Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India, I come from a land of rich heritage and the timeless beauty of the Tamil language. With a background in computer science engineering, I took an unconventional path into tech sales. Over four years, I managed strategic accounts, drove revenue growth, and built executive relationships in the SaaS industry. I reside in Mumbai, pursuing my MBA at SPJIMR, focusing on market research, customer insights, and business strategy to transition into a strategic role. Beyond my professional journey, I am deeply committed to education and social impact, mentoring students and supporting underprivileged communities. Shaped by my roots and experiences, I am passionate about bridging business strategy with real-world impact.

Born and raised in Madhubani, a town adorned with a rich heritage of art and culture on the India-Nepal border, I have always been drawn to the creative domains, a passion that traces back to my formative years. This early exposure laid the foundation for my enduring interest in liberal arts, leading me to pursue history in college. Here, I delved deep into societal nuances and was actively involved in debating, quizzing, and theatre, which sharpened my understanding and appreciation of the world around me. My career aspirations are defined by the desire to make a positive societal impact, continuously learn and face challenges, and find fulfilment in my endeavours.I have recently pivoted towards management education wherein I aim to blend my interests in the liberal arts with the domain of business which has the potential for an enriching career.I cherish the art of storytelling, through all mediums, but especially through words and cinema. The philosophy that simplicity holds profound complexity and is capable of solving all complexities is something which is close to my heart. This belief fuels my passion for creative writing and filmmaking, striving to capture life's nuanced tales. A dream of mine is to explore and share life's untouched aspects through my writing and films, making meaningful contributions both professionally and personally.

I am a 23-year-old Moroccan German, pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategy and International Management at the University of St. Gallen.

Adeola Ajani, MBA, is a recognized advocate for pay equity and career advancement, CEO of Fem Equity, and author of W.O.R.T.H. She has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Nasdaq, and Essence for her work empowering women to negotiate their value and close the pay gap.

Adishree is a Master’s Candidate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Innovation at the University of Bristol. Alongside her education, she founded a social enterprise, Pleasantri, which aims to ameliorate period poverty in educational institutions through brand partnerships, serving as a bridge between strategic corporate purpose-driven marketing and underserved communities. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, business development, and social impact, with a focus on building sustainable, equity-driven solutions.

Hi, I’m Aditi from Nepal, currently working in the development sector with a focus on public education. As the General Manager of Right 2 Study Nepal, I lead initiatives to improve access to quality education by strengthening learning environments. I am passionate about leadership and driving meaningful change through impactful initiatives.

Aditi has 5+ years of experience in consulting and project management across industries including mining, oil and gas, financial services, defence, and aviation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance. She is passionate about economics, finance, technology and sustainable development.

I am currently an Operations and Supply Chain MBA student at SPJIMR, Mumbai. I have previously worked at KPMG as a Healthcare Consultant in its Government Advisory practice. I was actively involved in working on Covid-19 Pandemic Management and Outbreak response in the Union Health Ministry of India. I have also work with various International organizations like WHO, ADB, BMGF and other stakeholders during various G20 Health working group meetings as part of India's G20 Presidency in 2023.I have strong interest in following Tennis and Cricket. I also like debating on social and topical issues to have a deep understanding of diverse ideas and opinions.

Aditya is a current student studying management at SPJIMR, one of India's top B schools. He has previously studied Physics at St. Stephen's College, Delhi and the University of Cambridge, serving as a Science Editor at Varsity, before dropping out to pursue his dreams of startup in the Agritech and allied sectors. He has always maintained a penchant for writing and hopes to write a book after creating sufficient impact in the sustainabiliy sector.

Hey, I'm Adrian Andersson, often referred to as one of Sweden's youngest Serial Entrepreneurs (currently 24 y/o). I started my first business when I was 15. Since an early start in my entrepreneurial journey, I've started multiple businesses, and been through both a bankruptcy and a small exit. I am currently disrupting the EdTech market with Meitner, an all-in-one solution for schools in the K-12 sector, with the core product as a School Management Platform. Meitner has raised €5M in seed from angels and is planning series A in late 2024. We have a goal to start expanding outside of Sweden later this year too.Besides Meitner, I do some early-stage investments (pre-seed), and inspirational speeches for businesses and a lot of students at the high school level about entrepreneurship and going your way in life.I love to meet other interesting and ambitious people to discuss tech, education, and everything that regards shaping the future.

I would describe myself as someone that likes to challenge the “status quo”. I am always in for a good dialogue or discussion, even if we dont agree i am always curious about the views of other people.

Akshita has an interdisciplinary background and is currently pursuing her MBA, soon stepping into consulting. She’s passionate about writing, fashion, and social issues like feminine hygiene, using her voice to spark conversations that matter. Whether it’s crafting stories, building strategies, or challenging the status quo, she believes in the power of words to create impact.

Aleksandra is the Director of Engagement at Sigma Squared Society (community of the world’s most ambitious young founders) and the Founder and Managing Director of ĀRYA Foundry (a highly selective, equity-free impact accelerator tailored to early-stage founders in CEE). She is a University of Cambridge graduate, deeply passionate about projects that bring social or climate impact.

Alexia Hilbertidou is the founder of GirlBoss New Zealand, the country’s largest network for young women, with 17,500 members. In just eight years, GirlBoss has reached 79 percent of all New Zealand high schools, with one in seven high school-aged young women enrolling in its programmes.Her work has earned her recognition as the Most Influential New Zealand Young Woman at the Women of Influence Awards, and she is a finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year, the country’s highest civic honour for people under 30. She has received over 30 awards, including Forbes 30 Under 30, the Pacific Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Princess Diana Award, and was a finalist for World Young Entrepreneur of the Year.Alexia was also awarded a Queen’s Young Leader Award for Services to the Commonwealth by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. Selected from over 20,000 nominations, she is the youngest Commonwealth Citizen to hold this honour.She has delivered keynotes at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the World Economic Forum, and One Young World, sharing the stage with leaders such as Richard Branson, Meghan Markle, and Deepak Chopra.Driven by her belief that women belong in all spaces where decisions are made, Alexia served as a Director at Simplicity, a non-profit investment fund managing over $4.5 billion USD in assets.She is a National Geographic Explorer and a VIP Scientific Communicator for NASA, using storytelling to connect young people with science. As an Eisenhower Peace Fellow, Facebook Leadership Fellow, and FIFA Beyond Greatness Champion, she continues to advocate for equity and leadership on the global stage. She was also appointed as New Zealand’s Gender Equality Ambassador at the World Expo, representing the country in advancing gender inclusion in business and governance.She studied Leadership for Change at the University of Cambridge and holds a Master’s in Emerging Technologies.

I am a dedicated Paraguayan leader focused on public service with a diverse academic background and professional experience. Currently pursuing a master's degree through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships at the University of Glasgow and the Autonomous University of Madrid, I offer insights into political and social dynamics crucial for tackling democratic challenges. Presently, I am also expanding my expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation through a scholarship at the University of Salamanca.My career is marked by numerous scholarships and accolades for academic excellence and social impact, including my selection as a Young Leader of Ibero-America by the Carolina Foundation and scholarships from the OAS and the EU, among others. My public service journey began in my country, where I emphasised transparency and accountability, and I continued as a project administrator at the UNDP, managing projects in the Democratic Governance Portfolio. As president of a professional association in Paraguay, I championed opportunities for young people and enhanced cooperation between Paraguay and Europe.

Born in the Philippines, Alyssa is currently based in Beijing, China. She is pursuing her Master of Philosophy and Religion in China Studies at Peking University as a Yenching Scholar and a Bai Xian Asian Future Leaders Scholar. Passionate in bringing about positive change in the world, she is also working on accelerating tech adoption to narrow the digital divide and to uplift people’s lives.

Amanda works in the public sector, specialising in defence and security issues. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, songwriting, and continuously expanding her knowledge across a variety of subjects.

Amanda Sadalla is a Brazilian feminist social entrepreneur and founder of Serenas, a non profit which provides capacity-building for gender-based violence response services and implements anti-sexist educational policies within educational departments across Brazil. Since 2021, Serenas has impacted the lives of 60,000 people across six states in the country. In partnership with the Brazilian Minister of Women, Serenas provides capacity building for the National HelpLine for Domestic Violence and with the Minister of Education and the National Secretary for Digital Safety, in a program focused on Girls and Womens Digital Safety. Amanda has been working in the field of gender based violence and comprehensive sexuality education for the past decade, having worked in the City Council of São Paulo and the São Paulo State Police Academy, several public schools and international organisations such as Unicef and the Malala Fund. She holds a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford and has been recently indicated as a finalist from the UK Alumni Awards, which recognises alumni who have provided distinguished social impact in their home countries. Last year, she was part of the "Women 20 Brazil Delegation", taking Serena's views on gender equality to G20 in India.

I’m a 24-year-old Romanian student who believes in Art’s power to nurture human understanding and alleviate cultural clashes. I studied Sociology and Political Sciences at the University of Bucharest and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Filmology in my hometown. I’m about to leave in the U.S. in the fall to pursue another Master’s in Film and Media Studies through Fulbright. Within my research, I'm interested in how content distributed through subscription-based streaming services can facilitate indirect intercultural exchange and allow for openness toward diversity, especially in highly traditionalistic societies such as Romania. I am also a logistics wizard for Aspire Academy, a Romanian educational NGO that organizes leadership programs for exceptional students and young professionals around the world. We hold them every summer in Romania and we invite Ivy League professors and other business professionals as speakers – I encourage everyone to apply as a participant.As for other interests, I love singing, songwriting, traveling, languages, reading (mostly fiction and poetry), activities in nature, (watching) figure skating, the Sims 4, and volunteering and working at film and music festivals. I’m always excited to interact with people outside of my bubble – I find it to be a good exercise for better-understanding others and the world at large. ❤️

Amira Aisya is a Malaysian politician who, at the age of 27, has been serving as the Member of the State Legislative Assembly for Puteri Wangsa, Johor since 2022. In addition to her political role, Amira is a co-founder of the youth-led political party, MUDA, where she currently holds the position of Acting President.She serves on the Johor Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee, where her contributions have led to the incorporation of 10 recommendations into the Johor Budget 2024.Amira Aisya was also recognized as a 2023 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

I am an MBA Candidate at Seoul National University Graduate School of Business. With a background in international business and education, I am interested in exploring the intersection of global markets and international relations, especially in East Asia and the USA. I am passionate about understanding how businesses adapt to changing market dynamics, navigate cross-border challenges, and leverage strategic partnerships for growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

I’m a researcher specializing in AI governance and technology policy, with academic experience in both the U.S. and China. I hold a master’s degree in Global Studies from UC Berkeley, where I focused on AI regulation, and a bachelor’s in international politics from Renmin University. My work examines how legal and ideological frameworks shape the global governance of emerging technologies.

Andreas is a Computer Science Doctoral Student at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in the Wireless and Networked Distributed Sensing group. His research focuses on resilient and efficient wireless communication for technologies such as LoRa, Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and Ultra-Wideband. He combines machine learning, signal processing, low-level RTL, and analog electronic design approaches with software-defined radio platforms to build robust and efficient wireless communication systems. Additionally, he serve as the Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers at NTU, supports the electric and software team of the Solar Energy Racers, and acts as Vice President of ETH Cyber Group Alumni.

Andrew is a Forbes rated entrepreneur, health lawyer and innovator, winner of global Citizen 2024 Prize for healthcare work. He works at the intersection of health, technology and law. He is passionate about health equity.

Andrew Jin is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Southern California and a US Department of Defense SMART Fellow with the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Jin's research focuses on the nexus of public health and engineering to help communities build resilience against extreme climate events. Jin is also a major advocate for STEM Education and Outreach as a nationally recognized moderator for the US Department of Energy's Science Bowl program and a academic success aide at A Place for Youth, a 501(c)(3) serving South Central Los Angeles.

Angshuman is a PhD student in Operations Management & Decision Sciences at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington. His current research is focused on developing methods for optimal aggregation of forecasts received from a crowd of algorithm-assisted experts operating under a Bayesian regime. His overall research interests lie in applied optimization, Bayesian analysis, and public sector operations.

Pursuing a Masters degree at Geneva Graduate Institute, I am interested in the broader spectrum of international cooperation, multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development. I have worked at Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the UN in Geneva, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and IOM. Familiar with both EU and UN policy making processes, I am committed to bridging the gap between intellectual inquiry and real-world impact. I organized and taught Understanding Europe youth workshops in Belgian high schools for the European Youth Parliament. As a Youth Advocate for the WWF Eat4Change Project, I campaigned and engaged with MEPs that led to the EU regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), which entered into force on 29 June 2023.

Anna co-founded femella, a global non-profit networking platform supporting over 700 young women across four countries. She currently holds the position of Co-Chairwoman at femella global and has been elected as Forbes 30 under 30 for her contributions. Beyond her passion for gender equality, she is also very interested in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and international affairs, having gained work experience in consulting, diplomacy, and business development at Oliver Wyman, the Swiss Embassy in Singapore, and IWC Schaffhausen. Anna currently pursues a Master’s in Management at London Business School and completed her Bachelor’s in International Affairs at the University of St. Gallen, with an exchange semester at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Anna became a junior barrister to 3 of New Zealand’s leading King Counsel’s but decided cases, arbitrations and ministerial inquiries did not compare to the trials of validating a legaltech start-up to provide greateraccess to justice. Anna is passionate about social enterprise and has been invited to EU twice and most recently shoulder-tapped by the US Department of State for the ASEAN Summit. Shortly after, Anna joined a passion economy network-effect start-up. Anna is proud of her indigenous I-Kiribatian/Chinese heritage and is now working as founder of Equotee, an equity management platform to address climate equity.

Hi, my name is Anuj Batra. I was born and brought up in Delhi. I have done my graduation in B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University and completed CFA Level 1 as well. Currently, I am pursuing PGDM (Finance) at SPJIMR, Mumbai. Before this, I worked at TresVista as a Research & Investment Analyst for almost 2 years. During my free time, you will find me playing cricket and badminton, exercising or meditating.

Passionate, proactive and perseverant, Anushka is a young entrepreneur who is also a polyglot, being able to speak 5 languages including Cantonese and Mandarin. Anushka is the CEO and Co-founder of Breer, a food upcycling startup that collects surplus bread from bakeries and restaurants and uses it to brew local craft beer. She has studied Electronic and Computer Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and wants to use her position to make a positive difference in the world, inspiring others to do the same. For her work in furthering the cause of women empowerment and making a difference, Anushka has been awarded the Student of the Year Award by SCMP, awarded the Indians of the World Award 2023 at the House of Lords, UK, was crowned Young Achiever of the Year in 2021 by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, was listed as a Gen T Honoree by Tatler and has been featured on the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30 List 2023.

Ariel Harmoko is the visionary co-founder and CEO of Artifact AI—a company revolutionizing the finance industry with domain-specific artificial intelligence solutions. With a dynamic background that spans the high-octane world of professional racing, where he earned three national championships, and the academic arena as the youngest machine learning researcher at Cambridge University at 15, Ariel brings an unparalleled blend of competitive drive and technical brilliance. His innovative leadership is fueling Artifact AI's mission to empower accounting firms and finance teams with transformative, data-driven tools that redefine efficiency and accuracy.

I am an MSt student in the Faculty of English at the University of Oxford. My research explores the representation of marginalised figures and archival studies. I am from Chicago, IL, though I moved to the UK from Montreal, where I attended McGill University and worked as a writer in the fields of AI, governance, and sustainability. I am passionate about the intersections of the humanities and sciences, and I am dedicated to creating accessible research across disciplines.

Former Constitutional Councilor of the Republic of Chile, elected with the highest vote on his list in his constituency to draft the country’s new Constitution. Served as delegate and parliamentary caucus leader during the constitutional process.Chilean lawyer from Pontificia Universidad Católica. Currently serves as Legal Counsel for Regulatory and Public Affairs at Grupo Falabella, one of Latin America's largest retail and financial services companies.Recognized among Chile’s 100 Young Leaders by El Mercurio and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. Invited to speak at the U.S. Capitol during the Global Innovations in Democracy Exchange, organized by The Ohio State University, where he presented on constitutional processes and citizen participation.Selected for the Future Leaders Invitation Programme (PIPA) in France, where he engaged in high-level dialogues with French Senators, members of the Conseil d’État, and other senior officials on the evolution of Civil Law, the use of AI in legal practice, and the foundations of the French political system.He is also a Leadership Institute (U.S.) scholarship recipient and a speaker at the Leadership Institute Chile. Additionally, he studied classical piano at the Institute of Music of the Pontificia Universidad Católica.

Arwa Mokdad is a Middle East analyst with expertise in geopolitics, development, and public policy. Currently, she is a DPhil candidate researching state building in the Middle East at the University of Oxford. She has worked and lived extensively in the MENA region, including a non-profit in Oman and refugee camps in Lebanon. Her work experience includes NGOs (Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation), think tanks (the International Center for Dialogue Initiatives, the Red Sea Initiative, NESA), and international institutions (the United Nations). Her articles have been featured in the Harvard Middle East Journal, Responsible Statecraft, and the New Arab. Arwa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in International Studies with a speciality in Human Rights and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford.

Ashif Hassan (Ash) is a post-graduate independent researcher who has an ardent interest in Forensic Psychology and the Criminal Justice System. Ash believes that interdisciplinary approach is the next step to build a better world for our future generations. In his free time, Ash likes to play and study chess. Ash wants to work as a medical officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Asmitha Premkumar is a Master student of Sustainable Innopreneurship and a scholarship holder of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation. Her professional and academic interests are social innovation, human rights, and the circular economy's systemic change. She develops and designs educational formats in the fields of sustainability, digital participation, and youth empowerment, aiming to transform complexity into comprehensible and accessible practice. Strongly committed to global fairness and inclusive governance, she strives to establish meaningful intersections between policy, entrepreneurship, and civil society.

Passionate about creating win-win situations for people, the transformative benefits of Artificial Intelligence (specifically having a brainstorming partner and input-to-task models), geopolitics, and public speaking. Currently working as a full-time management consultant who does event organizing on the side. Happy to meet up throughout the symposium, just drop me a message!

I am a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Basel. My research interests include development economics, economic geography, international trade, and applied econometric analysis.

Aurélie Laborde is an exceptional young professional who is dedicated tofostering professionalism in her various roles as a corporate broker, content creator, and graduate student. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Sustainability Management at the Columbia School of Professional Studies, Aurélie adeptly combines her academic pursuits with her passion for her Afro-Caribbean heritage. Recognizing the importance of community-based climate advocacy, she actively incorporates her cultural background into her advocacy work, creating a unique and impactful perspective.

Balatrice is a passionate environmentalist, conservationist, and advocate dedicated to ocean conservation and fostering environmental sustainability. Growing up in a coastal community in Liberia, she witnessed firsthand the daily challenges of coastal degradation in the form of pollution, erosion, flooding wetland fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use on the ecosystems. Further, she is interested in the debates surrounding environmental problems, including the effects of climate change, global warming, natural resource conflicts, policy formulations, and ecological and marine pollution, especially plastics, and how these factors affect the economy and livelihoods of people. This early exposure ignited her passion for understanding the intricate relationship between the environment and human well-being, leading her to pursue a career in marine conservation.Balatrice holds a BSc in Environmental Science from Stella Maris Polytechnic University in Liberia. She is an MPhil candidate in Blue Economy, Governance, and Social Resilience at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, under the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) program. Her research focuses on coastal livelihood threats and marine plastic pollution, exploring sustainable solutions through the circular economy and community-driven conservation efforts.In addition, her leadership in environmental advocacy, combined with her academic and professional experiences, positions her as a changemaker in ocean conservation. As a results-driven leader, Balatrice envisions a future where sustainable marine resource management balances economic development with ecosystem protection, ensuring resilient coastal communities and thriving marine biodiversity. Balatrice is committed to driving positive change in the fight against marine pollution and environmental degradation through research, advocacy, and community engagement.

Barbora Bromová has been trained in interdisciplinary social science research at the University of Amsterdam, completing her degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics in 2022 and continuing to pursue Digital Technology & Public Policy at Sciences Po Paris. Outside academia she has delved into the field of artificial intelligence, public sector innovation, and digitalisation for development, conducting research at the OECD Observatory for Public Sector Innovation and developing Czech AI policy and ecosystem with prg.ai.

Senior reinsurance professional with a growth mindset and a passion for Data & Analytics. Outside of work, I play rugby and cook seasonal meals

a Civil-Environmental Engineer committed to make positive a impact to the environment and society

A law student who is also registered with the world's second largest professional accounting body, ICAI (India), to pursue Chartered Accountancy course. He was selected as one of the fellow delegates to participate in the HPAIR conference (HCONF-2023) organised by the Harvard University. He has worked for the Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques, OECD-OCDE (Paris) as Stage Fiscalité for a period of 6 months in international taxation division. Before this, he worked as a professional accountant for 3 years serving the Vice-President of the ICAI.

In my freetime I like to do lots of sports with friends and enjoy reading. I love to travel and drink coffee and go running whenever I arrive someplace new.Professionally, I am a last year medical student and do research in primary care for my phd. My interests are education for healthcare professionals and global health.

I am a legal practitioner who is passionate about sustainable development. I have a special interest in petroleum, energy and environmental law, and I desire to leverage my knowledge and experiences in this area of law to assist stakeholders in attaining sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

I am a PhD student in Economics at Brown University. Recently, I've been thinking about research questions related to the consequences of job loss, interactions between local labor markets and the macroeconomy, and applications of machine learning in economics. Prior to graduate school, I worked at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as a research assistant in the Labor Markets section. I graduated from Harvard College in 2022 with Highest Honors in Economics and received the Harris Prize for the best undergraduate thesis in economics.

Bryson Kernan Clark is a designer and entrepreneur driven by a passion for design, life, and justice. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, his enthusiasm for arts and language emerged early, leading him to pursue degrees in Visual Arts and Spanish at Fordham University in Manhattan. Currently enrolled at Fordham's Gabelli School of Business, Bryson explores new ways to foster community engagement and promote sustainable practices. At the St. Gallen Symposium, he is eager to engage in meaningful discussions that confront pervasive injustices, using his background to advocate for systems that prioritize well-being and balance.

Bushra Amiwala is a trailblazing activist and the first Gen Z elected official in the U.S., serving on the Skokie Board of Education. Acclaimed by TIME and Glamour Magazine, she's a media figure featured in PBS, Hulu, and Amazon documentaries. Bushra Amiwala is known to empower youth through civic engagement, and was awarded the Women’s Champion Award sponsored by the United Nations, has graced the cover of TIME magazine, and was recognized on Forbes 30 under 30. Bushra is currently a Kellogg MBA candidate and Solutions Consultant at Google, and a dynamic speaker advocating for underrepresented voices, demonstrating exceptional leadership and resilience.

Born in the United States, Caitlin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing a Master's in China Studies on a scholarship at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. Caitlin promotes international dialogue and connections on campus by working for the Peking University International Students Division as well as the Peking University Office of Global Communications.

Callum Thomas is a young international development professional with ambitions to continue driving evidence-based impact across the sustainable finance sector.

Calvin Heng is an aspiring educator from the National Institute of Education, Singapore. Besides learning how to win the hearts of his students, he has performed research and published in the areas of Applied History, Arctic Governance/Politics, and Modern Chinese History. He holds an AM in Regional Studies—East Asia from Harvard University (2023) and a BA in History (with a minor in China Studies) from the National University of Singapore (2022).

