CDf 2025 Linktree subpage Speakers EN

 

Full-Residential Caux Democracy Forum

Speakers & Moderators (in alphabetical order)

 

HANI ABOU FADEL (Lebanon), Creative Leadership

Hani Abou Fadel began his journey with Initiatives of Change (IofC) in 2019 as a participant in the Initiators of Change program at Asia Plateau, which focuses on "initiating change from within to beyond." Since then, he has grown into a passionate changemaker and trailblazer who enjoys breaking down barriers. As a neurodivergent individual—diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s—Hani has faced challenges, but his resilience has brought him back stronger each time, both personally and professionally. In 2022, this path led him to join the Creative Leadership initiative as a content member. Hani holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies from Lund University, where his academic interests include Decolonial and Postcolonial Studies, Gender Studies, and Global South Politics. In addition to his work as a social researcher, Hani is also a poet, rapper, voice actor, and storyteller. Through hip hop, he expresses his authenticity and aims to create meaningful change.

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RADJAA ABOUDAGGA (Palestine/France), Geostrategic Advisor

Radjaa Aboudagga is a former Palestinian journalist and now a geostrategic advisor. He has covered conflicts in sensitive areas such as Palestine, Egypt, Algeria and Syria, earning him prestigious awards, including the Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents in 2009. He has worked for numerous French media outlets, including France 24, Arte, Canal+, Ouest France, Paris Match, Le Figaro, Libération, JDD and Le Monde. With his extensive field experience and geopolitical expertise on the Middle East, he is a regular contributor to the media and international conferences. He advocates a clear-headed and constructive approach to conflict, based on an understanding of local and international issues.

 

ANAS ANSAR (Bangladesh), Senior Researcher at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut, University of Freiburg, Germany

Dr. Anas Ansar is a senior researcher in the Asia programme at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut (ABI), University of Freiburg, Germany. In addition to his research role, he lectures on Migration and Identity Politics at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Mainz, Germany. Dr. Ansar holds both a bachelor's and a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and completed his PhD from the University of Bonn, Germany. His current work delves into the diaspora resistance against authoritarian regimes in Asia with a particular focus on youth political movements in Bangladesh.

 

ANTOINE ARJAKOVSKY (France), Director of Research, Collège des Bernardins, Paris

Antoine Arjakovsky has a doctorate in history (EHESS) and is director of research at the Collège des Bernardins in Paris. He is co-director of the Politics and Religions Department.
He is also administrator of the Platform for European Memory and Conscience and director of the Ukraine department at the Institut chrétiens d'Orient.
He is head of the Collège des Bernardins/IREMMO (Institut de recherche pour la Méditerranée et le Moyen Orient) Research Group for Peace in the Middle East.

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ELIO AZAR (Lebanon), Special Initiatives Coordinator, Principles for Peace

Elio Azar is a lifelong contributor to the peacebuilding space, having worked in student, grassroots, government, multilateral, local, and international organisations. With experience on four continents, he led a paramilitary-civil mediation programme in Burkina Faso before moving to Switzerland. In Geneva, he joined Interpeace as a Policy Officer, and later Principles for Peace as Special Initiatives Coordinator.

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NATALIA ARNO (Russia), Founder & President of Free Russia Foundation

Natalia Arno is the Founder and President of Free Russia Foundation.
In 2004, Ms. Arno joined the International Republican Institute, leading its Russia programs in civic education, grassroots organizing, party building, women and youth leadership, civil society development, and local governance. For her pro-democracy work, in 2012, Ms. Arno was given an ultimatum by Putin’s security services— to leave her homeland in 48 hours or face 20 years in prison on bogus treason charges.
In exile, she realized that Putin’s regime has pushed out hundreds of thousands of other talented, educated, resourceful and politically active Russians. Not demoralized but galvanized by the loss of her homeland, Ms. Arno set out to build an organization that would unite and support all individuals and forces working toward a free, peaceful and prosperous Russia.
Today, Free Russia Foundation is a powerful global movement with centers in: Washington, DC; Brussels, Belgium; Kyiv, Ukraine; Tbilisi, Georgia; Berlin, Germany; Vilnius, Lithuania; Tallinn, Estonia; Warsaw, Poland; Paris, France; Budva, Montenegro; and Madrid, Spain.
Born in a Siberian Republic of Buryatia, Ms. Arno graduated from the Buryat State University with a master’s degree in Linguistics in 1998 (Diploma Cum Laude). Between 1998 -1999 she worked as Professor of English at Buryat State University. In 1999, Ms. Arno moved to Moscow to pursue postgraduate studies at the Institute of Russian Language of the Russian Academy of Science, and between 2000-2003 she worked at the Modern Humanitarian University in Moscow.

 

BERTRAND BADIE (France), Political Scientist & Expert in International Relations

Bertrand Badie is an academic and political scientist specialising in international relations. Professor Emeritus at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, he is an associate lecturer and researcher at the Centre for International Studies and Research (CERI). He approaches international conflicts and crises as social pathologies, particularly through the lens of humiliation, and advocates for governance that promotes social integration.

 

 

SHUKRIA BARAKZAI (Afghanistan), Politician, Journalist & Women’s Rights Advocate

Shukria Barakzai is a renowned Afghan politician, journalist, and women’s rights advocate. Born in Kabul in 1972, she defied the Taliban by founding an underground girls’ school in 1997 and later helped draft Afghanistan’s 2003 constitution. Elected to Parliament (2005–2016), she championed gender equality and press freedom. Shukria Barakzai founded key organizations supporting Afghan women and justice for gender-based crimes. She also served as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Norway, Iceland, and Denmark, earning global recognition from the BBC, Foreign Policy, and Cambridge University. Now in exile in the UK, she continues her work as a peace ambassador and human rights leader. A survivor of multiple assassination attempts and a single mother of five, Barakzai remains a fearless voice for Afghan women and a global symbol of resilience.

 

DILARA BAYRAK (Switzerland), Lawyer & Member of Grand Council of Geneva, Switzerland

Dilara Bayrak is a Swiss lawyer and a prominent political figure in Geneva. She serves as the 2nd Vice-President of the Grand Council of Geneva, the legislative body of the canton, representing the Green Party (Les Verts). Bayrak has been a deputy in the Grand Council since June 2020, after previously serving as a substitute deputy, and was elected to the Bureau of the Grand Council in April 2023.

In addition to her legal and legislative roles, she is actively involved in several parliamentary commissions, including those focused on urban planning (which she chairs), judicial and police matters, and management oversight. Dilara Bayrak is also dedicated to civic engagement and social justice outside parliament. She holds leadership and committee roles in various associations, such as the Association d’Aide aux Victimes de Violence en Couple, the Association des juristes progressistes, and Avocat.e.s pour le climat. As a member of youth and tenants’ associations, she is committed to issues of inclusion, equality, and youth participation in democracy.

Known for her advocacy of inclusive democracy, Dilara Bayrak has publicly called for greater involvement of young people in political processes and the elimination of prejudices in society.

 

GHALEB BENCHEIKH (France), Islamologist & President of the Foundation of Islam in France

Ghaleb Bencheikh is an Islamologist and president of the Foundation of Islam in France. He defends an enlightened, spiritual and civic vision of Islam. Highly committed to interfaith dialogue, he campaigns for peace and coexistence. President of the French branch of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, he is a regular guest at conferences and congresses in France and abroad. Vice-president of Artisans de paix and member of the sponsorship committee of the Coordination pour l'éducation à la non-violence et à la paix (Coordination for Education for Non-Violence and Peace), he was vice-president of the Fraternité d'Abraham for five years. He was administrator of Démocratie et spiritualité.

 

HERVE ELIE BOKOBZA (France), Theologian & Writer

Hervé Élie Bokobza is a Jewish theologian and writer. He is the author of books such as ‘Israel-Palestine: Peace in the Light of the Torah,’ ‘Jewish Violence,’ which addresses the subject of the instrumentalisation of violence in religious texts in general and Jewish texts in particular, and ‘Jesus or Messianism in the Light of the Torah.’ He is very involved in interfaith dialogue and works in the Eure region to promote encounters between communities. His thinking combines spirituality, a commitment to peace and a critical reading of texts.

 

 

JOHN BOND (Australia/UK), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change

John Bond lives in Oxford, England, and has worked with Initiatives of Change in over 30 countries. For five years he coordinated the Caux Forum for Human Security. Previously he was the Secretary of Australia’s National Sorry Day Committee, which enlisted a million Australians in initiatives to overcome the harm done to Aboriginal Australians by cruel and misguided past policies. For this he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. He is also a writer. His most-recent book, a biography of Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki, known as 'the father of Australian multiculturalism', has been published in English and Polish.

 

MICHAEL CAMILLERI (USA), Chief of Branch at the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva

Michael J. Camilleri is an international human rights lawyer, former diplomat and policymaker who currently serves as Branch Chief in the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. His responsibilities include issues of rule of law, democracy, civic space, business and human rights, technology, development finance institutions, and migration. Prior to joining OHCHR, Michael held leadership positions at USAID. His prior government service includes roles on the U.S. Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff and at the National Security Council. Earlier in his career he practiced human rights law, including at the Organization of American States, and with a coalition of CSOs in Guatemala. Michael received his B.A. in History from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

 

DR. CECILIA CANNON, Managing Director PoliSync (online)

Dr. Cecilia Cannon is Managing Director at PoliSync with 20+ years’ experience in policy research, teaching, and policy communications. She leads a UN project on the securitisation of migration, and a six-part webinar series with leading nonprofits on AI for Social Good. She co-authored the 2024 UN report on migrants’ contributions and advises international actors on research, strategy, digital tools, and policy impact. She holds a PhD in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute.

