Peace and Security Plenary: How can young leaders restore diplomacy to end the cycle of violence?
Hear from our inspirational delegate speakers
Speakers
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Maeen AldahbaliHuman Rights ActivistMaeen Aldahbali
Human Rights Activist
I am a peacebuilder, human rights advocate, and Project Lead for Human Rights and the MENA Region at the City of Paris (General Delegation for International Relations).
Originally from Yemen, I served as the Youth Governor of Taiz within the Youth and Children Government, where I spearheaded peacebuilding initiatives that protected over 1,500 children and prevented dozens from being recruited into armed conflict. Despite surviving two assassination attempts, arbitrary arrest, and severe personal loss due to my advocacy, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to human rights.
Currently based in France as a political refugee and studying at Sciences Po Paris, I coordinate international diplomatic forums, human rights conferences, and memory initiatives. My work focuses on bridging grassroots youth voices with global decision-makers to promote youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes.
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Taban Nuai Deng WuorFounder and Chief Executive DirectorTaban Nuai Deng Wuor
Founder and Chief Executive Director
Taban Nuai Deng is the Founder And Chief Executive Director of Youth Proudly Space Initiative (YPSI)_a youth-led nonprofit serving Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Juba, South Sudan, where he has lived since being displaced in 2013. Since founding YPSI in 2020, he has built programs spanning education, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and climate resilience, reaching over 5,000 young people and equipping more than 2,500 with entrepreneurship and business training.
This organization primarily focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) to bring about positive transformations in the lives of marginalized youth.
A South Sudanese peacebuilder, researcher, and social entrepreneur, Taban is committed to building lasting peace and opportunity for displaced young people, with a long-term ambition to serve at the United Nations. -
Chantale ZuziFounder and Executive DirectorChantale Zuzi
Founder and Executive Director
Chantale Zuzi is the Founder and Executive Director of Refugee Can Be. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she spent part of her adolescence in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Uganda before resettling in the United States.
Chantale’s relationship with education began with her mother, who did not have the opportunity to attend school herself but believed deeply in education for her daughters. Through displacement, Chantale saw how poverty, gender, and access shape the choices available to refugee girls. After resettlement, Chantale experienced sustained investment in her own life through education, mentorship, and community.
That perspective led Chantale to found Refugee Can Be, an organization shaped by the belief that displacement should not determine the choices available to a girl.
Today, she leads Refugee Can Be in partnership with girls and families from Rwamwanja. Their perspectives inform the organization’s decisions, programs, and direction. At the center of Chantale’s leadership is a belief in the agency of refugee girls: their capacity to make choices, shape ideas, influence their communities, and determine the direction of their own lives.
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Katembo RaphaëlPeace AmbassadorKatembo Raphaël
Peace Ambassador
Muhetho Raphael is my name, I’m Congolese peace and youth advocate, international relations and diplomacy graduate, and emerging leader passionate about peacebuilding, good governance, and youth participation in shaping Africa’s future.
I’m originally from Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where I have worked with young people and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and social challenges. Through my work with organisations and community initiatives, I have supported youth mentorship, transformational leadership, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
I am also passionate about connecting faith, leadership, and public service. I believe that leadership is not mainly about position, but about responsibility, integrity, and using influence to serve others and create positive change.
I have participated in youth leadership and peace initiatives and currently continues to develop my work around governance, diplomacy, and community transformation.
I’marticularly interested in how young Africans can move from being spectators of change to becoming active contributors to peace, justice, and development.
For me, leadership begins with a simple question: “What can I do with what I have, where I am, to make a difference?”
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Yuliia DziubaPresident, European Democracy Youth Network | Public Policy Expert and Founder, Future Frame PolicyYuliia Dziuba
President, European Democracy Youth Network | Public Policy Expert and Founder, Future Frame Policy
Yuliia Dziuba is a Ukrainian public policy expert and youth leader with nearly ten years of experience in democratic governance, international cooperation and youth empowerment. She is President of the European Democracy Youth Network, representing nearly 1,000 young civic and political leaders across 23 countries, and Founder of Future Frame Policy, an NGO advancing responsible, evidence-based and conflict-sensitive policymaking.
Yuliia previously served for six years as a Senior Policy Adviser in the Parliament of Ukraine and advised a Deputy Minister of Economy on digital transformation and public-sector reform. Her experience includes cooperation with the Council of Europe, a traineeship in the European Parliament, membership of the Youth Council under Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and convening more than 10 UK–Ukraine policy discussions in the UK Parliament.