Calvin is currently a student at Tsinghua University, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy. He is the sole Singaporean recipient of the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship 2023. Prior to that, he was a Relationship Manager in a multi-family office serving the needs of clients from China’s technology industry and an Investment Analyst in a $3.3 billion L/S hedge fund focusing on China. Outside of work, he is the co-founder of The Young SEAkers, a non-profit organization that brings together vibrant, competent ASEAN youths who are passionate about advancing the ASEAN-China region. The Young SEAkers is the first and only Southeast-Asia based non-profit with a China and ASEAN angle. It currently has operations in all 10 ASEAN countries and China.For his efforts in The Young SEAkers, Calvin was awarded EDGE’s 30 Under 30 in 2021 and Tusstar’s GO RCEP Tech 35 under 35. Apart from TYS, he is also the Government Relations lead and founding team member of G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Singapore. Calvin is also a member of National Youth Council’s INSPIRIT and HollerCalvin is an alumnus of NUS Business School, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Honours) with a major in Finance. Calvin is also an alumnus of the prestigious NUS Overseas College Program where he was based in Shanghai throughout 2019, studying at Fudan University. He is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of Fudan Entrepreneur Society. Calvin studied in Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management from February to July 2018 under the Fung Scholarship provided by Li & Fung Foundation. Calvin completed multiple internships across various job scopes ranging from Venture Investments, Strategic Development, Private Equity and Equity research. He started his internship journey as an intern in Enterprise Singapore’s China desk and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office back in 2016.Calvin is a budding learner of Bahasa Indonesia, an avid gym rat, an excited traveller across Southeast Asia and is on the constant lookout for interesting whisky and watches.

Politics and Technology Master's student at TUM, working student at BCG.

I am a Dreamer and Doer with a dynamic marketing and business strategy background. My career has been shaped by the value of diversity and a global perspective, allowing me to thrive in brand management, consulting, and digital transformation. Passionate about driving sustainable business growth and fostering impactful communities through innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

I am an economist dedicated to fostering positive change and sustainable development. Currently, I serve as an Operations Team Assistant at the World Bank, where I actively contribute to impactful projects and development policy loans that address global challenges in the education, health, and social protection sectors. My passion for economics stems from my belief in its power to drive meaningful social and economic transformation.

Co-Founder and CEO of Signatur Biosciences. The company's mission is to democratize access to precision diagnostics, starting with breast cancer prognosis to ensure that every woman affected by breast cancer can safely decide their treatment course post-surgery. Signatur Biosciences is a spinout from Imperial College London, backed by YCombinator.Startups since the age of 14. First patent at 15. World Intellectual Property Organization "Best Young Inventor 2010". Twice TEDx speaker. Co-founded Young Change Maker, a social startup that highlights inspiring individuals. Co-founded and sold a company called Sauna en Bois. Bio-engineering (medical device) from Imperial College London, later became Entrepreneur In Residence at The Stevens Group (Imperial College).

I’m Chaitanya Patel, a 25-year-old from Gujarat, India. I am pursuing an MBA in Finance from BITS School of Management. I am a CFA Level 2 candidate and a CA finalist. I'm actively studying how economic changes impact global financial markets and exploring how alternative investments can achieve better risk-reward ratios. A quote I live by is "Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana" — Your right is to perform your duty, not to expect results.

Hello World! I'm Chandan also Know as Rocky 文浩, originally from Nepal and currently based in Beijing, China. I'm a postgraduate student at Beihang University, studying Software Engineering. Additionally, I'm proud to be a member of the AI policy research group at the Center for AI and Digital Policy in the USA.At Beihang, I serve as the Department Head of Academic & Innovation for the PGSU, contributing to the university's academic excellence and fostering innovation. As an International Ambassador for Beihang University and a WiDS Ambassador for Beijing, China, I am passionate about promoting diversity and empowering in tech.My journey is fueled by a commitment to leveraging the power of AI, Innovation, deep learning and Problem Solving for a greener future. Inspired by nature's wisdom, I am driven to explore AI's potential to uplift society and the planet. Let's embark on this academic journey together and cultivate a world filled with intelligent solutions. Thanks

I am currently pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Finance from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.I have previously worked as a Financial Analyst at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (Mumbai) in the Financial Planning and Analysis division for 14 months. During my articleship in mid-size firms in Surat, I had the opportunity to have an exposure in various fields including Auditing, Taxation, Income Tax appeals and working for Start-ups.I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and have done my Bachelor's in Commerce from S.D.J. International College, VNSGU (Surat). I was amongst the Top 20 Scorers in CA-CPT and my interest in finance led me to score more than 75% in Financial Management in both CA Intermediate and CA Final.I am very passionate about teaching and mentoring. I have also hosted a few events, including the National Conference by ICAI and Start-up Grind powered by Google. Having volunteered for many social programs and organizations, I have been working with a team of a Surat based mental health organization - The Yellow Umbrella since 2019.

Cheryl Lok is a Sociology MA student on a research scholarship at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Primarily interested in the field of political sociology, her research focuses on labour migration, social movements and social inequalities (class, gender and race relations). Cheryl also holds a BSocSci in Sociology from NTU. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in volunteer work, watching horror movies and reading.

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at Renmin University of China, focusing on global information strategies and misinformation management, with my research centered on “Misinformation Management in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.” In the past, I served as a Digital Transformation Youth Ambassador at Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs and as a Public Diplomacy and International Communications Ambassador at NATO and the European Union, where I delivered keynote speeches in English at international events, fostering multinational collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.I am passionate about utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address complex global challenges, particularly in the fields of misinformation management and international security. I excel in strategic analysis, communication skills, and innovative problem-solving, and I aspire to integrate technology, diplomacy, and communication expertise to drive impactful and sustainable solutions.

From Delta State, Nigeria, Chioma is a MEXT Scholar in Japan studying International Relations. She has a broad interest ranging from topics on gender equality to issues in African development, international organizations, global power shift, and environmental issues. In sum, she likes to learn and be aware of the world.

Christina Huguet manages the Consumer & Retail Practice at Eurasia Group, a leading political risk consultancy, where she helps public and private sector organizations understand evolving trends in clean supply chains and supports them to strategize solutions for opportunities. At Eurasia Group, she spearheads the company’s coverage of clean supply chains in trade, focusing on corporate due diligence on issues such as human rights and plastics. She has also been one of the lead authors for three consecutive years of Eurasia Group’s signature annual publication, "Top Risks," outlining the significant global risks anticipated for the upcoming year, focusing on topics such as “Corporates Losing the Culture Wars” (2022), “Tik-Tok Boom” (2023), and “Risky Business” (2024). Prior to her tenure at Eurasia Group, Christina amassed experience in political risk analysis at The Cohen Group, where she delved into similar issues. Additionally, she has undertaken research and consultancy roles for UNICEF Nepal, focusing on socio-political matters, and collaborated with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization on addressing water scarcity challenges. Notably, Christina led the sustainability strategy for developing the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation’s coffee line in Indonesia.Christina earned her Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Christina Williams is a powerhouse advocate and Attorney-at-law from Jamaica with a track record of shaping policies that drive real change. From leading high-impact policy reforms to championing youth empowerment and marginalized groups equitable access to education, healthcare and technology, Christina’s influence is far-reaching spanning global institutions, including the European Union, various United Nations agencies and the Commonwealth Secretariat.Her dedication has earned her prestigious accolades, including The Princess Diana Legacy Award which is the highest award a young person may receive for their social impact work.

Christopher Khajira is a Data Science Graduate Student at Montclair State University with a profound understanding of Information and Computer Technology. With a deep-rooted passion for effecting positive change, Christopher has been recognized for his impactful initiatives in climate change and social justice. His notable achievements include winning awards such as the Team Up for Climate Challenge Award organized by Egis Foundation and the Future Against Corruption Youth Award organized by Transparency International. Christopher is dedicated to leveraging his technical expertise and social conscience to drive meaningful progress in addressing global challenges.

My name is Chris Ross and I am a PhD student from Tsinghua University in chemical engineering. My current research is focused on applying AI to develop sustainable and eco-friendly plastics and polymers. During my master's studies, I developed a machine learning model that can predict the bio-degradation of polymers using the chemical structure and intrinsic properties. Outside of my research, I have deep interest in language and cultural-exchange. I speak fluent Chinese and studied Japanese and Russian. My hope is that AI can help bridge the gap between cross culture communication when translation does not provide enough underlying information.

My research explores strategies of firm growth, primarily in the context of scaling entrepreneurial ventures. Across my projects I use a mix of empirical methods and mathematical models to study the relationships between growth, scale, and performance. My most recent paper studies how uncertainty impacts the effectiveness of growth in the context of software startups whose technologies power the internet. In my other papers I develop empirical estimators for growth speed, show the value of sequential attention during growth, and model how expansion multiplies firm-internal complexity.

As an aspiring young professional in the field of green investment and climate finance mobilization, I have worked as a valuable member of the Africa Regional Office at the Green Growth Institute (GGGI) HQ, supporting business development and partnership. My primary focus lies in bridging the climate finance gap between beneficiaries and donors and driving a green economy. Committed to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable communities, I am dedicated to improving their quality of life through impactful projects.My diverse work experiences span consulting firms, UN agencies, and embassies, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic landscape of sustainable development and outreach. With a passion for environmental advocacy, my ambition is to evolve into an environmental expert with a profound understanding of the human rights impacts associated with sustainable development. I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills and knowledge to address pressing climate challenges and create a positive impact on a global scale.

Daniel Adeyemi is a multi-award-winning journalist and the managing editor at Bendada.com. He has worked and spoken extensively with over 200 founders and CEOs, regulators and investors focused on innovation in Africa, covering their activities and providing millions of readers with insightful information to make better decisions. Leveraging his expertise, he's helped over 100 brands improve storytelling and positioning.Daniel is passionate about business, design, storytelling, history, psychology, economics, art and technology. He is an MBA student at the University of East London and an ACCA Chartered Accountant.

Daniel Akinwumi hails from Lagos, Nigeria. With a robust foundation in Space Systems Engineering and currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Space Economy, I stand at the forefront of pioneering sustainable and innovative space technologies designed to extend the benefits of space exploration to humanity on Earth. My leadership journey is anchored in the principles of Space Sustainability, pushing the envelope in Space Technology, and leveraging the Space Economy for global advancement. As the founder of DreamerBoy Space Technology, I have channeled my technical acumen and entrepreneurial spirit into establishing a beacon for progress in the space industry.

I have multidisciplinary knowledge on various sustainability topics, with the mindset of Decision Intelligence which encourages to systematize decision making processes. This discipline is rooted in the science of Information Theory. My interests are therefore broad, touching on decision making processes, hypothesis testing, prompt engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, data engineering, agriculture, energy, process optimization, process mining. I'm looking for people in different fields than mine so that I can learn from someone's circle of competence and learn the mental models that they use in their ddaily practice.

I am very passionate person. Having complex challenges triggers me to go for more (and does not paralyze me). To execute complex plans, I work with empathy to generate deep bonds with my team. I have been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember; I've always enjoyed creating things that people want to buy. In my last startup, I served as the COO and focused on biotechnology. We managed to raise almost 1 million dollars in investment and were selected by the world's top accelerator in the field, IndieBio. All the experience gained from that venture has now prepared me to embark on a new path and pursue my great passion: sustainable fashion.

Danielle Mullings is an emerging young leader at the intersection of technology, media and communications, and healthcare, with a strong commitment to youth engagement. Appointed to Jamaica’s National Artificial Intelligence Task Force and Digital Transformation Advisory Council, she actively shapes the country’s approach to emerging technologies. With a BSc in software engineering and film studies, she applies her expertise to global health and education, ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive and empowers young people. As National Coalitions and Youth Engagement Manager at Transform Health, she supports coalitions in Ecuador and Mexico to advance digital health policies and leads the development of a global youth network focused on digital health.A former valedictorian and UWI Open Scholar, Danielle was also a Rhodes Scholarship finalist and is currently pursuing a master’s at the University of Oxford. Her leadership extends across media and global advocacy, having moderated high-level global youth events with leaders such as WHO Director-General, The President of World Bank, ministers, and senior UN executives. She previously hosted and produced 3 seasons of GenZed, a youth-focused television programme in Jamaica, using media to engage young people in governance and social issues. Her global impact is reflected in her appointments as PAHO Youth for Health Group representative, Americas Representative for Young Experts Tech 4 Health, Regional Youth Champion for The Lancet & Financial Times Commission’s Governing Health Futures 2030, and most recently as a member of WHO’s Technical Working Group on Adolescent Access to Electronic Health Records. Now selected as a St. Gallen Leader of Tomorrow, Danielle continues to drive conversations on the future of technology in health and education, ensuring young voices remain at the forefront of innovation.

I am a doctoral student in geography with a specialization in political geography, and I am finishing a specialist study in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy. I currently work as a professor of geography, I lead the Youth Atlantic Treaty Organization of Croatia, the Youth Council of my municipality, and I am a young European ambassador in the Eastern Partnership of the EU. In my free time, I play in a tambura orchestra.

I am a PhD student at Tsinghua University, specializing in Electronic Engineering with a focus on remote sensing and generative models. My research delves into the innovative intersections of these fields, with a primary goal of advancing the boundaries of image synthesis.Beyond my academic pursuits, I am deeply fascinated by the vast realm of artificial intelligence. I am dedicated to both its technical advancement and the crucial ethical and governance considerations surrounding its implementation. I believe in leveraging AI not only for technological progress but also for the betterment of society, ensuring its responsible and equitable integration. Therefore, I am eager to explore the multifaceted dimensions of AI, from cutting-edge research to its broader societal implications.

As a seasoned young professional, I've had the privilege of working across various regions, including Rwanda, China, and Switzerland. Currently, I'm engaged with the UNHCR headquarters in the Division of International Protection (DIP), where my focus is primarily on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways for refugees.In my role, I have developed a comprehensive tracker to monitor the pledges made by countries during the Global Refugee Forum. This involves ensuring that these commitments translate into tangible actions, facilitating the resettlement process for refugees. Additionally, I'm actively involved in organizing meetings such as the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP), where stakeholders discuss strategies to enhance refugee support initiatives.My linguistic proficiency in English, French, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili enables effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitating collaboration and understanding. With a master's degree in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University as the first Burundian Schwarzman Scholar and a fellowship in refugees and forced migration studies from the University of Oxford, I bring both academic rigor and practical experience to my work.Previously, I held roles in financial aid administration at the African Leadership University, ensuring equitable access to education, and interned at IOM - UN Migration, where I contributed to projects focusing on migration governance and protection.Driven by a genuine passion for social impact and innovation, I am dedicated to contributing to initiatives that address the complex challenges faced by refugees and migrants worldwide.

Recent MA graduate working as a Business Analyst at Sprüngli AG. Specializing in Ad-hoc analysis of financial and production data using Excel and Python as well as building Machine Learning models for prediction tasks.

I believe in people being the core of every successful, impact-driven initiative. Therefore, I am committed to steering businesses and their people to become sustainable, intelligent enterprises as a consultant at SAP.Academia-wise, I have been at Stanford University and WHU for my graduate studies and currently doing my Joint Part-Time MBA with Columbia Business School, WHU and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. I am also engaged as an Incoming Curator at World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community and further volunteer responsibilities at organization such as UN/UNESCO, BCG and academic partners. Besides that, I currently work on some Silicon Valley endeavors, which have resulted from my very formative studies at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Diana Chao is a first-generation Buyi Chinese-American from California. Diana founded Letters to Strangers (L2S) at 14-years-old after bipolar disorder and a blinding eye condition nearly ended her life. By beginning to heal through letters, she discovered that writing is humanity distilled into ink. Today, L2S is the largest global youth-for-youth mental health nonprofit, exchanging 60000+ letters and impacting over half a million people in over 70 countries over the last ten years. L2S published the world’s first youth-for-youth mental health guidebook for free, currently taught in schools worldwide, and also operates the first toll-free 24/7 pan-African mental health hotline out of its nationally-recognized Liberia office.Diana was honored by two U.S. Presidents at the White House, named a 2021 Princess Diana Legacy Award Winner, and 2020 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth. She graduated from Princeton University in 2021 with Honors and pivoted from being a NASA astrophysicist and UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change researcher to recently completing an MBA at the University of Oxford as a Skoll Scholar. Having grown up below the poverty line with parents who don't speak English, Diana learned firsthand how healing is a non-linear process that no one should have to approach alone.

I am a masters student at the University of Oxford, where I’m pursuing an MPhil in International Relations. My research and work focus primarily on peacebuilding, migration, and education, and I have led or supported grassroots projects in Europe, Ecuador, Cambodia, Peru and the Philippines in these areas. I also love engaging in new creative and artistic projects, mixing different mediums (photography, carving, printmaking, and writing) with alternative ways of travelling - such as cycling, hiking, and hopefully soon kayaking.

CEO of Pandatron where we are focused on making organizational change management and strategy execution painless. Our vision is for leaders to experience a 100x return on the investment in their people through smooth corporate transformations that happen on time and on budget. My vision is to enhance self-awareness and psychological maturity of everyone on the planet as I believe this may be our best option for improving the world. In particular, Pandatron is making coaching more accessible with AI. More accessible coaching -> self-awareness, agency, maturity, emotional intelligence -> painless change management, better leadership, flourishing talent, better response to existing challenges like climate change -> better world. I am working on a PhD focusing on studying flat hierarchies and the processes and practices in so-called self-managing organisations. Examples of alternative management systems I study include DAO, Teal and Holacracy. I have also invested in and support companies that are pushing the boundaries of aging research and longevity biotechnology.I am Ukrainian, a supporter of therapy, minimalist, writer on Medium. I am interested in metamodernism and the work of Hanzi Freinacht. I am exploring ideas around rebuilding Ukraine after the war. I live in San Francisco and often visit Helsinki.

Hey, I'm Diogo Wikesjö, Master's in Management student from NOVA School of Business and Economics. I come from the beautiful country of Portugal, having both Portuguese and Swedish nationalities. I'm a dedicated learner, having in depth knowledge in a diverse array of subjects from all STEM fields, Political Science, Psychology and Finance, with strong background in Applied Mathematics. The personal highlights in my career are mainly from experiences from when I had to be a team player or team leader, with Lead Organizer of TEDx NOVA 2025, Vice President of a Junior Enterprise and Managing Projects in the Venture Capital and Private Equity Student Club key examples. I love to throw my self in to challenges and competitions in thematics that may be outside my areas of expertise, putting me in a position to learn a lot in a short amount of time while also collecting dividends from being around people more experienced and smarter than me. Besides career, on the side I love to travel, basketball, fishing and playing guitar.

Douglas Vidal is the Founder & CEO of Future in Black, Latin America’s largest ecosystem for Black executives. He focuses on bridging socioeconomic divides and shaping the next generation of leaders across the Global South. Through cross-sector partnerships and inclusive leadership programs, he champions equitable growth and fosters a new wave of transformative leadership.

Tran T. Phu-Duyen (Duyen, /you-win/) is pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Services Research at George Mason University, USA. She has a background in Economics and Public Policy, with a Master of Public Policy from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her research interests include topics of health economics, especially retirement well-being and old age insurance. Other than that, she loves thinking, water, and the moon.

Eden Tadesse, a young award-winning entrepreneur, digital innovator, and journalist, brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors across Africa, Asia, and Europe. She is the Founder and CEO of Invicta, an impact startup facilitating connections for over 36,000 refugees across 96 countries to remote jobs, online courses, and mental health support. Prior to this role, Eden held positions at prestigious institutions such as the United Nations, Microsoft, and the Australian Government. Notably, she became the youngest Executive Director to lead an international Finnish NGO at the age of 24. At the core of her work lies a deep commitment to human rights, which she sees as fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eden's passion for leveraging innovation, sustainability, and diversity to create resilient solutions is evident throughout her career. Her expertise spans various fields including policy, gender equality, social innovation, education, economic development, human rights, and program management. Recognized for her contributions, she has been honoured with awards such as the Goalkeepers Progress Award, Diana Award, Young Champion for UNHCR, African Union Youth Innovator, and inclusion in the Future Minds 25Under25 List. She earned her Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme.

Eden Tadesse is a young award-winning entrepreneur, digital innovator and journalist that brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors across Africa, Asia, and Europe. She is the Founder and CEO of Invicta, an impact startup facilitating connections for over 40,000 refugees across 96 countries to remote jobs, online courses, and mental health support. At the core of her work lies a deep commitment to human rights, which she sees as fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her expertise spans various fields including policy, gender equality, social innovation, education, economic development, human rights, and program management. Recognized for her contributions, she has been honoured with awards such as the Goalkeepers Progress Award, Diana Award, Young Champion for UNHCR, African Union Youth Innovator, and inclusion in the Future Minds 25Under25 List.

Eduardo is a Security Engineer and Industrial PhD candidate specializing in privacy-enhancing technologies, applied cryptography, and distributed systems. He contributes to EU Horizon and DARPA-funded projects on federated data sharing, synthetic data generation, and cryptographic protocols. His research focuses on decentralized Proof-of-Location and trustworthy software development practices. He combines hands-on engineering, applied research, teaching, and open-source contributions to advance secure, scalable, and privacy-preserving digital infrastructure.

My name is Effie. I am an impact entrepreneur and a champion for the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women, from Nairobi, Kenya. I am also a student in the EMMIE program that is curated for individuals similarly passionate about navigating the impact entrepreneurship space. Specifically, I enjoy working with women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds acting as a bridge between them and decent work. My work often entails working with these women to identify skills which they already possess that could be monetised and then finding ways to help these women sell their produced goods/services. As a sustainability enthusiast, I also enjoy teaching these women how to incorporate circularity among other sustainability concepts in their day-to-day lives to ensure that they also gain a competitive advantage while also enjoying learning how they could better take care of the environment. To know more about my work, please connect with me via LinkedIn.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in digitalization and the management of congregation areas, with a focus on airports. Beyond my research, I have a strong interest in geopolitics, culture, and how ideologies shape global issues. In my free time, I enjoy boxing and both playing and listening to loud, fast music.

I’m currently a technical writer at Datafold, where I oversee the docs and write a lot about data quality and data migrations. I consult on all things developer marketing for data engineering and data science enterprise tools. I also serve as the Managing Editor for the International Journal, a Canadian academic journal on foreign policy.

Emilia Cooper is pursuing a Master of Science in Economic Theory and Policy at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. Her academic focus is on carceral justice and the criminalization of poverty. She views incarceration as an economic issue rooted in the structural failures of capitalism and severe socioeconomic inequality, which create conditions of material deprivation and enforce poverty traps. Incarceration-impacted individuals face systemic discrimination in labor markets, disproportionately experience homelessness and poor health, and are disenfranchised from civic participation that are essential to individual liberty and community improvement, perpetuating cycles of marginalization. Emi has led projects around carceral justice reform including the Bard New Orleans Exchange program, where she and several volunteers interned for Operation Restoration, and the Bard ReEntry Collaborative, a project to facilitate Bard Prison Initiative student mentorship of formerly incarcerated youth. Emi’s thesis interrogates the dynamics of the criminal legal system, advocating for policies to decriminalize poverty. Emi is currently employed by the Economic Democracy Initiative (EDI) as a research assistant, working to synthesize and disseminate information about public employment programs around the world. Her research contributes to the official job guarantee website, and her work also appears on the EDI website. Emi also has also led a volunteer program in Kenya, coordinating volunteers to teach and build infrastructure at a primary school in a rural village. As an Open Society University Network (OSUN) Global Engagement Fellow, Emi has been a leader of student civic engagement across OSUN institutions, including facilitating the Civic Engagement Voices Rising Podcast, writing articles for the annual magazine, and leading workshops for students. Through an internship at nonprofit Results for America, Emi developed knowledge about federal legislative action and evidence-based policymaking, applying data analysis and outcome evaluation skills to ensure the effectiveness of federal programs and fiscal spending. Emi aspires to effect change at a high level, implementing policy that would benefit the economic security and mobility of marginalized communities in the United States.

