His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was appointed as Prime Minister of the State of Qatar on March 7th, 2023 through Amiri Decree No. (2) of 2023, while maintaining his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs since January 27, 2016. In His Excellency’s capacity as Prime Minister, his main priorities include advising His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the formation of ministries in the country, and assisting His Highness the Amir in performing his duties and exercising his roles. His Excellency also leads the sessions of the Council of Ministers, including managing its discussions and supervising the coordination of work between the various ministries to achieve unity between governmental agencies and ensure the integration of their activities. In his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency has prioritized promoting and expanding the country's bilateral and multilateral strategic relations and strengthening the status of the State of Qatar at both regional and international levels, as well as leading efforts to promote international peace and security. His Excellency is responsible for supervising and implementing the foreign policy of the State of Qatar to achieve its objectives. His Excellency has also sponsored Qatari mediation efforts in many regional crises over the past years, which contributed to reducing escalation and violence in various parts of the world and resulted in the signing of a number of peace agreements between various conflicting parties.  Alongside his position as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) since 2014, which promotes the development of societies around the world by supporting education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and addressing climate change, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His Excellency also supervises QFFD’s projects in more than 70 countries around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and has directed the fund's support towards primary and secondary education, in addition to the public health and economic development sectors in particular.  His Excellency has also been a member of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment since 2014. The Supreme Council is responsible for economic and energy affairs, investment of the country’s reserves, drafting the state's general policies in the economic, financial, commercial, and energy fields, and approving the priorities of public spending.  In addition to his aforementioned roles, His Excellency has invested in a number of successful economic projects and contributed to the establishment of several projects aimed at diversifying the local economy and attracting foreign direct investments, including launching programs that aim to encourage entrepreneurial joint ventures and support the State of Qatar’s economic growth.

As chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates shapes and approves foundation strategies, advocates for the foundation’s issues, and sets the organization’s overall direction. He works with grantees and partners to further the foundation’s goal of improving equity in the United States and around the world.Bill co-founded Microsoft Corporation in 1975 with Paul Allen and led the company to become the worldwide leader in business and personal software and services. In 2008, Bill transitioned to focus full-time on the foundation’s work. Through his private office, Gates Ventures, he pursues his work in climate change and clean energy innovation, Alzheimer’s research and other healthcare issues, interdisciplinary education, and technology. He is also the founder of Breakthrough Energy, which works to address climate change by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, big thinkers, and clean technologies.In 2010, Bill, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge, an effort to encourage the world’s wealthiest families and individuals to publicly commit more than half of their wealth to philanthropic causes and charitable organizations during their lifetime or in their will. Bill grew up in Seattle with two sisters. His late father, William H. Gates Sr., was an attorney and civic leader who served as a co-chair of the foundation from 2000 to 2020 His late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chair of United Way International. Bill has three children and two grandchildren.

Kaja Kallas is the current High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission. She was Prime Minister of Estonia from January 2021 until July 2024. She became the leader of Estonia’s Reform Party in 2018, and was twice a Member of Parliament, (2011-2014; 2019-2021). From 2014 to 2018, Kallas served as a Member of the European Parliament (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe), where her primary focus was on the Digital Single Market strategy, energy and consumer policies. Before entering politics, Kallas was a lawyer, specialising in European and Estonian competition law, and a partner in two law firms. She graduated from Tartu University law school in 1999. Kallas was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Ukraine, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania, CEPA Transatlantic Leadership Award, the 2022 Grotius prize, the Hayek International Prize, European Prize for Political Culture, 2nd Class Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Ukraine, 2023), the Commander Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star (Sweden, 2023), the Marion Dönhoff Prize, the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award of the International Republican Institute, the Lord Byron International Prize, the L'Express Europe Award, the European Liberal of the Year, the Woman in Power Award (Women of Europe Awards), and the Walther Rathenau Prize (2024). Kallas is married and the mother of two sons and a daughter. 

Donald Trump Jr. is a partner at 1789 Capital, focused on new investment origination, capital raising, and strategy. His breadth of relationships across the corporate and investor landscape provides significant reach into 1789’s global network. Don also serves as Executive Vice President of Development and Acquisitions at The Trump Organization, where he directs new project acquisition and development worldwide. He actively oversees The Trump Organization’s current and new property portfolio, which includes more than 70 projects. His work spans the full real estate lifecycle, from deal evaluation, analysis, and pre-development planning to construction, branding, marketing, operations, sales, and leasing. Since 2024, Mr. Trump has served as a Director of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ: DJT) and as a Director of Public Square Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PSQH). Mr. Trump is an accomplished and sought-after speaker who has addressed audiences across the United States and delivered keynote remarks around the world. He received his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State, and presidential candidate.Hillary Clinton was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 26, 1947. After graduating from Wellesley College and Yale Law School, she began her life-long work on behalf of children and families by joining the Children’s Defense Fund.In 1974, she moved to Arkansas, where she married Bill Clinton and became a successful attorney while also raising their daughter, Chelsea.As First Lady of the United States, from 1993 to 2001, Hillary Clinton championed health care for all Americans and led successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and create the Children's Health Insurance Program.In 2000, Clinton made history as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate, and the first woman elected to statewide office in New York. As Senator, she worked across party lines to expand economic opportunity and access to quality, affordable health care. After September 11, 2001, she helped to rebuild New York and provide health care for first responders.In 2007, she began her historic campaign for president, winning 18 million votes and becoming the first woman to ever win a presidential primary or caucus state.In her four years as America's chief diplomat and the President's principal foreign policy adviser, Clinton led the effort to restore America’s leadership in the world. She negotiated a cease-fire in Gaza that defended Israel’s security and headed off another war in the Middle East, mobilized an international coalition to impose crippling sanctions against Iran, and championed human rights around the world, as she has her entire career.In 2016, Clinton made history again by becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. As the Democratic candidate for president, she campaigned on a vision of America that is “stronger together” and an agenda to make our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top., earning the support of nearly 66 million Americans.Hillary Rodham Clinton is the author of eleven best-selling books, including her campaign memoir, What Happened; The Book of Gutsy Women, with Chelsea Clinton; and State of Terror, with Louise Penny; and her latest book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty. She is also host of the podcast You and Me Both, and founder of HiddenLight Productions, a global studio creating premium documentary, unscripted, and scripted entertainment for TV, film, and digital.In 2020, Clinton was appointed Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, and in 2023, she joined Columbia University as a Professor of Practice at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and Presidential Fellow at Columbia World Projects (CWP). In 2024, Clinton produced her first Broadway show, “Suffs”, a love letter to the complicated women who fought for the right to vote and for a future they would never see but knew was possible.She and President Clinton reside in New York, have one daughter, Chelsea, and are the proud grandparents of Charlotte, Aidan, and Jasper.

John Dramani Mahama is the sixth President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He was also the fourth President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, having previously occupied the high office of President between January 7, 2013, and January 6, 2017. Born 66 years ago to Mr. E. A. Mahama and Madam Abiba Nnaba in Damongo, in the now Savannah Region of Ghana, Mahama made history as Ghana's first President to serve at all political levels. He was a Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Deputy Minister for Communications, Minister for Communications, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, and President of the Republic of Ghana. Mahama considers the combination of history, communications, and social psychology— courses he studied for his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees—to have profoundly shaped his views, thoughts, and understanding of the human condition and contributed significantly to his development. Under President Mahama’s first administration, Ghana witnessed massive infrastructure development across all sectors of the economy, including education, health, ports and harbors, aviation, rail, oil and gas, ICT, and many more. His vision and strategic investments in these areas solidly positioned the country as a Lower-Middle-Income Country for its next development phase. Beyond investments in socio-economic infrastructure, President Mahama is passionate about investing in people. This amply reflects his commitment to social justice and equity, particularly through his lauded efforts to advance the interests of girls and women across all spheres. Notably, Ghana attained gender parity in basic education under his leadership.John Mahama further demonstrated his commitment to women’s empowerment by appointing several women to prominent roles in his administration. In 2020, he made a groundbreaking decision to nominate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his Vice-presidential candidate, marking a first for a major political party in Ghana. He repeated this bold choice in 2024, and with their victory, Ghana is welcoming its first female Vice President. Mahama is an avid reader, author, and historian. Over the course of his career, he has written for several newspapers and authored several publications. He has also published a memoir, his first book, titled ‘My First Coup d'État and Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa.’ President Mahama’s love for reading and thirst for knowledge are complemented by his strong interest in technology and agriculture. His connecVon to agriculture is personal, longstanding, and rooted in his upbringing. His father was a prominent rice farmer, educator, and Minister in Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s administration. President Mahama is keen on increasing agricultural productivity and strives to motivate the younger generation to approach farming as a viable and profitable business, particularly by leveraging technology and value addition to maximize its potential. President Mahama is a former Chairperson of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Commission. A strong proponent of intra-African trade, he is a former Chairperson of the African Union’s High-Level African Trade Committee. He played an instrumental role in laying the foundation for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is now in Ghana. President Mahama was also the first Co-chair of the United Nations Advocacy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals and is the current Chair of the TANA Forum, a high-level forum on security in Africa headquartered in Ethiopia. In recognition of his sterling contributions as a leader and role model on the African continent and around the globe, John Mahama has been conferred with several honorary doctoral degrees from distinguished universities worldwide, including Ekiti State University, Ilorin University, and Igbinedion University in Nigeria; the University of Aberdeen in Scotland; and the Lyon Business School in France. With his resounding victory in the December 2024 elections, John Dramani Mahama becomes the first president in Ghana’s history to be democratically elected to a non-consecutive second term. President Mahama is an exemplary family man with strong Christian values. He has been happily married to Lordina Dramani Mahama for over thirty-two years.

Hakan Fidan is appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new cabinet formed after the second round of the presidential elections held on May 28, 2023. He was born in Hamamönü, Ankara in 1968.Having graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and the Land Forces Language School, Fidan pursued a significant part of his academic studies during his service in the Turkish Armed Forces. While on a NATO mission abroad, he obtained bachelor's degree in Politics and Administrative Science from the University of Maryland University College. He then obtained his master's and doctoral degrees from the Department of International Relations at the Bilkent University.Following his service in the Turkish Armed Forces, Fidan focused on academic life and gave lectures in the field of International Relations at Hacettepe University and Bilkent University.He held critical positions in the state administration in foreign policy and security domains. He served as the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Deputy Undersecretary responsible for foreign policy and security issues at the Prime Ministry, Board Member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Special Representative of the Prime Minister, Deputy Undersecretary of the National Intelligence Organization, Undersecretary/Director of the National Intelligence Organization, and Special Representative of the President.Fidan was appointed as the Undersecretary/Director of the National Intelligence Organization on May 27, 2010, and served in that position for 13 years.Fidan is married and has three children.