She currently coordinates 12 partnerships between Ukrainian municipalities and European cities through the Association of Ukrainian Cities. Throughout her career, she has mentored more than 100 young leaders pro bono.
Originally from the heavily affected Chernihiv region and displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Yuliia rebuilt her life in the United Kingdom and completed a Master of Public Policy at the London School of Economics. Her work focuses on youth diplomacy, democratic resilience, conflict prevention and building a just and sustainable peace.
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Fanna Abdu MuhammadWomen Peace & Security Advocate/ResearcherFanna Abdu Muhammad
Women Peace & Security Advocate/Researcher
Fanna Abdu Muhammad is a Women Peace and Security advocate, researcher and mentor from Northern Nigeria, with over nine years of experience working with conflict-affected communities, particularly women and young people. Her work focuses on peacebuilding, mentorship, community engagement and supporting survivors of conflict to rebuild their confidence and pursue their aspirations.
Fanna began her humanitarian career with CARE International as a GBV Service Provider and has since worked with organisations including the International Rescue Committee and The Mentor Initiative in various protection and research-related roles. She currently works as a Social Research Associate with Mobukar Consultancy Services, contributing to research on Managing Exit from Armed Conflict in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).
Fanna came from a region where conflict is not just a headline, but a lived reality. Her work is driven by a commitment to understanding how conflict and insecurity shape the realities of women and young people in Northern Nigeria, particularly those in fragile and affected communities. Growing up around conflict taught her that silence can be dangerous. Her lived experience as a survivor of conflict and violence is what inspired her journey into Women Peace and Security and led her to start her mentorship work.
Through her informal initiative, Catch Them Young, Fanna provides mentorship, safe spaces, encouragement, guidance and referrals to over five hundred young women and girls affected by conflict. Her work is rooted in the belief that survivors should not only be supported to recovering from violence, but empowered to become agents of peace and change.
Fanna is passionate about amplifying the voices of women and young people affected by conflict and creating pathways for them to meaningfully participate in peace and security processes.
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Luis Javier CastroCo-founder of The Abundance CircleLuis Javier Castro
Co-founder of The Abundance Circle
Luis Javier Castro defines himself as an entrepreneur and activist. He is the Founder and CEO of Mesoamerica Investments, a Private Equity Firm from where he has led investments across Latin America for 25 years in renewable energy, telecommunications, restaurants, dairy industry, and more, with partners such as OTPP, ACTIS, Bain Capital, and large business groups. In 2019, Mesoamerica acquired 35% of Alqueria, highlighted by the press as “partners in purpose.” In 2021, the company was certified as a B Corp, becoming one of Colombia’s best in sustainability.
Luis Javier is on the Board of Directors of Grupo de Energía de Bogotá, Codensa, and companies in Mesoamerica’s portfolio. He founded Yo Emprendedor, benefiting over 6,000 entrepreneurs, and recently incorporated its entrepreneurship model in Costa Rica’s public education. He is President Emeritus of AED (Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo), which he led for 10 years, uniting over 150 companies for a more prosperous and inclusive environment.
He is a member of the Central American Leadership Initiative, Aspen Institute Colombia, YPO, Tate Modern acquisition committee, founder of Parque La Libertad, and serves on multiple development boards. He served on the Board of United Way Worldwide, the largest NGO globally with a $5 billion budget.
El Financiero, a Costa Rican newspaper, twice named him Businessman of the Year for promoting conscious capitalism.
In 2020, Luis Javier founded Alejandria, aiming to build an educated, connected, and empowered society based on conscious capitalism and exponentiality. Alejandria invests in high-impact ventures like Knowledgehook, improving math education globally, and Elenas, empowering 200,000 women to increase their income.
Luis Javier studied Agribusiness at Texas A&M University and earned an MBA from Georgetown University.
He is married with three children and supports cultural projects in Costa Rica and Colombia.
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Magalie Laguerre-WilkinsonMultiple Award-winning Journalist, Media Executive, and CEO and Founder, MagCap Media LLCMagalie Laguerre-Wilkinson
Multiple Award-winning Journalist, Media Executive, and CEO and Founder, MagCap Media LLC
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson is a multiple award-winning journalist, media executive, and the CEO and founder of MagCap Media LLC, a boutique media and events company specialising in global storytelling, live event hosting, panel moderation, and media coaching.