 

 

 

AILI CHANNER (UK/France), Researcher & Writer

Aili Channer is a researcher and writer who grew up in the UK, France, and Kenya. She is passionate about understanding the historical and philosophical underpinnings of our contemporary ecological crises in order to transform societies to support both social and ecological flourishing. She is currently completing a Master's in the history of ideas at the Warburg Institute, London, alongside studying the anthropology and economics of sustainability at SOAS. Previously, she has researched the relationship between wellbeing economics and nature conservation in Bhutan, and has also worked as a researcher for Earthrise, Al Jazeera’s environmental solutions series and as a freelance writer.

 

LEELA CHANNER (UK/France), Environmental Activist, Zoologist & Photographer

Leela Channer is an environmental activist, zoologist and photographer, currently pursuing a PhD in animal behavioural ecology with the University of Exeter (UK). Her fieldwork is based in Uganda, where she is researching cooperative behaviour. She is also particularly interested in how climate change and human activity affect wildlife, and the differences we can make on both a global and individual level to create a greener, more just society. In line with her interest in environmental issues, as a photographer Leela has covered conferences and events on land security and climate cross Europe and Africa, including for Initiatives of Change, GCSP and the UN. She also works in science communications more broadly, bringing ecological knowledge and awareness of the biodiversity and climate to a wider audience through talks, field activities and workshops.

 

ALLAN-CHARLES CHIPMAN (USA), Executive Director of Initiatives of Change USA

Allan-Charles Chipman is a lifelong faith community activist, having started his work at the ripe age of six in his hometown of Baltimore, when he was inspired by a group of pastors working to connect their congregations to their communities through service. Previously serving as IofC’s Faith-Rooted Organizer, Allan runs programming for faith communities, equipping them with the tools to think theologically and logically about race and the history of Richmond and America as a whole.

During college, Allan engaged with faith communities to change society through mentorship programs and helped to establish a faculty/student collaborative organization called Reconciliation and Conversation for Everyone (R.A.C.E.). Allan has also worked in the corporate world, where he advocated to build an African-American network to strive for racial equity at one of Richmond’s Fortune 500 companies. He also acted as liaison between minority employees and the human resources department when issues involving race arose.

 

AMBASSADOR NATALIE CHUARD (Switzerland), Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

Ambassador Nathalie Chuard did her studies in Arts and Political Sciences in Switzerland and Russia. In 2000, she started her career at the Swiss NGO Terre des hommes and took on a variety of postings abroad, including in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Madagascar, and the Middle East. She joined the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 2005 and, as a Swiss Diplomat, served among other positions as Deputy Head of the Human Rights Section in Berne and Political Coordinator at the Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York. From 2018, she headed the Middle East and Northern Africa Division (Humanitarian Aid) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. From 2020 to 2023, she was the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh. She speaks French, German, English, and Russian. Joining DCAF in March 2023, Nathalie Chuard is the first woman appointed as Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance.

 

DANIEL CLEMENTS (UK), Creative Leadership & Teacher

Daniel Clements discovered Initiatives of Change in 2019 through the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme. He joined the team when Creative Leadership was launched, where he actively contributes to content development and co-leads the team. Daniel works actively on defining the programme's vision and direction. He is committed to developing a coherent framework for Creative Leadership projects, ensuring that each initiative follows a clear and meaningful path. His approach always places individuals at the heart of the programmes, with a particular focus on their personal journeys and the impact that leadership can have on their engagement and development.

 

FABRICE DALONGEVILLE (France), Independent Consultant & Mayor of Auger-Saint-Vincent 

Fabrice Dalongeville has been an independent consultant for sixteen years, with expertise spanning editorial production, tourism attractiveness, territorial marketing, collective intelligence, and the creation of new narratives. He brings a unique triple perspective: as a public official (President of the Picardy Regional Tourism Committee and Vice-President for Tourism in Pays de Valois), as a project leader (founder and director of Opale&CO, the first attractiveness agency in Hauts-de-France), and as a consultant, journalist, and trainer. He has deep knowledge of local governance, team leadership, institutional dynamics, and multimedia content production. Mayor of Auger-Saint-Vincent, he co-founded Le Café citoyen, a local third place, and serves as third-place referent for the Association of Rural Mayors of France. Since 2018, he has championed public access to the two million citizen contributions from the 2018–2019 grievances, co-founding Les doléances in 2024 and helping to pass a cross-party resolution in 2025. Fabrice is trained in experience economy, design thinking, and collective intelligence, and holds degrees in history (Paris IV Sorbonne), economic intelligence (Sciences Po Aix), and journalism (CPJ Paris).

 

JORDAN DAVIS (USA), RTS Correspondent in the USA and host of “Democracy! Démocratie!”

Jordan Davis is a Washington-based correspondent for Swiss public broadcasting (RTS), where he shares coverage of U.S. politics, foreign policy, and social issues. Raised in the United States, he draws on that deep familiarity in his reporting, including the podcast "Democracy! Démocratie!", which explored the state of American democracy ahead of the 2024 election. Throughout his career, Jordan has reported from the front lines of major news events across several continents, working in both French and English. His work combines field reporting with global perspective, bringing international audiences a grounded view of American political life.

 

IBRAHIMA DIALLO (Guinea), Founder of the Maison de la Démocratie et des Droits de l'Homme (M2DH)

Ibrahima Diallo is a Guinean activist who has been committed to defending human rights and democracy since 2004. Founder of the Maison de la Démocratie et des Droits de l'Homme (M2DH) and co-founder of the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC), he actively fights against violence against women, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and for social justice. He has been arrested several times for his peaceful actions and was exiled before returning to Guinea in 2021. He continues to campaign despite harassment from the ruling junta. He is the author of two books on human rights and civic engagement.

 

AXEL DUBINSKI (Germany), Co-Founder and Managing Director of TraumaHelden® gGmbH

Alex Dubinski works as a coach, therapist and teacher for biographical, transgenerational, systemic and collective trauma. He is Managing Director and Co-Founder of TraumaHelden® gGmbH and in his work with individuals, couples, groups and communities, he repeatedly succeeds in transforming blockages and handicaps into resources and new opportunities with empathy, humor, experience and authenticity, despite difficult issues.

 

 

JANINE ELKOUBY (France), Professor of classical literature and former vice-president of the Jewish Consistory of the Bas-Rhin

Janine Elkouby is a professor of classical literature and former vice-president of the Jewish Consistory of the Bas-Rhin. She is president of the Jewish-Christian Friendship Association of Strasbourg, where she works actively to bring communities closer together. A committed speaker, she regularly addresses issues of transmission, interfaith dialogue and the place of women in Judaism. Her words combine intellectual depth, spiritual commitment and openness to other religious traditions.

 

 

YUKIHISA FUJITA (Japan), Former Vice-Minister of Finance and former Member of Upper and Lower Houses of the Japanese Diet (Parliament)

Yukihisa Fujita is a Japanese politician and humanitarian known for his long-standing service in both houses of Japan’s National Diet (1996–2019) and his leadership in international peacebuilding. He served as Vice-Minister of Finance (2011–2012), helping draft Japan’s reconstruction budget after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A graduate of Keio University, Fujita has championed global efforts in conflict resolution, refugee support, and interfaith dialogue. As of 2025, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, focusing on the revival of democracy in Japan. is the former Vice-Minister of Finance and a former member of both the Upper House and the Lower House of the Japanese Diet (Parliament).

 

KONSTANTINE GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Founder & President of JEF Georgia

Konstantine Gagnidze is the founder and president of JEF Georgia, a passionate civic activist, and a committed leader in the field of youth empowerment and democratic engagement across Europe. He has worked extensively as a project manager and trainer in Latvian (Young Folks LV), Ukrainian (SATELLITE NGO & JEF Ukraine), and Georgian (Umbrella & JEF Georgia) NGOs, spearheading initiatives that strengthen civic participation, youth leadership, and cross-border cooperation. Driven by a strong belief in democracy, inclusion, and European values, Konstantine is actively involved in the civic sector and a proud member of Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement advocating for progressive and united change across the continent. His work focuses on empowering youth and youth workers through different programs, capacity-building trainings, and international exchanges that foster critical thinking, activism, and civic responsibility. As a dedicated youth worker and trainer, Konstantine continues to build bridges between Eastern Europe and the rest of the continent, ensuring that the voices of rural, underrepresented, and non-EU youth are heard in European discourse.

 

HAMZA GHANDOUR (Lebanon), Life Coach & Peacebuilder

Hamza Ghandour was born in Lebanon and raised in Gabon and has been shaped by a rich multicultural journey. His involvement with various associations has taken him to international forums in Caux (Switzerland), Córdoba (Spain), Egypt, Syria, and India — deepening his understanding of human connection across cultures.

Certified as a professional coach by CTA and ICI, he approaches each day with the intention of staying true to his alignment and personal growth. Passionate about self-development, he firmly believes that self-awareness is the key to balance and fulfillment. His journey in this field began in 2014, driven by a desire to support others on their own transformative paths. After completing his first coaching training, he stepped out of his comfort zone by publishing his book Transitions, a bold expression of his commitment to authenticity.

Through his many discoveries, encounters, and contributions, interpersonal skills, adaptability, openness to change, and creativity have become part of his DNA — qualities he brings into every coaching relationship.