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has the privilege of serving her country in the fields of culture, education, and philanthropy, taking a leadership role in Qatar’s programme of human, social, and economic development and environmental sustainability. She pursues these goals by building the nation’s multifaceted cultural infrastructure, fostering the creative industries in Qatar and its region, and using cultural exchange to increase mutual understanding throughout the world. In the field of cultural diplomacy, Sheikha Al Mayassa created the Years of Culture programme of bilateral cultural exchanges and has been instrumental in concluding cooperative agreements between Qatar and nations including France, China, and Italy. She led the way toward the creation of a permanent Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini de La Biennale di Venezia, for which she will serve as Commissioner, and in 2025 initiated Qatar’s first official participation in the Biennale, on the site of the future Pavilion. Her achievements in cultural diplomacy were recognised by the French Republic in 2025 with her induction into the Legion of Honor. Sheikha Al Mayassa has served as Chairperson of Qatar Museums since its founding in 2005, overseeing the development of QM’s network of museums and exhibition galleries. Under her leadership, QM also maintains one of the world’s largest public art programmes, preserves and restores Qatar’s historical sites and buildings, and operates Creative Hubs that nurture artistic talent and provide opportunities to build the creative economy. Sheikha Al Mayassa founded the Doha Film Institute in 2010 with the aim of building a dynamic film industry in Qatar and nurturing regional storytellers. DFI organises and presents the international Doha Film Festival, conducts a mentorship program and workshops for both professionals and amateurs, and serves as a resource that is global in scope. In 2019, Sheikha Al Mayassa became a principal founder of Fashion Trust Arabia, which she cochairs: the first non-profit organisation of its kind in the Arab world, providing financial support, guidance, and mentorships to emerging designers across the Middle East and North Africa.As Chairperson of Qatar Leadership Centre, Sheikha Al Mayassa advances the nation’s young talent and strengthens the skills of the professional workforce. As Chairperson of Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), now a core program of the Education Above All foundation where she is Vice-Chairperson, she works to ensure that people affected by crisis across Asia have continuing access to high-quality education.Among her leadership roles, Sheikha Al Mayassa is Co-Chairperson of the Joint Advisory Board of Georgetown University Qatar and a Member of the Qatar Foundation Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rhode Island School of Design and a member of the Board of Advisors of Common Sense Media.

DUTIESThe duties of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation are to oversee the planning and implementation of the State’s foreign policy, relations with the European Union, and international cooperation.QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Deusto University, with a specialization in legal and economic affairs, and Diploma in Business Studies (1995). Diploma in National Defence from the Centre for National Defence Studies (graduate of the thirty-third edition of the course) (CESEDEN) (2013). Expert in Cultural Management Abroad from Carlos III University in collaboration with Spain’s Diplomatic School (2017).POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (2021-present). Ambassador of Spain to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco (2020- 2021). Secretary-General for International Affairs, European Union, G20 and Global Security in the Office of the President of the Government (2018-2020). As a career diplomat since 2000 he has held a number of senior positions at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madrid, as well as in Colombia and France and at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Deputy for Madrid in the Congress of Deputies (fifteenth term of Parliament). DECORATIONS The Minister has been awarded the Commander by Number of the Order of Isabella the Catholic; the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star of Sweden; the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog of the Kingdom of Denmark; the Grand Cross of the Order of San Carlos of the Republic of Colombia; the Grand Cross of the Order of Boyacá of the Republic of Colombia; the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in Peru; the Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Medal of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Ukraine; Grand Officer of the National Order of the Star of Romania; the Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of the Italian Republic; and the Order of the Republic of Egypt, First Class; and the Order of Royal Commendation of the Sultanate of Oman, First Class. He has also received the Foreign Policy Association Medal

H.E. Nawaf Salam has been serving as the Prime Minister of Lebanon since February 2025. He was previously a judge on the International Court of Justice (“ICJ”) from 2018 until 2025 and was elected President of the ICJ in 2024, becoming the second Arab and the first Lebanese judge to hold the office. He also served as Lebanon’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2007 to 2017, during which time he held the positions of President of the Security Council and Vice President of the General Assembly. He holds a Doctorate in Political Science from Sciences Po, a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School, and a Doctorate in History from the Sorbonne.

Javad Zarif is currently associate professor of global studies at University of Tehran and founder and president of Possibilities Architects (PAIAB), a non-governmental think tank / consulting group dedicated to architecting possibilities for inspiring futures. The most recent initiatives of the group include Muslim West Asia Dialogue Association (MWADA) and Middle East Network for Atomic Research and Advancement (MENARAH).  He received a Ph.D. in international studies from University of Denver in 1988. As a career diplomat, Dr. Zarif served as Iran’s deputy foreign minister (1992-2202), permanent representative to the United Nations (2002-2007) and foreign minister (2013-2021). He briefly served as Iran’s vice president for strategic affairs from 2024 to 2025.  He has held various high level international positions including Chairman of UN General Assembly legal (6th) Committee (1992-1993), President of UN Disarmament Commission (2000) and Chairman of UNESCO’ Cultural Commission (2007-2009). Professor Zarif has written extensively on various topics related to regional and international affairs. His memoires has been a top seller in Iran and has been translated to Arabic. The English version is forthcoming. 

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi was appointed Minister of State according to the Amiri Decree No. 5 of 2023. Prior to that, His Excellency was appointed Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs according to Amiri Decree No 10 of 2022. Before joining the Ministry, Dr. Al-Khulaifi held the position of the Dean of College of Law at Qatar University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Law from Qatar University. He also obtained a Master's and PhD degrees in Law from the University of California Berkeley, USA. He authored and published a number of articles and research papers in the field of law. Dr. Al-Khulaifi has joined several State councils and committees, including the Board of Directors of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the Board of Directors of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the Board of Directors of Doha’s International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, the Permanent Committee on the international Law of the Sea in the Ministry and, the Permanent Committee on Legislative Affairs at the Council of Ministers. Dr. Al-Khulaifi served as a legal advisor to His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar in 2018, and Agent of the State of Qatar before the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2018. He also served as a lawyer before the Qatari Court of Cassation, and an adjudicator at the Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority in 2017. The James Foley Foundation in the United States has awarded H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the 2026 American "Hostage Freedom Award,” in which through his capacity as Chief Negotiator, played a decisive role in securing the release of Americans held in Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

His Excellency Mr. Espen Barth Eide is the Foreign Minister of Norway. Espen Barth Eide became Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on 16 October 2023. From 14 October 2021 he was Minister of Climate and Environment. He is elected to the Norwegian Parliament as a representative from Oslo. From 2017-2021, he was a Member of Parliament and the Norwegian Labour Party’s Climate and Energy spokesperson. He was reelected to the Parliament for the 2021-2025 legislative term, representing Oslo. In the two Stoltenberg Governments, Mr. Eide occupied many prominent positions: Foreign Minister from 2012 to 2013, Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2012, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2011, State Secretary for Defense from 2005 to 2010 and State Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 2000-2001. Mr. Eide was Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board of the World Economic Forum in Geneva from 2014 to 2016. Furthermore, he served as UN Under-Secretary General and the Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus (2014-2017), chairing the negotiations aiming at reunification of the divided island. For over a decade (2001-2013), he was a Vice President of the Party of European Socialists (the association of European Social Democratic parties). In his academic career, Mr. Eide, a political scientist, worked as a senior fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) from 1993 to 2000 and again from 2002 to 2005, specializing on international security, European integration, defense and international relations. During his tenure at NUPI, he was deeply involved in several UN, EU and NATO-related processes. Mr. Eide was acting Secretary-General of the Norwegian European Movement in 1991-1993. Until October 2021, Mr. Eide was the Chair of the Board of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, a peace mediation organization, Board member of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Board member of the Norwegian Atlantic Committee, senior adviser to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington (CSIS) and a member of the European Leadership Network in London.

Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, is an accomplished diplomat and development leader with nearly three decades of international experience in governance, crisis management, and humanitarian response. As Liberia’s chief diplomat, she has been pivotal in revitalizing the country’s foreign policy and securing its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2026–2027), a milestone achievement for the nation.In her dual role as Foreign Minister and Dean of the Cabinet, she advises the President on foreign policy and fosters coordination across government institutions to advance national priorities. Minister Nyanti is driving Liberia’s economic diplomacy agenda, strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, decentralizing passport services, and expanding Liberia’s diplomatic footprint worldwide.Prior to her appointment, she held senior leadership positions within the United Nations, including UN Resident Coordinator in South Sudan and Nepal, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General in UNMISS, and senior roles with UNICEF, where she co-led Nigeria’s Ebola response.Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Liberia’s National AIDS Control Program, successfully mobilizing global health funding. A passionate advocate for gender equality and inclusive governance, Minister Nyanti is celebrated for her integrity, empathy, and transformative leadership, championing peace, justice, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

The Honourable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves served as Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is one of the longest-serving elected leaders in the world. First elected to office in 2001, he has led the nation for more than two decades with a steadfast commitment to social justice, economic transformation, and regional integration.Dr. Gonsalves is an accomplished scholar, attorney, and legislator. Educated at the University of the West Indies and the University of Manchester, he has authored several books and academic papers on law, governance, and Caribbean political economy. His leadership has been marked by major advancements in infrastructure development, education, health care, housing, and foreign policy—most notably his advocacy for small-island developing states and his role in elevating St. Vincent and the Grenadines onto the United Nations Security Council.A respected voice in the Caribbean and the global South, Dr. Gonsalves has championed climate resilience, economic diversification, and multilateral cooperation. His long and distinguished service has earned him recognition as one of the Caribbean’s most influential political figures, dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of his people.

H.E. Maria Fernanda Espinosa is a distinguished diplomat, academic, and multilateral expert with over 30 years of experience in international negotiations, global governance, and sustainable development. From 2018 to 2019, she served as President of the United Nations General Assembly, becoming the first woman from Latin America and the Caribbean to hold the position. Throughout her career, she has worked at the highest levels of government and diplomacy, specializing in peace and security, disarmament, climate change, biodiversity, human rights, Indigenous peoples, gender equality, and multilateral cooperation. She has led complex regional and international negotiations for over a decade. In Ecuador, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defense. In 2008, she became Ecuador’s first woman Permanent Representative to the UN in New York. Currently, she holds several prominent international positions. She is President of Cities Alliance and Executive Director of Global Women Leaders for Change and Inclusion. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the International Crisis Group and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, and co-chairs the Climate Governance Commission, the Coalition for the UN We Need, and the Debt Relief for a Green and Inclusive Recovery initiative. She is a member of the UN Advisory Board on Human Security and the High-Level Advisory Council of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, among others. Her contributions have earned numerous accolades, including the “Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa” from The New School. She is the author of more than 50 academic publications, op-eds, and book chapters. 

His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi is the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Cabinet member of the State of Qatar. H.E. also holds the position of Deputy Chairman and President and CEO of QatarEnergy. H.E. Al-Kaabi joined QatarEnergy in 1986 as a student studying Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in the USA. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering. H.E. Al-Kaabi held several key technical, commercial, and managerial positions in QatarEnergy before being appointed as the Director of Oil & Gas Ventures in 2006, where he oversaw the development of Qatar’s North Field, and development of oil fields and all exploration activities. His Excellency was appointed President and CEO of QatarEnergy in 2014, and Minister of State for Energy Affairs in 2018. His Excellency has dedicated his entire career to developing Qatar’s natural gas resources; promoting natural gas as the cornerstone of global energy transition and transforming Qatar into an international energy powerhouse. Under his leadership, QatarEnergy began implementing a series of strategic mega projects that would more than double the State of Qatar’s LNG production (to 160 million tons per annum) and would more than double the petrochemicals production (to 5.3 million tons per annum), including the development of two world scale petrochemical complexes. His Excellency also oversaw the largest shipbuilding program in the history of the LNG shipping industry totalling 128 ultramodern vessels, as well as a mega project that would double Qatar’s fertilizer production to 12 million tons per annum, making it the largest fertilizer producer in the world. As part of his efforts to help achieve the State of Qatar’s objective of balancing economic and social development with environmental protection, His Excellency Al-Kaabi leads the efforts to build the world’s largest blue ammonia plant, with 1.2 million tons per annum capacity, and the construction of four solar power plants that would generate more than 4,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030, helping meet 30% of Qatar’s peak electricity demand. 