She most recently served as Vice President of News Programming and Executive Producer of Nick News at Paramount/Nickelodeon, where she led the network’s news division for young audiences. Prior to that, Magalie spent 16 years at 60 Minutes, America’s most-watched news programme, where she produced for legendary correspondents including Ed Bradley, Bob Simon, Lesley Stahl, Anderson Cooper, and Oprah Winfrey.
Her work has taken her across the globe, covering major international and domestic stories with depth and humanity. She was the lead producer on the acclaimed story of the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which earned both Peabody and Emmy honours. Her reporting on Haiti, including an Emmy-nominated 60 Minutes piece on the 2010 earthquake, reflects a longstanding commitment to telling nuanced stories connected to her heritage.
Today, Magalie is shaping a new chapter at the intersection of journalism, conversation, and civic engagement. She is the creator and host of The What Just Happened? Podcast, a cross-generational series designed to help young people better understand the news shaping their world. Through thoughtful conversations with youth co-hosts, the podcast creates space for curiosity, critical thinking, and informed dialogue.
In addition to her journalism work, Magalie is a sought-after moderator and master of ceremonies, known for bringing intelligence, warmth, and global perspective to high-profile conversations and events. She has hosted and moderated for organisations including the French Institute/Alliance Française, Voices of Faith at the Vatican, the Haitian Ladies Network, and the American Friends of Rabin Medical Center.
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Mónica de GreiffFormer Minister of Justice and Law, Republic of ColombiaMónica de Greiff
Former Minister of Justice and Law, Republic of Colombia
Mónica de Greiff holds a Law degree, with a specialisation in Administrative Law and a PhD in Jurisprudence, all from Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá.
She has held numerous senior positions in both the public and private sectors. In government, she was appointed Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Environment and Habitat. She also served as Minister of Justice of Colombia, Vice Minister of Justice, Presidential Adviser for International Affairs, and Secretary General at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. In addition, she represented the President of the Republic before the National Television Commission and was District Secretary of Economic Development of Bogotá.
In the corporate sector, she was CEO of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and the Bogotá Energy Group, as well as Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs at Shell Colombia Inc. She has also served on the boards of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, Promigas S.A., Corporación de Ferias y Exposiciones S.A., Grupo Keralty S.A.S., and Gran Colombia Gold.
Currently, she is a member of the Boards of Directors of Lagos de Aurea S.A.S., the Aris Mining Corporation in Toronto, Canada, and One Young World in London.
Given her extensive professional trajectory, she has expertise in:
i) the energy industry;
ii) administration, senior management, and leadership;
iii) government affairs and public policy;
iv) business risk management;
v) human resources and talent development;
vi) legal affairs and corporate governance;
vii) health, safety, and environment;
viii) sustainability;
ix) climate change; and
x) business strategy and project management. -
Per HeggenesFormer CEO, IKEA Foundation, and Special Advisor to the UNHCR High CommissionerPer Heggenes
Former CEO, IKEA Foundation, and Special Advisor to the UNHCR High Commissioner
Per Heggenes is a Special Advisor to the UNHCR High Commissioner. He was appointed as a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement in December 2019. Mr. Heggenes is the former CEO of IKEA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Stichting INGKA Foundation, the owner of the Swedish home furnishings company IKEA. As CEO, Heggenes set and drove the Foundation’s funding and innovation strategies and has been a tireless advocate for children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. Since becoming the Foundation’s first CEO in 2009, Heggenes has presided over the Foundation’s evolution into a global, grant-making philanthropy that funds programs in more than 45 countries. He serves on numerous advisory boards for humanitarian and development organizations and has taken a special interest in helping reform the way the global community works to embrace the rights of refugees and migrants – aimed at positive integration that leads to economic independence and self-reliance. Previously, Heggenes held global and regional leadership roles for the shipping and logistics company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller, based in London and New York. Mr. Heggenes graduated from the University of Augsburg in Germany with a “Diplom Oekonom” and has served in the Norwegian Air Force.
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Michael MøllerFormer Under-Secretary-General, United NationsMichael Møller
Former Under-Secretary-General, United Nations
Michael Møller is a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and in his last post served as Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva and Secretary-General of the Conference of Disarmament, and has over 40 years of experience as an international civil servant.
He served as the Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation from 2008 to 2011.
He is now member of the Board of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation, Senior Adviser to Macro Advisory Partners, Distinguished Fellow at the Geneva Graduate Institute in Geneva, Member of the Executive Board of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Member of the Board of One Young World, Honorary President of Art for the World, Honorary Chairman of Greycells and member of the Advisory Boards of a number of other Foundations.
Born in 1952 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mr. Møller earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, United States, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.