CV BOOKLET BIOGRAPHIES Raghda Abu-Shahla
Date of Birth: 31st August E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Raghda Abu-Shahla is a committed activist for a better future towards peace, security and democracy in Palestine. Her work in Gaza with national and international organizations has enriched her understanding of issues of peace and development. She worked on EU and UK health development projects geared towards strengthening the health management field for the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Additionally, she worked with United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on training for commercial crossings with Israel, and worked with the International Security Team of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The diversity of her work experiences over the past decade speak to her dedication of gaining a broader understanding of how to bring about change for peace.
Raghda is a Leader for Democracy Fellow of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in New York, USA, a scholar of the Woodrow Wilson Center of International Scholars, and an International Peace and Security Leader (IPSI 2014). She has recently published an article, titled MENA Women: Opportunities and Obstacles in 2014 and a book titled Revolution By Love: Emerging Arab Youth Voices. She holds a Bachelor in English Literature and Master Degree in American Regional Studies.
Personal Introduction
I have spent most of my life in war-torn countries, and having had a first-hand experience of the ugliness of war, I became a committed believer in Peace of Palestine, promoting Peace & Gender Equality to create a better future for the generations to come. I strive to engage the Palestinian women in the political decision process to create a democratic regime in Palestine.
AFGG 2014 | 1 Netta Ahituv
Date of Birth: 31st August E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Netta is a journalist and an editor at Haaretz, an established liberal newspaper (print and online) in Israel. Her main role is writing in-depth magazine articles, usually investigative stories covering environmental topics, the food industry and the energy market. Recently she won the Australian-Israeli Pratt Award for Environmental Journalism in the category “Extensive and Outstanding Body of Work.” In her role as an editor, she is responsible for special issues, such as the yearly Environment or Education Journals of Haaretz. She has also been the vice editor of the foreign news desk until very recently. She is often invited to news and debate TV programmes in varied channels (national and international) to talk about her articles or debate other relevant issues. In some of the programmes, she has a weekly spot, in which she talks about environmental or foreign affairs.
Netta has an M.A. in Environmental Studies from Tel Aviv University, for which she wrote a thesis about Environmental Philosophy, and a B.A. in Biology and Humanities, also from Tel Aviv University. During her college years, she took independent courses in different organisations, such as Architecture Theory in Venice International University or Data Journalism by the European Journalism Centre.
Personal Introduction
I grew up in Tel Aviv, but every couple of years my family used to move abroad for a semester or a year, therefore I am very fond of travelling, relocating, exploring and meeting new people. I continued these journeys in my adult years – living in New York, Venice, Basel and travelling extensively in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. I love soccer, therefore a couple of years ago I founded a girls soccer team in Tel Aviv, which plays every Wednesday evening. I’ve been publicly “marked” by the Israeli Minister of Economy, Naftali Bennett, who leads a big religious party, when he had decided that one of my articles was challenging the Jewish character of Israel. You can imagine what turmoil followed. This has been a terrible summer for all sides concerned in the region I call “home”. My hopes and actions are aimed, as always, at changing the realities here, so the future will be brighter and better for everyone, including for my 18 month old son.
2 | AFGG 2014 Nelli Babayan
Date of Birth: 12th January E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Dr. Nelli Babayan is a Post-doctoral researcher within TRANSWORLD project at the Freie Universität Berlin. She received her Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Trento, Italy (2012) and her MA in Political Science from the Central European University, Hungary (2005). After completion of her Ph.D. she was a Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Government and Politics, University of Tartu, Estonia where she taught an MA course on Democracy Promotion and democratization in the South Caucasus. Her main research interests include democracy promotion/democratization, EU and US foreign policies and transatlantic relations, politics of the South Caucasus, and EU-Russia relations. In 2005-2008 she worked for Core Media Support Program for Armenia implemented by IREX and funded by USAID, where she was Training Department Manager in 2006-2008. In 2010 she was visiting researcher at the Center for International and Comparative Studies, ETH Zurich and think-tank FRIDE, Madrid.
Personal Introduction
Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, I have been travelling and living abroad for the majority of my life. Spending a year of my undergraduate studies at a U.S. university also shaped my life and career, yet again reaffirming the path I want to follow and type of education I want to receive. I have lived in Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland and after receiving my Ph.D. in Italy, I have moved for work to one of the greatest cities, Berlin. My current work provides me with an amazing opportunity to fulfil my intellectual ambitions and travel, exploring new places and meeting new people. At the same time, I like spending my time in Berlin, since it has a vibrant social life, and I can always find things to do, be it frequent visits to my gym, music festivals or carnivals, and a great atmosphere for watching football.
AFGG 2014 | 3 Benedetta Berti
Date of Birth: 1st February E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Dr. Benedetta Berti is currently a Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a member of the faculty at Tel Aviv University and a post-doctoral fellow at Ben-Gurion University. In the past, Dr. Berti worked in NGOs and research institutes in Latin America, the Middle East, and the US, focusing on human rights, internal conflict, and political violence. Dr. Berti’s areas of expertise include human security, internal conflict, integration of armed groups and post-conflict stabilization, as well as democratization, civil society, social movements and strategic nonviolence. Her current research is related to political violence and conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian politics. Recently, Dr. Berti has authored the book Armed Political Organisations: From Conflict to Integration (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013).
Dr. Berti is a lecturer, public speaker and news commentator on international security, Middle Eastern politics, and the Arab- Israeli conflict. In addition, Dr. Berti works as a human security and foreign policy consultant for political risk consulting firms, NGOs, international organisations as well as governments. She is a member of the Young Atlanticist Programme of the Atlantic Council, the Körber Foundation’s Munich Young Leaders, the ME 2.0 Israeli-Palestinian Young Business Leaders Forum, and is affiliated with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Personal Introduction
I was born and raised in Bologna, Italy, but I have spent the past decade living abroad: first working in a human rights organisation in the internal conflict torn Chiapas region of Mexico, then studying in the United States, and finally working in Israel. I have extremely ‘itchy feet’ and love exploring the world: so far I have travelled extensively in both Central and South America as well as in the Middle East and Europe. I am passionate about my work and even in my free time I participate in a number of peace initiatives and grass roots-based social activism. But there are many other issues I am passionate about. First and foremost is my daughter: a lot of my free time is devoted to her. I also dedicate my free-time to fiction writing, classical ballet, and—being a bookworm—I also love reading novels (I guess my favourite book is Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov).
4 | AFGG 2014 Fernando Luz Brancoli
Date of Birth: 6th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Fernando Brancoli is a Lecturer in International Security at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio / Brazil) and a part-time Humanitarian Specialist at the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. He started his career as a foreign correspondent for news agencies such as Agence France Presse (AFP) and Reuters, covering the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008, and the entrance of peacekeeping troops in Haiti in 2009. After leaving the news room, Brancoli worked with humanitarian agencies, such as the ICRC and the UNHCR, as a political advisor, working mainly in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in Somalia, the Palestine Occupied Territories, Libya and Syria.
Since 2012, Brancoli has been focusing on his Ph.D. in International Relations at the San Tiago Dantas Programme in Brazil, with a visiting research fellowship at the University of California – Santa Barbara, focusing on the study of private actors in war zones. He also holds research positions at the Université Paris I – Pantheón-Sorbonne (France), University of Berne (Switzerland) and at the Council for Arabic Studies (Lebanon).
Personal Introduction
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a world-famous city known for the beaches and the wonderful landscape. “Cariocas”, those who are born in Rio, are also recognized for their love of talking and are known to be easygoing with foreigners. Since I started my professional career as an international journalist - working in war zones such as Somalia and Haiti, then joining humanitarian organisations in Afghanistan and Syria and finally teaching at universities in Switzerland and Brazil, I like to think that an interesting and non-hierarchical chat can provide the tools to deal with almost any issue. Most of the time I am really happy to talk about new ideas, politics, literature or music.