Mr. Konaković was born in Sarajevo in 1974. He obtained a Master of Arts degree in Sports Management from the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education. Mr. Konaković is fluent in English, Italian and Romanian. He is married and a father of two daughters.Professional career in sports:As a professional basketball player he performed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. He was a player and team captain of the „Bosna“ Basketball Club from Sarajevo and continued his international sports career performing for clubs from Slovenia, Italy, Hungary and Romania.In 2002, he was appointed manager of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Men National Basketball Team and between 2003 and 2007 he managed the „Bosna“ Basketball Club.From 2013 to 2016 Mr. Konaković was president of the Management Board of the Basketball Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Political career:Mr. Konaković became politically engaged in 2004. He was elected in the Municipal Council of the Centar Sarajevo Municipality. In the period 2010 to 2014 he was elected representative in the Sarajevo Canton Assembly. In the period from 2018 to 2022 he was both - Sarajevo Canton Assembly representative (Chairman of the Assembly) and a delegate in the House of Peoples, Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Between 2015 and 2018, Mr Konaković served as the Prime Minister of the Canton Sarajevo.In 2018 he founded the political party People and Justice (Narod i Pravda) and was elected as the Party President at the Founding Assembly in March 2018. His mandate was confirmed in November 2021 at the Party's First Congress.At the General Elections 2022 in Bosnia and Herzegovina he was elected to the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Konaković assumed the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina on January, 26 2023.

H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a position he has held since July 2024. A seasoned and active diplomat with over three decades of experience, he has served Egypt across multiple strategic capitals and in some of the most sensitive foreign policy dossiers.Before his appointment as Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdelatty served as Egypt’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, and Egypt’s Ambassador to the European Council, the European Commission, and Representative to NATO from 2021 until 2024. Prior to that, he was Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs and Egypt’s National Coordinator for the Union for the Mediterranean.From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Abdelatty served as Egypt’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.Earlier, he was Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director of Public Diplomacy. His previous assignments include senior roles in Washington, Brussels, Tokyo.Dr. Abdelatty holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Cairo University.

Member of The Elders and former Chair; First woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; a passionate advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building, human dignity and climate justice. Mary Robinson is a globally recognised voice on climate change and frequently highlights the need for drastic action from world leaders, as well as the intersectionality of the climate emergency: from intergenerational injustice to gender inequality and biodiversity loss.• Chair of The Elders, 2018- 2024 • President of Ireland, 1990-1997 • United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1997-2002 • Chancellor of the University of Dublin, 1998-2019 • UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, 2014-2015 • UN Special Envoy on El Niño and Climate, 2016 • Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice, Trinity College Dublin, 2019 –

Dr. Constantinos Kombos is the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 1st March 2023.  He has studied Law and holds a postgraduate degree in EU Law (LLM University of Cambridge) as well as a PhD in European Constitutional Law (PhD University of Hull). He was elected at the Department of Law of the University of Cyprus in 2006, of which he is a founding member. He has served as chairman of the Law Department and as member of the Senate. He has published 6 books and numerous articles and chapters in scientific magazines and collective volumes. Part of his work has been translated and published in 6 languages. He has also participated and delivered speeches in numerous international conferences. He was appointed member of the Board of Judges by the Supreme Court. On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus he appeared before the Court of Justice of the European Union and has made recommendations to the House of Representatives on issues of EU Law and the Cyprus Constitution. He was appointed member of the Cyprus Problem negotiating team in 2014 and has participated in all stages and levels of the negotiation process, Geneva I, Crans-Montana, Geneva II. 

Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad was appointed Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pursuant to Amiri Order No. (4) of 2024. In addition, His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued the Amiri Decision No. 78 of 2024, appointing HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad as vice-chairperson of the the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).Before that, Her Excellency was appointed Minister of Social Development and Family by Amiri Order No. (4) of 2021. Throughout her career, she has held various prominent positions, including Executive Director of the Administrative and Financial Sector at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and Executive Director of the Orphan Care Center (Dreama).Her Excellency has also served as Executive Director of the Center for Protection and Rehabilitation from Violence Against Women and Children (AMAN), Regional Director of Communication and Awareness Campaigns at the Education Above All Foundation, Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Social Rehabilitation Center (Al-Aween), and Executive Director of Childhood Cultural Center.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and English Literature from Qatar University, as well as an Executive Master’s degree in Strategic Planning and Business Administration from HEC Paris.Her Excellency is a member of several key committees within the country, including the Childhood Committee of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Advisory Board of the College of Public Administration at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Her Excellency Maryam Al-Misnad has received numerous awards and honors for her outstanding contributions to social responsibility.Notably, she has been twice recognized with the International Ambassador for Orphans Award in honor of her efforts to support orphans and improve their quality of life. She was the first Gulf woman to receive this distinction. Additionally, she was awarded the International Social Responsibility Excellence Award in 2021 by the Regional Partnership for Social Responsibility, in recognition of her efforts to promote societal values and contribute to sustainable development. Her Excellency has also received the Human Efficiency Award for her leadership in launching humanitarian initiatives focused on vulnerable groups, as well as the International Honorary Award for Empowering Persons with Disabilities. Her Excellency has led and contributed to numerous initiatives and projects, including the Empowerment for the Elderly Initiative, and efforts to create educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities in conflict and disaster areas, aimed at empowering vulnerable groups to access education.She has also been involved in the Family Village Project, a comprehensive care program providing educational, health, and social support to orphans, as well as a range of community awareness campaigns. In the field of international humanitarian work, Her Excellency is renowned for her efforts, particularly in her role as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. She has represented the State of Qatar on several international committees, including the Women’s Committee, the Disability Committee, and the Economic and Social Committee. Additionally, Her Excellency has chaired the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities.

Dr. Abdulla Khaleel was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives on 30 September 2024, by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Prior to the appointment, Minister Dr. Khaleel was serving as the Minister of Health of the Republic of Maldives from 17 November 2023. Minister Dr. Khaleel, was the former Member of Parliament for the Nilandhoo Constituency in North Nilandhe Atoll, elected in 2014. He was actively involved in representing the people of his constituency by taking a lead role in advocacy, as the Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee of the People’s Majlis. In addition, he worked as the Secretary General of the Progressive Party of Maldives from 16 October 2016 till August 2018. Before he started his political career, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel held several posts in the public and private sector in Maldives. He started his career by working as an Assistant Teacher in Faafu Atoll Education Centre. Upon his return after completing Bachelor’s degree at International IslamicUniversity of Malaysia, Dr. Khaleel worked atthe Public Enterprises Monitoring and Evaluation Board from 2002 till 2004. After completing his Masters degree in Business Administration, he returned to serve at the same agency. In 2006,he served asthe Atoll Chief of Alifu Alifu Atoll and Noonu Atoll until 2008. He was then appointed as the Secretary General of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives. During this time, he was also lecturing at two local colleges - MAPS College and Villa College. Dr. Khaleel holds a PhD in Public Policy from University of Brunei Darussalam and continues to be engaged in community development. He has contributed to development initiatives that were brought to his native island of Faafu Nilandhoo and regularly conducts capacity building workshops for local institutions and civil society organizations.

H.E. Hind Aboud Kabawat is the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor in the Syrian Arab Republic, recognized for her commitment to social justice, peacebuilding, and institutional reform. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Damascus, a Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Arbitration from the University of Toronto, and a Master's degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University in the United States. She has also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Negotiation Program of Harvard Law School. As Minister, she has led reforms to strengthen social protection systems, rehabilitate care institutions, and launched Syria's first national strategy for social protection linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. She has prioritized orphans, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, and addressed challenges such as begging and the plight of children of detainees. She has also aligned Syrian labor laws with international standards, introduced the National Labor Market Information Platform, and advanced programs supporting rural women and small-scale entrepreneurs. In September 2025, she also participated as a speaker in the Geneva peace talks, highlighting the importance of women, dialogue, and justice. Her leadership has been highlighted in The New York Times and LeMonde, which described her as one of the most prominent female leaders in the Syrian government. Moreover, Hind Kabawat was the Deputy Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission in Geneva from 2015 to 2017, playing a key role in international peace efforts. She previously directed the Peacebuilding and Interfaith Dialogue Program and taught at George Mason University in the United States. She is also the founder and president of Tastakel, a Syrian organization for peacebuilding and education that has trained thousands of students across the country. 

Mehmet Simsek served as the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Financial Affairs of Türkiye during 2015-2018. He previously served as the Minister of Finance (2009-15), and as the Minister of Economy (2007-09).Mr. Simsek has formulated the fiscal policy which has helped Türkiye recover strongly from the global financial crisis. He has also undertaken far reaching reforms such as simplifying tax regulations, enhancing taxpayers’ rights, and reducing the size of shadow economy. During his 11 years of public service as a minister, Mr. Simsek was a strong advocate of structural reforms and prudent macroeconomic policies.Before entering politics, he worked for Merrill Lynch in London for seven years. From 1998 to 2000, he was a senior economist and bank analyst at Deutsche-Bender Securities in Istanbul. Earlier in his career, he worked on Wall Street for UBS Securities in New York (1997-1998), and as a senior economist at the US Embassy in Ankara (1993-97).Mr. Simsek holds a B.S. in Economics from Ankara University. He holds an M.PHil in Finance and Investments from Exeter University. Mr. Simsek is also a member of the Global Economic Symposium (GES) advisory board.

Pierre Krähenbühl is Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a position he assumed in April 2024. As head of the ICRC's executive body, he is responsible for steering the organisation's global humanitarian activities and its 18,000 staff in more than 100 countries, with a yearly budget of over USD 2.1 billion. Mr. Krähenbühl has dedicated more than 30 years to the humanitarian sector, including 25 years in prominent roles at the ICRC in delegations and at headquarters. His previous leadership appointments at the ICRC include director of operations (2002-2014) and personal adviser to the President of the ICRC (2000-2002). Mr. Krähenbühl also carried out various operational assignments in El Salvador, Peru, Afghanistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina (1991-1998); and as head of operations for Central and South-Eastern Europe, based in Geneva (1998-2000). Immediately prior to holding the Director-General position, Mr. Krähenbühl was secretary-general to the Assembly at the ICRC (2023-2024). He served as the personal envoy of the ICRC President to China and head of regional delegation for East Asia (2021-2023). In 2014 he was appointed as commissioner-general and under-secretary general of the United Nations at UNWRA (2014-2019). He holds an MA in political science and international relations from the University of Geneva and Graduate Institute of International Relations.

Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University).

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat is Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation and previously served as the country’s Minister of International Cooperation & as the first female Minister of Tourism. Al-Mashat has over 20 years of international experience in central banking, financial systems, monetary policy frameworks, international cooperation policies & strategies, sustainable development, & climate finance. Previous positions include Advisor to the IMF Chief Economist and Sub-Governor for Monetary Policy at the Central Bank of Egypt. Al-Mashat also has several publications in monetary policy, financial stability & institutional reforms in transition and emerging markets. She was named the Most Visionary & Outstanding Minister of International Cooperation in Africa in 2022 by the Elliott School of International Affairs George Washington University & the GE7 Initiative. 

