful, the process gave him an opportunity to exchange perspectives, learn from a different context, and build connections across Asia.
Other unexpected connections emerged when he discovered that one mentee shared university and professional networks with members of his own team. These experiences expanded his regional network and introduced him to professionals from different disciplines.
For Wira, the mentorship experience reinforced that meaningful professional growth can happen through exchange, reflection, and relationships.
Start Where You Are
Wira’s message to young environmental professionals is straightforward: do not underestimate where you begin.
His own journey started in a support role before moving into programme and strategic positions. He believes that internships, engagement roles, support functions, and other early opportunities can all become foundations for growth when approached with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
“People should not undermine where and how they start their journey." For Wira, working in the environmental and sustainability fields has ultimately helped him discover both his personal and professional calling.
Thanks for reading! Are you interested in joining the AEYN Mentorship Program too?
Whether you're looking to learn from experienced professionals or give back by supporting the next generation of environmental leaders, we'd love to have you as part of the AEYN Mentorship Program.
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We look forward to welcoming you to a future cohort!