AFGG 2014 | 5 Venkata Srikanth Chakka (Chakka)
Date of Birth: 15th July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Chakka is currently a Vice President in the BNP Paribas Investment Banking team based in Mumbai, India. In his current role, he is responsible for the origination and execution of investment banking transactions (M&A, Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets) across sectors including oil & gas, metals & mining, general industrials and building materials on a pan-India basis. Prior to BNP Paribas, Chakka had a brief stint at UBS Investment Bank based in New York City (USA) and spent four years as a strategic management consultant at KPMG (India). At KPMG, Chakka was focused on advising a wide range of corporate and government bodies in India across the areas of strategy, turnaround, change management and operations.
Chakka has an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, U.S.A.) and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from I.I.T Madras (India).
Personal Introduction
I come from a tier-3 city in South India and spent my childhood learning from the challenges faced by a typical middle class Indian family. My biggest break came when I left home at the age of 17 in the pursuit of education. Shaping businesses and politics became my passion in college and my experiments with work / life fell in line. The former is satisfied during my stints in the corporate world. I am a political enthusiast and recently contested the general elections in India. Learning the “real” challenges in the interplay between politics and business in India was an eye-opener, and it just strengthened my conviction on both. I believe the world will face unforeseen conflicts in the years to come. I follow current affairs and enjoy different points of view. I also love to work out and travel when I can.
6 | AFGG 2014 MIRA CHATT
Date of Birth: 20th September E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Mira is the First Secretary (Political Affairs) at the High Commission of Canada to India, responsible for monitoring domestic politics in India, providing expert policy advice, and conducting research and analysis on India’s foreign policy in Asia and beyond. The High Commission represents the Government of Canada in India, and fosters bilateral ties between the two countries built upon shared traditions of democracy, pluralism, and interpersonal connections. Mira brings more than ten years of diplomatic experience to Delhi – both at headquarters and abroad – to bear on political, economic and social issues. Her assignments at headquarters in Ottawa have been focused on international security questions, inter alia regional security and peacekeeping, and nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament (both Asia-specific). Mira has served at Embassies of Canada to Israel, and Afghanistan, and as a Political Advisor to the Commander of Task Force Kandahar. During this time, she also completed a Master of Arts at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, with a research paper on the propensity for terrorism in a particular marginalised indigenous minority.
Personal Introduction
I am originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia on Canada’s east coast, and have also lived in Toronto and Ottawa for education and work, as well as abroad in Tel Aviv and Kabul. In addition to a long-standing interest in politics fostered watching the nightly news as a child, I am a lifelong foodie and travel addict. Having moved to India only two months ago, I have my hands full exploring the gamut of all three. I am a jogger by necessity, like to do yoga whenever possible, and admit to being a figure skater. Something of a realist, I won’t put any predictions for the world in 2025 in writing, but look forward to discussing these in person over chai at the Asian Forum on Global Governance itself.
AFGG 2014 | 7 Jayant Chaudhary
Date of Birth: 12th January E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Jayant Chaudhary served as a Member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha. He contested the 2009 General Election from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He is currently the National General Secretary of the Rashtriya Lokdal. As a parliamentarian, Jayant actively advocated for measures to boost the rural agriculture sector of the Indian economy including a renewed focus on financial inclusion, infrastructure creation, market linkages for farm producers and incentivising research and adoption of technology to increase productivity. He was at the forefront of a number of agitations to protest the large-scale acquisition of land in the State of Uttar Pradesh during 2009 that led to a subsequent nationwide debate on the misuse of the provisions of the Acquisition Act, and the indiscriminate use of force on protestors. On August 26, 2010, thousands of farmers came to protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi where Jayant called for the Central Government to intervene and move to pass a new land acquisition law in parliament. A new land acquisition law was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2013 which incorporated some of the issues highlighted by him. During his first term in the Lok Sabha, Jayant served as a member of several Parliamentary Committees; the Standing Committees on Commerce, Agriculture and Finance, the Consultative Committee on Finance, the Committee on Ethics, and the Committee on Government Assurances. He was a member of the General Board of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) from 2009 -2014. He was the Co-chair of the FICCI Indo- British Forum of Parliamentarians and member of the Indo-Venezuela Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet. Jayant completed his undergraduate studies from Shri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, and in 2002 completed an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Personal Introduction
As a public figure in India, there is not that much that is not known or part of my ‘personal space’, which I could share here. Whilst in school in Delhi, I was part of a band which even has some original, albeit amateur songs! Now I just listen to music and do not attempt to make any, and listen to contemporary music when I can. I like to travel and enjoy different foods, art and cultures. I have two young daughters and have had a lot of fun with their baby phases, wanting them not to grow up too fast.
8 | AFGG 2014 Adeline Djeutie
Date of Birth: 1st April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Adeline has extensive experience in projects and programme administration and international development focused on strategic analysis, policy formulation, capacity development and stakeholder engagement. She is currently Programme Management Officer at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As part of her duties, she manages the technical cooperation programme of French speaking African countries, in which she provides them support and advises in the planning and implementation of their national programme using nuclear sciences and applications to foster socio- economic development in health, food and agriculture, water, environment, energy, etc. An important and gratifying aspect of this assignment is to develop tailored capacity building programmes to fill the knowledge and infrastructure gaps in these countries so as to enable them to play the leading role in finding solutions to their national development challenges. Adeline has a Double Master’s degree in International Economics and in Political and Social Analysis obtained respectively from the University Pierre Mendes, France and Sciences Po Grenoble, France.
Personal Introduction
I am a world citizen, originally from Yaounde, Cameroon where I was born. As a kid, I had always nurtured the dream to work at the international level, first as a translator and interpreter. My interest was redirected in my second passion for international development when I could not get my admission confirmed in the only national Graduate School of Translator and Interpreters in Cameroon. After I completed my post-graduate studies in Cameroon, Germany and France, my professional journey at the international level started in Ethiopia; this was a revealing experience during which I met extraordinary people who inspired me through their life stories. It then shook me as a wake-up call that I would like to be relevant professionally: i.e. be inspired by people and also be an inspiration for other people out there to not be afraid to break up barriers to their dreams through hard work, dedication, perseverance, positive thinking and humility. I love travelling to discover the uniqueness of world cultures and to be filled with hope while watching the innocence in children’s eyes, no matter which part of the world they live in.
AFGG 2014 | 9 Michaela Dodge
Date of Birth: 18th October E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Michaela Dodge is a Policy Analyst for Defence and Strategic Policy at the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign and National Security Policy at The Heritage Foundation, USA. She specializes in missile defence, nuclear weapons modernization and arms control in her capacity as Policy Analyst for defence and strategic policy. Dodge has authored and coauthored research papers and commentary for Heritage as well as contributed defence and national security posts to the think tank’s policy blog, “The Foundry.” Her work has appeared in newspapers such as the Washington Times and online venues such as FoxNews.com and the Daily Caller. Dodge holds a Master of Science degree in defence and strategic studies from Missouri State University, where she was awarded the Ulrike Schumacher Memorial Scholarship for two years. She received a bachelor’s degree in international relations and defence and strategic studies from Masaryk University, Czech Republic. She is a former National Security Fellow with the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies and a former Publius Fellow at the Claremont Institute in addition to being a former Center for Strategic and International Studies PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative scholar.
Personal Introduction
I come from a little village in Slovakia and moved to the United States five years ago. I am currently a doctoral student in Political Science at George Mason University, and in the little free time I have, I like to go running or hiking with my husband. I really enjoy working on nuclear weapons and missile defence policy.