 

MARK GOYDER (UK), Founder Director of Tomorrow’s Company

Marc Goyder is a British author, governance expert, and public speaker renowned for his pioneering work in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, stewardship, and sustainability. He is the Founder and former CEO of Tomorrow’s Company, an independent, London-based think tank established in 1996 that inspires and enables business to be a force for good in society. Under his leadership, Tomorrow’s Company played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s approach to enlightened shareholder value, influencing the redefinition of directors’ duties in the Companies Act 2006. Goyder’s career began with 15 years in the manufacturing industry before he was persuaded by Charles Handy to become a programme director at the Royal Society of Arts in 1990. There, he initiated a landmark business-led inquiry into the role of business in a changing world, which led to the founding of Tomorrow’s Company. He is recognized as a champion of better capitalism and is an award-winning speaker, writer, and broadcaster, with a particular focus on the human purposes of business and the long-term value companies can create for employees, shareholders, and society. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was President of the Cambridge Union, Goyder has published influential works including Living Tomorrow’s Company: Rediscovering the Human Purposes of Business. His thought leadership continues to shape debates on responsible business, stewardship, and the future of capitalism.

 

NDAIZHIVEI GURARA, Legal Advisor with CNRG

Ndaizhivei Gurara is a Legal Advisor with the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) in Zimbabwe, where she specializes in applying legal frameworks and rights-based approaches to sustainable development and natural resource management. Gurara brings a unique perspective to her role, supporting communities affected by extractive industries through legal advocacy, research, and capacity building. Her work is integral to CNRG’s mission of empowering local communities to defend their rights, demand accountability, and promote equitable access to land, water, and environmental justice.

 

CLAUDINE HAENNI (Switzerland), Leadership Skills Trainer for people in Myanmar

Claudine Haenni worked in Myanmar for eight years, first as Senior Peace Advisor in the Embassy of Switzerland in Yangon, then Senior Political Advisor to the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar. Previously she worked with the Red Cross, the UN and Swiss Humanitarian World. She has also headed the Association for the Prevention of Torture in Geneva.

Together with an international team, she is now holding training courses in leadership skills for Myanmaris. She writes, ‘No matter what kind of society and governing structures are chosen, leadership and models more suited to the challenges of the 21st century will be required. We are focusing on delivering a training appropriate to the environment that people in Myanmar face today.’ Claudine is based between Chiang Mai and Carouge, and travels regularly to Myanmar to follow up with course participants.

 

BRAHIM HAMMOUCHE (France), Head of the Psychiatry Department, Metz-Thionville Hospital

Brahim Hammouche is head of the psychiatry department at Metz-Thionville Hospital. A former member of parliament for Moselle, he is committed to public health and social inclusion issues. He combines his medical experience with political engagement to advance mental health policies. His approach is deeply humanistic and focused on patient dignity.

 

 

 

PIERRE HASKI (Tunisia/France), Journalist (pre-recorded speech)

Pierre Haski, born on 8 April 1953 in Tunis, is a French journalist. Former correspondent in South Africa, the Middle East and China for Agence France-Presse and then for the newspaper Libération, co-founder of the news website Rue89, he became president of the association Reporters Without Borders in 2017.He is the author of Une terre doublement promise (A Land Twice Promised, 2024), which looks back over a long period of history, drawing on four decades of experience.

 

 

HIROSHI ISHIDA (Japan), Executive Director, Caux Round Table Japan

DR LAURIE JOHNSTON (USA), Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Boston/USA

Dr Laurie Johnston is Professor of Theology at Emmanuel College in Boston where she teaches courses on social ethics. She is the author or editor of works on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and just war theory and most recently edited a journal issue on the thought of Jacques Maritain and contemporary challenges to democracy. She also serves as the Executive Vice President of the Sant'Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue. She first came to Caux in 1999.

 

 

LEE JU-YOUNG (South Korea), Lawyer, Former Minister and Parliamentarian, President of MRA/IofC Korea

Lee Ju-Young is a lawyer, former minister and parliamentarian and the president of MRA/IofC Korea. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Laws from Seoul National University, Korea, as well as a Master of Laws from the University of London, UK. After passing the bar exam in 1978, he began his career in the judiciary, serving as a court judge and later as a chief judge. In 1995, he transitioned to private practice and currently works as an advisory attorney at a prominent law firm.

He served five consecutive terms as a member of the National Assembly (16th to 20th), during which he founded and led the MRA/IofC Congressman’s Coalition, promoting values-based leadership within the legislature. His public service includes roles as Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly and Minister of Oceans and Fisheries.

Today, he continues his commitment to public good and international cooperation as President of MRA/IofC Korea. He also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Korea-Africa Foundation, actively fostering global dialogue and partnerships.

 

DR DRISSA KANAMBAYE (Mali), Mission Manager in the Communication and Public Relations Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister of Mali

Dr Drissa Kanambaye is Mission Manager in the Communication and Public Relations Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister of Mali. A seasoned political advisor and communicator, he previously served as Political Advisor on Security, Politics, and Human Rights in the Sahel at the European Parliament in Brussels. In parallel, he is a teacher and researcher at the Higher School of Journalism and Communication Sciences in Bamako, where [he/she/they] mentor the next generation of media and communication professionals. Drissa Kanambaye is also the co-founder and co-director of Yagana, a Malian NGO based in the Bandiagara region. Since its founding in 2014, Yagana has worked at the grassroots to strengthen rural development through initiatives focused on economic security, peacebuilding in confict zones, and women's empowerment. With deep experience in both policymaking and community development, he brings a unique, cross-sectoral perspective to issues at the intersection of governance, communication, and social change.

 

SOPHIE KAYES (UK), Human Rights Advocate & Campaigner

Sophia Kayes is a London-based human rights advocate with a background in independent journalism. She has worked with UK charities such as the Frontline Club, Rory Peck Trust, and Justice for Journalists Foundation. Before moving to the UK in 2007, she was a reporter and producer in Russia. Born in 1983 in the former USSR to a family of Soviet dissidents, Sophie was raised among intellectuals persecuted by the KGB. A close family friend and mentor, human rights defender Andrej Mironov, introduced her to peacebuilding at age six and to Initiatives of Change. He also helped launch her journalism career at The Baltimore Sun’s Moscow bureau. Andrej remained a guiding force until his death in 2014 while reporting in Ukraine. Since then, Sophie has been a vocal advocate for political prisoners in Russia and Belarus and has campaigned against authoritarian threats to democracy.

 

ASHEESH KHANEJA (India), Innovation Catalyst, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Asheesh Khaneja is the innovation catalyst at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, where he spearheads strategic technology and artificial intelligence initiatives to advance the organization’s global mission. A seasoned leader with decades of experience, Asheesh combines insights from his work in AI, deep-tech innovation, and leadership roles at industry pioneers like IBM and Oracle with the entrepreneurial agility honed through tech startups.

 

 

ANDREAS LARENTZAKIS (Australia), Executive Director IIPT - International Institute for Peace through Tourism

Andreas Larentzakis, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the travel industry, has held various management positions in Australia, the United States, and Europe. In late 1999, he began volunteering with the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), where he has since worked closely with the institute’s founder to advance its vision and mission. He played an active role in the 2000 Amman Global Summit and the 2003 Geneva Global Summit on Peace through Tourism. Following his retirement from the business world in late 2024, he was appointed Executive Director of IIPT.

 

YOAV LEVY (France), Teacher of biblical studies and specialised in Hebrew texts

Yoav Lévy was born in Jerusalem and lives in Paris, where he teaches biblical studies and specialises in Hebrew texts. He explores the symbolic and spiritual richness of biblical texts from an open and contemporary perspective. His work promotes a deep understanding of Judaism and interfaith dialogue. He also works on the links between psychoanalysis and the Bible. He regularly participates in conferences and publications on issues related to ethics and the Bible.

 

 

STEVEN LIN (Canada), Community Organizer & Creative Leadership

Steven Lin is passionate about empowering youth to achieve their goals through capacity building, self reflection and soft skill development. Steven has spent the last decade working with various non-profits to tackle SDG 4 quality education. Some examples include his work with the Alberta Mentorship Program providing high school students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills or working at the Terra Centre to help teen parents advocate for themselves and for policy and system change. In addition to that Steven has been engaged with young leaders globally through Creative Leadership as well as Global Shapers to support young professionals in tackling local issues in their community. Steven follows the model of Servant and Authentic leadership in his daily practice.

 

MARINA LITVINENKO (UK/Russia), Public Speaker & Justice Campaigner

Marina Litvinenko is a public speaker and justice campaigner, best known for her fight to uncover the truth behind the 2006 assassination of her husband, Alexander Litvinenko, a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin. Following Alexander’s death by poisoning in London, she led a decade-long campaign, resulting in a 2016 public inquiry which concluded that there was a ‘strong probability’ that two Russian agents were ordered by FSB to poison Alexander Litvinenko on personal orders of Vladimir Putin. In 2021, the European Court of Human Rights confirmed Russia's culpability. Beyond seeking justice for her husband, Marina continues to advocate for Russian dissidents, human rights, and press freedom. She co-authored Death of a Dissident and its Russian-language update, Sasha, Volodya, Boris: The Story of a Murder. Frequently speaking at international conferences and media platforms, she uses her voice to warn the world about the dangers of Russian state repression.

 

YVAN LOEHLE (Switzerland), Head of Protection, Humanitarian Competence Centre, Swiss Development Cooperation

Head of Protection in the Humanitarian Competence Centre of SDC since 2019, Yvan Loehle accompanies and advises the Swiss Development Coorperation / Embassies in their Protection and “Protection of Civilians” engagement. He also manages the 70 members “Expert Group Protection” of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) pool.

Prior to working for SDC, Yvan assumed various Protection responsibilities in different contexts with ICRC, OCHA and UNHCR. Yvan has an academic background in Political Sociology (University of Lausanne) and in International Relations (London School Economic).