Dr Ian Borg currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism. He also served as Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2024.Education & Early LifeBorn in Dingli, Malta, Ian Borg’s passion for public service began early. He pursued studies in law at the University of Malta, earning a Doctoral Degree in Laws in 2012, along with a Diploma in Public Notarial Practice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. This legal foundation has greatly informed his approach to governance and international relations.Political CareerAt just 19, he was elected Mayor of Dingli in 2005, one of Malta’s youngest mayors, serving until 2013. His early political success led him to national politics, where he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and the 2017 EU Presidency. His leadership was instrumental in achieving a 100% absorption rate of EU funds for the 2007-2013 period.As Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects (2017-2022), Dr. Borg spearheaded major projects like the Kappara and Marsa Junction projects, and the Central Link project. He led the development of significant green spaces, including Ta’ Qali National Park and the Bengħajsa National Park and launched Malta’s first Metro Plan aimed at transforming public transportation.Current RoleSince 2022, Dr. Borg has served as Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, advancing Malta’s global goals. His leadership earned international recognition, particularly during Malta’s Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2023 and 2024, and his current role as OSCE Chair-in-Office. In February 2024, he visited Ukraine, signaling Malta’s solidarity amidst the conflict, reinforcing his dedication to peace.Dr Borg will also be chairing the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe in 2025.In September 2024, Dr Ian Borg was elected Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs of Partit Laburista (Labour Party). In this regard, he was thus appointed Deputy Prime Minister, in addition to his role as Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade.On 26 November 2024, Ian Borg was assigned the Tourism portfolio in addition to his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs.RecognitionIan Borg has been recognised on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list (2013) and European Voice’s Top 40 Under 40 (2017), underscoring his contributions to both European and global politics.

Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando is a distinguished Sri Lankan politician, economist, and finance professional, currently serving as the Cabinet Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning. Representing the National People’s Power (NPP), he entered Parliament after the 2024 Parliamentary Election, bringing strong expertise in economic policy, labour governance, and financial management.Dr. Fernando holds a Doctor of Business Administration, along with two Master of Business Administration degrees—one in International Business from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and another in Finance from the ESAP-EAP European Business School in Paris. He also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka reinforcing his competence in fiscal analysis and strategic financial planning.He is a Fellow Member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka). His professional contributions and leadership in the fields of accountancy, financial governance, and economic reform have earned him a reputation for integrity, vision, and dedication to public service.As a policymaker, Dr. Fernando is committed to modernizing the labour sector, advancing inclusive economic planning, and strengthening financial stewardship to support sustainable national development.

Dr Comfort Ero was appointed Crisis Group’s President & CEO in December 2021. She joined the organisation as West Africa Project Director in 2001 and rose to become Africa Program Director and then, in January 2021, Interim Vice President. Dr Ero has spent her entire career working on or in conflict-affected countries. In between her two tenures at Crisis Group, she served as Deputy Africa Program Director for the International Centre for Transitional Justice (2008-2010) and, prior to that, Political Affairs Officer and Policy Advisor to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Mission in Liberia (2004-2007). She has a PhD from the London School of Economics, University of London. Dr Ero sits on various boards and advisory bodies.  Areas of Expertise Conflict prevention, management and resolution Mediation Peacekeeping Transitional justice Politics and international relations of Africa Professional Background Deputy Africa Program Director for the International Centre for Transitional Justice (2008-2010) Political Affairs Officer and Policy Advisor to the Special Representative of the Secretary General, United Nations Mission in Liberia (2004-2007) Project Director, West Africa Office, International Crisis Group (2001-2004) Research Fellow, Conflict, Security & Development Group, Centre for Defence Studies, King's College, London (1999-2001) Research Associate, International Institute for Strategic Studies, London (1998-1999) PhD from the London School of Economics, University of London Languages English (native) French (conversant)

Børge Brende is President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. Previously he was the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Minister of Climate and the Environment. He served as Deputy Chairman of the Norwegian Conservative Party as well as MP. He was also full-time city counsellor in his hometown of Trondheim. He was Chairman of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and Secretary-General of the Norwegian Red Cross. He was Board Member of Statoil and the Norwegian School of Economics. He was the Chair of Mesta, Norway’s largest contracting group in the area of road and highway maintenance and is currently a Director of the Philanthropy Asia Alliance. He is a Member of the Advisory Council, Harvard International Negotiation Program, the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), the Strategic Committee of Sciences Po, and is currently on the Board of the Bilderberg Meetings. 

Francesca Albanese is an international lawyer, specialised in human rights and the Middle East. Since May 2022, she has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. An affiliate scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University, Albanese is the author of prestigious publications, including Palestinian Refugees in International Law (Oxford University Press, 2020), considered by many as a landmark in the literature on the subject, as well as other academic works on the legal situation in Israel/Palestine and Palestinian refugees. Since 2018, Albanese has taught and lectured at various universities in Europe and the Middle East. She is also responsible for the research and legal assistance program on migration and asylum seekers in the Arab world for the think tank Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), and is a co-founder of the Global Network on the Question of Palestine (GNQP), a coalition of prominent regional and international experts and scholars engaged in the issue of Israel/Palestine. Prior to her scholarly engagement, she has worked with international organizations, including the United Nations (2003-2012) in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). As Special Rapporteur, she has published numerous legal opinions and five major reports: on self-determination (2022), deprivation of liberty (2023), violated childhood (2023), genocide (2024), the role of private companies and third states in the occupation and genocide (2025).

Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi is a Palestinian physician, political leader, and human rights advocate, known for his commitment to non-violent resistance and democratic reform. He is the General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative and a Member of the Palestinian Parliament. In 2005, he ran for the Palestinian presidency on a platform of anti-corruption and democratic renewal, finishing second with significant national support. Dr. Barghouthi has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to promote peaceful struggle and international solidarity for Palestine. He currently serves as the President of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS), which he co-founded in 1979. Under his leadership, PMRS has grown into one of Palestine’s largest community health organizations, providing essential medical services to marginalized populations across cities, villages, and refugee camps. Dr. Barghouthi also played a key role in mediating internal Palestinian dialogue, leading to the formation of the first National Unity Government, where he served as Minister of Information. Trained in medicine in Jerusalem and the former Soviet Union, with postgraduate studies at Stanford University, he has been central to developing modern, community-based healthcare in Palestine and advancing civil society, dignity, and justice for his people. 

Dr. Majed Al-Ansari serves as the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and is the official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this capacity, he regularly engages with the media, providing insights on Qatar's foreign affairs to both local and international audiences. He also heads the Center for International Policy Research of Qatar which focuses on regional and international geopolitical trends and North-South relations. Dr. Al-Ansari previously served as director of policy at the Institute of Social & Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Leeds University and earned his MA and PhD in Social Change from the University of Manchester.

As Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, Tjada leads a team of nearly 4,300 humanitarians, who provide immediate relief and help communities forge new paths to prosperity in the face of disaster, conflict, poverty, and climate change, reaching 38 million people in 40+ countries in the last year.  Tjada's previous work includes roles at CARE, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Food Security, and McKinsey & Company.  In addition to leading Mercy Corps, Tjada sits on the Climate Migration Council and is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Tjada earned a B.A. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. When she’s not working, Tjada enjoys reading and spending time with her family

Thomas J. Barrack was appointed by President Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria.Ambassador Barrack is the Founder and former Chairman and CEO of Colony Capital, Inc., a Los Angeles-based global private equity investment firm (now known as DigitalBridge), one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure investors with approximately $80 billion in assets under management and operations in 19 countries.Ambassador Barrack and the companies he has founded and led have invested more than $200 billion of capital across nearly every continent and a multitude of industries. Recognized as a visionary, contrarian, and first-mover, Ambassador Barrack has built a global network of relationships, particularly among the world’s most prominent institutional and Middle Eastern investors and governments. As the leader of a firm with global reach, Ambassador Barrack has extensive experience managing complex business, banking, legal, governmental, and cultural matters in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.Ambassador Barrack began his professional career as a finance attorney with a major international law firm, working and living in Europe and the Middle East. He later worked on Wall Street and as a Principal of the famous Robert M. Bass Group.In 1982, Ambassador Barrack was appointed by President Reagan as Deputy Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and in 2016, was selected by President Trump to serve as Chairman of the 58th U.S. Presidential Inaugural Committee.Ambassador Barrack is the grandson of Catholic Lebanese immigrants.

Bronwen Maddox took up the post of Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House in August 2022. Before joining Chatham House, Bronwen was Director of the Institute for Government (2016-2022), an independent think tank based in London promoting better government. From 2010 to 2016 she was editor and chief executive of Prospect, the monthly current affairs magazine. Before that, she served as chief foreign commentator, foreign editor and US editor at The Times, after a period at the Financial Times where she ran award-winning investigations and wrote economics editorials. Before becoming a journalist, Bronwen was an investment analyst in the City and a director of Kleinwort Benson Securities, where she ran its highly-rated team analysing world media stocks. Bronwen is a Visiting Professor in the Policy Institute at King’s College London, Honorary Governor of Ditchley and an honorary fellow of the British Academy. She writes frequent op-ed columns for the Financial Times and broadcasts widely. Bronwen has a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from St John’s College, Oxford.

Diego Martínez Belío was appointed State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs at the Council of Ministers held on 19 December 2023. He holds a Law degree from the Complutense University (Madrid) and the Sorbonne University (Paris) and a Diploma in Advanced Studies (DEA) in International Economic Law from the Sorbonne University. He joined the Diplomatic Service in 2007. Since July 2021, he has been the Director of the Cabinet of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. He used to be Director of the Cabinet of the State Secretary for the European Union. Previously, he had been an advisory member of the Department of European Affairs and G20 in the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Government. Overseas, he has been posted as second-in-command at the Spanish Embassy in Equatorial Guinea and as Deputy Consul of Spain in Casablanca. Prior to entering the diplomatic service, he practiced as a corporate lawyer in Miami, Madrid and Paris.​

Manal Radwan serves as the Head of the Kingdom’s Negotiation Team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is a Senior Advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Her portfolio focuses on regional security, Iran, nuclear diplomacy, and the revival of peace efforts in the Middle East.A career diplomat, Ms. Radwan has held senior positions in several key diplomatic missions, including the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C., and the Permanent Missions of Saudi Arabia to both the League of Arab States in Cairo and the United Nations in New York. She previously served as Senior Advisor to the Minister of State for Foreign Relations and to the Minister of State for African Affairs.

Javier Colomina is the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern  Neighbourhood and Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy. In  these roles, he guides NATO’s political dialogue and practical cooperation with partners across the Southern Neighbourhood, including the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel. A career Spanish diplomat, Mr Colomina previously served as the Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia (2021–2024), and earlier as Spain’s Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO (2017–2021). Prior postings include First Secretary at Spain’s Mission to the United Nations in New York (2002–2006), Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Spain in Damascus (2006–2008), and Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain in Buenos Aires (2008–2011). He also served as Senior Adviser for Multilateral and Security Affairs to Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (2011–2014). Mr. Colomina entered Spain’s diplomatic service in 2001 and has since focused on Euro-Atlantic and regional security, partnership policy, and high-level political dialogue with NATO partners. 