Emily Kruse is a passionate advocate for sustainable food and agricultural systems. With a background as a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia and further studies in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge as well as her current studies as a SIM student at the University of St. Gallen, she has dedicated her career to addressing pressing global challenges. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainable development, combining strategic thinking with practical solutions to drive positive change. Her commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation makes her a valuable asset in advancing the goals of this years Symposium.

I am a double degree master’s student in Business Engineering (Data Analytics) at Ghent University and Innovation & Technology Management at the University of Tartu. I believe that our future, which will have complex problems, require innovative and simplistic solutions that is supported by hard evidence and data-driven decision making. That's why I try to combine it both in my daily life and major life decisions, as well as my professional and academic life.

Founder and CEO at The Z Link, the global Gen Z-led social media agency that helps brands connect with Gen Z.

Erik Martins is a psychologist, with a postgraduate degree in human rights. He is a youth advisor for European Union cooperation in Brazil. Works with the facilitation of projects and human resources, both in social inclusion and social and environmental equity. His experience as an actor makes him integrate creative elements into his projects, which seek to access subjects in an entire body-mind-emotion way.

Erika is a medical doctor from Japan, and currently pursuing a dual degree MPH/MBA program at Johns Hopkins University, eager to explore the intersection of business and health. With more than six years of public health research experience at both the Tohoku University School of Medicine and the University of Bergen, Norway, Erika has focused on the quality of life for patients. She has led multiple international research programs involving healthcare professionals from Japan, Taiwan, France, and Norway, all of whom have a strong passion for advancing health promotion and well-being globally.Before joining Hopkins, Erika worked as a resident doctor at Toranomon Hospital and Tohoku University Hospital, both renowned for their prestigious residency programs. These experiences provided her valuable insights into both municipal and university hospital settings. Driven by a passion for making a positive impact, she is committed to building a healthier future for people worldwide. Aside from her profession, Erika is passionate about music. Erika has volunteered as a violinist to join multiple charity concerts, including a concert in UNESCO Paris, that raised more than 100 million dollars in total over the past 13 years since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Erika is currently an associate concertmaster at the Johns Hopkins Symphony Orchestra and serving as an advisory board member for the Hyogo Performing Arts Center.

Ms. Esther Airemionkhale is a PhD student in the Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition Program of the Department of Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research interests entail critical applied linguistics, postcolonial English and identities, language revitalization, computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and the practical applications of virtual reality (VR) for cultural learning. Through a critical race perspective, Ms. Airemionkhale investigates how West African English speakers resist oppressive neocolonial legacies while forming and negotiating their identities. Her current work explores how VR technology can enhance intercultural exchange and facilitate immersive language learning experiences.

Ethan McAndrews is from Indiana, USA, and holds degrees from Indiana University in International Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures. As a 2019-2020 Boren Scholar in Nanjing, China, Ethan completed graduate courses at Nanjing University while researching the impact of sports diplomacy on US-China relations. His interests in public diplomacy and culture have led to numerous academic and professional experiences at the intersections of art, food, and sports, including UNESCO, Battery Dance Company, and the Rwanda Cricket Association. He is currently earning his MA in Beijing, China at Peking University.

Etienne Louvet is the Founder and CEO of IONA. He is occasionally a speaker/lecturer in Autonomous Systems (AS) and hardware entrepreneurship, and advises/invests climate and deeptech start-ups at Seed and Pre-Seed. Before IONA, he was consulting for start-ups and venture capital funds, and also spent two years in telecoms, IoT and cybersecurity (Verizon). He graduated from ESSEC and London Business School.During the COVID pandemic, he was shocked by the unequal access to services for rural communities - including where his family lives in France. His late 92-year-old grandmother was dependent on shops, including a pharmacy that was 30 minutes away by driving, and getting anything delivered was impossible or more expensive. In 2021, while researching new delivery methods for a paper, he connected the dots and realised that drones could fix rural logistics.

I am a Master student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Canada taking electrical and computer engineering. Raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and having completed my undergraduate studies in Beijing, China, I have been fortunate to view the world from many diverse perspectives. Throughout my journey, I have eagerly embraced leadership roles. In fact, I was part of Black Student Advisory Committee for the academic year 2024/2025 at TMU. Here I was able to sharpen my leadership skills while being vocal on issues affecting black students on campus. I am passionate about rail transportation and its vital role in driving economic and social progress.Further, I am a soroptimist international volunteer, an organization that has been at the forefront in advocating for women equality by enabling, empowering and educating them.

Fae Johnstone is an award-winning 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate and small business owner. She is a social worker and a leading voice for queer and trans rights in Canada. She has spent over a decade campaigning for a more free, just and equal world for queer and trans people.Fae is the executive director and co-owner of Wisdom2Action, a consulting firm specializing in organizational development, community engagement and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. She is also the Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, a national queer and trans advocacy organization. In March of 2023, Fae was featured in an International Women’s Day ad campaign by Hershey’s Canada alongside 4 other young women creating change in their communities. Fae was the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Capital Pride Parade in Ottawa. In 2023, she was the recipient of the Young 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur of the Year award from Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce.

A Chevening scholar studying Digital Business, Innovation and Management at Lancaster University, U.K

My name is Febin, and I have a diverse background that merges engineering with business management. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's in Management at ESCP Business School, with a unique opportunity to study across three vibrant European cities: London, Paris, and Berlin. Prior to my academic pursuit, I gained professional experience in Strategy and Operations within both European and Middle Eastern contexts.Beyond academia and professional endeavors, I am deeply intrigued by geopolitics, always eager to understand the intricate dynamics shaping our world. Additionally, I find solace and excitement in motorcycling, which allows me to embrace the thrill of the open road and the beauty of nature. Lastly, I have a profound appreciation for movies, considering them not just as entertainment but as windows into different cultures, perspectives, and human experiences.

I am a full-time politician and part-time teacher. Even though I studied economics, I started teaching in an underprivileged middle school in Austria through the leadership programme "Teach For Austria" in 2016. After continuing teaching for a couple of years and being quite active in the field of education, I ran for the state parliament of Vienna in 2020. Since then I have been a member of Vienna´s state parliament and my party´s spokesperson for education. But, I did not want to lose the connection to the daily life in the classroom, so I started teaching a couple of hours again. Apart from that, I did a wonderful masters in Comparative Education at UCL in London, I am involved with Teach For All, a member of their European Board and in 2019 I founded a Blog/Podcast about education in Austria.

As the founder and CEO of Energy Shift, Filip Koprčina is dedicated to revolutionizing the energy sector through the use of blockchain technology. Energy Shift is a platform that empowers citizens to invest in and co-own solar farms, promoting democratization and encouraging active participation in the transition to renewables.Filip's extensive experience in the energy sector includes previous work at a solar installation company and advising major oil corporations such as Shell and BP on their transition to sustainability. He has also made significant contributions to the field as a member of the United Nations’ High Level Dialogue on Energy, providing recommendations on achieving SDG7 targets.Filip's expertise and dedication to the energy sector have earned him several accolades, including the EU Sustainable Energy Award in the Young Trailblazer category, awarded by the European Commission, and recognition as a Forbes 30 under 30 Europe 2022. With his extensive experience and innovative approach, Filip is poised to continue shaping the future of energy for the better.

I am student of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an undying curiosity for our natural world. Apart from my studies, I try my best to contribute to my local but also to the international community through participating in volunteer programs and in advisory boards. I have an avid passion for reading and writing and I also enjoy being active in nature.

Xiaoou (Flora) Liao is a Schwarzman Scholar alumni. She holds LLM in Corporate and Financial Law from the University of Hong Kong. She was a manager at Bain＆Company based in Hong Kong, focusing on consumer products, healthcare and private equity investment.Flora has been actively involved in female empowerment, workplace equality, and China FemTech development. She founded CareMs, a female sexual and reproductive health technology startup, bringing latest and greatest interdisciplinary medicine, biotech, and AI from Tsinghua University PhD talents and laboratory to benefit every single woman in China and globally.Flora has a deep passion for SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). She hopes to bring industry learnings to public policy shaping in developing countries. She devoted her time during COVID-19 to work with a local Kenyan social enterprise on business turnaround, global market expansion, and scale up the sustainable impact on female employment and fair trade in East Africa. Her research paper on “What it takes to encourage elite Chinese working woman to become a mother?” provides the academic and data analytics foundation for the “Healthy Women, Healthy Economy” white paper published by Merck KGaA

At the age of 12, I taught myself programming with Python and finally developed my first AI model with Pytorch at the age of 15.At the age of 18, while I was still at school, I founded my first corporation, FAST AI Movies.FAST AI Movies offers an AI-based SaaS solution that quickly generates interactive training videos from text input for direct knowledge transfer in financial coporations, e.g. for process communication. As Managing Director, I have already won numerous startup competitions with FAST AI Movies, such as the Startup Teens Award. I currently lead a team of 20 and our solution is used by 22 paying customers.I look forward to discussing the latest AI developments as well as entrepreneurship and startups.

François Valentin is a Schwarzman Scholar at the University of Tsinghua in Beijing pursuing a masters in Global Affairs. François was formerly a Senior Researcher at Onward, a leading Westminster think tank, and the founder of the Uncommon Decency podcast on European affairs, with over 100 episodes. In 2022, François was Benjamin Haddad’s chief of staff in his successful Parisian legislative campaign. A former Eurasia Group Analyst, he regularly comments on European politics in international media. He holds an International Politics bachelor's degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a Public Affairs master's degree from Sciences Po. François is from France and the United Kingdom.

Co-Founder & CTO of Veri (acquired by ŌURA). Passionate about building new products and creating a positive impact on the world.

I am a 3rd-year PhD Student with the Linguistics department at McGill University. My research focuses on assessing the linguistic capacities of large language models (the models that power language AI systems like ChatGPT). Outside of research, I like to read, cycle, and go bouldering. I'm from Bangalore, India, but currently live in Montreal, Canada.

Dr Genesis Mwamba is an award-winning medical doctor and young leader dedicated to advancing sustainable development in Zambia through his work at the intersection of Education, Health, and Climate Action. He is the founder and the Executive Director of the Lead Me Back Foundation.He believes education is the greatest equalizer for vulnerable communities, driving his commitment to ensuring children in household poverty access quality education. Through his leadership, his organization has provided over 350,000 school materials to marginalized children in Zambia. Holding a bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Copperbelt University, his clinical experience has shown him how a lack of information among underserved patients worsens preventable mortalities. This inspired him to lead Ubumi Care Clinics, which focus on early diagnosis, treatment initiation, and community empowerment for those affected.He is the Team Lead of the Youth SDG Summit, the largest youth gathering on the SDGs in Zambia. Under his leadership, the summit has grown into a premier platform for youth engagement, advocacy, and action, directly impacting over 5,000 young people across the country. Through strategic partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, and corporate stakeholders, he has successfully mobilized resources, facilitated high-level discussions, and empowered youth to drive sustainable change in their communities.A public speaker with 10 years of experience on both local and international platforms. In 2022 he was one of the keynote speakers at the Posner Center Symposium. He is the 2022 African World Antimicrobial Awareness Week's best speaker for World Health Organization AFRO debates. He has spoken to more than 100,000 people. A keynote speaker and panellist at events organized by the Posner Center for Development, the Copperbelt University, Genius Education Zambia, UNITE 2030, and International SDG summits.

George MwanzaMAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHIPATA, Republic of Zambia, Since August 2021 to Present EDUCATION/ACADEMICDiploma in Accountancy- Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants- ZICA, LUSAKA ZAMBIABachelor’s Degree in Governance and Public Administration- ZAOU- Zambia Open University, LUSAKA ZAMBIAGEORGE MWANZA- Mayor, ZAMBIA" I ran for Mayor to be the voice that has been missing to make decisions for the youth and the future- i was rejected by the older politicians and the political system because of age but the people put me in office through the power of the vote''- George Mwanza is the Youngest Mayor in Zambia and on the Southern African Region(SADC)- denied an opportunity by political parties at the age of 22 but never gave up and elected as Mayor of Chipata-the 5th Biggest City in Zambia at 27 Years- George won elections with a landslide result as an Independent candidate after he was denied an opportunity by the political parties on the basis of his young age, he is the first Independent mayor in Zambian history, inspiring the millions of young people in the world of possibilities in political leadership in Africa, where he was elected and currently serving as the Vice President for the 16 Country-SADC Region for the YELO- Network of the Young Elected Local Officials under the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa-UCLGA - The Mayors Office under George is the People's office where he has put the agenda of youth participation in governance and decision making a key priority so as to secure the future of zambia through supporting the youths and empowering them in entrepreneurship, skills training, sport,talent development,cuture and arts under the mayor's development intiative and through the local development fund. George has also been able handle and continues to address issues of the environment and climate change, inclusion, immigration as well as provision of access to clean and safe water to the needy communities in the city among the many human transforming developmental activities in the City. He continues to inspire the young generation and future of africa through his grassroot centered,action oriented and solution seeking LeadershipCONTACT INFORMATION Email Address: [email protected]/WHATSAPP: +260 973507084

Georgina Agyei is a physician from Ghana and a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame du Lac. She studies the intracellular phagosomal activity of the pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans in alveolar macrophages in the Santiago-Tirado lab. She is the Secretary for the Association of Women in Science Notre Dame Chapter, and her hobbies include reading novels and sewing.

Gibson Kawago is a visionary businessman, clean tech entrepreneur, and founder of WAGA Technologies and WAGA Motion, two innovative companies revolutionizing access to energy and electric mobility across Tanzania and East Africa. With a deep passion for solving real-world problems through technology and business, Gibson has positioned himself as a driving force in Africa’s energy transition.Through WAGA Technologies, Gibson develops and commercializes affordable lithium-ion battery solutions, repurposing e-waste into powerful, sustainable energy products like WAGA PAWA Packs, which now power homes, small businesses, and entire rural communities. His solutions are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically transformative—creating jobs for women and youth in battery recovery, processing, and installation.As co-founder of WAGA Motion, he is building a future-ready ecosystem for electric vehicles in Africa by establishing EV charging infrastructure, distributing electric vehicles, and providing EV training programs. His company’s bold motto—"The Future is Electric"—reflects his commitment to transforming transport and energy sectors for a greener economy.Gibson’s business acumen, combined with his technical expertise, has earned him multiple recognitions, including the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Innovation, Funguo Innovation Grant, and invitations to speak at high-level platforms like the United Nations Headquarters and ECOSOC Youth Forum.With a strong network across government, private sector, and development partners, Gibson continues to grow his impact—turning visionary ideas into scalable business models that solve energy poverty, promote climate resilience, and foster inclusive economic growth.

Gin is graduating with an MS and embarking on an MBA journey after years of working in urban design. Her work integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions within problem-solving. As she progresses on her journey, Gin is exploring forward-thinking solutions in sustainable real estate development, poised to make impactful contributions to the field.

Dear Selection Committee,I am writing to express my deep interest in being selected as an attendee for the St. GallenSymposium. I believe it presents a remarkable opportunity for my own personal growth, as well as thechance to contribute to meaningful discussions alongside distinguished global leaders.Education holds a special place in my heart. In Vietnam, students struggle to get meaningful workexperience prior to graduation. This has long-term implications for their job opportunities, careerdevelopment and quality of life.My experience with this led me to start Outsider, a ed-tech startup that attempts to solve this problem.Our tech platform enables students to gain virtual work experience by giving them the opportunity tosolve real-world problems provided by companies.For that reason, I am eager to learn from the experiences and perspectives of other attendees andspeakers, enriching my own understanding and broadening my horizons. I’m sure there are manylessons that can be applied in Vietnam.That said, I also believe I have much to offer to other attendees. As the Co-founder and CEO ofOutsider, we've helped over 250,000 students prepare for the rigours of the professional world. I canshare my expertise on innovative training-as-a-screening assessments and contribute to discussionson the future of work and education.In addition, I’m also the Co-founder of the Singapore-Vietnam Young Leaders Network, a NGO thatpromotes collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue between youths leaders of both nations. LastAugust, we successfully hosted an exchange programme that allowed youth from both countries tomeet their Prime Ministers.This allows me to bring a unique perspective on fostering connections, at a time where workingtogether is more important than ever.Early on in my career, I also started the Singapore chapter of Future Females, a community thatadvocates female empowerment and entrepreneurship. I’m well aware of the challenges facingwomen in education and am eager to engage in discussions centred around diversity and inclusion.I am confident that my diverse experiences, passion for entrepreneurship, and commitment to positivechange can add value to the Symposium. Equally important, I am excited to learn from the richexperiences, diverse perspectives, and innovative ideas of my fellow participants, broadening my ownunderstanding and becoming a better global citizen.Thank you for considering my application, I sincerely hope to have the privilege of attending the St.Gallen Symposium and making a positive impact alongside esteemed leaders from around the world.Warm regards,To Ha Linh

Halik is a dedicated, highly organized professional specializing in critical minerals research, supported by two years of experience in the mining industry. He possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, having successfully held leadership roles in a prominent national student organization with over one thousand members. Currently, Halik is pursuing advanced research on critical minerals at the Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University.

I’m a medical doctor and HealthTech entrepreneur passionate about transforming healthcare through innovation. After working as a country director in Guatemala, I saw firsthand the need for scalable, technology-driven medical solutions. That led me to co-found Doctorina, a startup focused on personalized and accessible care powered by AI. I’m especially interested in value-based healthcare, integrated care models, and health equity, exploring how AI can improve access and outcomes. With a global perspective and hands-on experience in both clinical work and digital health, I’m committed to bridging medicine and technology to create meaningful impact.

Hannah is a doctoral candidate in the School of History at the University of St Andrews where she studies the formation of the Iranian bureaucracy and state (c. 1880-1940). She received two Masters in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge: one in Economic and Social History (Christ's College) and another in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Newnham College, as a Cambridge Trust Scholar). Before moving to the UK she worked at the Urban Institute as a quantitative research assistant. She first became interested in global affairs during her undergraduate degree at the George Washington University, where she studied International Affairs and Economics. Her motivation is to create effective political and economic growth in the developing world.

I am Hannah, an Austrian-born Investment Analyst at Swiss Re in Zurich, where I contribute to managing a $40 billion global bond portfolio. My work involves analyzing market trends and identifying investment opportunities, particularly in response to macroeconomic shifts, technological advancements, and geopolitical events. I hold a Master’s in Finance from Lund University and have lived in five different countries, which has shaped my global perspective and approach to my work. I value collaboration, critical thinking, and am excited to contribute to and learn from the dynamic exchange of ideas at the St. Gallen Symposium.

Harmanpreet holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, India. Currently, he is in the final semester of pursuing a master's degree in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University in Canada. During his master’s, Harmanpreet trained at the Ohio State University for five months as part of a research exchange program. Harmanpreet’s research focuses on water resources management in agriculture. His master’s research involves water quality modelling using data from Ohio, with the goal to improve the existing models. He is particularly interested in water policy, management, and governance, and represents the province of Quebec at the Student and Young Professional Committee of the Canadian Water Network. Through his research on water quality modelling, and his active involvement in water policy, management, and governance, he strives to contribute to the development of sustainable practices and policies in agriculture.

Hatim Aznague, known as the “Green Diplomat,” is recognized for his impactful work in climate policy, negotiations in international climate processes, and sustainable development. He focuses on connecting grassroots initiatives with international frameworks, fostering collaboration to address complex climate challenges. Currently, he serves as a Climate Action and Energy Policy Analyst at the Union for the Mediterranean, where he plays a key role in developing and supporting policies that advance regional cooperation on climate and energy issues. His efforts contribute to aligning regional priorities with global sustainability objectives through strategic policy design and implementation.

Hayfa is a leader at the forefront of social impact and strategic innovation. She is the Founder of Artizen, a global platform dedicated to empowering artisans from the Global Majority by connecting their crafts to international markets. Artizen bridges tradition and innovation, fostering cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and sustainability.As the Chief Impact Officer at RIVET, Hayfa is helping build the world’s largest fund to support social innovators, driving investments that tackle global challenges and create transformative impact. With over eight years of experience in social impact and innovation, including roles with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), she has a proven track record of designing and implementing strategies that create measurable change.Hayfa is a recognized international speaker, workshop facilitator, and strategic leader in social entrepreneurship, advancing systems transformation and meaningful youth engagement. In 2019, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women by the BBC.

Heela Yoon is the Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization (AYAPO), a grassroots NGO working in the Eastern provinces of Afghanistan focusing on UNSCR 1325 and 2250 and local peacebuilding. Through AYAPO, Heela has trained more than 100 young girls in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kabul on gender equality, leadership, and first responders to a humanitarian crisis. With her NGO, she has engaged with religious and tribal leaders through community peacebuilding dialogues in the Eastern zone to advocate for Afghan girls' education.She has more than five years of experience working with humanitarian and human rights organizations. She has worked with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) as a Cora Weiss peacebuilding fellow focusing on localizing the WPS and YPS agendas in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and The Philippines. Before joining GNWP, she worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan as a program coordinator for UNFPA. She has a bachelor’s in political science from Kabul University and a Bachelor's in BBA from the American University of Afghanistan. She completed her master's in International Trade and Finance from Leeds Beckett University as Chevening Scholar. She is a Research consultant with Amnesty International focusing on the human rights situation in Afghanistan and works as a trainee with Oxfam Great Britain. She was the Civil Society briefer for the 64the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in 2020 and was awarded one of the young emerging peacemakers from Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Heela is also part of the 30 for 2030 youth leadership network that brings together young decision-makers, eminent civic and business innovators, feminists, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists, and more by U.N Women. She has been recognized by the United Nations and the Office of Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth as one of the young Leaders for the SDGs 2022.

Helen is a graduate of the Australian National University and University of Sydney. She is currently pursuing a Master's in China Studies on scholarship at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. Her main research interests lie in the areas of migration, diaspora, and transnational history.

Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa is a Caribbean and Japanese American social entrepreneur, climate justice activist, and Indigenous Studies researcher.He is the Executive Director and a founding director of Climate Cardinals, one of the world’s largest youth-led climate organizations, mobilizing 16,000 volunteers across 134 countries. He developed its signature translation program in partnership with Translators Without Borders and Google Cloud. In 2023, Climate Cardinals became one of the first youth-led organizations to secure six-figure funding from Google’s philanthropic arm.Hayakawa represents Climate Cardinals on UNESCO’s Youth Climate Action Network Steering Committee and has spoken at events hosted by UNESCO, Columbia University, Google, Deloitte, and the Smithsonian. His work has been featured in Forbes, Grist, and Teen Vogue.A magna cum laude graduate of Williams College, he earned highest honors in Global Studies for his thesis on the global Indigenous rights movement. He has worked with the UN Environment Programme, the Ecologic Institute, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation.He has been recognized as a Global Student Prize finalist and named to the Grist 50 and American Councils' 50 Alumni for 50 Years.

Born in 1999, I entered the Faculty of Policy Studies at Keio University after in 2018. At the same time, I started serving as a director of NPOs and working in the secretariat of a non-partisan legislative body, I founded Liquitous Inc. in 2020 with the concept of "communication agent between citizens and government". Currently, we are developing the digital citizen participation platform and providing it to local governments over 50 municipalities in Japan, as well as designing, managing, facilitating on the citizen participation process in planning and project implementation based on the developed consensus building platform. In 2023, I participated in the founding of C&Y Partners, Inc. as a director, which promotes "Children and Youth's Participation like Opinion Expression" in the policy making process as a consultant agency.I am also an advisor for the "Project for Strengthening Business and Financial Management of Local Governments" by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of the Japanese government.

Huiyi is a Ph.D. candidate in International Relations at Tsinghua University. Her research interests encompass political violence, foreign policy analysis, and computational social science methods. She holds an MSc in Social Science of the Internet from the University of Oxford.