 

FARAI MAGUWU (Zimbabwe), Executive Director, Centre for Natural Resource Governance 

Farai Maguwu founded the Centre for Natural Resource Governance to improve governance of natural resources in Zimbabwe. He has done extensive research and documentation on human rights abuses and illicit trade in diamonds. In 2011 Human Rights Watch honoured him with the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism.

 

 

 

KATERYNA MALTSEVA (Ukraine), Programme Director Association for Communities Participatory Development 

Kateryna Maltseva is the Programme Director of the Association for Communities Participatory Development in Ukraine. She focuses on participatory governance, strengthening social cohesion in local communities, and developing participatory democratic initiatives among groups affected by the war. At the heart of her approach are values of people-centeredness, trustbuilding, and partnership. The Association for Communities Participatory Development in Ukraine trains people in the skills of teamwork. It is working principally in the front-line states suffering most from the war in Ukraine, where it helps building bridges of trust and cooperation between NGOs and city councils, between refugees and the local community. Its projects are supported by the UNDP and other international organisations.

 

ELDER ALVIN MANITOPYES (Canada), Indigenous Leader, Consultant, and Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Co-Founder Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter and the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School

Alvin Manitopyes is Plains Cree and Anishnaabe from the Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Raised in a traditional way, he was taught by Elders to preserve Indigenous knowledge and natural laws. An accomplished traditional dancer, Alvin has shared his culture and healing practices across North America, Europe, and South America. He has led workshops and lectures on Indigenous wellness and environmental issues, and co-founded several organizations in Calgary, including the Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter and the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School. Alvin played a key role in launching the national BEAHR training program through Eco-Canada. With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous program management and community development, Alvin has advised governments, corporations, and First Nations leaders on treaty rights, economic development, consultation processes, and impact benefit agreements related to resource projects.

 

OLEKSANDRA MATVIICHUK (Ukraine), Human Rights Lawyer - VIDEO MESSAGE

Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights lawyer, head of the Center for Civil Liberties that works to defend freedom and human dignity in Ukraine and the OSCE region. She has experience in creating horizontal structures for massive involvement of people in human rights activities against attacks on rights and freedoms, as well as a multi-year practice of documenting violations during armed conflict. She is the author of a number of reports to various UN bodies, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the OSCE and the International Criminal Court.

After the beginning of Russian full-scale invasion, Matviichuk together with other partners created the ‘Tribunal for Putin’ initiative in order to document international crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in all regions of Ukraine, including the occupied territories. In 2016 she received the Democracy Defender Award for "Exclusive Contribution to Promoting Democracy and Human Rights" from OSCE. In 2017 she became the first woman to participate in the Ukrainian Emerging Leaders Program of Stanford University. In 2022 Oleksandra Matviichuk was awarded with the Right Livelihood Award, the Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament and recognized as one of the 25th influential women in the world by Financial Times. In 2022 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for the work of her organization the Center for Civil Liberties. In 2025 she received the Dutch Auschwitz Award.

 

ALAIN MICHEL (Switzerland), Co-founder & President of ÉquiLibre, Founder of Hommes de Parole

Alain Michel is co-founder and president of the association ÉquiLibre, which has been very active in the Middle East since 1992. Among other initiatives, the association organised the Convois pour la Paix (Convoys for Peace) to Gaza and maintained a permanent presence there for many years. He is also co-founder of the association ÉquiLibre Israël, which became Latet, and of the Swiss foundation Hommes de Parole, which he created in 2001. The Hommes de Parole Foundation has organised the World Congresses of Imams and Rabbis for Peace (Brussels, Seville, UNESCO Paris, etc.). The Brussels congress in 2004 enabled the formal dialogue between Islam and Judaism, which had been interrupted since 1948, to be resumed. He is the author of books on the Near and Middle East, such as ‘Désaccords de Paix’ (Israel-Palestine) and ‘Irak la faute’.

 

TEA MUSTAC (Croatia), Data Protection & AI Governance Expert, Spirit Legal

Tea Mustać is a data protection and AI governance expert at Spirit Legal, specializing in helping companies develop and implement AI technologies and establish compliance processes. She frequently conducts workshops and webinars for institutions like Beck Akademie and speaks at international conferences such as the Web Summit. Tea co-hosts the RegInt: Decoding AI Regulation podcast and is co-author of The AI Act Compact: Compliance, Management & Use Cases in Corporate Practice. Recognized with the European Young Lawyers Award (2022) and the My Data is Mine Award (2024), a fellow of the European Law Institute and the Head of Operations of the Institute for Global Negotiations, she is a respected voice at the intersection of law and technology.

 

GODFREY MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya),  Graphic Journalist, Cartoonist, Animator, and TV Producer

Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA, known professionally as Gado, was born in 1969, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is a graphic journalist, independent editorial cartoonist, animator, and TV producer. His work has appeared in The EastAfrican, The Standard, and Daily Nation (Kenya), Le Monde and Courrier International (France), Deutsche Welle (Germany), The Continent (South Africa), among others. Gado is the co-founder of Buni Media, an independent multimedia company based in Nairobi. A trained classical animator from Vancouver Film School, he is the creator and producer of the popular weekly satirical puppet show The XYZ Show, which has aired on Kenyan television since 2009. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards. In 2007, he was named a Prince Claus Laureate, and in 2011, he received the Visionaries Award from the Ford Foundation for his innovative work on the frontlines of key social issues. In 2016, he was awarded the Cartooning for Peace International Editorial Cartoon Award, and in 2018, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism from the Kenya National Human Rights Commission. Gado was also named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Africa by NewAfrican magazine in both 2014 and 2016. In May 2022, he was honored by the French government with the title Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). Gado is a member of the Cartoonists Rights Network (CRN), Cartooning for Peace, and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ). He has been a fellow at the Bellagio Center (2016) and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in 2024.

 

SARAH NOBLE (Canada/Switzerland), Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

Sarah Noble is a Canadian-born peace advocate and storyteller currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Sarah is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation where she works on partnerships, inner development,  the Caux Arts and Peace Encounters, and the Caux Forums. She is also co-founder and Curator of the PeaceTalks, a global storytelling platform dedicated to stories of peace at Interpeace. She has over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships in global organizations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and non-profit public interest media. Passionate about storytelling as a tool for healing and social change, Sarah believes in its power to address global challenges. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights how narratives can shape a better future. Sarah is the mom of 2 small kids and is motivated by a desire to be a good ancestor. Sarah has an MA in International Affairs from Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a BA in Political Studies and Economics from Queen’s University.

 

BAHISHTA NOHTANI (Afghanistan), Dentist, Women's Rights Activist & Co-Founder of Afghanistan Women's Rights Association (AWRA)

Bahishta Nohtani is a Geneva-based Afghan dentist, women’s rights activist, and co-founder of the Afghanistan Women’s Rights Association (AWRA). Born in Nimroz, Afghanistan, in 1987, she experienced firsthand the brutality of the Taliban and the barriers to girls’ education. Despite being beaten at age 9 for attending a secret school, she continued her studies in exile and returned to Afghanistan as a teenager to work as a translator and humanitarian with international organizations. Forced to flee again due to gender-based violence, she resettled in Switzerland in 2009. There, she learned French, completed her education, and fulfilled her dream of studying medicine—becoming a practicing dentist in Geneva. Through AWRA, she supports underground schools, health clinics, and shelters for thousands of women and children in Afghanistan. Today, Bahishta is a powerful voice for Afghan women, advocating internationally for their rights and dignity amid ongoing repression.

 

DAVID ABULMALIK NUHU (Nigeria), Peacebuilder, Theatre Practitioner & Community Facilitator

David Abulmalik Nuhu is a Nigerian peacebuilder, theatre practitioner, and community facilitator passionate about social justice, conflict transformation, and inclusive dialogue. Growing up in Nigeria’s Middle Belt—an area shaped by deep-rooted communal conflicts—inspired his commitment to bridging divides and amplifying marginalized voices. He began his peace work through Theotre of the Oppressed, using storytelling and participatory theatre as tools for political education and community healing. His grassroots work has included conflict transformation workshops and dialogue sessions across conflict-affected communities in Nigeria. Now based in Canada, David is pursuing a Master’s in Peace and Confict Studies at the University of Waterloo, where he continues to engage newcomers and underrepresented communities through cross-cultural dialogue, political education, and inclusive peacebuilding initiatives. His mission is rooted in the belief that creative expression, community participation, and inclusive dialogue are essential to building sustainable peace and social cohesion.

 

IGNACIO PACKER (UK/Spain/Switzerland), Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change

Ignacio Packer is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

 

MARUEE PAHUJA (India), Expressive Arts Consultant, Process Facilitator, Visual Artist, Creative Leadership

Maruee Pahuja is an impassioned Expressive Arts Consultant, Process Facilitator, Visual Artist, and Eye-Care Practitioner passionate about bridging arts and science. At the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, she fosters peacebuilding through arts-based approaches and drives strategy with Creative Leadership, the Caux Foundation's initiative for young leaders. With over 300 workshops worldwide and collaborations with 25+ non-profits, Maruee champions arts-based interventions for leadership and community resilience. A speaker at Geneva Peace Week, the International Day of Conscience and the Caux Democracy Forum, she has created 5,000+ multimedia artworks and exhibited nationally. Dedicated to transformation through creativity, Maruee continues to inspire and innovate globally.

 

MARIAM POLOYAN (Ukraine), Communications Manager, Association for Communities Participatory Development

Mariam Poloyan is Communications Manager at the Association for Communities Participatory Development in Ukraine and focuses on building relationships between communities and civil society organisations. She manages Ukraine's Trust Building Programme, which aims to foster dialogue and inspire trust. She also supports people coping with war-related losses, building resilience through collaborative initiatives towards recovery. The Association for Communities Participatory Development in Ukraine trains people in the skills of teamwork. It is working principally in the front-line states suffering most from the war in Ukraine, where it helps building bridges of trust and cooperation between NGOs and city councils, between refugees and the local community. Its projects are supported by the UNDP and other international organisations.