Dr. Adriana Abdenur is Co-President of the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE), which aims to foster innovative economic thinking and initiatives around the world. Between 2023 and 2025, she was Special Advisor in international affairs in the office of President Lula. A Brazilian policymaker and scholar, she co-founded Plataforma CIPÓ, a think tank headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and dedicated to issues of international relations, climate change and sustainable development. Dr. Abdenur earned a Ph.D. in sociology of development from Princeton University and an AB in East Asian Studies from Harvard University.  She has taught at universities in the United States, Brazil and France and has published widely on global governance, sustainable development and peacebuilding.  She sits on the Advisory Board of a number of UN entities, including UNITAR and UNU-CRIS, and served two terms on the ECOSOC Committee on Development Policy.  In 2025, she was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to the G20 Extraordinary Committee on Global Inequality, led by Joseph Stiglitz. 

Ravi Agrawal is the editor in chief of Foreign Policy. He is also the host of FP Live, the magazine's video channel and podcast, on which he regularly interviews world leaders and policymakers. Before joining FP in 2018, Agrawal worked at CNN for more than a decade in full-time roles spanning three continents, including as the network’s New Delhi bureau chief and correspondent. He has shared a Peabody Award and three Emmy nominations for his work as a TV producer, and his writing for FP was part of a series nominated for a 2020 National Magazine Award for columns and commentary. Agrawal is the author of India Connected: How the Smartphone Is Transforming the World’s Largest Democracy. He is a graduate of Harvard University. 

With a distinguished career spanning over four (4) decades in the field of political governance, peace and security, foreign policy and diplomatic practice, Bankole Adeoye has served in various strategic national and continental capacities. 

Dr. Ranj Alaaldin is a foreign policy specialist with over 20 years of experience covering international security, security sector reforms, hybrid warfare, UK foreign policy, good governance, track II diplomacy and public sector reforms. He obtained his PhD at the London School of Economics and Political Science and has held positions and fellowships at Columbia University, King's College London, the Brookings Institution, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, Oxford University and the World Bank. In 2017, Dr. Alaaldin was awarded $400,000 by the Carnegie Corporation of New York to develop and co-direct a project focused on armed groups in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen. He is the Director of the Middle East Peace & Security Forum, a leading regional forum dedicated to peace and stability in the Middle East and has presented his work at the World Bank, the House of Commons and the Foreign Affairs Committee. He has published in academic journals, has written for the Telegraph, Conservative Home, the New York Times, Washington Post and the Wall Street and is the author of a forthcoming book on Iran’s proxies in the Middle East. 

Abdul Rahman Alageli is an associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme, based in Tripoli, Libya. Abdul Rahman began working with the stabilization team of the Libyan Prime Minister’s Office, the Military Council and the Supreme Security Committee in 2011. He went on to be the national security file coordinator in the Office of the Libyan Prime Minister, and was also rapporteur then deputy head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Border Security, and a member of the Libyan government’s National Security Coordination Team until 2015. He was also a non-resident fellow at the Rafik Hariri Centre for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council from 2015 to 2017. He is a founder of the Libyan Youth Forum, one of the largest and earliest youth organizations created during 2011, as well as being a founding member of the Libyan Experts Forum and the World Economic Forums Global Shapers Hub in Tripoli. Abdul Rahman is a masters graduate with distinction and a fellow from the Department of War Studies in King’s College London. He holds the Associateship of King’s College (AKC) Award in Philosophy and Theology, and an undergraduate degree in economics and international business. 

Aisha Al-Ammari is an Assistant Professor of Law at Qatar University- College of Law. She majors in Criminal Law and has taught various Criminal Law courses. Aisha graduated with an LL.B. degree from Qatar University- College of Law in 2012. In 2014 she graduated with her LL.M. degree from the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C., the George Washington University- Law School. In 2019, Aisha received her SJD degree from Case Western Reserve University- Law School. Her thesis was titled “Anti-Corruption in Qatar: A General Understanding of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption & Its Impacts. In 2019 Aisha represented QU Law in an exchange program with the University of Padua- Law in Italy. Aisha graduated from Qatar Leadership Center in 2020 from the Governmental Leadership Program. Aisha is currently the Head of Public Law Department and before that she served as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the College of Law- Qatar University. In 2023 Aisha represented QU Law in an exchange program with the University of Gdansk Faculty of Law and Administration. She has served in many committees in the College of Law. She has participated in many conferences and worked on various papers related in the field of law. 

Dr. Hessa Hamad Khalifa Al-Thani is the Chairperson and Founder of Center for Wellbeing (Al Hayat Al Tayiba) which aims to building collective healing for the individuals and institutions through advance researcher, intervention, and consultation.She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences, and she was Dean of the College of Education at Qatar University. Al-Thani is passionate about promoting holistic teaching, experiential learning, and incorporating methods related to institutional wellbeing. Her work focuses on learning that is guided by students’ interests, motivations, and their diverse background. Al-Thani is dedicated to exploring and adopting diversified approaches in curriculum transformation to become experiential, entrepreneurial, and collaborative.Al-Thani participates in university-wide projects to develop new methods of teaching and learning and develop educational program, and empowering students, community members and enhancing family cohesion. Al-Thani focused on initiating policies and programs to promote the wellbeing of families in Qatar, empowering women, motivating children & youth, providing elderly care, and protecting people with special needs.As part of her professional affiliation with international organizations, Al-Thani’s expertise includes strategic planning, Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, organizational restructuring, community engagement methods, and policy analysis.Her recent studies have focused on students counseling, the measurement of wellbeing for young adults and establish holistic intervention, innovative programs that focus on building generations of responsible and engaged citizens.

Dr. Aziz Alghashian is an Adjunct Professor at Niaf University for Security Sciences and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at Gulf International Forum. He is a Saudi researcher who focuses on the  Saudi kingdom’s foreign policy, and a specialist of Saudi-Israeli relations, as well as for Gulf-Israeli relations. Aziz joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he underwent officer training before obtaining his undergraduate degree in International Relations and Global Security, followed by an MA in Diplomacy and International Relations from the University of Nottingham. Dr. Alghashian obtained a PhD in Saudi foreign policy towards Israel from the University of Essex, where he lectured Middle East International relations, Theories and Concepts of International Relations and Political Theory. Dr Alghashian also acted as the director of research at ORF Middle East. In recent years, he has been operating within a Gulf-Palestinian-Israeli nexus, building initiatives and publishing policy papers. Alongside his research, Dr Alghashian provides analysis to global media outlets and aims to be a bridge building force in the region. 

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is President of the International Peace Institute and Perry World House Professor of the Practice of Law and Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania.  He was the UN human rights chief from 2014-2018.  In 2019, he was elected to The Elders, an independent group of global leaders, founded by Nelson Mandela.  He served twice as Jordan’s ambassador to the United Nations (in New York) and once as Jordan’s ambassador to the United States.  In January 2014, he was president of the UN Security Council and earlier, in 2002, was the first president of the governing body of the International Criminal Court (until 2005).  He also served as a UN civilian peacekeeper with UNPROFOR (from 1994-1996). He holds degrees from Johns Hopkins and Cambridge universities.

Dr. Al-Sayed served as a founding Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority from 2018-2024. Prior to joining QFZA, he served as CEO of Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Holding where he played a critical role to build, oversee and manage Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund.Dr. Al-Sayed held key roles in Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment and also served as board member for different local and international companies like Qatar National Bank, Qatar Development Bank, Vice Chairman of Qatar Exchange, Canary Wharf and Volkswagen Group and Executive Chairman of Harrods.Dr. Al-Sayed holds a PhD from Oxford University UK, a Trium Global MBA, a Master of Banking and Financial Law from Boston University and an LLB from Qatar University. He was also awarded an Honorary Degree (DLitt) in July 2019 from Swansea University, UK.

In a 37-year career in the Foreign Service, Ambassador Lawrence Anderson served at the Singapore Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Singapore Embassies in the US and Thailand. He was appointed Ambassador to Cambodia (2004-2007), as well as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and concurrently Ambassador to Bahrain (2013-2019).Back at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anderson at various times held appointments covering Singapore’s bilateral relations with its Southeast Asian neighbours; Regional policy and strategic security issues involving ASEAN and its relations with the Dialogue Partners; overseeing Singapore’s Technical Assistance Cooperation Programmes; as well as managed Singapore’s relations with the European Union and other European countries; and Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands.Mr. Anderson retired from the Foreign Service in late 2021 after a secondment to the Asia-Europe Foundation. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). His areas of interest include regional security in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, ASEAN, and Sino-US strategic competition. Mr. Anderson has published many articles, papers and contributed chapters to several publications. He edited the book Beyond the Handshake: Singapore’s Foreign Service, a collection of essays by retired Ambassadors and dignitaries. He is a Senior Fellow at the MFA Diplomatic Academy. He is also Singapore’s Representative on the Advisory Board of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR).

Nasser Al Khori leads the Generation Amazing Foundation, the human and social legacy project of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, stemming from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️. His leadership has propelled the foundation to leverage football’s transformative power for social development, focusing on empowering youth in underprivileged communities worldwide, including those affected by displacement such as refugees and IDPs. Nasser’s strategic direction has been crucial in forging significant partnerships, notably with CONCACAF and the IFRC, to broaden the foundation’s global impact. With a rich background in the non-profit sector, Nasser played a pivotal role in launching Doha Debates and other initiatives under Qatar Foundation. His expertise in sports governance and social responsibility is further recognised through his role as the State of Qatar National Focal Point for the Global Sports Programme at the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) and his appointment to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair dedicated to sport governance and social responsibility in and through sport, particularly focusing on Policy and Impact. Nasser also sits on the Advisory Board of the United Nations Football for the Goals’ Advisory Foundation. Nasser holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from UCL’s Institute of Education and a Bachelor of Science from Carnegie Mellon University, credentials that underscore his commitment to integrating education, sports, and social and policy development.

Mr. Yousef bin Ali bin Yousef Al -Khater has been member of the Shura Council since 2021. Currently, he is Chairman of the Shura Council’s Internal and External Affairs Committee; Member of the Advisory Board of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); and Chairman of Qatar Parliamentary Friendship Group with the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2023, Mr. Al -Khater has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Red Crescent Society, and he was re-elected for another term in 2024. During his diplomatic career, he worked at the Office of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2006, then served as a consul in Houston, Texas, the United States (2007 -11) and ambassador in Australia and later the United Kingdom until 2021. Mr. Al -Khater obtained Master of Public Administration from the American University –Washington, D.C. (2000). Over the period 1992 -2006, he worked at the Ministry of Education (MOE), ending up as Secretary -General of MOE Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. He represented Qatar as member of the Executive Councils of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). He attended numerous regional and international conferences. 

Deemah AlYahya is a tech diplomat and digital economy leader, serving as Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) since its founding in 2021. She spearheads global cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society to advance inclusive and sustainable digital economies, with a focus on bridging divides and empowering women and youth.AlYahya is a Commissioner with the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and an Edison Alliance champion for digital inclusion. A lifelong advocate for women in technology, she founded Women Spark, a non-profit supporting developers, founders, and investors. She also serves on boards including the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Saudi National Bank, the E-commerce Council, and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones.Her career spans pioneering roles at Samba, Tadawul, and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she became the first woman to lead e-services. At Microsoft, she was the first Saudi woman in a leadership role, overseeing developer ecosystems and digital innovation across multiple regions. Later, as CEO of the National Digital Transformation Unit, she led Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy and national initiatives such as Saudi Codes, training over 1.2 million people.AlYahya holds a BA in Computer Science from King Saud University and completed executive programs at INSEAD and Harvard Business School.

