Ms. Grace Atim Okeny is a climate justice expert and legal scholar committed to ensuring that Africa’s transition to sustainable energy is equitable, inclusive, and legally sound. Grace’s doctoral research at the University of Pretoria examines Uganda’s legal framework on climate justice, particularly in relation to renewable energy and a just transition. Her work bridges the gap between climate law, energy policy, and social justice, ensuring that sustainability efforts do not come at the expense of vulnerable communities.
With nearly a decade of experience in legal research, policy development, and environmental advocacy, Grace actively contributes to climate governance, energy law, and just transition policies. As a co-founder at ALARI, she plays a pivotal role in promoting the alignment of labour laws with environmental sustainability and ensuring that climate adaptation does not compromise employment rights. Her advocacy extends to fair labour migration, employment justice, and the protection of workers navigating the challenges of climate change. Through ALARI, Grace has become a key player in shaping just transition policies that secure the livelihoods of workers as green industries emerge. Her expertise includes climate justice, climate finance, carbon markets, and regulatory frameworks that support a fair and effective transition to clean energy.
Beyond her research and advocacy, Grace is a lecturer at Gulu University Faculty of Law. She is also a member of Women in Energy and Extractives Network Uganda (WEEN-U) and the Lawyers for Environment and Climate Justice Uganda. Through her work, she continues to shape legal discourse on climate governance and energy transition policies, championing a low-carbon transition for Africa that is built on solid legal foundations, inclusivity, and environmental integrity.