 

MATHIEU POURCHIER (France), Executive Director Tournons La Page 

Mathieu Pourchier is a committed activist for democracy and human rights. He currently serves as Executive Director of Tournons La Page (TLP), a network of over 250 civil society organizations across Africa and Europe advocating for democratic transitions, civic freedoms, and the protection of civic space. With academic training in international business and international relations (ESCD 3A, Sciences Po Grenoble), he built much of his expertise in the field—particularly during several years working in Niger with grassroots civil society movements. Over the years, he has supported citizen-led initiatives in more than 30 countries, with a focus on contexts marked by democratic repression. Based in Paris since 2022, he leads TLP’s international strategy and frequently contributes to public debates on democracy, citizen participation, and Africa-Europe geopolitics.

 

SAWSAN RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership

Sawsan Raslan has been part of the Caux IofC Network since 2016, when she joined the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme. She has supported as a facilitator and program support throughout the years. With Creative Leadership this year, Sawsan is supporting the Finance and Fundraising team. Sawsan is passionate about women’s and youth empowerment, as well as sustainability. Over the years, Sawsan has worked with multiple organisations, serving as the Director of International Affairs at Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Damascus and as a dialogue facilitator for Erasmus+. 
 She holds a degree in Finance and Environmental Science and currently works in sustainability and controls assurance at Deloitte. 

 

SIDRA RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead  

Sidra Raslan from Syria is the logistics and outreach lead of Creative Leadership, a youth-led Caux Initiatives of Change initiative for young leaders that organises programmes focused on dialogue and storytelling. Sidra also volunteers on topics of refugees rights and inclusion, inner development, and youth empowerment. Sidra holds a masters degree in environmental, economic and social sustainability from UAB and works at HP on their partner sustainability programme.

 

CLAIRE REGGIO (France), Historian, Teacher & Trainer, Aix-Marseille University & Domuni Universitas

Dr Claire Reggio is a historian, teacher and trainer specialising in the history of the Mediterranean and religions at the University of Aix-Marseille and Domuni Universitas. She is also founder and Managing Director of the cultural engineering company ARTEOLOG.

 

 

 

MAHBOUBA SERAJ (Afghanistan), Executive Director of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center

Mahbouba Seraj is the Executive Director of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center. After spending 26 years in exile, she returned to her beloved Afghanistan in late 2003 and has since dedicated herself to empowering Afghan women and children. A relentless advocate for women’s rights, Ms. Seraj has championed women’s inclusion in key peace processes, including the Peace Jirga and the High Peace Council.

Her advocacy was instrumental in increasing women’s participation at the 2011 Bonn Conference and the 2012 Tokyo Conference on “Afghanistan after 2014,” as well as in the ongoing peace negotiations involving the Taliban and the US.

Ms. Seraj is also the creator and host of the widely broadcast radio program “Our Beloved Afghanistan by Mahbouba Seraj,” which reaches audiences across the country. Additionally, she founded Women’s Listening Circles—community gatherings where women engage in meaningful discussions inspired by the radio programs, fostering dialogue and solidarity throughout Afghanistan.

 

DR. PETER SHAMBROOK (UK), Independant Scholar, Author & Historical Consultant at the Balfour Project

Peter Shambrook is British, holds a PhD in modern Middle Eastern history from the University of Cambridge, and has held several research positions, notably at Durham University and the Oxford Centre for the Study of Lebanon. He is a historical consultant for the Balfour Project and author of ‘French Imperialism in Syria, 1927–1936’ and ‘Policy of Deceit – Britain's role in fomenting a century of conflict in Palestine’.

 

 

ROOHULLAH SHINWARI (Afghanistan), Head of External Relations at AFA

Fluent in English, Pashto/Persian, Urdu, Finnish, and Russian, Roohullah Shinwari was appointed Head of External Relations at AFA in January 2024. Prior to this role, he served as Programme Officer for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) in Afghanistan until April 2022. With over 25 years of experience in humanitarian work and development, Roohullah Shinwari has held several leadership positions, including a five-year term as Country Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan with the Terre des Hommes International Federation. He has also worked as Project Coordinator for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, senior engineer for LBG/USAID, lecturer for Afghan universities based in Pakistan, and as a member of the Community Health Training Group. Roohullah Shinwari  is an expert in humanitarian aid, rural WASH, rapid response, public health, and broader development issues and brings strong skills in teamwork, critical analysis, leadership, and problem-solving to every role.

 

ASMAA SLEEM (Egypt), Educator, Content Strategist & Training Consultant

Asmaa Sleem is an Egyptian educator, content strategist, and training consultant dedicated to inner development, peacebuilding, and collective growth. She is the founder of Lifelong Learning Talks, an initiative offering participatory learning programs and training consultations in Egypt, focused on self-awareness, relationships, and connection to nature. With postgraduate degrees in teaching methodologies, curriculum design, social sciences, and peace studies—including programs at the University of Bradford—Asmaa blends science-based knowledge, storytelling, music, and experiential learning to support authentic leadership and social change. Her journey with Initiatives of Change (IofC) began as a Caux Scholar (2015/16), evolving into leadership roles within the Caux Peace and Leadership Program (CPLP) and later as a certified trainer (2022). She co-leads the Creative Leadership youth program and contributed to the 2024 Inner Development Goals (IDG) conference as a speaker and community lead. A Mandela Mile alumna (2021), Asmaa also supported content design for the Leaders for Global Change Program in Kenya and Rwanda (2023). She brings extensive experience from the NGO and CSR sectors, including as co-founder of Nielsen Cares Egypt, and currently serves as Vice President of the Association for World Education (AWE). As a peacebuilding consultant, she has worked with over 100 Egyptian youth through projects with the American University in Cairo and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). She also leads Training of Trainers (ToT) programs on dialogue facilitation and conflict transformation with the Centre for Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership (CCMUP).

 

CHRISTOPH SPRENG (Switzerland), IofC International’s representative to the Council of Europe

Christoph Spreng is IofC International’s representative to the Council of Europe. He was part time correspondent for Swiss newspapers on international affairs in Geneva. He was also INGO Project Manager, Elaboration of the Council of Europe White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue 2006-2008, and contributor of a chapter in “Human Rights in culturally diverse societies – Challenges and perspectives”, Council of Europe, 2009. Spreng also served as an INGO Expert for the European Union/CoE Joint Programme “Minorities in Russia: developing languages, culture, media and civil society” 2009-2011.

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VIVIANE STRAUB (Germany/UK), Creative Leadership & Teacher

Viviane Straub is from Germany/UK and was deeply moved by the journey she was taken on during the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme in Caux, 2019. She has since been part of the Creative Leadership team, and hopes to create spaces for dialogue, connection, and rethinking who and how we are. Having studied Human Ecology: Culture, Power, and Sustainability (MSc), her interests lie in finding alternatives to dominant narratives about how we live with the human and more-than-human world. She is currently based on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea, where she works as a teacher at a Steiner school, and is growing through the journey of matrescence; the process of becoming a mother. On her path towards regeneration and addressing the socio-ecological crises, music and poetry are constant companions.  

 

ANNE-CATHERINE SUTERMEISTER (Switzerland), Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes for Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Anne-Catherine Sutermeister (PhD) has worked in the cultural sector for more than 25 years. She worked in cultural organisations (Théâtre de Vidy-Lausanne, Bibliothèque cantonale universitaire, Théâtre du Jorat), in higher education (La Manufacture in Lausanne and HEAD-Geneva), in cultural policy (Canton of Berne, Pro Helvetia Foundation Board, State of Valais), and as a consultant and trainer which gives her a global view of the cultural sector.

 

ARSHALOUYS TENBELIAN (Lebanon), Policy Scientist and Advocate/ Core Member of the Armenian-Kurdish-Turkish Peace Initiative

Arshalouys Tenbelian is a policy scientist and advocate from Beirut, Lebanon. Arshalouys is of Armenian origin, she is a 4th generation survival of Armenian genocide. Coming from a minority group in her country Lebanon, which is considered to have one of the biggest Armenian diaspora communities in the world, she has fought for long to keep her identity and Armenian cause alive. Arshalouys is an advocate for human rights, especially for minority groups campaigning and promoting minority rights. Currently, she’s the engagement lead for the Armenian Kurdish Turkish Peace Initiative (AKTPI) that aims to hold dialogues with opponents, to confront and not to avoid, to promote awareness, create a safe space for healing memories, increase tolerance and inclusion, work on conflict resolution and help all towards a peaceful closure. Arshalouys is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut.

 

JONAS TRUNEH (UK), Creative Leadership & Project Development Officer at Triangle

Jonas Truneh's journey with Caux began in 2017 during the Just Governance for Human Security conference, marking the start of his deep connection to Initiatives of Change's principles. His subsequent involvement in the Caux Scholars Program in 2018 solidified his commitment. In 2019, Jonas immersed himself in leadership principles at the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme, further cementing his dedication. Now, as a founding member of the Creative Leadership team, he continues to contribute to Caux's mission. Based in Beirut, Jonas serves as a project development officer at Triangle, a social enterprise acting as both a think tank and an international development consultancy. Leveraging his expertise in program development and project management, Jonas spearheads strategic initiatives, drawing from his rich international background. He holds an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA degree with First-Class Honours in Religion, Politics, and Society from King’s College London.