Christiane Amanpour is CNN’s chief international anchor of the network’s award-winning, flagship global affairs program “Amanpour,” which also airs on PBS in the United States. She is also host of “The Amanpour Hour,” a Saturday show consisting of forensic interviews with the news makers, game changers and cultural icons shaping our world.  Recently she has started a new podcast, The Ex-Files, with her Ex - husband Jamie Rubin. They discuss global affairs from their perspectives as government official and journalist. And hopefully model the ability to talk about even the most divisive issues in our world, while divorced!  Her illustrious career in journalism spans more than four decades joining CNN in 1983.  Amanpour rose through the organization becoming the network's leading international correspondent reporting on international crisis’ and interviewed most of the top world leaders. She has received every major broadcast award, including sixteen News and Documentary Emmys, four Peabody Awards, three George Polk Awards, three duPont-Columbia Awards, the Courage in Journalism Award, The Columbia Journalism Award and ten honorary degrees.  She was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame and The Atlanta Press Club’s Hall of Fame.  She is a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and an honorary citizen of Sarajevo.  Amanpour is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.

Ms. Mona Ali Khalil is a respected public international lawyer with more than 30 years of United Nations and other international experience and a unique combination of expertise in peacekeeping, peace enforcement, counter-terrorism and WMD disarmament. Between 1993 and 2015, she served as a Senior Legal Officer of the UN Office of the Legal Counsel where she led the peacekeeping team and the sanctions team. She also served on successive special assignments involving the conflicts in Iraq, Libya and Syria. She was seconded to the International Atomic Energy Agency from 2005 to 2009 where she promoted nuclear security and ensured compliance with the nuclear non-proliferation sanctions regimes. She founded MAK LAW INTERNATIONAL in 2018, a strategic consulting service advising governments and UN system organizations. She has co-authored several publications including Empowering the UN Security Council: Reforms to Address Modern Threats (Oxford University Press 2024); Reinvigorating the United Nations (Routledge 2024); the UN Security Council Conflict Management Handbook (AGDA 2023); The Future of Diplomacy after Covid-19 (Routledge 2021); Protection of Civilians (Oxford University Press 2016). She has an A.B. in Government and an A.M. in Middle East Studies from Harvard University as well as an M.S. in Foreign Service and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University. She is an Affiliate of the Harvard Law School Program on International Law and Armed Conflict and a member of the faculty of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy and School of international Studies. She is a Saudi citizen of Palestinian origin residing in Vienna, Austria. 

Maged Al-Madhaji is a prominent Yemeni political analyst, writer, and journalist. He is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, with more than 20 years of experience in conflict analysis, peacebuilding, transitional justice, and gender issues. He has also published articles and studies across various regional and international academic and media platforms, including Carnegie, Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Doha Institute, Al-Hayat, The Guardian, Legal Agenda, and As-Safir newspaper. Al-Madhaji previously worked as an editor and contributor at Al-Share‘ and Al-Nidaa newspapers in Yemen, where he wrote extensively on political reform, human rights, and governance. He is considered one of the most prominent voices in regional and international policy discussions and plays an important role in shaping strategic understanding of Yemen’s political and humanitarian crisis. 

Dr. Abdul Hai Qanit is an Afghan diplomat and scholar serving as the Director General of the Third Political Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, where he leads the country’s regional diplomacy with China, Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. He also serves as the acting Director General of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Ministry, guiding research and policy analysis to support Afghanistan’s foreign policy objectives.Dr. Qanit has held several key diplomatic roles, including service at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Kuala Lumpur and as Deputy Director of the Third Political Division. His work focuses on strengthening Afghanistan’s strategic partnerships, promoting constructive engagement with neighboring countries, and contributing to regional stability.A scholar of international relations, Dr. Qanit holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the International Islamic University Malaysia. His research and publications explore Afghanistan’s foreign policy, regional affairs, and China’s soft power strategy.Dr. Qanit is an active contributor to academic and policy dialogue, serving on editorial boards and lecturing at universities in Kabul. He is also a regular commentator for major international and Afghan media outlets, providing expert analysis on diplomacy, governance, and regional dynamics.

Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani is the Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour at the Ministry of Labour in Qatar (appointed July 2023), responsible for strategically enhancing and executing policies, regulations and systems related to the recruitment, protection, and management of the migrant workforce in Qatar in the private sector. Recently she has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, and into the Board of Directors for Qatar Manpower Solutions Company – Jusour. Her career spans diverse roles in strategic communications, international relations, and human rights advocacy. Coming from the human rights world, Al-Thani started her career at the National Committee for Human Rights in Qatar (NHRC), where she served as Director for International Cooperation, responsible for monitoring and enhancing Qatar’s international human rights commitments. She headed the coordination and cooperation with international and regional mechanisms, ensuring the execution of consistent relevant reporting, and enhancing strategic participation internationally. Prior to her current position at the Ministry of Labour, Al-Thani served as the Director for Communications at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SCDL), the organization responsible for the host country Qatar’s preparations of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. During her tenure, she worked on collaborating with local and international stakeholders, particularly governmental, critical non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations (IOs), playing a pivotal role in aligning the tournament's aims with global discussions. Al-Thani’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Communications from the School of Communications - Northwestern University (NU) with a Certificate of Middle Eastern Studies, a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Governance and Diplomacy from The University of Oxford - Department of International Development (ODID). She currently is a doctoral candidate at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS), pursuing a PhD in social sciences and humanities.

Yasir Atalan is a Deputy Director and Data Fellow in the Futures Lab at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). His research focuses on technology and international security, with particular emphasis on how artificial intelligence is reshaping conflict dynamics. Dr. Atalan examines how AI agents can be responsibly integrated into defense and foreign policy systems by enabling agentic decision-support workflows. He also studies the changing character of warfare and civil-military relations.Atalan’s research has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, Financial Times, BBC, Foreign Policy, Business Insider, War on the Rocks, and Defense One, as well as in peer-reviewed journals. He also serves as a Faculty Fellow at the Center for Data Science at American University, where he contributes to computational social science initiatives. Previously, he worked as a replication analyst for the journal Political Analysis at Cambridge University Press.He received his PhD in political science from American University and holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from King’s College London and a BS in Political Science and International Relations from Bogazici University.

Elsy Abi Assi is a principal news presenter at Aljazeera Arabic. A seasoned journalist with a career spanning for almost two decades, she currently anchors the leading daily news shows al Hasad and Behind the News from the channel’s headquarters in Doha. These flagship shows are dedicated to expanding the audience’s understanding of top developments in the Middle East and the world through dialogue and interviews with leaders, news makers and experts. As a moderator, she has an in-depth understanding of the major developments shaping the world today, especially within the region. She brings an inquisitive and analytical mindset to the stage and the ability to expand the dialogue and foster a constructive conversation among panelists. Abi Assi is also currently the co-anchor of “Masar al Ahdath”, translating into Course of Events, a news show based on dissecting the aftermath of the war on Gaza and its repercussions in the whole region. She has previously covered top stories around the world as both a presenter and a correspondent. Her coverage included the last and previous US presidential elections and midterm elections from Washington. She has also reported on the crisis in Ukraine, covering the 2014 annexation of Crimea firsthand on the ground, and leading analysis on the 2022 full-scale conflict in her daily news shows. For the past two years her work was mainly focused on the war in Gaza and the events in the Middle East. She was previously based in Beirut as a correspondent during a time of transformative change in the Middle East. Migration, refugee crises and uprisings were central in her work from there. She is a trainer in journalism, TV presenting and TV interviews. 

Dimitris Avramopoulos is a Greek politician and Member of the Hellenic Parliament who served as European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and Citizenship (2014–2019).Over the course of his career, he has held several senior ministerial positions in the Greek government, including Minister of National Defence (two terms), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity, and Minister of Tourism. He also served two consecutive terms as Mayor of Athens.Before entering politics, Mr. Avramopoulos pursued a diplomatic career, holding key posts such as Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Diplomatic Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Consul of Greece in Liège, Consul General in Geneva, and Representative to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Vienna.He studied Public Law and Political Science at the University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in European Studies at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. His academic contributions have been recognized with honorary doctorates from leading universities in New York, Philadelphia, and London (Adelphi, Drexel, Kingston, Deree), as well as honorary professorships at institutions including the School of International Studies at Peking University and the European College of Parma.

 Fahad Hamad Hassan Al- Sulaiti is the Director General of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the State of Qatar’s international development provider dedicated to promoting sustainable development and mobilizing humanitarian aid globally inspired by Qatar National Vision 2030.  Under his guidance, QFFD will advance innovative finance mechanisms, including concessional loans, grants, guarantees, and investments, to address critical global challenges in health, education, and economic development.  Fahad strongly advocates for collaboration with governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to achieve sustainable, impactful solutions that foster peace, justice, and prosperity.  Prior to his current role, Fahad served as Chief Executive Officer, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and steering the organization’s governance, strategy, financial frameworks, partnership models, and overall business plan since its inception in 2012. Under Fahad’s leadership, the organization became a globally recognized player in advancing education, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education development.  Fahad managed an extensive project portfolio spanning 60 countries, leveraging over USD 3 billion in funding and forging partnerships with more than 100 entities, including development banks, UN agencies, official development organizations, international NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. His efforts included fostering strategic collaborations with key development funding nations like the USA, UK, France, Italy, and South Korea, alongside leading global financial institutions such as the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank, and the African Development Bank.  He also focused on strengthening relationships with governments in project implementing countries, delivering tangible impacts on their education systems and reinforcing Qatar’s role in global education development.  Additionally, Fahad chaired the board of an international entity based in the United Kingdom, contributing to resource mobilization and project funding on a global scale.  With 23 years of professional experience, Fahad’s career includes 12 years in his previous leadership role at Education Above All Foundation and 11 years in senior finance, administration, and project management positions at Qatar Foundation. He also gained expertise in retail, international, and corporate banking at Qatar National Bank (QNB), where he managed multiple overseas operations.  Fahad holds a BSc in Business Administration with a focus on accounting and economics and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris in Qatar.