Ida is a 22-year-old Swedish entrepreneur and founder, passionate about people, leadership, machine learning and the Gen Z mindset for building businesses.At 18, she dropped out of high school and founded her first company, Hyred, a platform within HR-tech that used machine learning to improve decision-making in recruitments. The company was successfully acquired in June 2023. She built the company for 5 years, fully bootstrapped, and expanded the business to four countries and to a team of 50 people. As a self-taught software developer, her expertise lies in combining technology and innovation in products with a Generation Z mindset. She is currently enrolled in the executive program, Certificate in Management at London Business School.Ida is open to exiting positions or projects. Currently based in Stockholm, Sweden.

I'm Ida Marie Mathisen, the leader of the NHH Symposium, the largest student-driven business conference in Northern Europe. Steering a dedicated team of 400 students, our goal is to amplify student perspectives within the spheres of business, academia, and politics fostering meaningful dialogues with global decision-makers. In parallel, I am pursuing a Master’s in Business Economics at the Norwegian School of Economics, with a keen focus on sustainability within energy, resources, and the environment. My professional journey is enriched by a diverse background in healthcare and financial services, which has shaped my aspiration to become a leader who makes a significant impact. Fueled by a passion for sustainable development and social justice, I want to lead initiatives for a future where businesses are at the forefront of driving positive societal change.

I am Ideja Bajra, a 3rd year cell biology student at the University of St Andrews. I have had a passion for STEAM education and advocacy for as long as I can remember, leading to the creation of my non profit, Based In Science, and co-founding a student-led publication, STATIC St Andrews. However, only recently have I delved into the start up world.Currently, I run an AI Automation Agency, Edvance AI, that harnesses the power of AI to improve the efficiency and content of educational technology platforms across the globe. Despite only being fully established in November 2023, Edvance AI has worked with over 3 international clients already, and attracting 5 novel ones thus far. The company is also woman-led, contributing to the transformation of opportunities for women in technology.

Igor Klymenko, from Ukraine, works on drone innovation towards sustainability and engages with the public sector for education development internationally. Recognized as the top 1 student globally among over 150 countries in 2022, he's spoken on international media, including BBC & CNN, advocating for youth empowerment and collaborating with governments on sustainability education programs.Simultaneously, uniting with institutions and incubators worldwide, Igor founded a drone startup in 2020, focusing on global humanitarian demining. His field of interest also includes innovation research to optimize resource utilization in global agriculture through UAV tech.

Imasiku Nyambe is a social economist, entrepreneur, media practitioner, and the founder and director of Imaka Learning. In partnership with Massi Computing College, Imaka provides digital learning solutions in Zambia, improving overall participation and access to education for young people.

Isabelle Eisele has held various roles in the commercial insurance industry bringing in more than 7 years of experience in the P&C (re)insurance field. Before joining Swiss Re Corporate Solutions as Head CEO Office EMEA in 2022, she worked in various regional roles at AXA XL in the area of portfolio management as well as financial planning and strategy. Isabelle holds a master degree from the University of St. Gallen in Business Management.

I am a refugee from South Sudan and for 20 years I have lived in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. I am currently pursuing my masters degree in International Relations in Italy, an opportunity I got through UNHCR after I attained my bachelor's degree from University of Nairobi in Kenya.

I am a former DACA recipient (better known as “DREAMer”). I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, but raised in NC, USA. I graduated cum laude from Davidson College with a BA in Political Science and Africana Studies and an MA from Science Po Paris. I am a current Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University. I have a range of diverse experiences: multilateral organizations (UN agencies, OECD), nonprofits, think tank, social impact incubator, research organization (CNRS), and entrepreneurship across the U.S, Mexico, France, Switzerland, and China. Very passionate about creating access for underserved communities, which drove me to co-found a digital platform to bridge the gap in opportunities abroad (My Access Abroad).

Public Affairs Coordinator at the Argentine Rural Society, the most well-known institution in the agricultural sector in the country.I am a political scientist by profession and a social media communicator by hobby.I believe in the possibility of bridging politics and the private sector to drive the country’s development.

Looking into the world makes me appreciate all forms of life increasingly more. Instead of taking this for granted, we should work together in ensuring we can enjoy it for generations to come. After internships at various institutions, I believe that governments and the financial industry will be key in fostering a sustainable transition. Therefore, I'm writing my master thesis on investments in responsible mining for the 'Msc Global Business & Sustainability' whilst working on a corporate biodiversity project at the Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO). Furthermore, I'm passionate about global politics. With climate change causing vital aspects like freshwater supplies to be under increasing pressure, global power may be taken by those who navigate the challenges of sustainability most effectively and secure the basic necessities to sustain life.

I’m Ivy Bina, a passionate entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for economic development. I’m building a private investment platform connecting businesses in Africa with both global and local investors, starting in Kenya and expanding globally. Right now, we’re actively onboarding both investors and businesses, focusing on ventures that drive innovation and contribute to economic growth.Entrepreneurship has always been at the core of what I do. I believe in its power to alleviate poverty in emerging countries. That’s why my work through Tynka Global and other initiatives revolves around ensuring startups and SMEs have the resources they need to scale.Beyond investments, I have a strong vision for the future; one where Africa is at the forefront of technological innovation. I’m particularly passionate about AI and clean energy, two fields that will shape the next generation of businesses. Supporting entrepreneurs working in these spaces isn’t just an investment strategy for me, it’s a way to actively contribute to the future of technology and sustainability.On a larger scale, I aspire to be a global leader advocating for impactful policies in trade, development, and diplomacy. I want to drive conversations and actions that ensure Africa’s position in the global economy is one of strength and innovation.If you’re an investor looking to support high-potential businesses in Africa or an entrepreneur seeking funding or would also just like to talk about my work, let’s connect. You can reach me on LinkedIn—I’m always open to conversations about building the future of business and impact investing.

Director of Epoch AI, investigating the trajectory of AI

Jakub is a young startup founder with expertise in research & development, business administration, and project management. He has extensive experience managing client projects, including software solutions for the US Navy, government websites, custom hardware development, and IT infrastructure setup. Jakub excels in developing product and service offerings, leading teams, and driving innovation. His skills span electrical engineering, software development, agile management, and financial controlling. He is currently working at Project Picoballoon to revolutionize the way we collect atmospheric data for weather forecasting.

Jarred Chiang is a graduate student at Ateneo de Manila University, pursuing a Master's in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. This program has equipped him with comprehensive training in modern pedagogy, emphasizing student-centered and game-based learning approaches. With a passion for leveraging AI tools to enhance language education, he is dedicated to exploring their potential to complement traditional learning methods and aid teachers in developing more impactful curricula, thus fostering responsible AI integration in education and ensuring that these technological advancements benefit learners while upholding ethical standards and values.

I'm Jaswanth Rao Konalamma, a visionary leader committed to innovative solutions for global challenges. My academic and professional journey, marked by achievements in technology and management from NIT Warangal and BITS School of Management, reflects my dedication to excellence. As a Product Manager Intern and Software Developer, I've demonstrated an ability to address complex issues with strategic thinking and technical expertise, enhancing digital banking services for millions and driving forward-thinking projects. Leading the Consulting Club at BITSoM, I've inspired peers towards collective success and prepared them for future challenges. Facing the realities of scarcity, I aim to contribute meaningful insights and sustainable solutions at the 53rd St. Gallen Symposium, embracing the opportunity to learn from and contribute to global discussions on economic and societal well-being.

Dr. Jean Linis-Dinco is a human rights activist dedicated to exposing the power structures embedded in technology. Her work challenges the ways AI, surveillance, and digital systems are designed to reinforce inequality, concentrating control in the hands of corporations and governments while marginalising those without access or influence. She critiques the exploitative nature of data extraction, the weaponisation of digital tools for social control, and the widening technological divide that deepens global inequities.An advocate for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), Dr. Dinco actively supports community-driven technological alternatives that prioritise transparency, accessibility, and collective ownership. She works to promote open-source tools as a means of resisting corporate monopolies and empowering communities to reclaim digital autonomy. Beyond highlighting these issues, Dr. Dinco actively works to reclaim technology as a force for collective empowerment. She engages in public discourse, speaking at global forums to challenge narratives that frame technology as neutral or inevitable. Instead, she emphasises the need to critically examine who benefits from digital innovation and who is excluded, calling for alternative models that centre justice, transparency, and accessibility.

Jemi Ahnaf is a PhD student at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University (ANU). He studies the formation of critical metals especially lithium in Western Australia for his doctoral project. Before starting his master's and doctoral programs at ANU, he worked as a geologist in the Indonesia mining industry for 3 years.

Jemi Ahnaf is a PhD student at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University (ANU). He is doing research in geology of critical metal deposits especially lithium for his doctoral project. His research aims to help geological exploration become more effective, bolstering mining companies to find more of the needed resources for the energy transition. Before starting his master's and doctoral studies at ANU, he worked as a geologist in mining industry for 3 years.

Jennifer Obiorah, the founder and CEO of TeamUpcyclers, is a 28-year-old Nigerian economist and multiple award-winning climate activist. Jennifer helps an average of 6,000 people annually with her organization's green skills training, empowerment, energy, menstrual health, and climate education initiatives.Possessing a BSc in Economics, Jennifer has used her knowledge to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation. Her path through academia demonstrates an unwavering quest for workable answers to urgent environmental problems. Jennifer has gained important insights into climate science and policy through her studies in "Introduction to Climate Change" and "Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in Production, Distribution, and Use of Water" through the Learn Africa Canarias Scholarship. This academic feat has encouraged her to pursue research, and she has published two significant journals and one story on the effects of climate change on Nigerian agriculture and food security, the viability of renewable energy technology in Africa's fight against climate change, and the benefits of framing climate change policies beyond the neoclassical economics market based approach. She also served as a researcher specializing in "Green Jobs and Skills for Energy Transition" at BRICS YEA where she contributed to the development of the 2024 BRICS Youth Energy Outlook.Her outstanding accolades include winning the IRENA Teaching For Net Zero Award amongst others for her innovative projects. She advocates for environmental justice, most notably at COP28's Greening Education Hub, the African Climate Summit, the 7th African World Heritage Youth Forum, and the IRENA Youth Forum 2024. Also, Jennifer's leadership is not limited to the classroom; Inspired to take action after a terrible flood in her homeland of Anambra State, Nigeria, she started a journey of transformation by educating victims and refugees about climate change and sowing the seeds of resilience.Jennifer established "TeamUpcyclers" as a brilliant project to turn trash into wealth since she saw waste pollution as a major problem causing flooding, waterborne illnesses, and environmental devastation in Nigeria, and she has led campaigns in 8 schools, 6 IDP camps, and 1 PWD home to raise awareness of climate action. Her leadership is distinguished by inventiveness, ingenuity, and a strong commitment to promoting long-term, locally, and globally viable change. Currently, she leads 3 WhatsApp groups; the "TeamUpcyclers' Opportunity Hub," the "USA/UK Scholarship," and the "Research Team," where she shares opportunities daily with over 2,000 youths, mentoring them one-on-one on how to win global accolades.

Jens is a doctoral researcher with a scientific interest in infectious dieseases and the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds. In his projects, he coordinates interdisciplinary research teams and loves to engage into dialogue with collegues in a highly international environment. During his studies he was part of the leadership team of a student initiative, which organised weekly lectures, dealing with questions about society, christian religion and ethics. Furthermore he was funded by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.

Jessica Farda is a Swiss entrepreneur who is committed to environmentally friendly packaging solutions. While studying International Relations and Affairs at the University of St. Gallen, she discovered her interest in algae as a sustainable alternative to plastic. Since founding the company Noriware in 2021, she has been developing an algae-based alternative to plastic film. Her goal is to establish sustainable packaging worldwide and thus contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

Jess is a passionate leader in sustainability, with a background in Civil Engineering and Youth Development in Sport. She is currently working across 2 roles, as Sustainability Manager in Global Operations at Bühler AG, and Managing Director of One Young World Switzerland.

Ji Youn Park is a recent Master of Arts graduate from Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies in Seoul. She majored in International Cooperation with a concentration on International Security and Foreign Policy. She holds an undergraduate degree in International Commerce and a double major in English Language and Literature from Yonsei University. Ms. Park is a Nonresident James A. Kelly Korea Fellow at the Pacific Forum. Previously, she served as the Director of Education and Training at Debate Korea, a nonprofit organization. She also has experience working in governmental institutions such as the United States Embassy and Consulate in the Republic of Korea, as well as in research institutions such as the East Asia Institute.

I am Jia Le from Malaysia, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Engineering Management at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University in Beijing. Focusing on sustainable global agricultural supply chains for my master’s thesis, I link this research to my work as an Innovation and Partnership Intern at the FAO Beijing office, which offers insights into international agricultural development and fosters agricultural collaboration under the UN framework, particularly in relation to China. Previously completed a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Bioengineering at Tsinghua University as well. Over these few years in China, apart from academic pursuits, served as the ASEAN Representative President of the Tsinghua University Student Association of China-ASEAN (THUCA), recognized in 2024 as one of Tsinghua University’s Branded Student Associations. This experience enriched my understanding of diverse perspectives, reinforced my commitment to cross-cultural collaboration in tackling global challenges, and provided opportunities to connect with students and organizations from different cultural backgrounds.

Jihee Lee is a master's student majoring in International Peace & Security at Korea University Graduate School of International Studies. She recently earned another master's degree through a dual degree program at American University School of International Service, in Washington D.C. Her research interests are the Russia-Ukraine War, NATO and its relations with the Indo-Pacific region (South Korea and Japan). She previously interned at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and aspires to pursue a career towards a security policy analyst to make a better and peaceful world.

Jiwon Yoo is a sustainability and gender expert, highly interested in social innovations that integrate renewable energy, climate solutions and digital technologies. She is studying for an MA Governance of Technology and Innovation in Germany and holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Diplomacy from South Korea.

Joanna is a (re)insurance technical & industry affairs manager at Swiss Re, with a background in policy from working at the UK's insurance and pensions trade association. She is responsible for raising Swiss Re’s market profile as a technical thought leader in Life & Health (L&H) reinsurance for the UK & Ireland (UK&I), through authoring marker reports and overseeing events. She represents Swiss Re externally on industry topics and develop responses to government and regulatory policy changes. She joined Swiss Re in May 2022 from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK's leading insurance and long-term savings industry trade association, where she was a Senior Policy Adviser in the Health and Protection team. She worked across several consumer-facing projects such as developing policy initiatives to improve access to insurance for customers with mental health conditions and improving patient safety in the independent healthcare sector. Prior to this role, she was a Policy Assistant in the Conduct Regulation team, specialising in Vulnerable Customers regulation.

I’m the founder of Amplify, a leading personal brand agency who’s worked with some of the largest online personalities in the world. With expertise in content marketing and social media strategy, I'm passionate about helping as many people as possible share their stories online.

I am Joël Christoph, Director of Effective Thesis and Economics PhD researcher at the European University Institute (EUI). I hold a bachelor's degree (BSc) from University College London, a master's degree (MSc) from the Barcelona School of Economics, and a Master of Research (MRes) from the EUI. In addition to economics, I have pursued studies in political science, China studies, and energy at institutions such as the University of California, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and KAIST.My professional experience encompasses economics, governance, energy, and policy research, collaborating with organizations like the World Bank, the IEA, the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, Energy Aspects, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. I have also co-founded Endeema, a renewable energy software company, DualChain, a blockchain technology start-up, Equiano Institute, Africa's leading AI think-tank, and animal advocacy nonprofit Vegan Thesis.My leadership roles have emphasized serving public goods and teamwork, including as (Vice-)Curator of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers, PhD Researchers' Representative, Bretton Woods 2.0 Fellow at the Atlantic Council, Dahrendorf Fellow of Oxford University, member of International Student/Young Pugwash leadership or Research Manager for the Existential Risk Alliance. Engaging in international events such as the UNFCCC COP, WEF Annual Meeting, Munich Security Conference, IMF-WB Meeting, and G7 Youth Summit has expanded my perspective and reinforced my dedication to global challenges.Multilingual in Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, and proficient in Italian and Mandarin, I collaborate with those who share my mission to address pressing global challenges.

At just 21 years of age, Jonas Lüthy is President of the Young Liberals Switzerland, the country's strongest young liberal force. In addition to his studies at the Faculty of Law at the Université de Fribourg, he was appointed as secretary to the board of directors at a company in the security sector. To keep his mind off things, Lüthy does endurance sports such as road cycling, running and, from a young age, parkour.

Jose Quisocala is a young entrepreneur and founder of the Eco Banco del Estudiante, a groundbreaking initiative that turns waste into financial opportunities for children and youth. Recognized globally for his work in financial inclusion and sustainability, He is redefining how young people engage with banking, savings, and environmental impact. His vision merges education, circular economy, and social innovation to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

University of Oxford graduate working toward eliminating the barriers to water quality monitoring. When we talk about climate change, 9 out of 10 times we talk about carbon, but in reality, 9 out of 10 times the effects are experienced through water (World Bank, 2022). Over 2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, with quality being the main barrier (Charles, 2022). By leveraging my glucose testing and water management experience, I seek to make water testing everywhere affordable, easy, and quick. I also advocate for the role of youth in addressing global water challenges as the current president of the World Youth Parliament for Water - Central America chapter. Based in between Oxford, UK, and Guatemala CIty, and lived in India, Brazil, and the U.S.

University of Oxford graduate working toward eliminating the barriers to water quality monitoring. When we talk about climate change, 9 out of 10 times we talk about carbon, but in reality, 9 out of 10 times the effects are experienced through water (World Bank, 2022). Over 2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, with quality being the main barrier (Charles, 2022). By leveraging my glucose testing and water management experience, I seek to make water testing everywhere affordable, easy, and quick. I also advocate for the role of youth in addressing global water challenges as the current president of the World Youth Parliament for Water - Central America chapter. Based in between Oxford, UK, and Guatemala CIty, and lived in India, Brazil, and the U.S.

I am Ukpen Joseph Ushie a civil engineer by profession , currently a master student and research assistant at the university of cross river state, my work load revolves on transportation system with consideration of environmental sustainability and local materials innovation, I am passionate above creating passionate solutions to real world challenges, beyond research work I have kin interest in youth leadership and humanitarian efforts, I have serve as the REDCROSS Nigeria youth president coordinating youth participation in community activities, I am always looking for ways to making positive impact in my immediate community and beyond.

Jules has an academic background in law and public administration. He completed his LL.B. at Paris-Panthéon-Assas University and also studied law at Duke Law School alongside LL.M. students. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the London School of Economics (LSE), with a focus on economics and political science. His academic journey reflects a strong interest in the connections between law, economics, and public policy.

Julia is a serial impact entrepreneur passionate about building a more regenerative and conscious economy. As a co-founder of Tidal Impact, a global sustainability and impact advisory firm, she helps organizations solve sustainability challenges and embed sustainability into their DNA. Tidal Impact also catalyzes change through a curated portfolio of impact investments, supporting companies driven by social, environmental, and financial returns. Julia serves as a Founding Board Member and President of the Sigma Squared Society, a global network of more than 1,000 of the world's most ambitious young founders, active in 35 countries across five continents, who have collectively raised over $2 billion. Previously, she co-founded an HR-Tech startup (later Vyou), which combines psychology and data science to enhance workplace wellness. She is recognized as a Responsible Leader of the BMW Foundation and is an advisor and mentor to various impact-driven organizations. Beyond her professional activities, she is also a pianist and composer.

I'm currently pursuing my Master's in General Management at the University of St. Gallen, blending academic rigor with practical skills for today's business challenges. Previously, I completed my Bachelors at the University of Zurich and immersed myself in research at the ETH Zurich in the field of Management, refining my analytical skills and deepening my passion for learning.As a Swiss/Danish citizen, I bring a diverse cultural perspective to my studies. Empathy is a focal point for me, driving both my professional and personal pursuits. Therefore, I focused my essay for the global competition on this special subject: "Nurturing Empathy in a World of Scarcity: A Call for Global Connection," emphasizing it’s role in overcoming global challenges.For me, empathy isn't just a professional tool; it's deeply personal. I believe in its power to forge meaningful connections and address societal issues. In all aspects of my life, I'm dedicated to fostering empathy and understanding, using my knowledge and experiences to make a positive impact.

Kai is a PhD student in the Organizational Behavior Unit at the Harvard Business School. His research focuses on the challenges people experience in maintaining their passion over time, and “flextraversion,” which he defines as the ability to adapt one’s levels of extraversion towards what is optimal in a given situation. Beyond research, Kai hosts the German psychology podcast "Positiv Korreliert," organizes the German American Conference at the Harvard Kennedy School, and instructs workshops and courses on psychology-related topics.

Kanon earned a BS in Computational and Systems Biology from UCLA with Latin Honors and Departmental Honors. With her technical background and passion for health systems innovation, she is currently working in IT Product Management at CVS Health. She was chosen as a participant in CVS Health's IT Leadership Development Program (1.5% acceptance rate) to gain skills/experiences to become a future company leader.Kanon has experience in leading international teams and starting teams/projects from the ground up. Her strengths include her entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering tenacity, multicultural identity, and cross-boundary communication skills. Outside of work, you can catch Kanon exploring wonders around the world, competing in Triathlon Ironman races, and being enthusiastic about food.

Hanyuan (Karen) Wang serves as the CEO and founder of Climind, a platform that delivers actionable climate data infrastructure through AI technologies to facilitate mitigation and adaptation solutions. She is the first Chinese female to be selected as a Young Leader for the SDGs recognized by the United Nations. Additionally, she serves on board of NGOs globally, including being the youngest Board of Directors for the Foundation for the Museum of the United Nations - UN Live. She is also on the Advisory Board Members​ of AI Hong Kong.Karen was a research assistant at Imperial College London's Centre for Climate Finance and Investment (CCFI), where her work centers on voluntary carbon markets, climate risks, and nature-based solutions with a particular focus on the Asian Market . She was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30. In addition to her climate-focused pursuits, Karen has gained valuable experience in the data sector through her work with Merrill Lynch and Microsoft. She went to Hong Kong Baptist University, Imperial College London, and is a Schwarzman Scholar from Tsinghua University. With her Bai ethnic background, Karen also dedicates her time to preserving the disappearing Bai dialect in China.

I hold a bachelor's and master's degree in Political Science from the Federal University of Pernambuco. In addition, I pursued my second master's degree in Development Practice at the University of Minnesota with as a Fulbright Scholar. My career goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of emerging economies, focusing on reducing poverty among the most vulnerable, including women, children, and traditional communities.In my academic studies, I have developed and published research on political representation, UN peace missions and sexual crimes, and sustainable development as a democratic measure. Professionally, I have gained experience as an analyst of economic and financial projects for industries in Brazil.Currently, I serve as the Executive Secretary of Sustainability for the State of Pernambuco, leading efforts to advance sustainability and climate action. My objective is to support the sustainable development of emerging economies, paying particular attention to the needs of the most vulnerable populations—especially women, children, and traditional communities.