 

SHAHIDA TULAGANOVA (Uzbekistan), Producer & Director

Shahida Tulaganova is an Emmy-nominated producer and director, described by Global Voices as a "veteran war reporter." Born in Uzbekistan and based in the UK, she specializes in telling stories from conflict zones. Her recent work includes producing and directing Ukraine's Stolen Children (ITV, 2023), an investigation into the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, and Children of Ukraine (ITV, 2022), which documents the devastating impact of war on the country’s youngest citizens. Her feature documentary EXILED (2018) presents the most comprehensive account to date of the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, uniquely featuring interviews with both the perpetrators and survivors of decades of violence. Shahida also co-produced Cries from Syria (2017), a harrowing chronicle of Syria’s descent into war, highlighting the resilience and suffering of ordinary Syrians amidst government brutality and foreign intervention. In How to Plan a Revolution (2006), Shahida followed young opposition leaders in Azerbaijan as they challenged the country’s entrenched authoritarian regime, offering an intimate look at the courage and risks involved in fighting for democratic change. A former journalist with the BBC and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Shahida’s work has earned major international recognition, including the Courage Under Fire Award from the International Documentary Association.

 

RAFAEL TYSZBLAT (France), Mediator & Trainer in Interconvictional and Interidentity Dialogue at Connecting Actions

Rafaël Tyszblat is a mediator & trainer in Interconvictional and Interidentity Dialogue at Connecting Actions. He designs programmes to bring together people from different cultures and beliefs, notably at Connecting Actions as president, at Soliya as director, and previously at the Muslim-Jewish Conference. His projects are mobilised in France and internationally to promote social cohesion and better understanding between groups of different identities. He emphasises listening, recognition of others and the co-construction of solutions. He is also co-founder of the AntiClash podcast, which fights against the culture of conflict by addressing difficult topics through dialogue.

 

SANDRA UWANTEGE HART (USA/Rwanda), Tech4Good Strategist, PoliSync

With over 15 years’ worth of global experience in humanitarian response with UN agencies and INGOs, Sandra Uwantege Hart is a technical advisor, strategist and researcher for aid organizations and social impact-focused companies exploring inclusive innovation and emerging technologies. She is an interlocutor between the humanitarian and technology sectors – identifying valuable use cases and managing community-inclusive AI, Web3 and digital payment projects in humanitarian contexts. Sandra is Tech4Good Strategist at PoliSync and also leads the Humanitarian Venture Lab at Mercy Corps Ventures, in addition to advising several startups. Sandra co-founded the startup Umoja Labs and is the award winning creator of Oxfam's Unblocked Cash Project. Her work has been featured in academic publications, international conferences & speaking engagements, and media publications. Sandra is now the CEO & founder of Haramba Consulting, Tech4Good Strategist at PoliSync, and leads the Humanitarian Venture Lab at Mercy Corps Ventures in addition to advising several startups. Sandra holds a BA in Anthropology from Princeton University and a MA in Human Development from the Graduate Institute in Geneva. 

 

ISMAR VILLAVIVENCIO (Honduras/Uruguay), Life Coach & Core Team Member Regional Trust-Building Programme of the Americas

Ismar Villavicencio is Honduran by birth and has lived in Uruguay since 2002. Together with his wife and children, he has travelled throughout Latin America working with different groups on issues of human development and ethical leadership. His passion is to create and sustain safe spaces for honest conversations that build trust and unleash people's human potential towards building better futures, a shared humanity and global well-being. He has worked as a university professor in the area of talent management, life coach and mentor to people of various ages, mostly young people, in Spanish, Portuguese and English. He is currently part of the core team of the Regional Trust-Building Programme of the Americas - 11 people from 7 countries - which works to build bridges of trust between migrants and local populations in Brazil and Uruguay, linking this action to the strengthening of democracy, its impacts, benefits and responsibilities.

 

HIRONORI YANO (Japan), Chair Caux Round Table Japan

Hironori Yano is the Chair of the Caux Round Table Japan, a global network of business leaders working to realise a fair, free and transparent society through sustainable and socially responsible business. In Japan it helps companies implement corporate social responsibility, based on seeking to establish what is right rather than who is right, and starting by putting one’s own house in order. This service is in constant demand, leading Caux Round Table Japan to expand its activities. Mr Yano formerly chaired the Central Nippon Expressway Co Ltd.

 

Songs for Peace, Unity & Reconciliation Songs (Taizé Songs)  I  22:00

TSVETANA PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

With 10 years of experience in singing lessons, Tsvetana Petrushina, a musician and vocal coach based in Switzerland, has developed a teaching system that reveals a person's natural voice, helps them overcome their internal blockages and opens them up to the world in a new way.

 

 

 

Teen & Youth Programme

EVE BRENOT (France), Caux Forum Young Changemakers Programme Coordinator, Student in International Relations - Expertise & International Risks

Eve Brenot is a French student with a deep passion for international cooperation and geopolitics! Currently wrapping up her Master’s in International Relations – Expertise & International Risks, she’s all about crisis management, foreign policy, and global governance.

With a mix of studies, hands-on experience, and activism, Eve thrives on strategic thinking and real-world action. She firmly believes that dialogue and collective intelligence are the driving forces behind democracy and is eager to bring her skills to the Caux Forum. Drawn to its multicultural and dynamic environment, she’s all in for creating spaces where young leaders can connect, reflect, and drive change. Eve is a hiking enthusiast who can’t wait to explore Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes! 

 

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​Caux Democracy Forum 2025 Speakers - Opening Ceremony

 

Welcome, Key Address & Reflections  I  14:30 - 15:45

JACQUELINE COTÉ (Canada/Switzerland), President Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

Jacqueline Coté is the President of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. She was the Director of Public Relations and previously Head of Communications at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva from 2009 to 2021. In that role she was instrumental in building the new campus of the Institute, the Maison de la Paix, as a vibrant centre of conferences and seminars, thus solidifying the reputation and outreach of the Institute in International Geneva and beyond. Prior to that Ms Coté was the Permanent Representative to the UN of the International Chamber of Commerce and also served as Senior Advisor Advocacy & Partnerships to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.  In the early part of her career, Ms Coté practiced as an international lawyer in Canada and Switzerland and held management positions with multinational companies SGS and DuPont. Ms Coté believes that the global agenda can best be tackled by linking the public, private and non-profit sectors, and that dialogue and empathy are essential tools to achieve the sustainable development goals.  She recently trained as a mediator at Harvard Law School and joined the board of several associations to continue her engagement with International Geneva. Ms Coté has Swiss, Canadian and British nationalities, is a member of the Bar of Quebec and has two grown-up children who share her passion about tackling today’s global challenges in their areas of work.

 

HAJAR BICHRI (Morocco), Creative Leadership

Hajar Bichri began her experience with Initiatives of Change (IofC) in 2016 with the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme. Her commitment led her to serve in various roles, including as the Forum Secretariat and thoroughly involved with various conferences. She became part of the Creative Leadership team as a core member in 2019 and supported conference communications. Hajar pursued her higher education in Hungary, and currently she is pursuing further study as a PhD student in International Studies at Budapest's Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). Her research is on "Nurturing Trust and Mitigating Mistrust: A Comprehensive Examination of Community Engagement in Humanitarian Action".  She was a Copywriter for a multinational corporation in B2B communications and held various roles within Caux Initiatives of Change, such as Head of Secretariat and Communication Officer, supporting the Caux Forum. At the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, she was a Communications Associate and since April 2023, Hajar offers Communications Consultant services on a freelance basis, providing external and internal communications to previous employers and small local businesses.

 

FRANCESCA CAMILLERI VETTIGER,  Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe

Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger was appointed Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe on 19 June 2023. She currently serves as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre. Prior to this role, she was Deputy Permanent Representative and Legal Advisor at Malta’s Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe from 2019. Before that, she coordinated International Human Rights Law matters at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion in Valletta. In 2016, she was posted to Geneva as Senior Policy Officer at Malta’s Permanent Representation to the UN and other international organizations, representing Malta at the World Trade Organization during Malta’s EU Council Presidency preparations. Earlier, she served as Legal Advisor and Coordinator on EU and Local Parliament Affairs to Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister. She led a legal team to draft key legislative reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and the separation of powers in line with Council of Europe recommendations. Before joining the public service, she worked at PiscoPartners law firm in Valletta and Zurich. Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger holds a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta, an LL.M. in Public International Law from Utrecht University, and an MSc in Global Health Policy from the University of London.

 

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Philippe Lazzarini was appointed Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on 18 March 2020 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, following consultations with the Agency’s Advisory Commission. A Swiss national, Mr. Lazzarini brings over 30 years of experience in humanitarian affairs, international coordination, and crisis response across the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the private sector. Before his appointment to UNRWA, he served as Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) since 2015. He previously held similar roles in Somalia and was also Deputy Director of OCHA’s Coordination and Response Division. His fieldwork includes leadership roles with OCHA in the occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Angola, and Iraq. Prior to joining the UN in 2003, Mr. Lazzarini worked with the ICRC for a decade in several conflict zones, including Rwanda, Angola, Sarajevo, Southern Sudan, Gaza, and Beirut. He also held a senior marketing position at Union Bancaire Privée in Geneva. Mr. Lazzarini holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Neuchâtel and an MBA from the University of Lausanne. He is married with four children. (photo & more info)

 

JOSEPH DEISS (Switzerland), Economist & Politician

Joseph Deiss is a Swiss economist and politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP/PDC). He began his political career in the Grand Council of Fribourg in 1981, later serving as mayor of Barberêche (1982–1996) and as a member of the Swiss National Council (1991–1999). Deiss was a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1999 to 2006, heading first the Department of Foreign Affairs (1999–2002), where he spearheaded Switzerland’s successful campaign to join the United Nations, and then the Department of Economic Affairs (2003–2006), where he played a leading role in WTO negotiations and chaired the Group of Ten (G-10) countries.