10 | AFGG 2014 MOhamed el dahshan
Date of Birth: 30th June E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Mohamed El Dahshan is a regional economist at the African Development Bank, working on issues of economic development, regional integration, and knowledge management. He is also a Nonresident Fellow with the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Councils and Global Shapers Community. Prior to this, he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard University Center for International Development, and a consultant for international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the World Bank, as well as national governments in the Middle East. He regularly writes and lectures around the world on various topics, including the Middle Eastern transitions, economic development and entrepreneurship, and technology; he also serves as a mentor for startups, and teaches development economics at Ain Shams University in Cairo. Mohamed was awarded the Anna Lindh Euro- Mediterranean Journalism Award in 2011 for his coverage and analysis of the Egyptian revolution for traditional and social media. He is the coauthor of Diaries of the Revolution, a collective memoir of the 2011 Egyptian uprising, published in Arabic and in Italian. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Sciences Po Paris, and Cairo University.
Personal Introduction
I’m the guy who would finish a task, giddily go to cross it off the to-do list, not find it listed there, so add it just to cross it off. I’m an economist by training, activist by necessity, writer by compulsion, geek by passion. What I love the most is to help people be the best they can be, by offering the support they need, whether they know they need it or not. I think this is the essence of human relations - of friendship and love - because we best advance when we know someone’s got our back. But it’s also, more professionally, the essence of development: by helping people achieve their basic needs, they are enabled to focus on achieving their dreams. This applies as much to helping young entrepreneurs with their project so they can focus on developing their idea, as it does to economic development: because what kid can spend time studying their favourite school subject or training on their favourite sport, when they have to walk for three hours to fetch water?
AFGG 2014 | 11 Veronica Frisancho
Date of Birth: 24th March E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Veronica Frisancho is a research economist in the Research Department at the Inter-American Development Bank. She received her Ph.D. in Economics from Pennsylvania State University in 2012, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Universidad del Pacifico in Lima, Peru. Before pursuing her doctoral studies, Veronica worked at GRADE, a prestigious think tank in Peru, for almost six years. She also has several years of teaching experience in Peru and in the United States. Veronica’s work can best be described as applied microeconomics, and her main fields of specialization are development and labour economics. Her research in these areas includes an emphasis on education, labour markets in developing countries, and micro-finance. She is currently working on a series of articles on micro- finance, savings, gender biased violence, vocational training, and on academic performance and learning. Shehas published in the Population Research and Policy Review, the India Policy Forum, and in the B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, and currently has several articles under review. Veronica is an active member of the Royal Economics Society. She has been a referee for the Journal of International Economics, Journal of Labour Economics, and the B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy.
Personal Introduction
I grew up in Lima, Peru, but moved to the U.S. to pursue my graduate studies at the age of 26. I lived in State College, Pennsylvania, while attending Penn State University between 2006 and 2012. After some years of living in a quiet college town, my husband and I were really excited to move back to a big city such as Washington, D.C. I have been working in the Research Department at the IDB for two years now and I really enjoy it. I have several research projects in the Latin American region so I have to travel quite often to supervise them and, in some cases, meet government officials with whom I coordinate the projects. I enjoy reading, travelling, practicing yoga, and spending time with my husband and our adorable puppy.
12 | AFGG 2014 Shimrit Goldberg
Date of Birth: 21st October E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Shimrit Goldberg is the Executive Manager of the Academic Exchange Programme (AE) in Israel, on behalf of the Yitzhak Rabin Center.
The programme enables professors (especially from the fields of international relations, Middle East studies and international law) from around the world to get better acquainted with Israel as the most unique country in the Middle East—as the only Jewish democracy in the world, located in a complicated arena. The programme is focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, learning about the complex security, political, legal and social issues and conflicts that define Israeli society, by meeting public figures and visiting different areas in Israel.
Personal Introduction
I am originally from a small village in north Israel named Binyamina. I’m the third daughter out of four sisters. At the age of 22 I moved to the big city—Tel Aviv, which is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Like all Israeli citizens I joined the army at the age of 18 and served for three years. During my service I was the assistant of the coordinator of government activities in the territories—he was the first Druze general in the IDF.
After my military service, I worked at the Rabin Center. I started as a CEO assistant and after two years I was promoted to Event Manager for three years, and for the past four years I have been part of the AE project. From my apartment you can see the Mediterranean Sea, which made me start a new hobby—Paddleboard (SUP). In addition I love to paint and work out.
AFGG 2014 | 13 Miao Gu
Date of Birth: 9th September E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Miao Gu is the Senior Legal Counsel of Siemens AG. Siemens is a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics with more than 160 years of history. As an in house counsel of Mobility Divisions headquartered in Berlin, Miao advises the acquisition and execution of railway turnkey projects across the Asian region. Prior to the current role, she worked in Siemens Beijing office providing legal counseling in infrastructure projects, financial business, corporate and compliance areas. She started her career in a leading law firm in Beijing where her practices focused on M&A, banking and finance legal matters. She obtained a LLM degree from University of Sydney and a LLB degree from Peking University.
Personal Introduction
I was born and raised in Jilin, a city surrounded by rivers and mountains located in the northeast of China. The city is well known for the ice and snow sculptures and Wusong (scenery of trees enclosed by ice-rime along the river bank), a highly recommended holiday destination for those who miss the joy of snowflakes. I left Jilin at the age of 16, since then for education and work reasons I have lived in several places in China and abroad. This has allowed me to experience and benefit from a vast diversity. Therefore I am looking forward with great anticipation to meeting and knowing people with different background at the forum. I like jogging, travelling, hanging out with friends, reading alone or with my daughter.
14 | AFGG 2014 Rishabh Gulati
Date of Birth: 25th July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Rishabh is the Supervising Editor at a national English language news channel in India, NewsX. His primary responsibilities range from editorial decisions, overseeing minute-by-minute news coverage and managing the newsroom and news flow especially during breaking news situations. He is also a news anchor. A student of journalism from the University of Delhi and later International Relations from the University of Manchester, he specialises in the study of political history.
Rishabh has also founded and manages forums and organisations targeted to build capacity, leadership qualities and skills development in key social policy areas. He was the founding President of Leaders for Tomorrow, which is a youth organisation targeting skills development. He currently chairs Global Youth, a forum encouraging young people in India to partake in the formulation of strategic and foreign policy; as well as The Aethos Initiative which looks to promote youth participation in social policy. He’s also a stage actor and director and a published poet.
Personal Introduction
Fresh out of university in India and off to study in England, I remember talking to, at that time, one of the senior-most bureaucrats in the Prime Minister’s Office at New Delhi. He asked about my future plans and I told him I was hoping to be a journalist. He reminded me of the privileged education I’d had and the luxury of having options and opportunities, which half a billion people in my native country younger than me don’t enjoy. I’ve not forgotten those words. They’ve helped define the life I lead beyond my profession. I’ve spent most of my life in Delhi, for me it’s a home and a promise. You’re more likely to find me narrating historical anecdotes and quoting passages from the works of great world leaders. A student of the sciences in high school, I remember writing passages of Gibbon in what was supposed to be a chemistry paper. My poetry is inspired by Keats and I can talk in prose, not the most enigmatic talent admittedly.
AFGG 2014 | 15 Faris Hadrovic
Date of Birth: 14th June E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Faris is the Assistant Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By using population data, Faris helps to guide the office to help the government devise policies and programmes to reduce poverty and ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect. Prior to joining the UNFPA, Faris managed a large portfolio of capacity building programmes for the Bosnia and Herzegovina government(s) at the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Faris also worked for the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Business Reform Officer advising on issues related to business development and potential investor interest.
He has also lectured at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Slovakia, and Kosovo on topics related to international relations, regional integrations, international security mechanisms, and multilateralism. Recently, Faris coordinated the publication of a book titled “Sound of Silence”, endorsed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, documenting the plight and realities faced by the survivors of sexual violence in conflict. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Economics from the American University in Cairo as well as a Master’s Degree from the University of Bologna in Governance and Politics of European Integrations.