-Current CEO - APB SISTEMAS Y CONTROL DE ACCESOS -Investor daisies app, midas app & cubic app -Author and currently writing my first physical book -First entrepreneur director in AMMJEs history -Entrepreneur merit winner in mexico for 2 years -First under 30 mexican to represent mexico in World women summit of entrepreneruship -E100 winner Google 100 startups -winner She loves tech singapour winner-Winner 100 entrepreneurs by ASEM

- Advocating for a stronger and more resilient European and Transatlantic defence through cooperation- Hands-on experience both in Germany and France in governmental relations, business development and multinational campaign management in the armaments sector with a special focus on air defence and missile systems- Passionate skier and traveller

Karthik is an accomplished venture capitalist, technology strategist, and community leader with a unique and diverse career that has spanned continents and industries. His journey began at the age of 17, when he was a finalist in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Math Olympiad and was awarded the prestigious MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship by the Japanese government. This exceptional scholarship enabled him to move to Japan, where he pursued a dual academic path: a degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and a degree in Japanese language and cultural studies from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career built on technical expertise, cultural fluency, and a vision for leveraging technology to drive positive global impact.Karthik's leadership abilities became apparent early on, as he co-founded the MEXT Scholars Association, an organization aimed at fostering connections and support among international scholars in Japan. His leadership as Head of Partnerships helped scale the association to over 20,000 members, with 20 established partners generating recurring revenue to sustain and expand the organization’s mission. This association not only created a network of talented professionals but also directly addressed Japan’s aging society by promoting opportunities for foreign students to contribute to Japanese industries and society at large. Karthik’s work in this role has played a crucial part in bridging cultural and professional gaps, creating pathways for highly skilled foreign talent to make meaningful contributions in Japan.Recognized for his leadership, Karthik was selected as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, joining an elite group of young leaders worldwide. As Curator of the Yokohama hub in Japan, he led impactful projects such as “Fukushima-bu,” an initiative dedicated to rebranding the image of Fukushima after the 2011 Tsunami and nuclear disaster. This project, among others, exemplified his commitment to community rebuilding and socio-economic revitalization, especially in areas affected by natural and environmental challenges. His work as a Global Shaper underscores his dedication not only to technological and economic progress but also to social impact and cultural empathy.In addition to his leadership in community initiatives, Karthik has made a significant impact as a venture capitalist, focusing on deeptech startups with transformative potential. Selected as a Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow, he was one of only 30 individuals chosen from a pool of over 2,000 applicants, recognizing his contributions to the Japan-India Transformative Technology Network.Karthik’s valuable technical and investment experiences at Deloitte, corporate VC funds, startups and hackathons, his strong networks and communities, and his distinguished cultural fluency—he is proficient in 4 languages, have enabled him to create value across various domains in Japan, India, Singapore and the US geographies.

Kate is a music technologist who thrives at the intersection of art and engineering. She is interested in questions around sound, health, and fun, and thinks that play is paramount when trying to solve big problems and bring communities together.

I am 23 y/o, born and raised in munich and curious. Just a few weeks ago I completed my one-year research period in the field of tumorimmunology at Columbia University in New York city as a doctoral candidate at LMU. Currently I am interning at Charite in Berlin in the hematology-oncology depatment and in mid april I plan to move back to munich in order to continue my MD studies at TUM.

Kathy Mae Min (she/her) is pursuing an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University. She is deeply interested in the linkages between the built environment, sustainable transportation, social justice, and community engagement. Kathy previously received her MA in China Studies at Peking University and BA in History at Yale University.

Katie McIntyre is a director, technologist, fashion and automotive designer. She is a cultural leader that has been shaping the female empowerment movement across the music, technology and fashion industry. Post graduation from The Rhode Island School of Design, she worked as a designer at Google Creative Lab, developing technology approaches to fashion through an understanding of XR and digital wearables. She was then hired by Apple as one of the youngest art directors in the company’s history, where she worked across ID, HI, and Marcom on new product designs, films and mixed reality inventions. She is known for many things, including her feminine futurist car Dakini from her company MATRIARCH, and her album art, music videos and couture for some of the biggest artists on the planet, including NICKI MINAJ, Cardi B, Lizzo, The Weeknd,

Nationalrätin, Agronomin, Winzerin & Landwirtin mit Leidenschaft für Natur, Unternehmertum & Wein

Kay is an Associate at McKinsey & Company in Zurich, advising industrials and consumer clients on global strategy with a focus on China. As a Schwarzman Scholar in Beijing, he deepened his expertise in China’s economic landscape and global affairs, traveling to over 20 provinces to better understand the country’s regional diversity. With experience across both Western and Eastern markets, he is passionate about bridging cultures through business

After her International Affairs bachelor’s at the University of St. Gallen, Kay von Mérey joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva for a traineeship. Recognising this gap, she co-founded the Circle of Young Humanitarians (CYH) in collaboration with the ICRC in the spring of 2021, of which she is President. The CYH educates young people on international humanitarian law (IHL) and the humanitarian world, aiming to inspire advocacy for humanity's norms through innovative engagement. Alongside her CYH commitment, Kay von Mérey advances her impact in humanitarian fields by pursuing a dual master's in International Affairs and CEMS International Management at St. Gallen.

Kelvin Doe is an innovator and social entrepreneur from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Driven by a passion for tech, education and community development, he founded the Kelvin Doe Foundation with a mission to provide creative spaces to nurture communities, ignite a culture of innovation, and inspire civic engagement.Kelvin has been awarded several national and international awards for his work, including a Presidential Gold Medal (2013) and the MTV EMA Generation Change Award (2019). He is also the youngest person to participate in the "Visiting Practitioner's Program" at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Kennedy Ekezie is the Founder and CEO of Consize: a software platform for global organizations to deliver bite-sized workforce training via text. He previously founded Kippa: a payments and accounting platform serving 500,000+ small businesses in Nigeria. Kippa raised $10M from global investors. Before Kippa, Kennedy worked at Tiktok in Beijing, heading user acquisition for its expansion to Africa. He won a Yenching Scholarship (Chinese Rhodes Scholarship) and was the highest-ranked competitive debater in Nigeria for two years. As a teenager, he ran a social enterprise focused on expanding access to education for women in Nigeria. His work won the Queen's Young Leader Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was awarded the Young African Leaders Fellowship from President Barack Obama. Kennedy is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister.

Kerem is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Manufacturing and the CTO & Co-founder of Xatoms, a deep-tech startup revolutionizing water purification through AI and quantum chemistry. With a background in computer engineering and AI from the University of Toronto, Kerem has led Xatoms to discover 8 patented materials, secure $2M+ in funding, and gain global recognition through programs like Compute for Climate, Cansbridge Fellowship, and the G20 YEA. Originally from Istanbul and now based in Canada, he blends technical excellence with a passion for social impact, building solutions that bridge science, innovation, and underserved communities.

Kezia Asiedua Sanie is a young lawyer, passionate advocate, social entrepreneur and a dynamic speaker committed to empowering underprivileged children and communities. As the Founder and President of For The Future (FTF) Organization, Kezia, right from her teenage days has spent the past eight years leading impactful initiatives focusing on quality education, gender equality, community development, as well as climate action.Through her work with FTF, she has directly impacted the lives of over 5,000 underprivileged children in Ghana and recently expanded her humanitarian efforts to Nigeria. FTF is also registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States of America. Her impactful work through FTF actively contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).With a background in law and extensive community engagement, Kezia's work extends beyond her organization. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award - Ghana (Head of State Award Scheme), where she plays a pivotal role as the youngest member, fostering youth development by facilitating extensive skill training initiatives. Kezia has also represented young leaders at global platforms, including the World Bank Youth Summit in Washington D.C. and the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) conferences in South Africa and Rwanda as a speaker. She is also a member of the Global Shapers Community of the World Economic Forum and the Women Changemakers in Education Fellowship where she collaborates with passionate changemakers in Ghana and beyond to drive positive impact and create a brighter, sustainable future together. In 2020, she was named as the Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Young Achievers’ Awards. In 2022, she won the Community Influencer Award by Pulse Africa. In 2023, she was a Top 10 finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize, she was named as a Rising Star finalist by the .ORG Impact Awards and won the Agent of Change award by the Women’s Choice Awards Africa. In the same year, the National Academy of Students’ Achievement Awards Ghana (NASAAG) named her as a National Youth Icon/Ambassador 2023/2024. In 2024, she won the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Women’s Choice Awards Africa. Kezia’s commitment to human rights, social impact, and youth empowerment drives her goal to become an international human rights lawyer. As she embarks on her legal career, she seeks to build strategic partnerships and continue expanding her impact through policy advocacy, mentorship, and sustainable development projects.

Khalila Karefa-Kargbo holds a B.A. in Economics and Global Development Studies and is currently a Master of Public Policy candidate at the University of Virginia. With a passion for global citizenship, her areas of interest include urban development, poverty relief, and climate technology. Growing up in Sierra Leone, Khalila has a unique perspective on development issues and the effects institutions have on livelihood. She is committed to cultivating a more equitable and sustainable future and looks forward to connecting with like-minded professionals in her field.

Klajdi Kaziu is currently acting as Secretary-General and Programme Manager at the United Nations Association Albania (UNAA), leading its initiative to develop the Albanian Network on Youth, Peace and Security. Concurrently, he has helped shape UNAA’s youth-led research programme, particularly focused on energy security and resilient development. Klajdi has long been a young activist, committed to youth mainstreaming in EU Enlargement and transatlantic cooperation, primarily with regard to peacebuilding and security affairs. Since 2019, he has been actively engaged in policy research on the Western Balkans democratization and integration paradigms. Throughout the years, he has contributed to esteemed think tanks, including GLOBSEC, the Czech Institute of International Relations, and the Center for European Perspective, co-designing policy interventions targeting the nexus between European integration and stabilization of the Western Balkans. On a community level, Klajdi has displayed considerable skills in engaging with multilateral institutions, whilst utilizing his background knowledge and capacities as a UNFPA Peacenuilding Trainer. As a member of the USAID-supported EDYN Chapter in Albania he has developed a track record in bridging the country's polarization across political and ideological spectrum.Klajdi holds a Master of Arts in European and International Studies from CIFE - Center International de Formation Européenne, and has simultaneously benefited from executive training programmes in Post-Conflict Reconciliation Baltic and Black Sea geopolitics from Woolf Institute, Cambridge University.

House of Representatives ,Japan

After having finished his bachelor's degree in Politics, Administration and Organisation at the University of Potsdam and Sciences Po Lille, Konstantin is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Political Science at Freie Universität Berlin. Building on experience in a German state administration and with the Association of German Cities, he is now part of the World Health Summit's Strategic Engagement Team.

Koray Orhan is currently a Managing Director and Board Member at START Global, where he leads a 20-member team and oversees strategic fundraising and partnership development. Together, they have achieved a seven-figure annual fundraising volume and developed more than 120 active partnerships. Koray’s prior experience at Bergos AG, Homburger, and MLL, as well as his volunteer work in refugee education, enhances the team’s ability to achieve its goals. Driven by curiosity and purpose, he is committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Quantum enthusiast with a global academic journey - born in Bulgaria, studied in Scotland and Canada, graduated with a MSc from ETH Zurich, and worked at a quantum startup in Singapore. Currently, a Ph.D. candidate at JKU, Linz, delving deeper into the field of quantum technologies while exploring the beautiful Austrian Alps.

I am a dedicated individual currently pursuing my LL.B from the esteemed Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi, India. I obtained a Bachelor's degree in English from Miranda House where I learnt the power of words to make the unheard heard. As an active member of the Legal Services Society at the Faculty of Law, I engage in initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have had the opportunity to intern with the Indian Forum for Public Diplomacy, where I delved into the realms of Peace and Conflict Studies and contributed to the research on contemporary topics of international relevance. My belief in a sense of social responsibility serves as a driving force of my endeavours and therefore I seek to channel my voice through activism and writing, aiming to contribute meaningfully to foster a promising change within the society.

I am currently pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Operations and Supply Chain Management from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.

I am a social entrepreneur providing support business management services to organizations promoting sports, community and youth development programs for underprivileged youths across Ghana. With that experience I founded Glimpse Sports to bridge the gap between sports , community and tech. I am also a project manager with years of experience in strategy, financial management, project management, and business development roles. A highly adaptable and focused individual with strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Kylor earned her BSc. in Environmental Science at the University of Virginia. Since beginning graduate school, she’s received her Ph.D candidacy and led as president of the largest UVA graduate school (GSAS) and currently serves as chair of all 12 UVA graduate schools. Her research and professional policy-driven interests intersect, asking questions about climate change in coastal ecosystems, blue carbon, and economic valuation (carbon markets). Since collaborating on projects with the Blue carbon lab in Australia, The Nature Conservancy, and Terra Carbon, she pursues policy and stakeholder solutions to incentivize long-term investment in coastal habitats.

Lan Chen studies politics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, holds bachelor’s degrees in politics and economics from Nankai University, and has participated in the Thematic Forum for Digital Development of the World Youth Development Forum and ITCILO Global Youth Forum.

Lau Bekti Prajanira is an MBA student and entrepreneur. As the CEO and Founder of Makasih Gift, she envisions transforming the gifting industry into a prestigious collaboration platform for SMEs by merging creativity, product excellence, and storytelling while promoting sustainable gifting solutions—empowering SMEs to grow and thrive. Through a unique approach that combines product curation with immersive storytelling and user experience, she crafts meaningful and memorable gifting moments. Passionate about self-development, Lau actively seeks new knowledge, networks, and opportunities to expand her impact in the business world.

As a Master’s student at ETH Zurich specializing in urban mobility and transport planning, I am currently on an exchange in Stockholm, further expanding my expertise in sustainable transport solutions. Passionate about redefining urban mobility, I explore innovative approaches for future cities. My experience as a competitive orienteer and club president allows me to combine strategic thinking with endurance, both in sports and academia.

Kia Ora from New Zealand! My name is Lauryn, and I study at The University of Auckland. I am studying for my postgraduate degree in Public and Māori Health. Much of my work addresses inequity within the health and education system. In 2024, I was honoured to compete in the Global Leadership Challenge and win alongside my team while focusing on SDG 4:Quality Education.

With 10+ years working in different positions in the finance industry, I was able to expand my knowledge and skills in Private Banking, Relationship Management and Project Management. Driven by a deep interest in new technologies and its impact on transforming businesses, I decided to study the Master in Digital Business at ESADE in Barcelona.

I am Leander, 21 Years old and founder of otinga a brand which produces bike bags, which can be transformed to a backpack in under 7 seconds. With this patented product my co-founder and I started building our brand since 2021 and are now expanding our product line as well as our distribution.Hope to get to know you 😉

I am Leonardo Moser the president elect of the Student Union of the University of St. Gallen. I am passionate about representing student interests and strive to have a positive impact on student life during my tenure.

I am Liangxuan(Lux) Zhao from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. This is my last semester at THU. After graduation, I plan to become a machine learning engineer, focusing on the infrastructure and engineering problems of Artificial Intelligence, especially Generative AI.Besides, I love musicals very much and I once played Washington in “Hamilton the Musical”.

I am Lisa Militi the president elect of the Student Union of the University of St. Gallen. I am passionate about representing student interests and strive to have a positive impact on student life during my tenure. Apart from that I study business administration at HSG in the 6th semester.

Co-Founder & CEO of Emidat - Climate Intelligence for Construction, our aim is to decarbonize the 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions produced by the construction industry every year.Previously, I researched at MIT, worked in venture capital and startups and have been in the climate tech scene since 2018.I love foreign languages, coffee and all things outdoor sports. This year, I'm aiming for my first half-ironman.

Lorena Miranda is currently pursuing a Master of International Affairs degree at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), specializing in Economic and Political Development. While studying, Lorena actively engaged in hands-on experiences, interning as a Digital Transformation Intern at UNDP. Prior to joining SIPA, she worked as a Coordinator for International Affairs at the Association of Exporters of Peru and as a Coordinator for the Pacific Alliance at the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Peru. With a profound commitment to social justice, gender equality, and bridging the digital divide, Lorena strives to make meaningful contributions to a more equitable world.

I'm a former NCAA champion and national team heptathlete, that now excels as a graduate scholar at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Shifting from sports to cancer research, I merge molecular sciences with athletic insights.

Lucas Sousa is a Master’s student in Management at Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal, specializing in Strategy, and previously completed a BSc in Economics at the same institution. His research explores competitive dynamics, focusing on Portugal’s economic landscape and its positioning in global markets.He is currently a Project Manager at AARC, leading EU and World Bank-funded initiatives in varied areas, including fiscal governance and wildfire risk assessment. Previously, he worked as a Tax Consultant at EY Portugal, advising multinational clients on global mobility processes.Lucas has a keen interest in politics and debate. As President of Nova Debate SBE, he organized high-profile events, including a debate series featuring Portuguese Presidential candidates and other recognized guest speakers. In his free time, he enjoys writing and engaging in political discussions, particularly on governance and public policy. At the St. Gallen Symposium, he looks forward to discussing economic competitiveness and strategic governance.

I am a public policy professional with more than six years of experience working with data science to monitor and evaluate public policies. My expertise is combining statistics, technology and data to create evidence-based interventions for social challenges, focused on governmental spaces. I am currently an MSc student in Policy Evaluation at the University of Oxford, having been awarded the renowned Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership program. I have also a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a specialist degree in Statistics. In my career, I occupied leadership positions at the state-level government as the Director of Educational Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of education policies targeted to 2 million students in Brazil. I also worked as a Specialist Policy Researcher at the biggest digital bank in Latin America, conducting research to improve the financial inclusion of the Brazilian population. Out of office hours, I am a speaker, writer and creator of the Data Office, a project to strengthen data science in the Public Sector.

Born in Indonesia, Lydia is currently a professional based in Zurich, Switzerland. She is pursuing her Master of Strategy and International Management at the University of St Gallen. She previously built her career in the technology industry in Southeast Asia where she saw how technological advancement and innovation uplift people from poverty and a country to the next level of development. Her primary focus is the intersection between technology innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship. She aims to create impactful advancement through investment and innovation in the venture and entrepreneurship fields.

Lyric Jain is the Founder and CEO of Logically, a UK-headquartered AI company dedicated to equipping government agencies, enterprises, and platforms with the intelligence needed to safeguard democratic institutions, national security, and public trust. Through advanced AI and human expertise, Logically delivers an AI-powered Information Advantage, enabling governments to detect, analyze, and respond to emerging risks in today’s complex information environment.A graduate of the University of Cambridge and MIT, Lyric’s background in engineering and machine learning underpins Logically’s commitment to providing governments with data-driven intelligence that enhances policy decision-making, public sentiment monitoring, and strategic communications. Under his leadership, Logically has built world-leading capabilities in narrative intelligence, influence monitoring, and threat detection—key priorities for government agencies addressing geopolitical risks, foreign interference, and digital safety.

Maggie Grout is the Founder and CEO of Thinking Huts, an American charity that increases access to education worldwide for communities who are often unnoticed. Maggie and Thinking Huts have been featured in domestic and international media, including TIME Magazine, Good Morning America, The Talk on CBS, the World Economic Forum, BBC World News, Forbes, Tatler, Vogue, Robb Report, and more. She gave a TED talk in 2021 and graduated from CU Boulder, Leeds School of Business with a degree in Management, Strategy and Entrepreneurship with an international exchange at the University of Sussex.

I'm Magnus Örn Gunnarsson, CEO of the Centre for Social and Economic Research in Reykjavik, Iceland. My career has taken me on an exciting journey, from managing events across North America to directing Freer Future Fest and developing states for Students for Liberty. I've also worked as a campaign manager and a coordinator for various NGOs. When I'm not busy leading my team, you can find me indulging in my hobbies, which include hiking and collecting stamps and coins. I'm passionate about leadership and the non-profit sector, and I'm always eager to learn and grow in my role.

At just 23, Maïté launched the movement 'Balance Ton Bar', which aimed to expose the alarming phenomenon of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. She dedicated herself to amplifying this movement, successfully spreading the initiative to over 50 cities worldwide. Her activism drew significant attention from both the political and media spheres, leading to impactful changes, including the reform of the Sexual Penal Code in Belgium. In recognition of her dedication to victims of violence, Maïté was awarded the Amnesty International Youth Human Rights Prize in April 2022. Maïté is also the founder of Artémise, a non-profit organization focused on supporting the most vulnerable survivors of sexual violence, including both children and adults. Artémise provides a safe space for survivors to speak out, rebuild, and express themselves. Maïté's impact has been widely celebrated, earning her a spot on Forbes' "30 Under 30" list and the Citizenship Prize from the P&V Foundation.

Manh Tri is a Vietnamese native pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, with a focus on Energy Systems at the University of California - San Diego. He has a keen interest in sustainable development, climate change, and renewable energy. His current research involves combining engineering and political-economic principles to better understand global energy trends. In particular, he’s interested in Vietnam’s energy transition pathways and its implications in the broader ASEAN context. He is actively involved in international initiatives and events in the climate sector. Working with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), he helps equip Vietnamese youth with knowledge and scientific tools to understand and address climate change effectively. He co-founded the Youth4Climate Policy Working Group, where he leads the Energy Transition department to produce the UNDP-published report “Future in the making: Integrating youth perspectives in Viet Nam’s just energy transition”.

Manjima Anjana is a doctoral scholar at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR, India. Her research interests encompass technology and politics, governance models, and sustainability studies. For her doctoral research, she is closely examining technological solutionism prevalent in climate change mitigation initiatives and possibilities of additional or alternate epistemological frameworks. She is also the executive committee member of the Global Research Forum for Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT). GRFDT is a civil society organization that advocates migrant rights and contributes to migration studies.

I am President of The Young Center in Switzerland and I study political science and modern history at the University of Zurich. I am 25 years old and live in Switzerland. I am interested in issues such as social security, climate and energy, social contract, mental health, education and international cooperation.

Marcus Lannie is the founder of MMM which helps young entrepreneurs level up through global speaking engagements, founder coaching, and startup advisory.Marcus previously founded Redcoat AI to prevent AI-driven cyberattacks and raised $4.2M for the venture. After volunteering in a memory care facility for 10+ years, Marcus’ first company Dalz AI leveraged AI to slow Alzheimer’s Disease. Marcus was named ASME’s #1 Global Leader and recognized as a top founder worldwide under 26 by Sigma Squared.Marcus received his Master’s in AI from UC Berkeley and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue.

I am dedicated to empowering young people and advancing democratic values across Europe. I am the Youth Policy Advisor to the President-elect of Belarus, where I strategize to amplify youth voices and support youth-related initiatives and advocacy efforts. My role involves working closely with young leaders to ensure their perspectives are included in shaping Belarus's future. Currently, I also serve as the member of the Advisory Council on Youth at the Council of Europe, where I lead efforts to engage young people in decision-making processes and promote democracy and human rights across the continent.My experience spans roles in youth advocacy, project management, and international relations, all focused on creating inclusive spaces for youth participation and driving impactful change. I am passionate about fostering youth engagement, promoting democratic values, and creating a positive future for young people.

Candela Careaga is an Argentinian lawyer (UNMdP) who holds a master's degree in International Studies (UTDT) and is currently pursuing a specialization in criminal law (UBA). She is the former head of the division against illegal labor and human trafficking at AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenues). Candela has specialized in gender studies, international humanitarian law, and human rights. She is a fellow of FURP (University Federation of Río de la Plata). She published papers on crimes against humanity and sexual violence during the FARC-EP regime, as well as on the Turkish-Rojava conflict. She has also served as a speaker at various symposiums and conferences on human trafficking and forced labor.

Lawyer from the Universidad de La Sábana, writer and philanthropist, leader and activist for human rights, has led young people in the implementation of humanitarian projects in Colombia and around the world, works for the inclusion of people with hearing disabilities and for the rights of Afro-descendants. She was born in Neiva-Huila, belongs to Rotary International where she has held various leadership positions, speaks English and French, likes to learn languages, travel, read and write. She has been recognized for her projects on international disarmament, the culture of peace and her writing of "war is a business", she wrote the book 36 hours of flight, 12 days of peace.

Mariela is a first-year PhD student in the History department at Yale University. She forms part of the Global track, where she is advancing research on Cold War era Sino-Latin American relations. She has worked in the Research Unit at the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, and holds a Master's from Peking University and a Bachelor's from Brown University.