He was President of the Swiss Confederation in 2004 and served as President of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly from 2010 to 2011, the first Swiss national to hold this post. Academically, Deiss holds a doctorate in economics and social sciences and was a professor and dean at the University of Fribourg. After leaving government, he has held numerous board and consultancy roles in Swiss and international companies. Deiss is married and has three children. (photo: http://www.parlament.ch)

 

Moderator 

IGNACIO PACKER (UK/Spain/Switzerland), Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change

Ignacio Packer is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

 

 Music

JEAN-MARC VIGNOLI (France), Violinist  I  14:30 

Jean-Marc Vignoli is a musician and lives in France. After training as both a violinist and an engineer, and a long career in industry, he (re)discovered the path to his own creative expression. For the last ten years or so, he has been living and sharing the mysteries of sound, improvisation and creativity and has also recorded several CDs. Jean-Marc Vignoli describes himself as a 'tailor-made' violinist. The music he plays is inspired by the message, the mood and the moment in which it takes place. Having become aware of the therapeutic dimension of music, he has turned his attention to the dimension of sound that soothes, relieves and harmonises, helping to transform and heal the human being in intimate contact with nature. 

 

LICIA CHERY (Switzerland/Haïti) & RAOUL BAUMANN (Switzerland)  I  20:30 CEST

Singer, author, composer, and trailblazing TV presenter, Licia Chery is known for breaking boundaries, from self-producing her first album at 17 to becoming the first Black woman to host a daily programme on Swiss national TV. Her powerful voice resonates in music, literature (Noir en couleurs, Tichéri a les cheveux crépus), and through Les Editions Visibles, the publishing house she founded to spotlight overlooked voices.

By her side for over a decade is Raoul Baumann, a versatile composer, arranger, and producer who moves fluidly between classical piano, jazz, and contemporary genres. A graduate of the Swiss Jazz School, he composes for stage, screen, and orchestras, and performs internationally.

Together, they blend depth, creativity, and connection—bringing powerful stories and sounds to life on stage and beyond.

Parallel Sessions  I  16:15 - 17:45 

ANAS ANSAR (Bangladesh), Senior Researcher at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut, University of Freiburg, Germany

Dr. Anas Ansar is a senior researcher in the Asia programme at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut (ABI), University of Freiburg, Germany. In addition to his research role, he lectures on Migration and Identity Politics at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Mainz, Germany. Dr. Ansar holds both a bachelor's and a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and completed his PhD from the University of Bonn, Germany. His current work delves into the diaspora resistance against authoritarian regimes in Asia with a particular focus on youth political movements in Bangladesh.

 

SHUKRIA BARAKZAI (Afghanistan), Politician, Journalist & Women’s Rights Advocate

Shukria Barakzai is a renowned Afghan politician, journalist, and women’s rights advocate. Born in Kabul in 1972, she defied the Taliban by founding an underground girls’ school in 1997 and later helped draft Afghanistan’s 2003 constitution. Elected to Parliament (2005–2016), she championed gender equality and press freedom. Shukria Barakzai founded key organizations supporting Afghan women and justice for gender-based crimes. She also served as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Norway, Iceland, and Denmark, earning global recognition from the BBC, Foreign Policy, and Cambridge University. Now in exile in the UK, she continues her work as a peace ambassador and human rights leader. A survivor of multiple assassination attempts and a single mother of five, Barakzai remains a fearless voice for Afghan women and a global symbol of resilience.

 

DILARA BAYRAK (Switzerland), Lawyer & Member of Grand Council of Geneva, Switzerland

Dilara Bayrak is a Swiss lawyer and a prominent political figure in Geneva. She serves as the 2nd Vice-President of the Grand Council of Geneva, the legislative body of the canton, representing the Green Party (Les Verts). Bayrak has been a deputy in the Grand Council since June 2020, after previously serving as a substitute deputy, and was elected to the Bureau of the Grand Council in April 2023.

In addition to her legal and legislative roles, she is actively involved in several parliamentary commissions, including those focused on urban planning (which she chairs), judicial and police matters, and management oversight. Dilara Bayrak is also dedicated to civic engagement and social justice outside parliament. She holds leadership and committee roles in various associations, such as the Association d’Aide aux Victimes de Violence en Couple, the Association des juristes progressistes, and Avocat.e.s pour le climat. As a member of youth and tenants’ associations, she is committed to issues of inclusion, equality, and youth participation in democracy.

Known for her advocacy of inclusive democracy, Dilara Bayrak has publicly called for greater involvement of young people in political processes and the elimination of prejudices in society.

 

AMBASSADOR NATALIE CHUARD (Switzerland), Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

Ambassador Nathalie Chuard did her studies in Arts and Political Sciences in Switzerland and Russia. In 2000, she started her career at the Swiss NGO Terre des hommes and took on a variety of postings abroad, including in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Madagascar, and the Middle East. She joined the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 2005 and, as a Swiss Diplomat, served among other positions as Deputy Head of the Human Rights Section in Berne and Political Coordinator at the Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York. From 2018, she headed the Middle East and Northern Africa Division (Humanitarian Aid) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. From 2020 to 2023, she was the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh. She speaks French, German, English, and Russian. Joining DCAF in March 2023, Nathalie Chuard is the first woman appointed as Director of DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance.

 

JORDAN DAVIS (USA), RTS Correspondent in the USA and host of “Democracy! Démocratie!”

Jordan Davis is a Washington-based correspondent for Swiss public broadcasting (RTS), where he shares coverage of U.S. politics, foreign policy, and social issues. Raised in the United States, he draws on that deep familiarity in his reporting, including the podcast "Democracy! Démocratie!", which explored the state of American democracy ahead of the 2024 election. Throughout his career, Jordan has reported from the front lines of major news events across several continents, working in both French and English. His work combines field reporting with global perspective, bringing international audiences a grounded view of American political life.

 

KONSTANTINE GAGNIDZE (Georgia), Founder & President of JEF Georgia

Konstantine Gagnidze is the founder and president of JEF Georgia, a passionate civic activist, and a committed leader in the field of youth empowerment and democratic engagement across Europe. He has worked extensively as a project manager and trainer in Latvian (Young Folks LV), Ukrainian (SATELLITE NGO & JEF Ukraine), and Georgian (Umbrella & JEF Georgia) NGOs, spearheading initiatives that strengthen civic participation, youth leadership, and cross-border cooperation. Driven by a strong belief in democracy, inclusion, and European values, Konstantine is actively involved in the civic sector and a proud member of Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement advocating for progressive and united change across the continent. His work focuses on empowering youth and youth workers through different programs, capacity-building trainings, and international exchanges that foster critical thinking, activism, and civic responsibility. As a dedicated youth worker and trainer, Konstantine continues to build bridges between Eastern Europe and the rest of the continent, ensuring that the voices of rural, underrepresented, and non-EU youth are heard in European discourse.

 

HAMZA GHANDOUR (Lebanon), Life Coach & Peacebuilder

Hamza Ghandour was born in Lebanon and raised in Gabon and has been shaped by a rich multicultural journey. His involvement with various associations has taken him to international forums in Caux (Switzerland), Córdoba (Spain), Egypt, Syria, and India — deepening his understanding of human connection across cultures.

Certified as a professional coach by CTA and ICI, he approaches each day with the intention of staying true to his alignment and personal growth. Passionate about self-development, he firmly believes that self-awareness is the key to balance and fulfillment. His journey in this field began in 2014, driven by a desire to support others on their own transformative paths. After completing his first coaching training, he stepped out of his comfort zone by publishing his book Transitions, a bold expression of his commitment to authenticity.

Through his many discoveries, encounters, and contributions, interpersonal skills, adaptability, openness to change, and creativity have become part of his DNA — qualities he brings into every coaching relationship.

 

AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN GUILLERMET-FERNÁNDEZ (Costa Rica), Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva

Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández is the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva. He has been a career diplomat in the Costa Rican foreign service since 1998 and, from April 2020 to June 2023, was appointed as Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs. He was Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York (2019-2020), Director General of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica (2016- 2018), Deputy Director General of Foreign Policy (2015-2016), Deputy Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva (2010- 2015), Deputy Permanent Representative and Political Coordinator during Costa Rica's membership in the Security Council at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York (2008-2009) and Director General of Foreign Policy after working with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and in Santiago, Chile as Regional Representative a.i. of the High Commissioner (2006-2008). During his diplomatic career, he worked as Chair-Rapporteur of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on the Right to Peace, among others. In addition, he has collaborated extensively with different universities and think tanks and has written for prestigious peer-reviewed journals worldwide.

 

ELDER ALVIN MANITOPYES (Canada), Indigenous Leader, Consultant, and Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Co-Founder Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter and the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School

Alvin Manitopyes is Plains Cree and Anishnaabe from the Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Raised in a traditional way, he was taught by Elders to preserve Indigenous knowledge and natural laws. An accomplished traditional dancer, Alvin has shared his culture and healing practices across North America, Europe, and South America. He has led workshops and lectures on Indigenous wellness and environmental issues, and co-founded several organizations in Calgary, including the Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter and the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School. Alvin played a key role in launching the national BEAHR training program through Eco-Canada. With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous program management and community development, Alvin has advised governments, corporations, and First Nations leaders on treaty rights, economic development, consultation processes, and impact benefit agreements related to resource projects.

 

CORINNE MOMAL-VANIAN, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation

Corinne Momal-Vanian is the Executive Director of the Foundation. Previously, she worked in various senior positions and a variety of countries for the United Nations, most recently as Director of Conference Management at the United Nations Office at Geneva (2015-2020) and Director of Information (2010-2015).

