“In a world where others see waste, I see opportunity. In struggle, I see strength. In each of us, I see the power to change everything.” — Derreckism
 
From refugee to revolutionary changemaker, Dr. Derreck Kayongo is a global force for transformation. As the visionary founder of the Global Soap Project, he turned discarded hotel soap into a life-saving resource, distributing millions of bars to vulnerable communities in over 90 countries. His simple yet powerful solution to global hygiene needs earned him the honor of being named a CNN Hero, and his story continues to inspire audiences around the world.
 
Dr. Kayongo later served as CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where he championed equity, civic engagement, and the enduring legacy of human rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Today, as Executive Director of Clean Production Action, Dr. Kayongo is leading a global movement toward a more sustainable, just, and green economy. Under his leadership, groundbreaking initiatives like GreenScreen®, the Chemical Footprint Project®, BizNGO, and the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) are helping industries around the world replace toxic chemicals, reduce environmental impact, and build healthier, more transparent supply chains.
 
His work is a clarion call for climate justice, corporate accountability, and bold innovation. It’s not just business—it’s a blueprint for planetary healing.
 
As a motivational speaker, Dr. Kayongo electrifies audiences with his wit, wisdom, and deeply personal journey—from escaping war-torn Uganda to becoming a beacon of hope and leadership. Whether he’s addressing Fortune 500 executives, global nonprofits, universities, or youth leaders, his message is clear:
We are not powerless. We are powerful beyond measure.