Marina El Khawand is the Founder and President of Medonations NGO in Lebanon and France, a HIMSS24 Changemaker in Health Award winner, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and Diana Award recipient. She is committed to providing free, equal, and equitable medical assistance to underserved communities, with a mission to transform global health access. Her journey began at 18, in the wake of the Beirut explosion, when she launched Medonations to address Lebanon’s dire medication shortages. What started as a personal response to a national crisis has evolved into a global NGO, showcasing Marina’s visionary leadership and resilience. Rooted in her Lebanese upbringing, Marina's humanitarian dedication was nurtured early through active participation in social service initiatives. These experiences, alongside her determination, shaped her into the humanitarian and law graduate she is today at 23. Her passion now extends into her pharmacy studies, further reinforcing her commitment to advancing healthcare solutions. In 2022, Marina spearheaded the construction of Medonations’ Free HealthTech Clinic in Beirut, marking a milestone in accessible healthcare innovation. This year, her impact transcended borders with the establishment of Medonations France and its first European headquarters, solidifying international support for Lebanon. Medonations has achieved extraordinary results: saving over 20,000 lives, covering the costs of more than 110 surgeries, and establishing 65+ international medical collection points across 65 countries, led by a global youth network. Marina’s efforts also extend to education and sustainable development, exemplified by initiatives like providing laptops to students and introducing solar panel backpacks. Marina’s guiding belief, “Anyone, anywhere, and at any stage of life has the potential to become a lifesaver, a changemaker, and a hope creator,” fuels her tireless pursuit of equal health rights and global impact. Her work continues to inspire, innovate, and transform lives across the world.

MARINEL UBALDO is an advocate for climate justice and the environment. She is currently serving as the Regional Field Director for North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation, and a Co-Founder and Managing Director for the Institute for Youth in Climate Diplomacy. She has recently graduated with her masters degree in Environmental Management with a certificate on Community-Based Environmental Management at Duke University - Nicholas School of the Environment, specializing in Environmental Economics and Policy.In addition to her academic pursuits, Marinel contributes to various organizations in advisory and board member roles. She serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Global Witness and as a Board Member of Climate Tracker. Furthermore, she worked as a Climate Corps Fellow, with the Environmental Defense Fund’s Legal and Regulatory team where she looked into the barriers and opportunities – or the lack thereof – in increasing the diversity of the clean energy consultant pool. At the end of her fellowship, she developed a landscape analysis on this, and designed a recruitment plan and pipeline development plan for the Environmental Defense Fund. In 2021, Marinel took on the role of Philippine Country Coordinator for UN COY16 Glasgow, simultaneously leading the implementation of the Local Conference of Youth 2021 - one of the most extensive youth gatherings of the year. She is also the Philippine Focal Point for Climate Science Olympiad.As a Greenpeace Volunteer, she helped mentor climate activists, providing guidance and support for their campaigns and initiatives. Marinel's dedication to educating communities extends beyond traditional methods. She actively utilizes social media platforms, organizes workshops and seminars, and collaborates with schools and organizations to raise awareness about climate change. Through her efforts, she empowers youth and children with knowledge, inspiring them to become advocates for a sustainable future. Marinel's passion for climate justice and community engagement drives her to be an instrumental force in creating positive change in the face of the climate crisis.She has had the privilege of speaking on behalf of Filipinos at major global events such as the opening of the UNFCCC COP 21 in Paris and the UNFCCC COP 25, COP26, COP27, and COP28. Additionally, Marinel is one of the petitioners of the landmark petition called National Inquiry on Climate Change and served as a Resource Person during the Climate Justice Liability Public Hearing at Climate Week in New York USA in September 2018. Her experience as a Climate Reality Leader, trained by former US Vice-President Al Gore, has equipped her with valuable knowledge and skills.Marinel's dedication to effecting change extends beyond speaking engagements and advocacy work. Her campaign with Amnesty International, calling for the Philippine government to relocate survivors of Super-Typhoon Haiyan, obtained 528,070 actions from individuals worldwide. She has also had the honor of being invited to speak at the Clinton Global Initiative, sharing the stage with influential figures like Chelsea Clinton.Through her work, Marinel has built impactful campaigns, established strong collaborations with government bodies, social and environmental organizations, and engaged with young individuals. Ultimately, her overarching goal is to empower frontline communities worldwide, striving for a safer and more sustainable future. She continues to share her story on the global platform, shedding light on the realities of climate change while urging world leaders to uphold their climate commitments, and encouraging action from the global community.

Mario, with degrees in economics, business education, and finance, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Currently serving as the COO and Founder of Optiverse AI, an innovative startup emerging from ETH Zurich, Mario is at the forefront of cutting-edge AI technology. Optiverse is revolutionizing the way video content is consumed with its pioneering video-to-video summarization technology. This breakthrough allows users to streamline their video consumption, saving both time and enhancing productivity, particularly in video meetings.In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Mario has been involved in impactful initiatives in the sustainable energy sector. Notably, he has played a significant role in the Oikos Solar Project, a collaborative effort aimed at increasing solar panel installations and promoting green energy in Switzerland. Mario continues to contribute as the Project Head of Finance for this meaningful endeavor, showcasing his dedication to driving positive change in the energy landscape through teamwork and collaboration.

Marjam Abugrey is a passionate scientist, researcher, and education advocate pursuing an MPhil in Chemistry at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana. Her research focuses on DNA Aptamers and their application in detecting heavy metals like arsenic in contaminated water, contributing to environmental safety and public health. With a strong background in leadership and public speaking, she has served as the American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter president, Vice President of the Ghana Student’s Chemical Society, and the Local Committee Vice President for AIESEC in UENR for Talent Management and Membership Experience, where she developed skills in mentorship, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration. Growing up in a fishing community with limited access to quality education, Marjam witnessed firsthand the challenges young girls face, including school dropouts and early pregnancy. This inspired her lifelong commitment to education equity and advocacy for girls' empowerment. She aspires to become a professor and a girl-child activist, using science, mentorship, and technology to create opportunities for underprivileged students.

Kia ora tātou - ko Mark Howard tōku ingoa, no Aotearoa ahau engari i whānau ahau i Te Awherika ki te Tonga. My name is Mark Howard, a first generation South African immigrant to Aotearoa New Zealand. I am a barrister and solicitor, published researcher, and passionate changemaker seeking to understand how constitutional reform can support global society to overcome the intersecting crises of climate change and colonization. I hold a Master of Laws with first class distinction from Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland and am currently pursuing my PhD in Law at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. I’m also an avid hiker, swimmer, reader and coffee devotee who loves to socialize - so please feel free to reach out if you’d like to talk!

Peihang "Marshall" Li is a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, specialising in public health, regulatory science, and political economy. He is a pioneering researcher of his generation in the political economy of health across the United States, United Kingdom, and China, who has published with Asia Society and contributed to pharmaceutical liability litigation in the US. His academic work has been awarded by Stanford Law School's China Guiding Cases Project and the British Society for the History of Pharmacy. Marshall holds an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History from the University of Cambridge and a B.A. in Political Economy from U.C. Berkeley. Beyond academia, he is a published poet and a thoughtful commentator on China, the Korean Peninsula, and public diplomacy.

Mateo Salvatto is a 25-year-old technology entrepreneur from Buenos Aires, Argentina. At 17 he became International Robotics Champion and a year later he created his first company: Asteroid, whose first product, Háblalo, already assists more than 400,000 people with disabilities around the world for free and transforms more than 25 organizations into accessible spaces.Mateo today is also Head of Innovation for ORT Schools, author of two Best-Sellers and was recognized as Humanitarian Innovator of the Year by MIT Technology Review, Best Social Innovator by Peking University and Global Entrepreneur of the Year by OneYoungWorld in the United Kingdom, among other awards. His company, Asteroid, was chosen among the TOP 100 Startups in the world by the Global Entrepreneurship Network of Saudi Arabia.Recently, Mateo was named by the consulting firm Poliarquía as the 10th most prominent businessman in Argentina.

Mathias Charles Yabe is a an award winning Ghanaian social entrepreneur and innovator. He is the Founder and CEO at AkoFresh, an innovative startup that strengthens food systems using climate smart solutions.To date, he has contributed to the implementation of five social impact projects, benefiting more than 7,000 individuals across Ghana. His efforts in driving impactful projects have earned him recognitions from Global Solutions Initiative, FAO and UNICEF. He is a Ford Fund COVID-19 Grant Recipient, a Kofi Annan Changemaker, BAF Awardee and UpLink- World Economic Forum Top Innovator. In 2023, he was a Mentor for the Women Entrepreneurship Accelerator Challenge hosted by the International Telecommunication Union.

I am a curious person, passionate about challenging the status quo and taking action to live better. I’m deeply interested in improving my well-being and helping others enhance their lives as well. I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things every day.I am the CEO and founder of WeSex, an app and community that helps people live a freer and more fulfilling sex life, guided by the world's top professionals. Additionally, I am the vice president of DAR es DAR, an NGO that fights against child malnutrition in Argentina.

Matthew Trachevski is a Sydney-based economist with professional experience in central banking, strategy and sustainability consulting, financial markets, and energy. He holds an honours degree in economics and a degree in pure mathematics from the University of Melbourne.

Passionate educator championing for mobilizing change and sustainable development through innovative education solutions

Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor.

Maximilian Kallenbach has been working for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) since 2021. He began his career at the Embassy in Ottawa (Canada) and is currently serving at the Consulate General in Munich. Maximilian studied political science and international affairs in Switzerland, France, and Canada, inspiring him to found two international Human Rights programs and intern with the United Nations in New York in 2019. His interests lie in multilateralism, global security policy, and transatlantic relations, particularly the psychological behavior of world leaders. In 2024, Maximilian was recognized as a Future European Leader "45 under 45" for his work and commitment to fostering international relations. In his (spare) free time, Maximilian enjoys reading, hiking in the Alps, and long-night debates with his friends. His ultimate career goal is to become the first Swiss Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Trained as an urban planner, my personal goal is to lead society toward a healthy and sustainable future. I am passionate about addressing global challenges through collaboration and cross-generational contributions, believing that meaningful discussions drive change. I hold a master's in urban and regional planning from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh specializing in urban management tools. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Hiroshima University, Japan, I serve as an assistant professor in KUET's Urban Planning Department. I am 29 years old. Over the past 6 years, I've coordinated courses and design studios. My research spans Urban Planning, Disaster Science, Environmental Management, Ecosystem Science, Sustainable Development, and Geospatial tools, with a focus on the Global South. With over 25 Scopus/Web of Science indexed articles and around 70 publications, my work aims to enhance sustainable, equitable, peaceful, and resilient societies, particularly through "Nature-based solutions" for achieving "SUSTAINABILITY." In addition to my role in teaching and research, I've collaborated with numerous international organizations and institutions, contributing my expertise to initiatives led by UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, WHO, USAID, GIZ, and CGIAR institutions. My engagements encompass diverse capacities, enhancing my understanding of global challenges. Notably, my Google Scholar H index is 15, reflecting the impact and recognition of my contributions within the academic community.

Meet is an MBA student at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, with prior experience in structured finance, specializing in securitization transactions. Passionate about financial innovation, global finance, and economic trends, he has worked on diverse debt transactions, bridging investors and originators in credit space. He is eager to explore and contribute in the private credit space. Beyond finance, he enjoys writing, exploring the intersection of geography and economics, and is deeply passionate about music and art.

My name is Megan Murphy and I work as legal counsel for DHL Supply Chain, where my primary practice areas are labor & employment law, commercial contracting, and data privacy. I studied law at the Ohio State University, where I led the Ohio Public Interest Law Foundation. Beyond my work, I love to spend my free time hiking, painting, rock climbing, or reading a great book!

Originally from Baku, Azerbaijan, Mehri is deeply committed to global dialogue and sustainable development. Currently she holds the position of Public Relations and Project manager at the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, an institution stands as a beacon of global diplomacy and cooperation uniting current and former heads of states and government, influential world leaders and nobel laureates. Mehri contributes to organizing significant forums and high-level meetings while also leading the Young Leaders Platform of the Center. With a background in ecological engineering, Mehri has proudly served as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ambassador by the United Nations Azerbaijan advocating for sustainable practices and initiatives. In her capacity as an ambassador, Mehri led transformative projects aimed at promoting awareness and action on pressing global issues. Recently, her contributions were recognized with the title of SDG Integrator by UNDP Azerbaijan.

I began my apprenticeship as a mediamatician at the age of 15, driven by the early ambition to take charge of my own life. Three years ago, I founded #bevisible GmbH, where I currently serve as Managing Director. As Vice President of the Young Liberals of Switzerland, I am committed to making our remarkable country a place worth living in for future generations.

Miao possesses a wide range of experience in the aviation industry, across key strategy and planning functions, including during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Miao is interested in creating sustainable growth for the Singapore air hub. In her spare time, Miao is a keen reader of history and economics.

Michael John Mago is a public sector professional and current Erasmus Mundus MSc candidate in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance, with academic placements at KU Leuven (Belgium), University of Münster (Germany), and Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia). His background spans diplomacy, humanitarian reporting, and digital governance. He has previously worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine Foreign Service Institute, among others. With experience across international organisations, government, and the private sector, he is particularly interested in how innovation and technology can strengthen governance and humanitarian outcomes.

Milan Katuwal is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) candidate at the Biden School of Public Policy, University of Delaware and the founder of National Policy Forum (NPF), a policy research and advocacy organization that works with the public to help bridge the gaps between public participation and policy adoption. The organization is committed to promoting good governance, accountability, evidence-based policymaking through active citizenship. His major interests and experiences lie in public policy, international development, governance, social engineering and impact.

Mirwais Wafa is a young German politician. He recently ran as a candidate for the German Parliament in the 2025 federal election for the Free Democratic Party of Germany (FDP). In the 2024 European elections, he was a candidate for the European Parliament.Beyond his political career, Mirwais is the co-founder and former chairman of the UNESCO Global Youth Community (2020–April 2025). He played a key role in establishing a sustainable community and platform for global youth and youth organizations within UNESCO’s structure, marking the first umbrella platform and community of its kind in the organization’s history. Additionally, he is one of the 114 elected members of the German National Commission for UNESCO and co-founded its youth platform in 2021. Mirwais holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Würzburg and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Bamberg.

Mitch Hunter-Scullion is the CEO and Founder of Asteroid Mining Corporation Ltd. He spends his time developing robotics platforms, commercial incentives and legal structures that will allow for the exploration and development of Space Resources.

Solving problems while I explore the intersection of technology, business, and people.An amateur sportsman-turned-nerd with a passion for learning, an appreciation of failing forward and - most importantly - a desire for collaborating with inquisitive minds and exceptional people.In my current capacity, I have continued my voyage into the world of tech, learning the art & science of business-meets-digital. Leveraging my engineering background, I approach analytical problems creatively, turning them into daily challenges I eagerly embrace.

Modester Lynn is a climate change, policy and energy expert passionate about climate finance, gender (women & youth) inclusion and community empowerment. She's played key roles in climate policy reviews in Kenya, climate negotiations and resource mobilization and youth access. Her passion is in supporting gender integration in key climate decision making processes through education, empowerment and mentorship. She has worked in key projects in Kenya including training ward climate change committees under the World Bank funded FLLOCA programme in Kenya, fundraised and coordinated the YOUNGO initiative-Local Conference of Youth in Kenya among others. With expertise in policy analysis and project development, she is committed to bridging the climate finance gap, empowering grassroot communities and driving sustainable policy development and inclusive implementation across Africa.

I'm TOUGMA MOISE from Burkina Faso, pursuing master's degree in Governance and Regional Integration at Pan African University. I'm strongly passionate to contribute to global problems settlement especially the current dynamic of global economy ( global economic instability).

Momna is a passionate designer and technologist pursuing a Master's in Digital Media (MDM) at Toronto Metropolitan University. With a deep interest in interaction design (IXD) and human-centred technology, her work explores how digital solutions can enhance user experiences and address real-world challenges.Her current research focuses on developing a cozy, narrative-focused game about a girl who inherits a rundown tea shop from her late mother. The game explores grief, cultural identity, and belonging themes, offering players an emotional and reflective experience. Through this project, Momna aims to design for cultural appreciation and empathy-building, making the story meaningful for both diaspora and non-diaspora players. This work aligns with her broader passion for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and human-centred design, using interactive storytelling as a tool for connection, self-discovery, and inclusivity.In addition to her research, Momna enjoys sharing her knowledge through lectures and workshops on interaction design, gamification, and multi-touch gestures. She is also an avid fitness enthusiast, aiming to inspire balance and well-being through her journey of personal growth.

Morgan See is a final year medical student at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Originally from Brisbane, he is currently based at Grafton and Maclean Hospital as part of a 12-month longitudinal rural clinical placement. Morgan is passionate about rural medicine and the potential for medical doctors to advocate for their patients beyond any individual consultation. Outside of clinical placement, Morgan is involved in Ophthalmology research that aims to identify potential Ophthalmic biomarkers of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a dementia associated with past concussions.

Mredul Sarda is an IIT Bombay alumnus with bachelors in Electrical Engineering and masters in Computer Science / Deep Learning. His first job was a consultant in Booz & Company where he worked with large clients like Tata, Raymond, NPCI, etc. on their go-to-market and strategy projects. He was the 1st strategy hire at slice where he scaled the FinTech startup to 10M customers, from $60m to $2B valuation in 2 years. He is an active angel investor in 20+ startups and runs a 20M deep tech fund called Riceberg Ventures! He loves talking about Cybersecurity + AI, Space Tech, Energy Transition and Sustainability.

I am Muskaan Goyal from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai. Although I was born and raised in New Delhi, you would find me at the intersection of technology, research, and management. I realized early on in college that I must explore virtually everything to stay relevant in this dynamic world. So even though I attended the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore to study management alone, I came back with a degree in management, with a specialization in analytics, and a minor in environmental sustainability, coupled with almost 2.5 years of experience in research.Going forward I would love to expand my horizons further. I am looking forward to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds at St Gallen!

My name is Mustika Wijaya, Founder and Director of Solar Chapter, a non-profit organization I established in 2017. Our mission is to drive sustainable development in rural Indonesia by engaging young adults in this crucial work, and our major focus has been the installation of community-driven, solar-powered pump systems in 19 villages of East Nusa Tenggara. As a result of our dedication, over 19,100 villagers no longer endure a three-hour trek for clean water, as public faucets are now conveniently located within 2-5 minutes of their homes.Our commitment to creating a long-lasting impact was recognized when I was selected for the Obama Scholar Program at Columbia University in 2022, a program aimed at empowering young leaders to accelerate their efforts.

Naomi Chepkemoi is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Studies at the University of Nairobi. She has further enhanced her expertise through various certifications, including Cybersecurity, Global Mentorship, Leadership, and Climate and Security Futures from prestigious institutions like the Cisco Networking Academy, Global Mentorship Initiative, Wedu Changemakers, and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Naomi serves as the Liaison Officer at Hesed World as a volunteer, where she plays a pivotal role in coordinating mentorship programs, building stakeholder relationships, and supporting capacity-building initiatives in Kenya. Her work focuses on fostering youth empowerment and creating opportunities for young changemakers. Previously, Naomi was a Young Leader in Foreign and Security Policy at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. During her tenure, she contributed to impactful research projects, participated in scenario development for the Cyber 9/12 Challenge, and provided strategic insights to departmental leaders.As a Future Africa Research Fellow she engaged in in policy analysis on Africa development . Her experience also includes working as a Research Assistant with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing on a project addressing health literacy and cervical cancer screening among rural women in Kenya.As a volunteer at the Chief Executive Officer of the PEACE Organization, Naomi has led strategic initiatives, managed financial affairs, mobilized resources, and overseen projects like the Lenakakya Ivuuni Primary School project. She has also demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen as the owner of Favour Cakes, where she managed all facets of the business from inception to brand development.Naomi is dedicated to driving social impact and fostering community empowerment. Her leadership roles at Hesed World and PEACE Organization highlight her commitment to creating sustainable change through strategic planning, effective project execution, and advocacy for youth and community development.

My name is Natalia and I come from Poland. For the past 10 years I have been living in the Netherlands where I currently purse a master degree in Supply Chain Management at RSM, and work as a Logistics Analyst for NCR. Areas of logistics and operations management as well financial education are part of my interest.I love to travel and meet other people.

Natalia is a Master’s student in Intellectual Property Law in Finland. She integrates her knowledge of European, International Law and Human Rights to navigate the complexities of patent law.As a natural diplomat, she is appreciated for her high level of empathy and cultural as well as self- awareness. Her international experience- spanning Poland, Germany, Austria, Finland, Italy, and Japan - enables her to to look beyond borders and seek holistic solutions for global problems. She strives to create a meaningful impact wherever she goes and seizes every opportunity that destiny brings her. Passionate about technology, business, and science, she is committed to fostering innovation while ensuring ethical and sustainable practices focused on public welfare.

I'm a multidisciplinary designer, engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur. I am passionate about solving real-world problems through new technologies and a human-centered design approach.

Nathanaël G. Dürst is a Research Assistant at the Bank Innovation Competence Center (BAICC), where he leads applied work on the use of artificial intelligence to improve compliance processes in Swiss private banks. He is currently completing an MSc in Management at HEC Lausanne, specializing in Strategy, Organization & Leadership. His previous experience spans Pictet Group, Syz Group, and BNP Paribas, with cross-functional roles in private equity, human resources, and risk. Beyond his professional path, he served as Vice-Chairman of the IFSA Network—the world’s largest student-run finance association—and currently acts as Associate Director of the Global Case Competition at Harvard. He is driven by a long-term ambition to align innovation and operational excellence in the financial industry.

Nathan Thomas is a Rotary Peace Fellow at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, conducting research in the field of International Law. As an officer in the United States Army, Nathan witnessed the limitations of reliance on military force. This experience has shaped his commitment to supporting and strengthening legal frameworks, aiming to address and mitigate the devastating effects of war and violence. Understanding that scarcity—whether of resources, justice, or attention—often exacerbates conflicts, Nathan is dedicated to finding ways in which law can serve as a foundation for peace and stability in times of turmoil.

I am a committed and aspirational researcher who is currently pursuing a master's degree in corporate communication in order to build a strong professional foundation and gain the essential skills. I enjoy studying and being creative, and I perform well in both academic and professional settings. In addition to my education, I enjoy golf, which has helped me enhance my attention, fortitude, and networking abilities, especially when interacting with people from other professional backgrounds. My dedication to professional and personal development is evident in my passion for both sports and education.

Neil Heinisch is a young entrepreneur specializing in marketing and communication for the next Generation. He is the co-founder and CEO of PlayTheHype, an award-winning agency that helps brands develop products, campaigns and ideas that resonate with Generation Z. In addition to PlayTheHype, he founded creator management HypeMakers, which focuses on creators with a community-centric approach. Before completing his high school education, Neil founded and built communities of more than 180,000 Germans, communities used by PlayTheHype for market research and trend analysis. PlayTheHype operates from offices in Hamburg, Berlin and remotely.

Nelson is a clinician from Ghana and is currently a student of the Sustainable Drug Discovery Program (S-DISCO). He envisions a world where safe and effective medicines are available to address all medical needs. He believes reinforcing drug discovery research efforts is pivotal to realizing this, hence his passion for contributing to early drug discovery to address unmet medical needs.

Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal is a Thai activist, writer, and publisher committed to democracy, education reform, and human rights. He is a national award-winning producer and the founder of Sam Yan Press, a student-run publishing house that has built global connections to bring transformative ideas to Thailand. Through his work in publishing and activism, he fosters critical thought and international dialogue, shaping discussions that impact future generations.

Nicholas Lowinger is a 26 year old social entrepreneur from the United States of America. He is the President & Founder of the Gotta Have Sole Foundation and a graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business with a degree in Marketing & Sustainable Business. Gotta Have Sole’s mission is to provide homeless and under-resourced youth with brand new shoes to help them feel confident, comfortable, and special. Since launching in February 2010, Gotta Have Sole has donated new footwear to over 118,000 children across America. Based out of Rhode Island, Gotta Have Sole supports over 215 shelters throughout the country. His ultimate goal is to be the shoe-provider for shelters in every high need area throughout the United States and ensure that every under-resourced child has the new shoes they need. He is in early development of a sustainable luxury brand that will produce environmentally sustainable goods, starting with sneakers, and produce sneakers for the Gotta Have Sole Foundation.