Ms. Momal-Vanian served as Special Assistant to Kofi Annan in 2005 and 2006, traveling with him to some 20 countries as he worked to resolve crises, defuse tensions, highlight the plight of communities and individuals suffering from discrimination and abuses, build international cooperation and strengthen support for development and justice. She worked for a total of six years in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, after serving in two regional economic and social commissions of the United Nations.

Passionate about justice, gender equality, inclusion, innovation and learning, Ms. Momal-Vanian chaired the Steering Group of the International Gender Champions from 2016 to 2019 and was a co-organiser of the three editions of TEDxPlaceDesNations.

A French citizen, she holds a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Graduate School of Management, Paris, an advanced degree in international relations from the Institut Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) – Paris and an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

 

GODFREY MWAMPEMBWA aka GADO (Kenya), Graphic journalist, Cartoonist, Animator & TV Producer

Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA, known professionally as Gado, was born in 1969, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is a graphic journalist, independent editorial cartoonist, animator, and TV producer. His work has appeared in The EastAfrican, The Standard, and Daily Nation (Kenya), Le Monde and Courrier International (France), Deutsche Welle (Germany), The Continent (South Africa), among others. Gado is the co-founder of Buni Media, an independent multimedia company based in Nairobi. A trained classical animator from Vancouver Film School, he is the creator and producer of the popular weekly satirical puppet show The XYZ Show, which has aired on Kenyan television since 2009. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards. In 2007, he was named a Prince Claus Laureate, and in 2011, he received the Visionaries Award from the Ford Foundation for his innovative work on the frontlines of key social issues. In 2016, he was awarded the Cartooning for Peace International Editorial Cartoon Award, and in 2018, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism from the Kenya National Human Rights Commission. Gado was also named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Africa by NewAfrican magazine in both 2014 and 2016. In May 2022, he was honored by the French government with the title Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). Gado is a member of the Cartoonists Rights Network (CRN), Cartooning for Peace, and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ). He has been a fellow at the Bellagio Center (2016) and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in 2024.

 

BAHISHTA NOHTANI (Afghanistan), Dentist, Women's Rights Activist & Co-Founder of Afghanistan Women's Rights Association (AWRA)

Bahishta Nohtani is a Geneva-based Afghan dentist, women’s rights activist, and co-founder of the Afghanistan Women’s Rights Association (AWRA). Born in Nimroz, Afghanistan, in 1987, she experienced firsthand the brutality of the Taliban and the barriers to girls’ education. Despite being beaten at age 9 for attending a secret school, she continued her studies in exile and returned to Afghanistan as a teenager to work as a translator and humanitarian with international organizations. Forced to flee again due to gender-based violence, she resettled in Switzerland in 2009. There, she learned French, completed her education, and fulfilled her dream of studying medicine—becoming a practicing dentist in Geneva. Through AWRA, she supports underground schools, health clinics, and shelters for thousands of women and children in Afghanistan. Today, Bahishta is a powerful voice for Afghan women, advocating internationally for their rights and dignity amid ongoing repression.

 

ROOHULLAH SHINWARI, Head of External Relations at AFA

Fluent in English, Pashto/Persian, Urdu, Finnish, and Russian, Roohullah Shinwari was appointed Head of External Relations at AFA in January 2024. Prior to this role, he served as Programme Officer for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) in Afghanistan until April 2022. With over 25 years of experience in humanitarian work and development, Roohullah Shinwari has held several leadership positions, including a five-year term as Country Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan with the Terre des Hommes International Federation. He has also worked as Project Coordinator for the Terre des Hommes Foundation, senior engineer for LBG/USAID, lecturer for Afghan universities based in Pakistan, and as a member of the Community Health Training Group. Roohullah Shinwari  is an expert in humanitarian aid, rural WASH, rapid response, public health, and broader development issues and brings strong skills in teamwork, critical analysis, leadership, and problem-solving to every role.

 

SHAHIDA TULAGANOVA (Uzbekistan), Producer & Director

Shahida Tulaganova is an Emmy-nominated producer and director, described by Global Voices as a "veteran war reporter." Born in Uzbekistan and based in the UK, she specializes in telling stories from conflict zones. Her recent work includes producing and directing Ukraine's Stolen Children (ITV, 2023), an investigation into the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, and Children of Ukraine (ITV, 2022), which documents the devastating impact of war on the country’s youngest citizens. Her feature documentary EXILED (2018) presents the most comprehensive account to date of the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, uniquely featuring interviews with both the perpetrators and survivors of decades of violence. Shahida also co-produced Cries from Syria (2017), a harrowing chronicle of Syria’s descent into war, highlighting the resilience and suffering of ordinary Syrians amidst government brutality and foreign intervention. In How to Plan a Revolution (2006), Shahida followed young opposition leaders in Azerbaijan as they challenged the country’s entrenched authoritarian regime, offering an intimate look at the courage and risks involved in fighting for democratic change. A former journalist with the BBC and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Shahida’s work has earned major international recognition, including the Courage Under Fire Award from the International Documentary Association.

 

CO-MODERATORS

JOHN BOND (Australia/UK), Journalist & Author, Initiatives of Change

John Bond lives in Oxford, England, and has worked with Initiatives of Change in over 30 countries. For five years he coordinated the Caux Forum for Human Security. Previously he was the Secretary of Australia’s National Sorry Day Committee, which enlisted a million Australians in initiatives to overcome the harm done to Aboriginal Australians by cruel and misguided past policies. For this he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. He is also a writer. His most-recent book, a biography of Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki, known as 'the father of Australian multiculturalism', has been published in English and Polish.

 

 

MANUELA GARAY (Canada), Creative Leadership & Community Associate and Event Coordinator at IWG

Manuela Garay first joined the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme in 2017 and became a founding member of Creative Leadership in 2019. She’s passionate about continuing this journey, having personally experienced how inner peace and storytelling can transform lives. Manuela believes in the power of connection and collaboration as essential pathways to peace, striving to foster these values both personally and professionally. By bringing people together, she believes we create a more caring, connected world. Based in Toronto, Manuela works as a Community Associate and Event Coordinator at IWG, and as a trained graphic designer and photographer, she aims to use her skills to improve communication and contribute to building a better world. 

 

SARAH NOBLE (Canada/Switzerland), Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

Sarah Noble is a Canadian-born peace advocate and storyteller currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Sarah is the Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation where she works on partnerships, inner development,  the Caux Arts and Peace Encounters, and the Caux Forums. She is also co-founder and Curator of the PeaceTalks, a global storytelling platform dedicated to stories of peace at Interpeace. She has over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships in global organizations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and non-profit public interest media. Passionate about storytelling as a tool for healing and social change, Sarah believes in its power to address global challenges. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights how narratives can shape a better future. Sarah is the mom of 2 small kids and is motivated by a desire to be a good ancestor. Sarah has an MA in International Affairs from Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a BA in Political Studies and Economics from Queen’s University.

 

IGNACIO PACKER (UK/Spain/Switzerland), Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change

Ignacio Packer is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

 

SIDRA RASLAN (Syria), Creative Leadership & HP Amplify Impact Partner Sustainability Program Support and Community Lead  

Sidra Raslan from Syria is the logistics and outreach lead of Creative Leadership, a youth-led Caux Initiatives of Change initiative for young leaders that organises programmes focused on dialogue and storytelling. Sidra also volunteers on topics of refugees rights and inclusion, inner development, and youth empowerment. Sidra holds a masters degree in environmental, economic and social sustainability from UAB and works at HP on their partner sustainability programme.

 

 

JONAS TRUNEH, Creative Leadership & Project Development Officer at Triangle

Jonas Truneh's journey with Caux began in 2017 during the Just Governance for Human Security conference, marking the start of his deep connection to Initiatives of Change's principles. His subsequent involvement in the Caux Scholars Program in 2018 solidified his commitment. In 2019, Jonas immersed himself in leadership principles at the Caux Peace and Leadership Programme, further cementing his dedication. Now, as a founding member of the Creative Leadership team, he continues to contribute to Caux's mission. Based in Beirut, Jonas serves as a project development officer at Triangle, a social enterprise acting as both a think tank and an international development consultancy. Leveraging his expertise in program development and project management, Jonas spearheads strategic initiatives, drawing from his rich international background. He holds an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA degree with First-Class Honours in Religion, Politics, and Society from King’s College London.

 

 Caux Peace Parks Inauguration  I  17:45 

OLIVIER GFELLER (Switzerland), Mayor of Montreux

Olivier Gfeller is the current mayor (syndic) of Montreux, Switzerland, a position he has held since 2021. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSS/SPS), Gfeller has played a pivotal role in guiding Montreux through significant recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a major cyberattack in 2021. Under his leadership, Montreux has focused on revitalizing its renowned cultural life, supporting local associations, and fostering resilience among residents and businesses. Gfeller has also overseen the municipality’s response to international events, such as welcoming Ukrainian refugees, and has championed projects in sustainable urban development, public transport, and environmental initiatives. In addition to his mayoral duties, he serves as a deputy in the Grand Council of Vaud and sits on the board of the Claude Nobs Foundation, which preserves the legacy of the Montreux Jazz Festival. (photo)

 

ANDREAS LARENTZAKIS (Australia), Executive Director IIPT - International Institute for Peace through Tourism

Andreas Larentzakis, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the travel industry, has held various management positions in Australia, the United States, and Europe. In late 1999, he began volunteering with the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), where he has since worked closely with the institute’s founder to advance its vision and mission. He played an active role in the 2000 Amman Global Summit and the 2003 Geneva Global Summit on Peace through Tourism. Following his retirement from the business world in late 2024, he was appointed Executive Director of IIPT.

 

 

 

 

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