Matías Asún, social and environmental justice

The trajectory of Matías Asún is best understood as the evolution of a deep vocation for justice, a passion rooted in his earliest upbringing. A commitment forged at home. Born in Santiago de Chile, his development was shaped by the influence of his parents, Domingo Asún and Patricia Hamel, both psychologists with distinguished careers and recipients of the national award in their field.

Growing up in a household with a deeply humanist vision, during Chile’s democratic recovery, instilled in him a sharp sensitivity to inequality and poverty. This early formation laid the foundation on which he would build his entire career.

His time at Diego Portales University, where he graduated as a psychologist in 2005, confirmed this path. There, instead of pursuing more traditional branches of his profession, he actively focused on community psychology, even helping to establish a socially oriented specialization that had not previously existed at the institution.

From community work to digital action

Asún’s passion for social intervention quickly translated into concrete action. Shortly after graduating, he began working as a community psychologist in the Lo Prado district, an experience that gave him direct, hands-on knowledge of the realities faced by the most vulnerable communities.

Simultaneously, he took on a leadership role at the foundation “Trabajo en la Calle” (Work in the Street), an organization dedicated to a complex and vital cause: supporting families living in informal settlements through the long process of securing proper housing.

This period became his great field school, where he honed his skills in grassroots organization, social support, and volunteer management. His commitment led him to seek increasingly effective tools for collective action.

Inspired by his interest in collaborative technologies and the philosophy of free software, he created Comunitarios Chile. This digital platform was a pioneering and disruptive initiative for Chile’s social sector. It became a vital network that connected thousands of social and community workers, facilitating collaboration and access to opportunities.

This project was the first major expression of his talent for building large-scale networks, a skill that would become central to his later career.

His time at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, where he was responsible for coordinating the national network of researchers in the field, reaffirmed his profile as a strategic connector of people and knowledge.

Greenpeace: the merging of two worlds

The year 2010 marked a turning point in Matías Asún’s career with his incorporation into Greenpeace. In this global organization, his passion for social justice found a new and urgent arena: the environmental crisis. Greenpeace recognized in him not a traditional environmentalist, but a social strategist with a proven ability to mobilize and build community.

His role within the organization grew steadily, beginning as executive director for Chile, and later taking on the position of national director of the merged Andean office, which now coordinates operations in Chile, Argentina, and Colombia.

Currently, as campaign director for Greenpeace Andino, his work involves channeling the organization’s energy toward the region’s most pressing environmental conflicts. His vision is clear: defending nature is inseparable from defending human rights. This conviction is the driving force behind every campaign he leads.

Passion in action: strategic campaigns for the planet

Asún’s leadership translates into strategic campaigns that have left a mark on the region. He has led opposition efforts against the expansion of coal-fired power plants, exposed the unsustainable practices of the salmon farming industry in Patagonia, and resisted the construction of dams that threaten unique ecosystems.

He has been a strong voice in the defense of Andean glaciers against the advance of mining, highlighting their importance as vital freshwater reserves.

In each of these battles, his approach is consistent: combining rigorous scientific evidence with powerful, creative communication strategies that engage the public.

His work is a testament to informed passion—one that understands that conviction must be paired with flawless strategy in order to achieve real and lasting change.