Personal Introduction
I was born in Libya, educated in Egypt and Italy, and lived for longer or shorter periods of time in Iran and Hungary. Even though I have lived abroad most of my life, when I was 14 years old I witnessed the horrific war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the ensuing 44-month siege of Sarajevo, the longest in modern history. This was a major life experience that taught me to value life and the little things that make it up. I enjoy travelling, exploring, meeting people and getting to know cultures and generally spend much time travelling all across the globe. I am an avid biker, both bicycle and motorcycle, and use every opportunity and good weather to get some adrenaline fun.
16 | AFGG 2014 Nicole Herzog
Date of Birth: 21st July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Nicole is a gender equality desk officer in the European and international gender equality policy division at the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). The BMFSFJ is a cabinet-level ministry headed by Manuela Schwesig of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Her international activities focus on gender equality in the fora of the United Nations (plus specialized agencies), like the Commission on the Status of Women, the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing including its follow up, especially Beijing+20, UN Women, the Post-2015 Agenda, as well as bilateral activities on the issue of gender equality. Prior to joining BMFSFJ she spent two years working in the field of political communication.
Nicole has a Master’s degree in International Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She spent one semester abroad at the Smolny Institute, State University of Saint Petersburg (Russia).
Personal Introduction
Originally from Dresden, Germany, the capital of the Federal State of Saxony and former holder of the status “World Cultural Heritage Elbe Valley”, I have been living in Berlin for five years now. Besides putting heart and soul into my professional field of action—“gender equality”—I am interested in travelling, boxing, swimming, and fantasy/science fiction literature. My favourite books are theOtherland series by Tad Williams and Muhammad Ali’s autobiography The Greatest: My Own Story.
The world in 2025 should be one where humanity really counts, nearly everybody has access to sustainable energy, clean water and sanitation, and categories like sex, age, sexual orientation, religious preference, disability or income become less important for opportunities in life.
AFGG 2014 | 17 George Hodgson
Date of Birth: 17th October E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
George is a career British diplomat. He is currently Head of the Parliamentary and Communications Department in the Europe Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London. His team builds support for the British Government’s Europe policy, in the UK and overseas. George has also worked at the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, where he focused on the European Neighbourhood Policy, and his first job in the FCO was Desk Officer for EU Enlargement, concentrating on the accession of the ten member states that joined the EU in 2004. Outside Europe, George has twice served at the British Embassy in Kabul, most recently as Political Counsellor. He has also served at the British High Commission in Islamabad and as Senior Adviser to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., on secondment from the British Government. George has a B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.
Personal Introduction
I was born and brought up in London, and will always think of it as home. But I also enjoy travelling and I love having a job that allows me to see the world and meet new people. With two young kids, my wife and I don’t have a lot of spare time. But when we do get away, I enjoy walking in the mountains (sometimes with one of my children on my back) or playing squash (badly) and tennis (even less well). I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Delhi a few times before and I’m excited to be coming back to India’s magnificent capital.
18 | AFGG 2014 Win Thazin Htun
Date of Birth: 13th May E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Win Thazin Htun is the Founder and the Principal of the Myanmar Minerva Education Centre, which was established in late 2011. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in Development Studies at the Yangon Institute of Economics in 2005 and 2008 respectively. She then worked for a local think tank known as the Nation- Interest group. In 2008, she worked as a research officer at the Capability Building Initiative, a local research organisation. In 2009, Win Thazin was awarded the D.G.E Hall scholarship to complete a Master’s degree in Southeast Asian Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London. She obtained her second Master’s degree from the University of London in 2010. She then established the Myanmar Minerva Education Center (MMEC) to offer social science and development studies courses to young professionals, members of civil society groups, former political prisoners, government officials and members of political parties. While running MMEC, she is also working as a project director for the information literacy project in Myanmar that has been undertaken in collaboration with the University of Washington, Seattle.
Personal Introduction
I was born in Mandalay, a city known as the cultural center in Central Myanmar. As a government official, my father was posted at many places throughout the country. As such, I have lived in various parts of the country, including beautiful Shan State. My hobbies include reading, drawing and gardening. My favourite book is Shwewapyi, written by a famous Myanmar political novelist, Yangon Ba Shwe. In the book, Ba Shwe convincingly and vividly describes the sociopolitical and economic decays engendered by the mismanagement of the country by the military authoritarian rule under former dictator General Ne Win. The book was written at the beginning of Ne Win’s rule and was banned for about five decades. Politically conscious Myanmar citizens had to read the book at the risk of getting arrested. I like to listen to traditional Myanmar songs that describe peaceful Myanmar society, life and culture.
AFGG 2014 | 19 Mao Jikang
Date of Birth: 29th February E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Mao Jikang is the Vice Director of the Department of Regional Security and Cooperation at the Academy for World Watch (AWW). AWW is a non-governmental social science research institute engaged in developing and discussing policy alternatives on a wide range of issues of national and international significance. Prior to managing the whole department and shifting his studies to South Asian issues, he worked as a consultant and research assistant at the academy in the Department of Information, focusing on Korea’s politics. Before that, he did research on foreign policy as a visiting fellow in the Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (2011) and Sogang Universtity in Korea as well (2010). He received a B.A. and LL.M. in International Relations from Shandong University (2000-2004) and a Ph.D. in law from Fudan University in Shanghai (2007-2010).
Personal Introduction
Like every other person, my characteristics come in part from the nature of all of the places and cities I have lived in. Born in Dongming, China, I spent twelve years in Jinan, one year in Korea, one year in Singapore, and am now working in Shanghai while living in Beijing with my wife and our one child, which all have once or are still providing rich life experiences for me. Today, by participating in plenty of seminars and forums both at home and abroad, I can travel to much more places than ever, and the geographical boundary has grown even more obscure. Partly from the knowledge I gained in travel, I can embrace my hobby---reading novels and watching action movies of different nations---in a deeper way. Similarly, my research results have also been promoted so extraordinarily by the revolution in communications that has occurred in recent years, so much so that I must in fairness ask: how much poorer would the global society be today without these people-to-people contacts from all over the world?
20 | AFGG 2014 Purity Kagwiria
Date of Birth: 27th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Purity is the Executive Director of Akili Dada. Akili Dada is an international award-winning leadership incubator nurturing a generation of young African women from poor backgrounds whose commitment to the underserved is transforming their communities. In her role, she is responsible for the management of staff and the key stakeholders and partners of Akili Dada, as well as building strategic relationships and alliances. Prior to joining Akili Dada, Purity worked at Africa Youth Trust, an independent, non-partisan, development and advocacy organisation where she focused on main- streaming gender into the East Africa Community processes as well as ensuring inclusion and participation of young women in policy processes.
Purity’s background prior to joining Africa Youth Trust is in gender, development and journalism. She worked and volunteered for a number of organisations focusing on girls and young women including the Resource Centre for Women and Girls, the Education Centre for Women in Democracy and the Coalition on Violence Against Women.
Personal Introduction
I grew up in my grandmother’s home where, to keep me occupied as a teenager, she made me water kale and carrots most of the day in her kitchen garden. Since then, I am very keen to grow my own food though I still eat most of what my grandma grows. I recently started learning to ride a motor bike and though I feel as though I am about to fly each time I am riding, I am learning that the biggest favour I can do myself to learn faster and easier is to trust the process; that indeed the motor bike can and will carry my weight and that I am in control. Isn’t this so true about many things in life?
AFGG 2014 | 21 Kristina Kellner
Date of Birth: 8th January E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Kristina is a project manager of the Directorate of Migration at the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). Kristina is responsible for coordinating the pilot project “Qualifying Labour from Vietnam to Geriatric Nurses”. Assigned by the German Ministry of Economics and Energy the project aims at facing the democratic changes and shortages of qualified labour in the German geriatric sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree of Public Policy and Governance from the University of Passau and attended classes at UC California, Berkeley. Prior to this, Kristina gained international work experience in Chile. She has several years of relevant experience in the fields of publishing, media, public policy and politics. During her Master’s programme in Public Policy and Management at the University of Potsdam and at Duke University, she worked for a member of the German Parliament and the German UNESCO Commission. Kristina is a fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and participated in the College for International Policy and Economics.
