Don de
Silva is an environmentalist, diplomat, author, Buddhist Chaplain, and
trainer. He worked as a senior official with the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and also for the London-based International Institute for
Environment and Development (IIED) and implemented effective global media
campaigns to create awareness about sustainability and climate change.
At UNEP, he facilitated inter-governmental
agreements on the environment and was part of the team, which worked to
establish the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme. (SACEP), the
first-ever intergovernmental body for the South Asian region.
In the UK, he has been active with programmes to empower
marginalised and disadvantaged communities. A certified mindfulness trainer, he
focusses on the Buddhist foundations of mindfulness, particularly its relevance
to sustainable living. Presently a university mentor, he delivers sessions on
areas, such as mindfulness and confidence building, reducing stress and
anxiety, mindful learning and speaking.
Through Buddhist organisations, he now
delivers sessions on faith, environment and justice; highlighting the role of
Buddhism in responding to the existential challenges of climate change and
COVID-19.