Sheikha Reem Al-Thani holds a pivotal position in the advancement of museums and the cultivation of cultural experiences across the region, with a particular emphasis on exhibitions, public art, and contemporary art. In her capacity as Deputy CEO of AL RIWAQ, Public Art, and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar Museums (QM), she is responsible for overseeing AL RIWAQ—Qatar’s leading venue for arts and architecture exhibitions—as well as the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial, which fosters contemporary art initiatives. Through her leadership, collaborative engagement among museums and galleries has been strengthened, extending their impact both regionally and internationally. Her innovative work in public art and contemporary programming has elevated the regional cultural profile, established creative partnerships, and facilitated the presentation of major exhibitions and artistic events to diverse audiences. With over fifteen years of service at QM, Sheikha Reem has made significant contributions to exhibition design and strategy, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and expanded public art projects through global collaborations with artists and institutions. Under her direction, Qatar has hosted and developed more than one hundred prominent exhibitions, including German Design, Forever Valentino, Dior Designer of Dreams, Jeff Koons: Lost in America, Kaws: He Eats Alone, and IM Pei: Life is Architecture. In addition to her responsibilities at QM, Sheikha Reem is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, where she instructs courses in exhibition design. Annually, she mentors students through the process of planning and executing their final exhibitions, bridging academic theory and practical experience. Her professional influence extends to service on advisory boards and juries such as IE School of Architecture and Design, Qatar University, The World Around’s Young Climate Prize, and IN-Q Enterprises. Sheikha Reem is a multidisciplinary designer specialising in human-centred spatial design. She is the first Qatari to earn a Master’s in Adaptive Reuse Interior Architecture from RISD, after completing dual undergraduate degrees in Interior and Fashion Design at VCU Qatar. Her background informs her inventive work in exhibitions and public spaces. Drawing on her extensive background, Sheikha Reem remains dedicated to advancing inventive practices in the arts, fostering inclusive cultural discourse, and supporting emerging talent within the creative sector. Her commitment to mentorship and education bridges classroom instruction with practical application, empowering future designers and curators. Through strategic leadership and a focus on collaboration, Sheikha Reem Al-Thani continues to play a key role in positioning Qatar as a vital hub for contemporary art and international cultural exchange.

Dr. Aripov is the Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan since 2019.  Before he worked at the National Security Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2009-2011), the Office of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2011-2012), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2012-2013), as well as he was the head of the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations (2013-2019). He has a Master's degree in International Relations and PhD in Political Science.  He has numerous publications on regional security and international relations. His research area includes international relations, regional cooperation, security and stability in Central Asia.

Emeritus Professor of Economics at Ohio State University, the USA, and Distinguished Professor at Nile University, Egypt.  Also, former Chairman of the BOT of the Economic Research Forum for Arab Countries, Iran, and Turkey, and a Member of the Delta Insurance Board of Directors.    Professor Hassan Aly served in the faculty of The Ohio State University, Department of Economics, and has gone through the ranks, from 1989 as an assistant professor of economics until he received his full professorship in 2007. He also served as an associate faculty member at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (1992-2015). As well as the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy (1999-2015); associate editor of the Middle East Business and Economic Review (2002-2010); and the Journal of African Development (2009-2012).  Professor Aly has over 50 scientific papers published in national, regional, and international journals.    In May 2015, Professor Aly received the rank of Professor Emeritus of Economics from Ohio State University, and in 2017, he assumed the position of Professor of Economics and Dean of the School of Business Administration at Nile University, Giza, Egypt, after serving as the Founding Dean of the School of Public Administration and Development Economics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar (2015- 2017).  Starting September 1st, 2024, Professor Aly declined his administrative positions at NU and he is in the process of being named a Distinguished Professor of Economics, Also, as of October 1, 2023, Prof. Aly is serving as a representative of the Egyptian Kuwait Holding Company on the Board of Directors of Delta Insurance Company - Egypt and Delta Life Insurance Company.   In terms of international professional service, Prof. Aly enjoys a broad leadership role as exemplified in his service to Middle East Economists, where he served as Treasurer, Executive Secretary General, and then President of the organization for two consecutive terms (ending in 2019). He is currently serving as an ex-official member of the board of directors of this organization.  He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Research Forum (ERF), a well-known and leading economic research center in the region, for one term (2012-16), and in 2022 he was elected to lead this organization as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Forum for a five-year term (from 2022 to 2027). His previous positions include Lead and Chief Economist at the African Development Bank (two years), and Director of Graduate Studies at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates for a three-year term (2002-2005). In addition, he was a senior Fulbright scholar at the United Arab Emirates University in the Spring of 2000 (for one semester).  Finally, he held several positions as a visiting professor for short periods at several Middle Eastern and US universities such as Kuwait University and Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCairo Intl 

Dr Alessandro Arduino, with over two decades of experience in China, has honed his expertise in government policy research, crisis mitigation, private military companies, and cyber deterrence. His extensive field research has spanned across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa regions. Alessandro is an affiliate lecturer at the Lau China Institute, King’s College London, a member of the Advisory Group of the International Code of Conduct Associations (ICoCA) and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law. Dr Arduino is recognised as a foremost expert on Chinese private security and the author of the reference book on China’s Private Army. Protecting the New Silk Road.  He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed chapters to academic volumes. His latest book, Money for Mayhem: Mercenaries, Private Military Companies, Drones, and the Future of War (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023), forecasts what the future of war looks like in a world dominated by private armies.  Dr Arduino’s research explores how the state’s monopoly on violence is transforming through the rise of drone mercenaries, cyber-mercenaries, and intelligence-for-hire operations, reshaping the landscape of security and conflict. His wargaming design and implementation as a simulation and forecast tool have been used by the military and civilians. Dr Arduino has been appointed a Knight of the Order of the Italian Star by the President of the  Italian Republic.

Dr. Fanta Aw serves as Chief Executive Officer of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world’s largest and most comprehensive international education association.  With close to 11,000 members representing over 5,000 institutions in over 150 countries.   A former NAFSA president and board chair, she is dedicated to advancing international education and exchange and addressing pivotal issues shaping the global landscape. Dr. Aw is a sought-after keynote speaker on internationalization, global education trends, geopolitics, public policy, and immigration. A champion for innovation and transformation in higher education, she underscores the importance of humanity coexisting with technology and the social responsibility of educators to prepare and nurture the next generation of empathetic leaders. Dr. Aw is a sociologist who has spent more than three decades at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., in executive leadership roles and as a Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, in the School of International Service.   She also serves on several influential boards, including World Education Services, the Times Higher Education International Education Advisory Board, and The Education World Forum, among others. She has been profiled in major media outlets including the New York Times, the Economist, Forbes, CNN, Agence France Press, the Middle East Broadcast Corporation, China Daily, Bloomberg, Al-Jazeera, among others.  Originally from Mali, Dr. Aw has lived in both East and West Africa as well as the United States, gaining a broad and diverse cultural perspective. Her passion for global experiences has led her to explore more than 70  countries.

Folly Bah Thibault is a journalist, Principal Presenter for Al Jazeera English, based in Doha, Qatar. She is the founder and president of the NGO ‘Elle ira à l’école’ Fondation Kesso Bah- which promotes the education of young girls in Guinea and the West Africa Region. Folly is also Global Champion for Education Cannot Wait, the UN’s Global Fund for Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises. Folly joined Al Jazeera Media Network in 2010, having previously worked at the French news channel, France24 in Paris and Voice of America in Washington D.C. As such, she has covered some of the world's biggest news and interviewed some of the world's top leaders, newsmakers, and other influential people including Bill Gates, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Nobel laureates Malala Yusufzai, Wole Soyinka and Dmitry Muratov. She is fluent in English, French and Peulh. And knows conversational Swahili."

Dr Hanan Balkhy was appointed WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean by the WHO Executive Board in January 2024. She took office on 1 February 2024. Dr Balkhy has set 5 priorities for her tenure as Regional Director: make health care more accessible to all, especially hard-to-reach populations; expand country capacities to tackle emergency health demands of the climate crisis, pandemics, conflicts and other disasters; strengthen public health for disease prevention and health promotion; expand partnerships for financing, and to share knowledge and skills; and strengthen WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and country office capacities to boost cooperation and better influence global health. Dr Balkhy was previously Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance at WHO headquarters. Prior to this, she was Executive Director for Infection Prevention and Control, Ministry of National Guard, Saudi Arabia. She led the Gulf Cooperation Council Centre for Infection Control and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Resistance, Saudi Arabia. A graduate of King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, Dr Balkhy completed her paediatric residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, United States of America. She later completed a paediatric infectious diseases fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Case Western Reserve University, USA. 

1992: He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the rank of diplomatic attaché in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.1993 – 1997: Appointed to the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to Japan.1997 – 2001: Appointed to the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to Austria and the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations in Vienna.2001: Appointed to the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to the United States of America.2007: Promotion to the rank of counselor during service at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to the United States of America.2011: Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to the United States of America2012 – 2013: Deputy Director of the Undersecretary’s Office Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.2013 – 2016: Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Korea.2016- 2022: Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Belgium.2016-2022: Head of the State of Kuwait’s mission to NATO.2017- 2022: Head of the Mission of the State of Kuwait to the European Union.2022- 2023: Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the United States of America.

Zahra Babar is the Executive Director of the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar, where she has worked for seventeen years in senior research and administrative leadership roles. At CIRS, she has overseen numerous multidisciplinary research initiatives focusing on the Gulf and the braoder Middle East, facilitating collaborations among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners that have contributed to establishing CIRS as a leading platform for critical scholarship on the Middle East.CIRS has convened major conferences, working groups, and policy dialogues on Afghanistan — most prominently the 2023 Hiwaraat conference titled “Afghanistan Regional Symposium: Confronting the Impasse,” which brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to examine humanitarian and education crises, climate change, food insecurity, and governance challenges in Afghanistan.Before joining Georgetown, Zahra spent twelve years in the international development sector, holding positions with the United Nations Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation.She is the author and co-author of several publications, including “The Buying of Freedom: Migrant Workers and the Azad Visa in the Gulf” (International Migration, 2025); “The 2022 World Cup and Migrants’ Rights in Qatar: Racialised Labour Hierarchies and the Influence of Racial Capitalism,” with N. Vora (The Political Quarterly, 2022); “The Vagaries of the In-between: Labor Citizenship in the Persian Gulf” (IJMES, 2020); and “Purveyors of Dreams: Labour Recruiters in the Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Migration Corridor” (Migration and Development, 2020). Her most recent book is the co-edited volume Transnational Generations in the Arab Gulf States and Beyond (Springer, 2024).

Matthew Boyle is the Washington Bureau Chief of Breitbart News, the leading conservative media outlet in the United States. He oversees all U.S. politics coverage and has regularly interviewed President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and members of President Trump’s Cabinet. He has also interviewed several major world leaders over the past year, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso. His world-class reporting is regularly on the cutting edge of U.S. politics and global affairs, and his team of journalists frequently identifies major trends before much of the rest of the media in the United States. Boyle also hosts a live three-hour radio program on SiriusXM Patriot Channel 125 on Saturday mornings on the east coast in the United States titled Breitbart News Saturday. Since the 2024 election, Boyle has also been leading a series of live Breitbart News events in Washington DC featuring on-stage interviews with members of President Trump’s Cabinet. His and his team’s work is must-read to understand what the president of the United States and his team will do in critical moments and why the president is making the decisions he is making.