Personal Introduction
I would describe myself as a real Bavarian girl from Munich. Even though I left my hometown more than ten years ago, I maintain strong ties to the Bavarian culture and love original dresses – the so-called “dirndl.” An important turning point in my life was my decision to quit my job as a PR and media specialist for a big German newspaper and to return to school in order to study public policy.
I am a coffee junky, love spicy Asian food, Latin American music and am curious about travelling to unknown new places. Two years ago, I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams and became a certificated scuba diver. Entering this second, hidden world under water fascinated me. Furthermore, I love skiing, yoga and playing the saxophone.
22 | AFGG 2014 AMINA KHAN
Date of Birth: 9th March E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Amina Khan works as a Research Fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad. The ISSI is Pakistan’s premier think tank, engaged in conducting research on issues of foreign and security policy. Amina’s primary area of focus at the Institute is Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Being a native Pashtun from the Mohmand Agency, she has a natural affiliation with the people and the region she focuses on and intends to focus her future academic endeavours on Afghanistan and FATA. Amina has represented the Institute on a number of forums and has several publications including a book on FATA, titled FATA: Voice of the Unheard: Path Dependency and Why History Matters. A recipient of OSI/FCO/Chevening Scholarship 2009-2010, Amina holds a Master’s degree in Democracy, Politics and Governance (DPG) from Royal Holloway, University of London, as well as a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies (DSS) from Quaid - e - Azam University, Islamabad. She is fluent in English, Pashto, and Urdu.
Personal Introduction
I have always been closely linked to my strong Pashtun heritage and spending winter holidays in the village is a much awaited treat. I like reading mostly contemporary literature as well as poetry. I am interested in exploring the development and richness of different cultures, literary traditions and how they contribute to the formation of identity. Hence, this is where my thirst and passion for travelling, learning about new cultures, people and cuisines arises. Although having travelled to many countries, my dream is to relive the old historic route by travelling (by road) from Central Asia through Afghanistan to India. Also, although an amateur, one of my aims is to make a documentary on FATA.
AFGG 2014 | 23 Vidiya Khan
Date of Birth: 26th June E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Vidiya is the Director of the Desh Group of Companies. As a Group, the company is involved in various businesses in very diverse areas, from being agents of Electro Motive Diesel and Buhler AG Switzerland, to packaging; owning a C&F agency to owning a Duty Free Bonded Warehouse (importing wines and spirits for expats and diplomats). After spending her early years in Bangladesh, Vidiya was sent off to Roedean, a girl’s boarding school in the UK. She then went on to read Law at King’s College London, followed by qualifying as a Barrister at Law. She is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn.
Upon returning to Bangladesh, she worked as a lawyer but soon left the legal profession to join her family business. After looking after various aspects of the business, Vidiya now primarily focuses on Desh Garments Limited. She is responsible for the 1,200 people who work in the company and the overall management of the company. In 2013, Vidiya became the only elected female Director of the Bangladesh Garments Exporters and Manufacturers Association. She is also the Treasurer of the Switzerland Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Personal Introduction
When I was young, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I used to watch a lot of LA Law on TV and followed my dream of becoming a lawyer. However, finally, I became an entrepreneur. My most favourite thing in the world to do is to travel. I think in the future, the world will no longer be a peaceful place because greed dominates all other senses. Nevertheless, great structures are being built, technological and medical advances are being made and one can be hopeful for the future. What impresses me the most now is how young people are taking over the world and personally, I live by the principle which demands the impossible.
24 | AFGG 2014 Suthikorn Kingkaew
Date of Birth: 27th June E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Suthikorn Kingkaew currently serves as a lecturer in International Business at Thammasat University, as well as an Executive Advisor at the Asian Knowledge Institute, conducting various consulting and training projects on issues related to ASEAN for different organisations. He also serves as Director of Research at Future Innovative Thailand Institute (FIT) under the chairmanship of H.E. Surin Pitsuwan, former Secretary General of ASEAN. At FIT, his team is responsible for various policy frameworks at the macro-level, such as economic reform, education reform and reform in the Thai justice system. At the micro-level, his group introduces innovative policy measures to serve local administrations.
Suthikorn obtained his undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, his Master of Philosophy in Technology Policy, and his Ph.D. in Management Studies. He has conducted varied research that concerns different development-related issues of Thailand. Beyond the academic world, he also has first-hand experience in policy making and implementation through working as member of staff to the Deputy Interior Minister (2007) and Finance Minister (2009). His team was responsible for creating various policies, such as the National Pension Fund and the Land and Property Tax.
Personal Introduction
Making a positive impact on society has been one of my lifelong goals. I am from Bangkok, Thailand. As an only child of a middle class family, I was responsible for many duties since I was young. I was granted a government scholarship to study overseas after high school. I went to Australia for my undergraduate degree in biotechnology before going to Cambridge for my Master’s degree and Ph.D. in management. Without the scholarship, my family could not support my overseas education. For personal life, I am an easy-going person. Despite spending most of my time working for three organisations, I find time to spend on what I like. I enjoy going out with friends for lunch or dinner. We sometimes go for karaoke or charity works. I watch movies and documentaries. I love to read and learn about history.
I believe that by 2025, Asia will be the center of attention in many aspects, such as political conflict, economic integration and scientific advancement.
AFGG 2014 | 25 Stefan Kraus
Date of Birth: 14th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Stefan serves as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, German Four-Star- General Hans-Lothar Domröse. Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum is one of two Operational Commands of NATO. Prior to his selection for this job he had several other positions within the German Armed Forces, such as Manager for Training and Exercise in a Division Headquarters or as an Intelligence Officer. In this position, he was deployed twice to Afghanistan. Stefan has a Diploma in pedagogics and speaks German, English, French and Portuguese. His next assignment will be as a Company Commander in a Mountain Reconnaissance Battalion.
Personal Introduction
Besides nature in general, my preferred activities are long hiking trips in the mountains. There is nothing else which gives me the opportunity to clear my mind and to focus on upcoming challenges.
Furthermore, I am very interested in current diplomatic ways of posing a problem and its influence on a broader arrangement. I can hardly think of anything else more complicated and interesting at the same time than strategic governance.
Above all I always try to enjoy travelling combined with learning something new in the subject of cultural history.
26 | AFGG 2014 rachel lloyd
Date of Birth: 9th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Rachel is currently Head of the Foreign and Security Policy team in the British High Commission, New Delhi. She arrived in India in March 2014. She leads the team responsible for the UK’s relationship with India on a broad range of foreign policy and security issues, including on relations with the immediate neighbourhood, cyber and counter- proliferation. She has worked for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for eight years. Prior to being posted in India, she was Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Asia and Latin America. She has also worked in the British High Commission in Pretoria and at the British Embassy in Pristina. Her academic background is as a geographer: she graduated from St John’s College at Cambridge University in 2003.
Personal Introduction
I have been living in India for six months now and have been really enjoying travelling and exploring my new home. Travel is a real passion of mine and I am always planning new adventures! I am originally from Northamptonshire, a beautiful part of the UK that I enjoy going back to when I can. Outside of work, I enjoy Pilates, cooking and socialising with friends. I am also an enthusiastic but terrible skier, and have recently taken up photography – which is proving to be a fantastic hobby to develop in India.
AFGG 2014 | 27 Claudia Matter
Date of Birth: 30th August E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Claudia is currently working with the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) in Myanmar, where she supervises and manages a structure of three different offices, with roughly 120+ staff. As the mandate of the ICRC is to protect and assist victims of situations of conflict, she is involved in medical and water support to hospitals, economic support to internally displaced people, mine risk education, as well as provision of International Humanitarian Law trainings to a variety of stakeholders. All the work is done in government, as well as rebel-controlled areas. Prior to this assignment in Myanmar, Claudia worked in the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Thailand. Her educational background focused mainly on development, but also Burmese and Thai language, with a specific focus on South-East Asia.