Nimrod Malinas is a trailblazing entrepreneur redefining the way people use robots. As the founder and CEO of Robonnement, he is democratising the robotics industry with his Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, making cutting-edge automation accessible to businesses worldwide. While still a startup, global brands like Mercedes, Porsche or Schneider Electric are already using the robots from Robonnement to simplify hazardous and repetitive industrial jobs.Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Switzerland list, he has rapidly become one of the most influential figures in European tech innovation. Under his leadership, Robonnement won the Swiss Digital Economy Award 2024, solidifying its impact on the future of automation. A dynamic speaker at events like TedX, UBS Wolfsberg Forum as well as different Swiss and international business conferences, Nimrod captivates audiences with his vision for AI-driven industries, shaping the next era of digital transformation.

Nina Gisler, 22, is a bachelor student in business administration at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, majoring in finance and banking. She has been Vice President of Junge Mitte Schweiz since December 2023.

I am a Bachelor Student in my 6th Semester of Business Administration. Since 2 years I am part of the student organisation START Global that aims to be the seeding ground for entrepreneurial talent. The reason I am interested in entrepreneurship is because it allows me to combine two parts of my personality; I am very creative but also like to have frameworks that I can work within or restructure by questioning the status quo.

Nour Idelbi, 18, is the founder of several successful startups and is currently studying at WHU. She is also a member of the advisory board at Digital8, the consulting company founded by the Prince of Prussia, and has been recognized as one of the Top 20 under 20 by Business Insider.

Hi! My name is Nujailah and I am a currently a Master’s student at Columbia University studying Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. I also work full time at Mastercard, where I am involved in enhancing existing payment tokenization solutions and exploring new product initiatives pertaining to ‘hot topics’ such as Gen AI for performance optimization. In my free time, I love to read, travel and drink lots of chai. Karak chai, to be specific.

Master students that is sponsored by Lembaga Pengelolaan Dana Pendidikan (LPDP/the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency) under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia. N. Hamidah also currently active as a science teacher that interest in sustainability, citizen science projects and holistic teaching. N. Hamidah is also founder of Instel Science Club.

Nurhan Raihan is an accomplished policy strategist and international development expert who stands at the intersection of diplomatic leadership, social innovation, and sustainable governance. As the distinguished Grand Winner of the University of Oxford & St. Gallen Symposium Global Leadership Challenge 2024, he currently serves as Country Director for the ASEAN Youth Organization in Singapore and Director at Riffai. His academic foundation from the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy (ranked 8th globally) complements his real-world implementation of frameworks that have reshaped regional approaches to critical challenges in climate resilience, economic development, and social equity. Also a fellow at both Climatebase and the European Institute of Policy Research and Human Rights, Nurhan maintains a global perspective while delivering measurable local impact.

Ugandan Environmental Activist, a CEO and Founder of Earth Volunteers a nonprofit organization whose work focuses on fostering young people to take climate actions voluntarily.

I am a dedicated and adaptable individual, driven by curiosity and resilience, equipped to tackle any challenge with maturity and accountability. With a robust background in leading diverse projects and engaging in numerous international and national youth programs, I am deeply committed to driving positive change, especially in Cambodia, using STEM as a catalyst. As an emerging entrepreneur, I co-founded "Bondoul" with a mission to bridge students with paid internships, envisioning it as the go-to platform for aspiring professionals and a trusted recruitment partner for businesses. Beyond my entrepreneurial pursuits, I am a passionate advocate for inclusion, particularly championing the rights of people with disabilities through initiatives like "PIKAR Hero," aimed at fostering digital literacy and fostering meaningful connections within youths and the PWDs.

Olive Thomas is a detail-oriented medical laboratory scientist passionate about Global Health, particularly, the Global Epidemiology of Infectious diseases. She is currently doing her Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Zimbabwe. Outside of her academic endeavors, Olive leads Women Healing Foundation (WHF), an organization dedicated to reduce health inequalities, to improve health accessibility and enhance health education and advocacy for young women and girls. She has conceptualized and led youth-centric advocacy and interventions, empowering young people in communities through comprehensive health education programs and capacity building initiatives.

Oliver is a second year medical student at The University of Sydney, Australia. As an undergraduate, he studied chemistry and biology through the Bachelor of Philosophy—Science at The Australian National University in Canberra, and completed his Honours project in platelet biology. He also has a keen interest in public health and medical/ research policy.

Oluwaferanmi Omitoyin is a public health physician with a strong interest in global health and policy administration. He currently serves as a vice president of the International Association for Youth Mental Health (IAYMH), where he advocates for youth mental health on a global scale. He has also played a key role in international collaborations by organizing two global conferences. Additionally, he is the Head of Programs at ForYouPage.Org, a youth-led, community-focused international organization that supports grassroots mental health initiatives. Oluwaferanmi worked as the Head of Clinical Services at St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital, a mission-based facility located in a rural Nigerian community. There, he organized community health outreach programs focusing on disease prevention and health education. He also served as the HIV clinician and Antiretroviral Therapy Coordinator for APIN Public Health Initiatives, where he oversaw the region's HIV program, implemented effective screening outreach efforts, improved monitoring and evaluation of facility projects, and enhanced the overall management of HIV patients. Dr Omitoyin is a program associate and medical officer at Plus Circle Community Health Advancement Organization, where he conducts medical outreach, provides free medications, and delivers health educational talks in various states across the country, all aimed at reducing health inequalities. Additionally, he is the founder of The Health Co, a non-profit organization focused on health education for schools, communities, and corporate organizations in Nigeria. He is passionate, innovative, and forward-thinking, dedicated to improving health systems in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. He is also a community builder and youth development leader committed to raising the next generation of leaders.

Funke Aderonmu is a Master in Public Affairs candidate at Princeton University, studying international development with a regional focus on Africa. Funke is committed to addressing poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a global scale. Before Princeton, she contracted for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting programs to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty globally. Prior to that, she worked in research and advocacy to advance racial, gender and economic equity as a policy analyst with the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and as a Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow with the Congressional Hunger Center. After Princeton, Funke aims to advance evidence-based and equitable policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development in Africa and globally. She holds bachelors degrees in international relations and economics with honors from the University of California, Davis.

Funke Aderonmu is a Consultant at Camber Collective, a social impact consulting firm that partners with non-profit and for-profit organizations, philanthropies, and governments around the world to create a thriving future for people and communities. Previously, she worked for the U.S. Department of Energy and USAID furthering global cooperation on clean energy, climate resilience, and food security challenges. Prior to that, she worked in research and advocacy to advance economic mobility and social inclusion as a policy analyst with the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and as a Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow with the Congressional Hunger Center. Funke is committed to addressing poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a global scale. She holds a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University and undergraduate degrees in economics and international relations from the University of California, Davis.

Paige is a McCall-Macbain scholar completing her masters degree in Epidemiology at McGill University. She's interested in cancer prevention, reproductive health, and science communication.

Parneet Kaur is a poet, policy enthusiast and an advocate for decolonization and sustainability. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Poetry for Planet, an international youth-led creative movement to empower the climate community through the power of storytelling. As a champion of intersectional feminism, she established Girl Up Zubaan, a local chapter in India, with global outreach to empower the marginalized women through sustainability and Indianizing feminism. Last year, she served as the Senior Associate in Youth20, the official youth wing of G20 during India's official presidency. She has been nominated as the Impact Officer of Chandigarh Shapers Hub under World Economic Forum.

Patience Mwaka Namfukwe is a dedicated and compassionate individual from Zambia who is driven by a passion to create positive change in her community. With a strong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, Patience works tirelessly to address the social and economic challenges faced by marginalized groups. Her selfless dedication and unwavering determination inspire others to join her in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society.

Patrik studied law at the University of St. Gallen and was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30. In 2019, he co-founded his first ETH spinoff, focusing on building software and hardware teams in sustainability and AI applications.

I am currently in the final year of the Grande Ecole - Master in Management program at ESSEC Business School where I am double majoring in corporate finance and business law. During my studies, I spent a semester abroad at Bocconi University in Milan, took part in the Yale Summer Session focusing on Legal & Economic Analysis of Exchange, Contracts, and Dispute Resolution, and completed the “Corporate Finance Track” program at ESSEC Asia-Pacific in Singapore. Through my studies, I have developed a strong interest in welfare economics and corporate governance. Finally, during my free time, I enjoy kayaking, which helps me unwind and feel connected to nature. I am also very passionate about reading and writing, especially poetry.

Final Semester Master in General Management and Certificate in Managing Climate Solutions student from the University of St. Gallen. Previously attained a Bachelors degree in International Commerce with German from the University of Galway and completed a year-long exchange at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Peter Bolliger, born and raised in Ruedertal, is an entrepreneur, speaker and adventurer.After his 4-year apprenticeship as a polymechanic, he started his own business in the video industry in 2018.After initial setbacks and challenges, his videos reach millions of people across Switzerland every year.With his stories and videos, he aims to get young people into action.His customers and partners include companies such as SWISS, Kantonspolizei , Migros, RedBull, Emmi and many more.

Drawing on concepts and methods from Science and Technology Studies (STS) and transformation research, I am researching the role of visions and imagination in innovation-based transformation processes. I am interested in topics of (geo)politics and innovation, transformation, grand (societal) challenges, as well as the positive contribution engaged research can make.

I am currently completing my Master of Public Policy at Sciences Po, majoring in Public Affairs. My academic background includes study in both France and the United States, where I focused on transatlantic relations. While my expertise lies in public administration, my interests encompass a broader spectrum, including international affairs, sustainable development, and European policy. This breadth of interest is reflected in my experiences with the French Association for the United Nations (AFNU) and L'Oréal Group. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy running, traveling, and following current political events.

Plestia Alaqad has been a leading voice during the Israel-Palestinian war. With over 4 million followers tracking her fearless frontline coverage on Instagram, Plestia’s work has been spotlighted by global heavyweights like Al Jazeera, The New York Times, BBC, and The Washington Post.In 2024, Plestia was named as one of the BBC's 100 Women of the Year, and as One Young World's Journalist of the Year.

Precious Chimburuoma Azubuike is an accomplished attorney, researcher, and advocate for women’s growth and manifestation with a passion for fostering transformative narratives and advancing justice. She combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to advocacy and creative impact. Precious is the founder of the GirlLift Group, a conglomerate of the GirlLift Foundation, GirlLift Attorneys, GirlLift Consulting, GirlLift research and Writing, amongst others, expressions of the GirlLift vision dedicated to empowering women and girls to embrace self development, leadership and society shaping. Through GirlLift, she creates spaces for women to explore their identities, amplify their voices, and drive community change. Precious’ research interests intersect law, technology, and social justice. In her legal career, Precious has successfully led teams, conducted impactful legal research, and managed complex cases. Her ability to synthesize data and craft actionable solutions equips her to contribute meaningfully to global conversations on equity, inclusion, and systemic transformation.As a creative and interdisciplinary thinker, Precious seeks to explore the diverse experiences of women, drawing from her advocacy work and leadership to shape projects that challenge norms and inspire change.

Qiyun is a sustainability professional with over six years of experience in communicating sustainability and decarbonizing complex supply chains. Having worked at notable organizations across various sectors and geographies, she possesses a deep understanding of environmental issues and challenges.Qiyun is recognized as a prominent sustainability communicator, known for her ability to translate complex climate change topics into accessible information for diverse audiences. She founded The Weird and Wild 6 years ago, an educational platform that explores climate issues visually. Qiyun is adept at translating sustainability jargon and policy into accessible, useful and actionable information. She has been recognised for her sustainability communications work, where she’s been selected as a National Geographic Young Explorer, 2023’s BBC 100 Women, Global Citizen APAC Young Leader, Tatler’s Gen.T honouree, Prestige’s 40 under 40 and Eco-Business Youth A List Awardee. She has also spoken on international stages, including at the ChangeNOW Summit and COP28, advocating for climate action and science communication.

Someone perpetually ready to engage in seemingly endless, at times, pointless debates. Who values questions, regardless of their stubbornness to submission. Even more than that - connections that give depth and insight. So let's talk about anything and everything that makes you tick!

I am currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing at SPJIMR, Mumbai. My academic focus equips me with the skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of marketing.Beyond the classroom, I possess a strong interest in exploring diverse cultures and cuisines. This passion for travel allows me to broaden my perspective and develop a deeper understanding of global markets.As a highly motivated extrovert, I thrive in collaborative environments. I enjoy fostering connections with individuals from various backgrounds and engaging in meaningful discussions about life, current events, and the ever-evolving world of business.

Dr Rakoen Maertens is the Juliana Cuyler Matthews Junior Research Fellow in Psychology at New College (University of Oxford). He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge on using psychological science to understand and fight misinformation and has published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Communications and Behavior Research Methods. Alongside his academic work he developed an interest in science diplomacy and served as a representative to the United Nations for three NGOs. His applied behavioural science work includes collaborations with Google, WhatsApp, and the UK Cabinet Office.

I recently co-founded a company dedicated to fostering mental health and consciousness in the workplace, equipping companies with tools to manage stress, nurture emotional connections, and promote joyful living. With a background in industrial design and a master's in strategic foresight, I'm also doing research on the political prioritization of adolescent mental health. Last year, I embarked on a transformative six-month meditation retreat, an experience that profoundly reshaped my perspective on life.

I'm a cybersecurity professional with a passion for using technology for good. My background in law and computer science lets me tackle digital security challenges from both angles. Currently, I work at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, where I fight cyber threats and educate staff and patients. Public service is important to me, and I volunteer with organizations that empower victims of violence and advocate for patient rights, especially in the digital age. I'm always looking to connect with new people and share knowledge. My goal? To connect with people from different backgrounds, share knowledge, and leverage my skills to create a safer and more equitable digital space.

Rezwana Rahman is a Registered Nurse, researcher and entrepreneur focused on caregiving, urban health, and immigrant experiences. As the founder of SaraaSits, a faith-based caregiving platform for children and elderly adults, she integrates AI-powered solutions with culturally responsive care. Her research explores the duality of care among second-generation immigrants, and the intersection of faith and caregiving. With a background in nursing and a commitment to community-driven innovation, she aims to shape inclusive and sustainable caregiving solutions.

I am currently a Master's student majoring in finance, deeply passionate about finance, sustainable economic development, and international relations. I have a sky's-the-limit mindset, always seeking opportunities for growth and learning. Being of Chinese ethnicity but born and raised in Austria, I have had the privilege of living in multiple countries. This multicultural background has fueled my love for cultural exchanges and immersing myself in diverse environments, enriching my perspective and experiences.

I am Ritik Garg and hail from the capital of India, New Delhi. I am pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR). I have had a short stint at PwC India in their Management Consulting division. Marketing has always intrigued me and I plan to pursue a career in it. I love to travel and have been to numerous countries like the UAE, Singapore, China etc. which has offered me a tapestry of diverse cultures and experiences. This worldly odyssey further complements my fascination with International relations and geo-politics. I aspire to be a leader dedicated to shaping a more peaceful and empathetic world.

I believe building resilient strategies is essential under today's global disorder. With global businesses facing increasing uncertainty, I am committed to shaping bold, future-ready responses.Currently, I am pursuing a MLitt. in International Business at the University of St Andrews, focusing on scenario thinking and entrepreneurship. Previously, I studied Business Administration at the University of Münster. During that time I gained practical experience at Accenture, EY, and Innovative Management Partner, where I worked on financial steering models, due diligence for billion-euro transactions, and open strategy consulting projects. I am also a member of Chatham House’s CFC programme, where I collaborate with global peers and policymakers on pressing international issues.As a Leader of Tomorrow, I’m eager to engage with forward-thinking peers and decision-makers to co-create solutions for a better future.

Robin Saluoks is the CEO of eAgronom, a leading regenerative agriculture platform in Europe, empowering thousands of farmers managing over 2.5 million hectares. eAgronom pioneers breakthrough farm-level data collection technologies and conducts field trials across Europe to promote soil-friendly practices directly within farmers' communities. Robin has been recognized as the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and innovation.

Roman Gojayev is a gender activist, international facilitator, and trainer; co-founder & development director of Gender Hub Azerbaijan, a youth-centered feminist organization working towards strengthening a multistakeholder approach to advance gender equality and women's rights in the country. Roman is one of the appointed 35 leaders of the 2023 Obama Leaders programme under the Obama Foundation; He is a proud Board Member of the Generation Connect Visionaries at the International Telecommunication Union of the UN.He has 6 years of experience working with national and European NGOs in coordinating and providing capacity-building training in the youth work sector. He has worked with different UN specialized agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, and OHCHR including with several Embassies. The projects Roman has been organizing reached out and affected at least eight thousand stories. The projects he organizes are working towards advancing SDG targets.

Roman Gojayev is a gender activist, international facilitator, and trainer; co-founder & development director of Gender Hub Azerbaijan, a youth-centered feminist organization working towards strengthening a multistakeholder approach to advance gender equality and women's rights in the country. Roman is one of the appointed 35 leaders of the 2023 Obama Leaders programme under the Obama Foundation; He is a proud Board Member of the Generation Connect Visionaries at the International Telecommunication Union of the UN.He has 6 years of experience working with national and European NGOs in coordinating and providing capacity-building training in the youth work sector. He has worked with different UN specialized agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, and OHCHR including with several Embassies. The projects Roman has been organizing reached out and affected at least eight thousand stories. The projects he organizes are working towards advancing SDG targets.

Rukhsar is currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Management at SPJIMR, Mumbai, with a passionate commitment to driving impactful change at the intersection of technology and strategy. His academic journey exemplifies excellence, earning him recognition as a gold medalist in Engineering from Jadavpur University.Outside the professional arena, Rukhsar thrives on mentoring and fostering open dialogue to inspire creative thinking and craft solutions that leave a lasting impact. Sports such as cricket and badminton have played a pivotal role in shaping his qualities of teamwork and perseverance. With a multifaceted background, Rukhsar is poised to bridge the realms of technology, strategy, and collaboration to contribute meaningfully to society.

My name is Olatunji Ruth Abisolaoluwa, a creative and introspective young woman in my early twenties. Writing is my passion; I often find myself penning down my thoughts and observations, driven by an insatiable curiosity to learn and explore the world around me.I believe in the adage, “When you stop learning, you start dying.” Life is full of lessons waiting to be discovered, and I strive to experience it to the fullest. I am known for my warm demeanour, kind spirit, and beautiful smile. Giving—whether through kind words, gifts, or simply being present for others—is a fundamental part of who I am. Stories captivate me; I see them everywhere—in blogs, podcasts, social media, and everyday interactions. I thrive on challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth. While I acknowledge my imperfections, I am committed to self-improvement—evaluating my actions, owning up to mistakes, and striving to make things right.

Ruvimbo Samanga is a space policy analyst currently specialising in African regulatory market access. She serves as Ambassador at the Milo Space Science Institute and is involved in international capacity-building for sustainable development. A recipient of the IAF’s Young Space Leader Award, her research focus includes space sustainability, commercialisation of space activity, and Earth observation & remote sensing.

Ruvimbo Samanga is a space policy analyst currently specialising in African regulatory market access. She serves as Program Manager at the Milo Space Science Institute and is involved in international capacity-building for sustainable development. A recipient of the IAF’s Young Space Leader Award, her research focus includes space sustainability, commercialisation of space activity, and Earth observation & remote sensing. In 2024, she received the International Institute for Space Law’s Young Achiever of the year recognition.

Ryan is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, where his research is focused on the analysis of environmental metagenomic data for pathogen surveillance. Prior to his PhD, he was a political affairs intern at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs where he supported the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. His interests span infectious disease modeling, computational biosecurity, and biological disarmament.Ryan graduated from the University of Warwick with an MSc in Mathematics of Systems and holds a BSc (Hons) in Statistics from the National University of Singapore.

Born in Osaka in 1997, Ryosuke graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. in Environmental Science and Engineering (minor in Environmental Science and Public Policy). From 2016 to 2023, he served as President of the educational non-profit Ryu-Fellow, supporting proactive high school students. In April 2023, he was elected Mayor of Ashiya City, becoming the youngest mayor in Japanese history. His core focus is on public education reform and community development, particularly through youth engagement and dialogue with diverse age groups.

Karthik is an MBA student at SPJIMR-Mumbai. He has a rich and comprehensive experience of more than 5 years in Oil & Gas industry and worked in Operations, Project Management, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Sales. Passionate about solving complex business challenges, Karthik worked on various operations process optimization and supply chain streamlining project. Karthik also carries a wealth of knowledge on macro- and micro-economic challenges at ground level of India. Karthik is equally passionate about poetry, writing, and vocal music, and is a sucker for good English.

An MBA in Finance with a strong interest in economics, finance, and analytics. Avid reader and writer, always exploring new ideas. A passionate dancer skilled in ballet, jazz, and contemporary, blending semi-classical and contemporary styles. Loves meeting new people, traveling to new places, and embracing diverse cultures.

Sami Huraini Local activist and Human rights defender from Masafer Yatta south Hebron hills. Winner of front line defenders award 2021 field researcher of Palestinian human rights organization Al Haq

Sam is currently a PhD candidate at Stanford University researching AI safety as part of the Management Science Department. Previously, he completed his master's degree in physics and spent several years at BCG where he focused on private equity, airlines, and COVID public sector response. He is an avid traveler, having been to over 60 countries and has worked in places ranging from London to Doha to Kazakhstan. Outside of work, Sam enjoys tennis, hiking, social dancing, and discussing philosophy.

Hi there! I'm Sam, I'm the founder and director at Khthon, an international humanitarian NGO that conducts open-source and human intelligence investigations into war crimes in conflict zones around the world. I am also a content creator, making videos exploring ancient history, archaeology and ancient languages.

I'm Santiago Bulat, a 30-year-old Argentine economist. Additionally, I hold Master's degrees in Finance and Economic Development. My specialization lies in macroeconomics, and I contribute through writing and speaking engagements across numerous local and international media. Also, a futbol fan.

Santiago Guglielmetti is an entrepreneur, strategist, and political communicator with a global vision for innovation in business, technology, and policy. As the founder of WINIM, he led the company’s expansion across Argentina and Australia, pioneering solutions to reduce food waste and optimize supply chains. He has worked at the intersection of business development, policy influence, and venture capital, collaborating with major corporations like Danone and Carrefour, as well as international accelerators such as Techstars and Startupbootcamp.Beyond entrepreneurship, Santiago is deeply involved in political strategy and communication, working to reshape the narrative of Argentina’s PRO party. He is currently VC & Partnerships Lead at Chore, driving strategic alliances in the startup sector. A recognized speaker, he has shared insights at global forums, including the Vatican alongside Pope Francis. Passionate about impact-driven solutions, he continues to bridge the worlds of sustainability, technology, business, and policy to drive meaningful change.

I hail from the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore. A student of business, I come from the unconventional background of the liberal arts. I try to see situations from new, unique perspectives and challenge existing norms. I believe that knowledge is power, but more importantly knowledge is a unifier, which helps us find common ground. And that’s what I love doing, finding workable solutions for complex problems by understanding the nuance that underlies them. My curiosity has also led me to pursue diverse hobbies such as fostering animals, calisthenics and dressmaking.