Mohammed Baharoon is the Director of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center (b’huth) which he co-founded in 2002.Before that, he worked as Editor for Gulf Defense Magazine and a number of media outlets.  He focuses on the interplay between Geostrategy and policymaking in governance, stability, capacity building, and future-proofing.  Mohammed has also worked as Deputy Director of Watani (UAE’s first initiative on National Identity) and was also a founding member of the board of “Bussola Institute” a think tank in Brussels that focuses on the changing and emerging aspects of the partnership between the EU and the GCC member states.  As part of his interest in the emerging geostrategic space of the Arabian Peninsula, Mohammed looks at the interconnected world order and the Global Connectivity Agenda UAE is developing across the region through arteries of trade, money, people, and data and the impact this had on its regional and global partnerships including regional and trans-regional initiatives like the Abrahamic Accords & I2U2

Guido Battaglia is CSHR’s Head of Partnerships and Institutional Affairs and Head of the Geneva Office. He leads strategic collaborations across stakeholder groups and serves as CSHR’s primary representative in Geneva, engaging partners and representing the organisation in policy, bilateral, and multistakeholder fora. With more than 15 years of international experience in stakeholder engagement, responsible business, and sustainability across the extractives, infrastructure, commodities trading, and sport sectors, he specialises in consensus-building, institutional frameworks, and high-impact partnerships that advance human rights and sustainable development.A member of CSHR’s founding team, Guido previously served as the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)’s Head of Responsible Trade and held senior roles at the World Gold Council and the World Economic Forum. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Law from the University of Milan and a certification in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge.

Kayhan Barzegar Ph.D. is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the Science and Research Branch of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran. He is also a Senior Academic Advisor to the IPIS.  Dr. Barzegar was Director of the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies in Tehran during 2011-2021, a Research Fellow at Harvard University during 2007- 2011, and a Postgraduate Research Fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE) during 2002-2003. His works on Iran’s foreign and regional policy, Iran-US relations, and Iranian nuclear program have been published widely, including in Foreign Affairs, the Washington Quarterly, Middle East Policy, World Policy Journal, and numerous academic journals. He is also a columnist in Persian and English language outlets such as Al Monitor, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Atlantic Council, Responsible Statecraft, etc. His latest publications include, “Hybrid Deterrence in the Middle East (Book Chapter Springer Nature, August 2023), “Towards an Asian Geopolitical Alliance (Montaigne Institute, October 2022), “Iran’s Understanding of Strategic Stability in the Region” (in: Geopolitics of Iran, 2021). His latest book is entitled, Iran Regional Policy in Time (August 2024). 

James Bays covers global diplomacy, defense, and development issues for Al Jazeera English. He also serves as a Presenter of Aljazeera’s ‘Inside Story’ and ‘Talk to Aljazeera’ programmes. James, is an award-winning correspondent, who in the last quarter of a century, has travelled to more than 70 counties and has reported from numerous conflict zones, including Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Panama, the former Soviet Union, Israel and the Palestinian territories. In his previous post at Al Jazeera as a roving correspondent, James frequently reported from Baghdad and Kabul. During the so-called Arab spring, James has covered events in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, and Syria. In 2016, James was one of the moderators of a debate, broadcast live on Aljazeera, between the candidates to be the new UN Secretary General. Among the global figures he has interviewed: Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Yoweri Museveni, Pervez Musharraf, Hamid Karzai, John Kerry, Margaret Thatcher, Sheikh Hasina, Saad Harriri, Antonio Guterres, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Pedro Sánchez. Before joining Aljazeera, James worked for fifteen years as a Correspondent with Britain’s Independent Television News.

Ferid Belhaj took up the position of World Bank Vice President for Middle East and North Africa on July 1, 2018. Prior to this, he served as the Chief of Staff of the President of the World Bank Group for 15 months. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Belhaj was World Bank Director for the Middle East, in charge of work programs in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Iran, based in Beirut, Lebanon. In this capacity, he led the Bank’s engagement on the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on the region, including the creation of new financing instruments to help countries hosting forcibly displaced people; the ramping up of the Bank drive towards the reconstruction and recovery of Iraq during and after the ISIS invasion and the scaling up of the Bank's commitments to Lebanon and Jordan. Before taking up his Mashreq assignment, Mr. Belhaj served as World Bank Director for the Pacific Department (2009-2012), where he developed a regional strategy that scaled up Bank engagement in small and fragile states, and tripled lending operations of the International Development Agency, one of the five institutions under the umbrella of the World Bank Group that provides interest-free loans and grants for Low-Income Countries. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Belhaj was the World Bank’s Special Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York, where he engaged with various UN agencies on a range of programs, mainly climate change, the Millennium Development Goals, fragile and post-conflict states and the global financial and food crises. He also served as World Bank Country Manager for Morocco (2002-2007), where he developed a new and multifaceted dialogue with one of the best performing Middle-Income countries. A Tunisian national, Mr. Belhaj joined the Bank in 1996 as Senior Counsel in the Legal Department, managing a number of legal and judicial reform projects. He also served as Bank Counsel for countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Iran, Algeria and Thailand. From 1992 to 1996, was the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Tunisian Embassy to the United States of America. Between 1988 and 1992 Mr. Belhaj served as the Legal Adviser to the Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the UN. Mr. Belhaj joined the Tunisian Foreign Service in 1986, and took on the task of Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Professor Khaled A. Beydoun is a law professor, author and public intellectual. He serves as a law professor at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a Scholar-in-Residence at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University. Professor Beydoun is author of the critically acclaimed book American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear, co-editor of Islamophobia and the Law – published by University of Cambridge Press, and author of The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims.Professor Beydoun is a leading scholar on constitutional law, national security, surveillance and civil rights. His academic work has been featured in top academic journals, including the UCLA Law Review, Northwestern Law Review, the California Law Review, the Georgetown Law Journal, and the Harvard Law Review. His insights have been featured in The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, the BBC, and ESPN. Professor Beydoun served on the US Commission for Civil Rights for three years and earned a coveted Open Society Foundations Equality Fellowship. He has been named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims of the World, and he received the Frederick Douglass Educator Award. In 2021, Professor Beydoun was named “Extraordinary Professor” by the University of Western Cape in South Africa, and he joined the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice as an honorary faculty member that very year.In addition to his academic and popular writing, Professor Beydoun has mounted a broad following on social media. He currently has 300,000 followers on Twitter, 2.8 million followers on Instagram, and 100,000’s thousands more on Facebook, Substack, and other digital platforms. In recent years, he has emerged as a leading voice on Arab, Middle Eastern and Muslim identity on the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) space, holding trainings at Fortune 100 companies including Apple, Meta, Nike, Google, and many more. He is widely regarded as one of the leading experts on identity matters tied to Arab, Middle Eastern, and Muslim identity in the world.Professor Beydoun in a native of Detroit, Michigan, and holds degrees from the University of Michigan, the University of Toronto, UCLA, and Harvard.

Former French Ambassador to China (2011-2014), [first woman to hold the post of French Ambassador to a country which is a permanent member of the Security Council]  to the United Kingdom (2014-2017) and to Russia (2017-2019). Earlier career: Sylvie Bermann joined the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1979. She was appointed vice consul at the French Consulate general in Hong Kong ,1979-1980,  Second Secretary at the French Embassy in China 1980-1982, China desk officer at the French ministry of Foreign affairs 1982-1986, First secretary then second counselor at the French Embassy in USSR 1986-1989, Head of the South -East Asia division at the French ministry of foreign affairs ( organization of the Paris conference on Cambodia), Second Counsellor at the French Permanent Mission to the UN 1992-1996, Head of the Common Foreign and Security Policy Department at the French Foreign Ministry 1996-2002, Ambassador to the Western European Union and to the European Union’s Political and Security Committee in Brussels 2002-2005, Head of the French Foreign Ministry’s directorate for the UN and international organizations, human rights and Francophony 2005 - 2011. July 2021- February 2022 coordinator of the OSCE in the trilateral contact group for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.  Present  Chair of the board of trustees of IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale), Paris, since January 2020.  Member of the board of Institut d’études politiques d’Aix en Provence, Member of the board of Institut Jacques Delors “Notre Europe”   Honours Sylvie Bermann is a commander of the National Order of Merit and a commander of the National Order of the Légion d'Honneur. Elevated to the dignity of Ambassadrice de France in 2019.  Publications: In French : - La Chine en eaux profondes. Stock 2017 - Goodbye Britannia. Stock 2021 - Madame l’ambassadeur. Tallandier 2022 - L’ours et le dragon. Russie-Chine : Histoire d’une amitié sans limites ?, Tallandier, 2025. In English:  - Au revoir Britannia. Luath 2022 

Mr. Beyani was appointed Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for the Prevention of Genocide at the Under- Secretary-General level in August 2025. Holding the post most recently as the Associate Professor of International Law in the Law Department, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), since 1996, Mr. Beyani brings practical legal, diplomatic and political experience in international law and human rights, including national constitutions and treaty making. He is an international expert on internally-displaced persons, population transfers, mercenaries and private military companies, sexual and reproductive health, human rights-based approach to development and climate change, having served as Legal Adviser to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the High Commissioner on Refugees, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Development Fund for Women, the European Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the African Union. Mr. Beyani served as a Member of the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights, including as former Chair of its Advisory Board, and the LSE Centre for Climate Change, as well as Member of the UK Foreign Secretary's Advisory Group on Human Rights (2010-2024), Member of the Expert Advisory Group for the United Nations Secretary General’s High-level Panel on Internal Displacement (2019-2021); United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (2010-2016); Member of the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Union on the Formation of an African Union Government (2008-2009); and Member of the joint African Union and European Union ad hoc Expert Group on Universal Jurisdiction (2009). Mr. Beyani is holder of a Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oxford, UK (1992), as well as a Master of Laws and a Bachelor of Laws, University of Zambia (1984, 1982).  A Visiting Professor of International Law at the University of Toronto, Canada and Santa Clara University, US, he also served as Research Fellow at Wolfson college, Oxford, with Lectureships in Law at Exeter and St. Catherine's colleges, Oxford, and a Crown Prince of Jordan Fellow, Queen Elizabeth House, as part of the Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford.  He served as a Lecturer of Law at the University of Zambia.  He is fluent in English and Zambian languages. 

Nehal Bhuta holds the Chair of Public International Law at the University of Edinburgh and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He previously held the Chair of Public International Law at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, where he was also Co-Director of the Institute’s Academy of European Law. He is a member of the editorial boards of the European Journal of International Law, the Journal of International Criminal Justice, Constellations and a founding editor of the interdisciplinary journal Humanity. He is also a series editor of the Oxford University Press (OUP) series in The History and Theory of International Law. Prior to his position at the EUI, he was on the faculty at the New School for Social Research, and at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Before entering academia, he worked with Human Rights Watch and the International Center for Transitional Justice. Nehal works on a wide range of doctrinal, historical and theoretical issues in international law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and human rights law. 

Dr. Rebecca Bill Chavez is President and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue, the leading U.S. think tank on Latin America and the Caribbean. The Dialogue builds networks of cooperation and action to advance democratic resilience, shared prosperity, social inclusion, and sustainable development across the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Chavez has over three decades of foreign policy and national security experience in academia and government service. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs during the Obama administration. Before that, she was a tenured professor of political science at the U.S. Naval Academy, specializing in democracy and security issues. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Foreign Policy for America Advisory Board, the Leadership Council for Women in National Security, and the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies Advisory Council. She is the author of The Rule of Law in Nascent Democracies (Stanford University Press). Her work has appeared in leading scholarly journals, and her commentary has been published in outlets such as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and the Miami Herald. Raised in Austin, Texas, Dr. Chavez earned her PhD in political science from Stanford University and her BA in public and international affairs from Princeton University. 

HE..  Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari has extensive experience in government and the financial industry, spanning over 30 years. Prior to being appointed as the Minister of Finance in October 2021, he held the position of Minister of Trade and Industry. H.E. became QNB Chief Executive Officer in July 2013 and held this position until 2018.