Personal Introduction
Although I am originally from Switzerland, I left my country at the age of 20 and have not returned since. When discovering South-East Asia during my travels, I was astonished and inspired by its culture, history, and traditions. Various journeys to Myanmar and Thailand inspired me to learn these languages, and to work in the region for a while, either with Burmese refugees, or Thai students. Since 2009, I have been working for the ICRC, which has allowed me to be assigned to a variety of interesting countries. In addition, I am a yoga instructor, and love to practice, and teach yoga to a variety of students. Other hobbies such as swimming, running and playing tennis also accompany my life whenever possible.
I hope that 60% of the population will practice some sort of yoga and/or meditation by 2025, in order to positively face the increasingly challenging world by then.
28 | AFGG 2014 Ryan M. Miller
Date of Birth: 13th December E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Ryan M. Miller serves as Senior Economic Officer and Speechwriter in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, at the U.S. Department of State. In his current capacity, he covers a broad range of U.S.-India bilateral economic issues, while focusing specifically on growth opportunities in the infrastructure and transportation sectors. Ryan also advises State Department leadership on public outreach efforts and has helped draft over 45 official speeches and remarks on South Asia, delivered by Executive Branch officials, since 2010. Previously, Ryan served as a political and economic officer in the Office of India Affairs, covering a variety of portfolios including higher education, health, and regional politics. Before joining government, he worked in higher education and at a New York-based think-tank, completing research on global security and economics. Mr. Miller holds an M.A. in Politics from New York University.
Personal Introduction
I am a 5th generation Californian, who somehow wandered off and ended up in Washington, D.C. – living in Boston, London, Istanbul, and New York along the way. I have an abiding love for the outdoors. My attraction to world affairs was fostered through travel – initially not in the practice of diplomacy but in the pursuit of surf. As an ocean enthusiast from a very young age, I have surfed, paddled and swam in the world’s three largest oceans and along the shores of some 22 countries, including Iceland. My other passion is golf, a sport I played competitively through college, competing in the 2001 & 2002 NCAA Div. III National Championships. I still play close to 50 rounds of golf per year (or, as often as my lovely wife and 21 month-old son will allow), and continue to cherish the several rounds I have been able to play at the historic Delhi Golf Club – one of the greatest and most unique golf courses in the world.
AFGG 2014 | 29 José-Antonio MONTEIRO
Date of Birth: 2nd May E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
José-Antonio Monteiro is an economist at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In addition to assisting in the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, José-Antonio provides technical assistance and training activities on trade and environment and technical barriers to trade to developing countries, in particular in Latin America, the Caribbean and French-speaking Africa.
José-Antonio has also provided economic expertise in several dispute settlement proceedings. Before joining the WTO, he worked at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in the Trade and Labour Programme, with a particular focus on labour provisions in free trade agreements. Previously, he also participated in several projects financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) analysing the impact of official aid development on international trade. José-Antonio holds a Ph.D. on trade and environment from the University of Neuchatel (Switzerland), as well as a Master’s degree on economics and finance from the University of Geneva (Switzerland).
Personal Introduction
I was born and raised in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the capital of the watch-making industry in Switzerland, which was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its unique town building. I come from an immigrant family - half Spanish and half Portuguese, so I grew up surrounded by an enriching multicultural environment. As a child and teenager I was always fascinated with nature and the way things worked. As the years have passed, my interests expanded to economics, econometrics and finance. It was only natural that I opted for a specialization in trade and environment. The best thing in life is to have the privilege to work in a field you enjoy.
30 | AFGG 2014 Nereo Peñalver
Date of Birth: 14th July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Nereo Peñalver is foreign policy advisor at the Directorate General for External Policies of the European Parliament, where he is responsible for Ukraine and Russia. Prior to his current duties Nereo served as adviser to Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. He has also worked for other front-rank European politicians such as Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Josep Borrell, former President of the European Parliament, as well as senior international officials such as the Director General for External Policies at the European Parliament and the Director of the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe. Nereo has also been posted at the European Union Delegation in Tunis, where he was in charge of political relations with Tunisia and Libya.
Nereo holds an M.A. in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium) and received a scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study there. He completed an M.A. in Political Science and Public Administration at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. Nereo has also studied political science at the Institut d´Études Politiques in Toulouse (France) and at Beijing University (China).
Personal Introduction
I love travelling, discovering new countries and cultures (including gastronomy, of course). I like sports, especially running and playing basketball. I’m always open to learn from everything and everybody. I am writing a book, The Making of a European President, 2014, together with Sir Julian Priestley, on the first pan-European electoral campaign. It will be published by Macmillan Palgrave in Spring 2015.
AFGG 2014 | 31 Khuê Pham
Date of Birth: 16th November E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Khuê Pham is a political reporter with Die Zeit, a liberal weekly paper based in Hamburg, specializing in stories about social change through technology. Khuê has also reported from various Asian countries and Great Britain.
Two years ago, Khuê published a book with two colleagues titled Us New Germans: Who We Are, What We Want, which tells the story of a new generation of second generation immigrants in Germany. Prior to this, Khuê went to university in London and trained at journalism school in Hamburg.
Personal Introduction
I hate writing about myself even though I write for a living. I tweet, too. And I dance.
This is my first time in India and I’m excited. I imagine it to be very different from the other places in Asia I’ve visited. My parents come from Vietnam – we love family life and food. Do Indians, too?
32 | AFGG 2014 Lisa Picheny
Date of Birth: 2nd May E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Lisa Picheny is a political affairs officer at NATO HQ, where she handles relations with the Alliance’s partners across the globe; her portfolio includes Australia, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and Colombia. Her job is to coordinate political and practical interaction with these countries, acting as a contact point and facilitator between them and NATO civilian and military structures. She also provides support and advice to NATO senior officials and Allied committees on policy issues related to the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to that, she worked for five years with NATO’s partners in the Middle East and North Africa. She was notably involved in the Alliance’s response to the 2011 crisis in Libya, as well as in the development of a long-term partnership with Iraq following the closure of NATO’s training mission in Baghdad.
Before joining NATO, Lisa worked with the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and at Interpol’s Headquarters. She was also for five years a lecturer at the Ecole des Mines in Saint-Etienne (France). While getting her Master’s degree at Sciences Po Paris, she specialized in Arab Studies and travelled extensively to Arab countries.
Personal Introduction
After an uneventful, suburban childhood in Brittany, France, I studied political science and took up Arabic classes, which opened the door to many adventures and incidentally got me a job. I always like the unexpected and have thoroughly enjoyed working in the realm of security and defence after coming from a rather antimilitarist background. By 2025, I hope the global community will have taken climate change seriously, and I aspire to (modestly) contribute to international environmental policy coordination – that is, if my two kids haven’t totally worn me out by then!
AFGG 2014 | 33 Jan Rielaender
Date of Birth: 23rd November E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Jan Rielaender is Head of Unit at the Development Centre of the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD). The OECD is an international organisation dedicated to enabling mutual exchange and learning between countries with the aim of identifying better policies for better lives. Jan is responsible for the OECD’s Multidimensional Country Reviews, a new review tool that aims at identifying the binding constraints on growth, sustainability and equity in developing countries. Typically these reviews feed into the formulation of national development strategies by the governments under review. In this role Jan manages project teams for a range of countries which are undertaking a review with the OECD. Currently these are Cote d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Myanmar and Uruguay.
