Jacques Balolage is a deaf leader from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, working at the intersection of ethical finance, disability inclusion, and sustainable development. He serves as a Senior Financial Analyst, supporting schools, NGOs, and businesses with accurate financial reporting and ethical accountability.

As the Executive Director of EAI (Engage, Act, Impact), he has led inclusive programs that have reached over 1500 deaf and disabled individuals, promoting access to education, sign language communication, and leadership training. Their initiatives directly support SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action).

As the Country Coordinator for Rise for Impact (DRC) and Vice President of the Great Lakes Youth Network, he has empowered over 500 youth leaders in Central and East Africa, fostering civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding.

As a Youth4Climate alumnus, he advocates for disability-inclusive climate policies. He has led workshops and campaigns to integrate accessibility and disaster preparedness into local environmental action plans, ensuring no one is left behind. Some of the challenges he has encountered include systemic inaccessibility, limited representation of deaf individuals in decision-making spaces, and resource constraints yet these obstacles fuel his commitment to creating lasting, inclusive change.

His work builds bridges between deaf and hearing communities, between finance and ethics, between youth and institutions and between climate action and accessibility. He leads with inclusion, dignity, and equity committed to creating a world where everyone has the power to thrive.