Until earlier this year, Jan was an Economist at Development Centre’s Africa Desk, where he was the lead author of the report “African Economic Outlook 2014” on global value chains, as well as the 2013 edition on structural transformation and natural resources and the 2012 edition on youth employment. Prior to joining the Development Centre in 2011, Jan was Technical Advisor to the OECD’s Partnership for Democratic Governance, supporting fragile states’ building capacity for core government functions. Before that he was an evaluator with both the World Bank in Washington and UNICEF in Eastern and Southern Africa. Jan was a Fulbright Scholar and holds Degrees in Economics and International Relations from Syracuse University (U.S.A.) and from the Technical University in Dresden, Germany.
Personal Introduction
I spent the first 20 years of my life in a small town near Frankfurt in Germany and then set out to live and work with the world. My studies took me to Sweden, Korea and the U.S., where I stayed for a while after school and where I met my wife Maureen. Together we moved to Kenya and from there on to Paris where we seem to be settling down for the time being – but our voyage certainly will not end here... Since September 10, 2014 we have two children, Franziska and Noah that are the sunshine of our life. When I find the time, I enjoy hiking and improvisation theatre.
34 | AFGG 2014 Isabel Garza Rodríguez
Date of Birth: 17th July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Isabel Garza Rodríguez is an Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). She works in the Accounting and Corporate Governance Section undertaking projects aimed at enhancing coherence and efficiency in the area of finance and accounting for development. All projects are focused towards providing developing countries with sound financial regulatory and institutional frameworks that contribute to their sustainable development.
Her main responsibilities include: carrying out research and economic analysis to elaborate publications and background documents on key challenges and emerging issues in the corporate reporting area; collaborating in the organisation and participating in the annual sessions of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) which have over 250 participants from around 90 countries, as well as ad-hoc and consultative group meetings; and working on projects related to capacity-building and technical assistance.
Before joining the UN, Isabel worked at the Mexican Accounting Standards Board (CINIF), first as an assistant researcher and later on as a project manager in charge of developing financial reporting standards. She was also part of the Editorial Council of Veritas magazine in Mexico City. Before working at CINIF she held other positions in different private companies in financial and administration related areas.
Personal Introduction
I was born in Mexico City. I lived and studied in Mexico until I finished my Bachelor’s degree but I was always very interested in travelling around and getting to know other cultures and ways of thinking. I started travelling abroad when I turned 15 and had the opportunity to spend time with family in the U.S. and later on in France. I went to Lund University in Sweden for my Master´s degree because I wanted to experience living in a completely different place. I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, learning other languages, reading novels and practicing sports. I am a very social person who loves dancing (especially Latin music) and cooking (spicy Mexican food).
AFGG 2014 | 35 Sarah Russell
Date of Birth: 9th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Sarah currently works in the UK’s National Security Secretariat, providing policy advice to the National Security Adviser and the Prime Minister on South Asia and Iran. She is on secondment from the British Diplomatic Service, which she joined in 2007. As a diplomat, Sarah has worked on the Middle East Peace Process, led the cross-government ‘Forced Marriage Unit’ rescuing British nationals from forced marriage in the UK and overseas, and served in both Kabul and New Delhi. Sarah will shortly return to the Foreign Office to lead work on the UK’s bilateral relationship with Iran. Sarah has a BA Hons in War Studies and History from King’s College London.
Personal Introduction
I grew up just outside London and definitely consider it home – I know every shortcut and back street from my days as a student exploring the city by foot! For now, I love being based back here, catching up with friends and family. My husband and I are treating the UK as another posting, and currently on a mission to visit every county in England. As well as exploring the UK, and being far too interested in foreign policy, I love reading, cycling, cooking and visiting London’s excellent old cinemas. I’ve just had my first flying lesson too. I’m thrilled to be returning to Delhi – I have incredibly happy memories of my posting here, including getting married here in 2012.
36 | AFGG 2014 Sayantani Sen
Date of Birth: 5th February E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Sayantani is a Ph.D. scholar at the Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University. She is studying the political economy of India in her thesis through comparative analysis of the politico-economic dynamics of the NDA and the UPA-I governments.
Sayantani was previously associated with the Global India Foundation as a Research Fellow and academic coordinator. She has had the privilege of varied field experiences in research and dissemination during the period. She briefly taught Political Science at Presidency College, (now Presidency University) during 2006 and 2008. She studied Political Science at Presidency College and went on to specialize in International Relations during her Master’s and Master of Philosophy at Jadavpur University. She has a certification in Global Political Economy and in Conflict Resolution from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Personal Introduction
I was born and raised in Calcutta and live there now. The nature and pursuits of work however, have earned me several opportunities to meet and learn from people and places alike. I have been fascinated by a whole lot of things ranging from the regular to the unconventional that have enabled my rather varied interests. I endure in the pursuit of dance, music and the arts, and enjoy the energy of sports, the calm of yoga and use writing for my catharsis. The drills of good conversation have been an intrinsic part of my growing up experience and like just another quintessential Bengali I regard the cerebral ‘adda’ to be the best intellectual stimulant.
AFGG 2014 | 37 Mariyam Shiuna
Date of Birth: 28th July E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Mariyam Shiuna is the Executive Director of Transparency Maldives. Transparency Maldives – the national chapter of Transparency International in the Maldives – is a civil society organisation that promotes good governance and advocates for the elimination of corruption in the Maldives. In her role as the Executive Director she leads and drives the organisation in developing its strategy and realizing the organisation’s goals and operational plans. Mariyam also volunteers as the Director of Projects at Maldives Research – a public policy think tank based in the Maldives and the UK. She has also worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Maldives and UNDP Maldives. Mariyam is currently a Ph.D. researcher at The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her doctoral research focuses on violence and democracy in the Maldives.
Personal Introduction
I was born in a small island in the Southern atolls of the Maldives called Addu but grew up in the capital island of the Maldives, Malé. Growing up in a tiny island of one mile across I had always wanted to see the outside world, and was able to do this at the age of 21 when I received a scholarship from the Sultan of Brunei to study in Brunei for my undergraduate degree. From Brunei I moved to London where I completed my postgraduate degree. During my studies I made up for the things I missed growing up in a small island where the only geographical features were flat land, beaches, coconut trees and the ocean. I have travelled around the world; and travelling and experiencing other cultures have become my passion. Ten years later I returned to the Maldives for good and realised that there is no place like the beautiful Maldives. I enjoy reading and my favourite book is Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen. I also love snorkeling and spending time with my family and friends.
38 | AFGG 2014 Anastasiya Shtaltovna
Date of Birth: 17th March E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Dr. Anastasiya Shtaltovna is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Development Research, Bonn, Germany. She has always been interested in the field of development and improving the lives of people. In pursuance of this goal, she has obtained two international Master’s degrees in agricultural business and rural development, followed by a Doctoral degree in development studies. In accordance with her studies she has conducted extensive field work in several former Soviet countries. Photography is a significant aspect of her ethnographic explorations. In the same vein, she has undertaken a number of internships and completed a significant amount of voluntary work. Currently, she is engaged in three research projects in former Soviet countries and Africa. Her research covers the issues of agrarian change and rural transformation, transition from socialism to capitalism, rural development, knowledge and innovation.
Personal Introduction
I like travelling, outdoor sports, photography, and reading about history. I also enjoy good food, dancing and spending time with my friends. At the forum I expect to meet new and interesting people. Given the varying professional and personal backgrounds of the participants, I am looking forward to many interesting discussions related to global governance.
AFGG 2014 | 39 Deepak Subramani
Date of Birth: 5th November E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Deepak is the Marketing Manager responsible for Freudenberg Home & Cleaning Solutions (FHCS) business in India. Freudenberg is a 5 billion Euro German multinational with diverse interests ranging from seals and vibration control equipment to household cleaning tools. FHCS is Freudenberg’s only consumer goods business, with a turnover of about USD 1 billion, selling across the world under the brand name Vileda. Deepak joined Freudenberg in 2007, after completing his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). Having specialized in marketing and general management at IIMB, he joined Freudenberg’s business leadership programme, aimed at developing middle management talent in India. He was involved in the strategic acquisition of a cleaning brand called Gala and post- acquisition, moved in to set up the marketing function in the newly formed venture in 2009. Today, Deepak leads a team of six personnel working on all marketing activities, including the launch of the flagship Vileda brand in India.
Personal Introduction
Having lived in different Indian cities and for a very brief while in Europe, I currently reside in Mumbai, working as a consumer marketer. Interestingly, when I moved into Mumbai, I simply despised the city – I thought it was a hot, crowded, dirty dump. I once gave a tour of Mumbai to a few colleagues, explaining in detail how Bangalore is a much better city – they said I’d make an excellent tour guide for Bangalore! I love to travel – for different experiences of culture, languages, people, food, history etc. All of this is, after all, a continuing education and as they say, helps in man (or woman)-making. I like sports – I used to play hockey, football and a bit of volleyball in college. But now it is more of Play Station football and F1 on television – and that means I’m more of a six-bag rather than a six-pack as I’d prefer it to be! I still nurture the dream of being an entrepreneur someday – I love technology and the pace of development in related fields. I truly believe that seamless computing is the future.
40 | AFGG 2014 Christoph Tegeler
Date of Birth: 20th April E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Christoph is Head of Reporting and Regulatory & Stakeholder Interface in the Group Audit function of Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a substantial private clients franchise. In his role he is responsible for producing crisp and succinct reports of Group Audit Findings for the bank’s Management and Supervisory Board. Furthermore, he coordinates Group Audit deliveries to external stakeholders, in particular regulators. Prior to that he held various roles in Deutsche Bank’s Risk Management function, among others as Credit Risk Analyst, Executive Assistant to the Chief Credit Officer and in the Bespoke Risk Analysis Team.
Before joining Deutsche Bank Christoph worked for Siemens as a Financial Analyst and gained a Masters degree at HHL – Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
Personal Introduction
I am originally from Detmold, a small town in the northern part of Germany. At the age of 20 I started working for Siemens and moved to Munich, which I considered to be a big city at the time. When working in Beijing a few years later I learnt that everything is a question of perspective. After that I spent my time mainly in Germany and the UK: Studies in Leipzig and Oxford, working for Deutsche Bank in London with regular visits in Frankfurt. After 5+ years in the UK, I felt it was time to go back to Germany on a permanent basis. I have been based here since the beginning of 2014. I try to spend more time playing tennis, skiing and reading.
AFGG 2014 | 41 Urmila Venugopalan
Date of Birth: 11th July E-mail: [email protected]
42 | AFGG 2014 Andres Vosman
Date of Birth: 12th September E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Andres is the director of policy planning at Estonia’s Ministry of Defence, overseeing the development and implementation of the country’s security and defence policy and strategic planning. Prior to assuming this role, he worked for two years as the National Security Adviser to Estonia’s President. Ever since finishing his graduate studies in contemporary history, Andres has worked in national security environment with a short stint in business consulting.
In 2013, Andres earned a Master of Science degree in national security strategy from the United States National War College.
Personal Introduction
I am a proud father of three young daughters and, besides current affairs, am passionate about music. I have been collecting records for two decades and run a weekly jazz & soul show on Estonia’s national radio. I am also addicted to good coffee and Nordic summer nights by the seaside. Overall, I am a friendly guy and a little less introverted than most of my countrymen.
AFGG 2014 | 43 Jigme Wangchuk
Date of Birth: 4th March E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Jigme Wangchuk presently serves as Member of Parliament, National Council, Parliament of Bhutan. From 2003-2005 Jigme was with Paro College of Education obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in the subjects of English and History. A three- year intensive teacher training course ultimately was formative and shaped Jigme’s professional trajectory.
In 2006, Jigme served as a teacher in one of the Middle Secondary Schools. He resigned from teaching in 2007 to join politics, contesting the National Council election, which was the first democratically elected people’s representative to the parliament.
Jigme successfully contested in the National Council of Bhutan in 2008 in the National Council election, and got elected under the first democratically elected government. For the first term of the National Council, he has been successful in law making and policy review of the country. Jigme was reelected on April 23, 2013 and is now serving a second term as chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee in the National Council of Bhutan.
Personal Introduction
I was born in one of the remotest parts of the country in eastern Bhutan. It took three days on foot to reach my home town from the nearest road point and a week-long journey from the capital of the country.
I studied my primary education in the village, helping my parents with house chores and farming. For my secondary education, I was sent to another remote boarding school. I passed my secondary education with first division and got selected for teacher training in 2002.
I love travelling, meeting new friends and listening to traditional songs.
44 | AFGG 2014 Guy-Cédric Werlings
Date of Birth: 30th May E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Guy-Cédric is a Policy Advisor at the Policy Planning Department of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in charge of climate change negotiations and Rising Global Powers. As a member of the core team preparing for the 2015 Climate Conference in Paris, his current task is to help the French Foreign Minister better understand the interests and domestic debates shaping the different positions of the major players in climate change negotiations – especially the Asian rising powers.
Before joining the Policy Planning Department, Guy-Cédric worked with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, as a member of his cabinet, and with former Prime Minister Michel Rocard. On the advice of the latter, he developed a course at Sciences Po University in Paris in which he uses comparative case studies from key moments in Chinese and European history to draw preliminary conclusions for today’s decision makers.
Prior to joining the MFA, Guy-Cédric taught philosophy in the Sorbonne University. He graduated from the Ecole Normale in Paris and holds an Agrégation in philosophy.
Personal Introduction
I grew up in a small village in the Champagne region (northeast of France) and until I was fifteen I used to spend my weekends and holidays cultivating the family vineyards in the “Côte des Blancs.” Hence it is no surprise that I enjoy the great outdoors: hiking, camping, or travelling by cargo ship. Then I moved to the “Quartier Latin” in Paris to study philosophy. It is therefore also of no surprise that I enjoy debating (however, not in Latin…) and big-picture thinking. What came as a surprise, however, was that I ended up wearing a suit and tie, this I could not have imagined. My favourite books include (auto) biographies of Theodore Roosevelt, Jean Monnet or Sun Yat-sen. My prediction is that in 2025 India will be a world leader in green technology.
AFGG 2014 | 45 Rebecca White
Date of Birth: 4th February E-mail: [email protected]
Biography
Elected to Government in 2010 Rebecca held the portfolios of Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and for the Cost of Living and was promoted to the role of Minister for Human Services in 2014. In these roles Rebecca developed and launched a Small Business Strategy for Tasmania that provided programs and support for small business to increase market share and reduce costs. Rebecca also worked to develop a Cost of Living Strategy for Tasmania, the first state in Australia to do so. This strategy used compressive research to develop an evidence base for the implementation of a range of programs aimed at helping people manage their cost of living expenses. In the role of Minister for Human Services Rebecca helped developed policy the Labour party took to the March 2014 state election, outlining ways to improve participation in the workforce for vulnerable Tasmanians as well as continuing to support disability and housing clients of the Tasmanian Government. Since the March 2014 election Rebecca has held the portfolio of Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services in the Labour opposition in the Tasmanian Parliament. Rebecca graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2004 with a combined Commerce and Arts degree with majors in international business management and marketing, journalism and political science.
Personal Introduction
I’ve lived in Tasmania my whole life. It’s an island to the south of Australia and is home to the Tasmanian Devil, the cleanest air in the world and is 2000 km from Antarctica. I live on a small farm with my partner, two dogs, cat, sheep and four horses. I ride competitively in show jumping and eventing and was selected in 2012 on the Australian squad with my horse, Spy Master, with the aim of reaching Rio to compete in the 2016 Olympics. We won’t get there I’m afraid but it was an amazing achievement. I like to laugh, think big and act positively.
46 | AFGG 2014 AFGG 2014 | 47 48 | AFGG 2014
For further information, please contact:
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During the forum, please contact:
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