Sean Chan is a policy analyst and public health advocate with a background in political science, holding a B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) in Political Science from the National University of Singapore, where he delved into international affairs related to China and the Eastern European sphere. With experience as a legislative assistant, Sean has a proven track record in healthcare and social services policy analysis and recommendations. Currently pursuing an MSc in Public Health at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, he is focused on evaluating malaria transmission dynamics to support elimination goals in Bhutan, aiming to translate his research into sustainable healthcare policies for global implementation, especially in low-resource settings. Beyond his professional endeavours, Sean is deeply committed to his community, serving as a petition writer as well as an active grassroots leader focusing on active ageing as well as racial and religious harmony. He is currently the Vice Chairman of the Jalan Kayu Harmony Circle. He is dedicated to social impact, bridging diverse community interests towards cohesive action. Outside of his academic and volunteer activities, Sean enjoys watercolour painting, music, and reading.

Sean Chan is a Parliamentary Legislative Assistant and public health advocate with a background in political science, holding a B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) in Political Science from the National University of Singapore, where he delved into international affairs related to China and the Eastern European sphere. With experience as a legislative assistant, Sean has a proven track record in healthcare and social services policy analysis and recommendations. Currently pursuing an MSc in Public Health at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, he is focused on evaluating malaria transmission dynamics to support elimination goals in Bhutan, aiming to translate his research into sustainable healthcare policies for global implementation, especially in low-resource settings. Beyond his professional endeavours, Sean is deeply committed to his community, serving as a petition writer as well as an active grassroots leader focusing on active ageing as well as racial and religious harmony. He is dedicated to social impact, bridging diverse community interests towards cohesive action. Outside of his academic and volunteer activities, Sean enjoys watercolour painting, music, and reading.

Hi all, my name is Seb. I'm the founder & CEO of Dealflow, the next-gen invoicing platform for global companies. We empower business owners with financial superpowers by combining global instant bank payments with AI-powered workflow automation. We're the first platform in the market to pull this off, and our waitlist have skyrocketed from €70k to over €10mn in monthly volume since Christmas as a result. We just raised a groundbreaking $700k pre seed round and we're now preparing for our next raise. I'm a Sigma and Ewor fellow, I've raised close to €2mn so far in my founder-career and I love to talk about fintech, product and compact nuclear fusion. I have a STEM background from NTNU in Norway, and I used to be a professional cross-country skiier. I have one tattoo, my favourite equation: 1.01^365 = 37.8. Please send me an email if you think you understand what the tattoo means. Hopefully speak soon!

Sergei Kondratev is a robotics researcher and sciencepreneur passionate about combining advanced automation with artificial intelligence. Currently, he's completing his Master's degree in Electric Power Engineering, where he's integrating innovative solutions from his startup into his thesis. Sergei previously earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics and Robotics, graduating at the top of his class. Sergei has published research in reputable journals, covering topics such as robot manipulation and AI applications in industrial robotics. He consistently excels in competitions, notably achieving recognition multiple times in national robotics contests and receiving awards for his research work. Additionally, Sergei actively participates in prestigious international forums and schools like the Heidelberg Laureate Forum, Yenching Global Symposium and EPFL’s Sciencepreneurship Summer School, demonstrating his commitment to linking scientific research with entrepreneurial ventures. An active member of IEEE and chair of his university’s student scientific society, Sergei is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration in robotics and automation.

is the managing editor of Sam Yan Press, an independent publishing house committed to advocacy through translation and publication. He oversees editorial projects that amplify critical voices and preserve cultural heritage, with a particular focus on philosophy, politics, and grassroots movements. His interests include social ontology, moral and political philosophy, cultural preservation, and resistance to gentrification.

Shah Rafayat Chowdhury is an award winning environmentalist and social entrepreneur, currently leading Footsteps Bangladesh- a next generation organization which designs social ventures and programs to address extreme poverty challenges in marginalized communities, currently empowering over 700,000 people across Bangladesh. Shah's work focuses on building local innovation and enhancing grassroot action, for which he has received the Diana Award, Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Global Citizen Youth Leaders Award and also has been listed on Forbes 30 Under 30. Shah also serves as an environmental consultant at the Asian Development Bank, and has served as Bangladesh's youth representative to high level UN summits, such as Rio+20, COP28 and COP29. He completed his degree on Environmental Economics and Policy from Pennsylvania State University in 2018 and was also mentored on climate leadership by former US Vice President Al Gore in 2013.

Shamim Akhtar is a dedicated researcher and community development professional with a strong academic background in sociology. Born on April 18, 1997, in Pakistan, Shamim completing his Master from Pakistan. His professional journey includes impactful roles such as Administrative Officer at KORT AJK, where he spearheaded initiatives like the BR Project, registering 2,000 children for educational and legal rights, and securing $200,000 in grants for education and sustainability programs. Shamim's research on the negative impact of social media on academic performance has been published in reputable journals, and he has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the Youth Led Climate Action Prize. As the Founder/CEO of Youth Action for Next Generations (YANG), he continues to advocate for cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development. His expertise spans community mobilization, project management, and research, with a focus on creating positive social change.

I am an MPhil (research master) student in Cultural Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I am broadly interested in Cultural Studies, Media Studies, and Anthropology. My research interest is generally the cultural approach to study sexually explicit materials. Currently, I am exploring multisensory sexually explicit materials and their potentials of shaping our future.

I am Shivam Agrawal, a quantitative finance professional and the founder of AstratInvest, a quant-based equity investment fund. With a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering from BITS Pilani, I have worked extensively in market model validation, fixed-income derivatives, and algorithmic trading. Currently, I am pursuing my MBA in Finance at SPJIMR, further deepening my expertise in investment strategies and financial markets. Passionate about leveraging data-driven insights, I am committed to building innovative quantitative investment solutions that drive market efficiency and superior returns.

Born and raised in New Delhi, a city where history, governance, and modernity converge, I have always been drawn to the intellectual and structural forces that shape society. My academic journey began with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, which provided me with a strong foundation in political systems and governance before I pursued LL.B. from the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. To further my expertise, I am pursuing an LL.M. in Criminal Law and a Master’s in Political Science, expanding my understanding of law, policy, and governance. Beyond academia, I have been involved in teaching and training police personnel, focusing on legal frameworks and governance structures that impact law enforcement and public administration. My passion for research has led me to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and law, analyzing its implications on justice systems, governance, and policymaking. I am particularly interested in how emerging technologies challenge traditional legal principles and the ways regulatory frameworks must evolve to address these transformations. Additionally, I have actively participated in essay writing competitions, winning several for my critical analysis and structured arguments on contemporary issues. Through my research, writing, and academic pursuits, I strive to contribute to the evolving discourse on governance, law, and technology in a rapidly changing world.

Shiying is a researcher with the NUS-Lancet Pandemic Readiness, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Commission (PRIME) Commission. There, her work aims to reimagine the ways pandemic preparedness is conceptualised, measured and monitored to protect lives and livelihoods. She had previously spent two years as a Market Access and Health Economics Analyst in a pharmaceutical consulting firm, working on projects to improve patient access to medicines and vaccines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a Minor in Public Health from the National University of Singapore. During her undergraduate years, she dedicated three years to global health research, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 vaccine equity. Beyond research, Shiying has a love for writing. She has worked as a Communications Specialist with the Unbiased Science Institute and writes a blog on public health. She is excited about global health, pandemic preparedness and enhancing patient access to care services, essential medicines and vaccines.

Namaste! I'm Shresth from India. A lawyer turned business geek; I love healthy debates around international relations and geopolitics. I relish the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives. When not immersed in matters of commerce and diplomacy, you'll find me indulging in new cuisines, or escaping the pages of a captivating book. With "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" i.e. the world is a family as my guiding mantra; I can't wait to get in touch with other aficionados and discover all that lies in store for us at St. Gallen!

Namaste! I'm Shresth from India. A lawyer turned business geek; I love healthy debates around international relations and geopolitics. I relish the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives. When not immersed in matters of commerce and diplomacy, you'll find me indulging in new cuisines, or escaping the pages of a captivating book. With "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" i.e. the world is a family as my guiding mantra; I can't wait to get in touch with other aficionados and discover all that lies in store for us at St. Gallen!

Shu Tian is a Psychology PhD student at Singapore Management University. Prior to her graduate studies, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies (Biology specialization) and worked in public health research. She is interested in sustainability, especially regarding topics such as human-nature relationships, well-being, urban development, and climate action.

Simone Mao is a Canadian political theorist, AI governance expert, and philosopher. She has co-authored three academic publications in collaboration with Oxford, Sapienza University of Rome, and leading think tanks, spanning macroeconomics, classical studies, and philosophy. Her research in AI ethics and pluralist value alignment is shown in top peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences alongside globally leading researchers in AI safety. With her symposium paper being part of her World Order Project, her other research projects focus on multiculturalism, and Rousseau’s theory of the social contract, aiming to contribute to the advancement of pure philosophy and human self-understanding. All of her work converges into a grand project—a longstanding intellectual pursuit envisioning a future of human cross-civilizational coexistence, which she will further develop in her PhD research. Beyond academia, Simone engages in entrepreneurship and contributes to social causes, collaborating with the Canadian Parliament and NGOs, embodying a commitment to both intellectual inquiry and real-world impact.

Sinhwa is a neuroscience Master's student at Seoul National University, where she studies the neural basis of language in the human brain. As part of her research, she works as a software researcher in a neurotechnology initiative developing implantable BCI systems for ‘telepathic’ communication. Beyond academia, she has led cross-sector initiatives, secured competitive funding, and contributed to discussions on AI governance and urban sustainability.

I aim to address the issue of a polarized world by advocating for glocal community building through humane communication. My goal is to cultivate a empathetic and connected society. In my current role at DayTrip, I played a pivotal part as a founding team member, nurturing a vibrant community of 1,000,000 members. To confront conflicts arising from gentrification, I led initiatives to create space curations fostering local communities and alleviating tensions between small businesses and indigenous populations. This experience equipped me with a nuanced understanding of community dynamics and the impacts of societal changes, laying the groundwork for solutions to scarcity issues. As our business expanded globally, I took the lead in establishing a dynamic networking hub that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting creators not only within local contexts but also across diverse regions such as Korea, the U.S., Indonesia, and Thailand.

As a passionate jurist with a commitment to sustainability, I bring three years of experience in analyzing complex legal matters, crafting practical solutions, and ensuring regulatory compliance. My dedication to ethical legal practice aligns with my goal of making a positive impact on our planet. Through my essay on innovative solutions for water scarcity, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the global sustainability dialogue and drive change towards a more environmentally conscious future.

I am a PhD student at Purdue University specializing in applied microeconomics. My research focuses on using natural experiments to provide causal evidence on how public policy impacts various social outcomes, including public health, crime rates, and labor market dynamics.

Sophia Delis graduated from UC Berkeley in May 2023 with a major in molecular biology, a minor in public policy, and a certificate in entrepreneurship and technology. Her journey was marked by a fervent exploration of her passion for the brain, with roles in two neuroscience research labs and a leadership position at Neurotech@Berkeley. She also served as an associate at the Mental Health Commission and worked as a health educator for underprivileged teenagers in the Bay Area. Venturing into the corporate realm, Sophia honed her problem-solving and innovation skills at Cisco, tackling cybersecurity challenges. Further enriching her understanding of interdisciplinary solutions, she participated in a prestigious summer program at Harvard Business School, delving into business dynamics and technological innovation.Post-graduation, Sophia completed a social impact fellowship and secured first place in the "Global Leadership Challenge" hosted by the Oxford Character Project. Now poised for a new adventure, Sophia relocated to Argentina for a year to take on a business strategy role. Through her diverse experiences in research, advocacy, education, and industry, Sophia embodies a holistic approach to addressing societal challenges, reflecting a relentless commitment to driving positive change.

Sophia Morsten is a PhD student at TUMCREATE in Singapore. She is part of Proteins4Singapore, a research programme dedicated to developing sustainable protein sources for mega-cities. The multidisciplinary and international team focuses on optimizing indoor cultivation of soybeans and microalgae, extracting their proteins, and creating plant-based products with enhanced texture, flavor, and nutritional profiles. Sophia's research explores the techno-functional properties of microalgae and soy proteins for the development of fibrous meat analogues using high-moisture extrusion. By optimizing protein structuring mechanisms, she aims to advance innovative approaches to future food production.

Sophie Wotschke is the youngest female member of the Austrian Parliament.She has studied law at the University of Vienna from 2016 to 2020. After her studies she was training to become a lawyer at an Viennese law firm specialised in dispute resolution and completed her courtship year.Sophie became politically active in 2018 when she got involved in the student organisation of JUNOS, the young liberal NEOS, first at the University of Vienna and then as a member of the national student representative body. Sophie serves as President of JUNOS and is a member of the federal board of NEOS.

I'm a finance enthusiast currently pursuing my MBA at BITSoM, Mumbai. With a background in engineering, I enjoy blending analytical rigor with a structured approach to tackling challenges. Beyond academics, I’m always eager to learn, take on new challenges, and collaborate on meaningful projects. Resilience defines my journey, and I believe in pushing boundaries to grow both personally and professionally.

Stsiapan PutsilaFounder & CEO, NEXTAStsiapan Putsila is the founder and leader of NEXTA, the largest independent media platform covering Belarus and Eastern Europe. With over 15 years in video production and 10 years in journalism, he has pioneered user-generated content verification, crisis reporting, and digital media growth strategies. Under his leadership, NEXTA has become a trusted source of breaking news, investigative journalism, and real-time coverage, reaching over 5.5 million subscribers and 400 million monthly views. Recognized globally, his work has been cited by The New York Times, BBC, Reuters, and other top media outlets. Putsila is a strong advocate for press freedom and digital innovation in media.

As a civil servant in Singapore, a country at the nexus of great power contestation, Su-Yen will head to the Symposium with rich policy experience as well as a keen interest in navigating an ever more multipolar world. She hopes to share and gain fresh perspectives on global geopolitical trends with the diverse range of participants.

I am a Graduate Student at the University of Tokyo majoring in Civil Engineering. I obtained a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree also at the University of Tokyo. The core skills are Python and R programming, project management, and cross-cultural communication which I have developed through implementing behavioral economic experiments and interviews in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Japan.My research goal is to assess the impact of the state capacity on the development outcomes in the Global South and propose policy implications for greater positive impacts on social and economic development. I have implemented interviews with 100+ locals and officials, and surveys and experiments with about 1300 individuals in total.

I'm a dual-degree master's student, currently pursuing a Master in International Affairs & Governance at the University of St. Gallen, after completing my Master in Public Policy at Sciences Po Paris last year. I'm particularly interested in journalism and communication—and always up for a game of chess or a football discussion!

Temilola Oyenuga is a doctoral student of Teaching and Learning at Florida International University, specialising in early childhood and elementary education. Her research interests span across Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), play and creativity, digital childhood, and early brain development. She believes in and advocates for investments in early childhood as a means of sustainable future. Beyond academia, she finds fulfilment in photography, design, and art.

As a Master's student at Columbia University with a concentration on Public Administration in Development Practice, Thaissa is driven by her objective to design impactful public policies and foster partnerships that facilitate access to clean energy in developing countries while promoting climate justice. With a solid foundation in International Relations and as a Fulbright Student, she has honed her skills in bilateral cooperation, particularly within the realm of renewable energies. Before her current pursuits, Thaíssa worked at the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, interned at the British Embassy's Science and Innovation Network, and the Energy Program of GIZ Brazil.

Theodoric Chew is the Co-founder and CEO of Intellect, an integrated mental healthcare technology company offering end-to-end care both virtually through the Intellect platform and in-person through Intellect’s chain of clinics across Asia.Stemming from his personal mission of making mental healthcare accessible to all, Intellect has grown to become Asia Pacific’s largest mental healthcare provider serving over 3 million members with 7 offices across Asia. The company is backed by world leading investors including Tiger Global, Y Combinator, Insignia Ventures, HOF Capital, IHH Healthcare Group, and an extensive list of notable funds, family offices, and founders. Theodoric was also named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2022.

I am Tien Anh Hoang, a Master's student in Nuclear Engineering and Management at Tsinghua University, with a deep passion for advancing nuclear energy innovation. As a recipient of the Chinese Government Scholarship and a top graduate in Nuclear Engineering, I have engaged in interdisciplinary research, from computational modeling to energy policy. My experience spans academia, industry, and finance, including work in nuclear technology, medical imaging, and quantitative research. I am honored to join the 54th St. Gallen Symposium to exchange ideas on global challenges and contribute to meaningful discussions on energy and sustainability.

Timothee Charmeil is a French-trained lawyer currently pursuing a LL.M. at Harvard Law School, where he serves as Vice-President of the Harvard Law & Tech Society. He focuses on Technology Law, in particular Blockchain, Metaverse, AI, and Data law. Prior to Harvard, he worked for the Paris City of Law organization, for which he co-authored a white paper on smart contract and Blockchain. He regularly publishes articles on Technology Law in the French Political and Parliamentary Review and the Harvard Kennedy School Student Policy Review. He holds Master’s degrees in Technology Law, Public Policy, and European Law from University Paris II Pantheon Assas and Ecole Normale Superieure.

Tomás is an international relations & public affairs professional. He is a scholarship holder of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree program by the European Commission. Tomás has extensive experience in international and public organizations (U.S. Department of State, Hague Conference, OAS, CIPPEC, Accenture)His main interests lie in technical cooperation, development and twin transition (digitalisation / energy). He is currently working for the Policy Regulation department at ITU (International Telecommunication Union), and has also been named Youth Fellow by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Tomás is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tony is currently pursuing his master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering researching context-aware and copyright-free generative AI models. Previously, he completed a dual degree in software engineering and commerce. He is passionate about everything technology with a keen interest in economics and philosophy. He has co-founded two companies, one focused on making academic literature more accessible and another focused on web development. He is currently working on a skin microbiome startup. Tony has industry experience in AI, software engineering, finance, and consulting. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering, travelling, and the performing arts.

Tori is a student at the Rotterdam School of Management, pursuing her MSc in Global Business and Sustainability. Prior to this program, she completed her BS in Business Administration and Statistics at Carnegie Mellon University, and then worked in sustainability consulting for a few years. Her main interests are in sustainable food systems, climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice.

An experienced Economist, Data Analyst and Human Rights Defender with a strong track record in delivering innovation and successful partnerships across youth development space to provide solutions to focused initiatives.

Trinh Nguyen is a PhD student in Political Science (International Relations) and a Presidential Scholar at George Mason University. Her research interests focus on economic statecraft, the weaponization of economic interdependence, and East Asian affairs. She has studied Vietnam-China economic relations, Chinese economic strategies toward Southeast Asian countries, and Japanese economic diplomacy in the region. Trinh attended the 53rd SGS as an Essay Winner and is excited to be back in Switzerland this year.

Highly motivated and results-oriented climate change advocate with over 6 years of experience in campaign and project management, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively, driving positive change through innovative initiatives, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of Youth and climate change issues. Currently, spearheading youth-led climate projects and actively contributing to national and global climate action efforts for climate inclusion.

I am a management student at SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), currently pursuing my PGDM degree. I’ve been fortunate to gain national-level recognition - finishing as the Runner-Up in the PwC Challenge, reaching the finals of HUL TechTonic and Marico Over the Wall, and the semi-finals of Colgate Transcend. A highlight of my journey so far has been being selected among the top 100 global participants for the 2025 St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland, where I’ll have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with global leaders and changemakers on pressing business and societal issues.I’m deeply passionate about strategy, leadership, and creating meaningful impact. I constantly seek opportunities to grow, contribute, and collaborate. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, following a wide range of sports, and playing badminton. I’m a Black Belt in Karate, which has instilled in me discipline, focus, and resilience. With strong leadership qualities, a collaborative mindset, and a flair for the English language, I bring excellent communication skills to every team I’m part of.

I believe we are the sum total of the countless stories that we have lived. Accordingly, life has been a pursuit of experiences that lead to meaningful and memorable narratives. This perspective has shaped several core memories, and I anticipate this experience to be no different!

Victor Sifiso Xaba, a dynamic professional and award-winning social entrepreneur, is passionate about data, engineering, and sales. A BSc(Eng) Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a versatile skill set spanning teaching, research, programming, and more, he is committed to continuous learning and teaching. Victor secured seed funds for his start-up, HemPad South Africa, and took second place in the Youth Innovation Essay Prize, South Africa. A passionate advocate for planetary health and menstrual equity, he leads HemPad South Africa with a vision to provide "sustainable hemp pads everywhere."

I'm Victoria Costa Paz, a driven entrepreneur committed to revolutionizing mental health treatments as the Co-Founder and CEO of Eywa Psychedelics since November 2022. My role involves setting strategic direction, overseeing research, operations, and forging crucial partnerships. With Eywa, we're dedicated to unlocking the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to make a lasting impact on global healthcare.In my previous roles, such as Growth Project Manager at Xepelin and Processes Product Owner at Global66, I've led strategic technology initiatives driving growth and ensuring compliance. My educational background includes a Master's in Business and Technology from Universidad de San Andrés, along with coursework in entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing at IE Business School, Madrid and Social Sciences at SciencesPo, Paris.

An ambitious tech-oriented mind from Lithuania, I aim to contribute to humane and ethical technology solutions, crisis, (cyber)security & disinformation management, and responsible AI governance. Building on my academic expertise from MSc Crisis and Security Management at Leiden University and quantitative Technology Consultant skillset from PwC Netherlands, I seek to bridge Technology, Security, and Management fields.Part of the TNW T500 list in the Dutch tech space in 2023 & 2024 - the top digital minds under 30. Selected for the Academic Excellence Programme at Leiden University, where I focused on researching the exponentially growing threat of AI and its impact on cybersecurity governance. Co-Founder of Women4Cyber Netherlands Chapter, member of the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN), and AWS 2023 Scholarship winner for AI Programming with Python Nanodegree.

I’m currently a master’s in industrial and systems engineering student at Lamar University, United States. I have previously worked as a data analyst and automation projects engineer with Vivo Energy Kenya. I’m an aspiring scientist broadly interested in using artificial intelligence and data to provide effective, efficient and equitable transportation solutions to all. Beyond academics and science, I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of youth leadership and empowering young people to influence and create real impact in our society. I’m also passionate about traveling and meeting other interesting and ambitious individuals to discuss everything that aims to make our world a better place.

I am a PhD student in Geopolitics and International Relations at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, specialising in the interaction between domestic and international climate policy in emerging economies. I hold a Master’s degree in International Studies from Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. My research interests focus on how emerging economies navigate climate action and policy decisions. I have authored articles published in Conflict Weekly (National Institute of Advanced Studies) and Geopolitics Magazine. Additionally, I have presented my research at academic conferences, concentrating on the intersection of just transition, economic development, and fossil fuel dependencies in emerging economies. Previously, I served as a Research Assistant at South Asian University, where I analysed India’s role in the UN Security Council, with a particular emphasis on its strategic objectives beyond securing a permanent seat. Outside of academics, I am passionate about football, enjoying tactical analysis and gameplay breakdowns. I am also an avid reader and film enthusiast.

Dr. Vishnu Sunil is a visionary scientist and innovator whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of impacting patient lives. Inspired by his own journey as a patient, Dr. Sunil's unwavering commitment to advancing medical technologies has garnered him international acclaim, with prestigious awards such as the CRS PhD Thesis Award and the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year. From his pioneering work during doctoral studies to building his medical device startup and his work at Novartis, he continues to push the boundaries of scientific possibility, developing novel therapies and shaping policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare worldwide.

I am a Master of Public Policy student at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management in Vietnam, poised to embark on my Ph.D. journey at George Mason University next semester. My academic focus centers on international relations, specializing in economic statecraft and the strategic manipulation of interdependence. As a researcher, I have studied Chinese economic statecraft in Southeast Asia, Japanese economic diplomacy, and the strategic dynamics of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam. In my recent contribution to the Global Essay Competition, I addressed the critical issue of trust deficit in international cooperation, arguing that the rise of geoeconomics and the exploitation of interdependence have exacerbated this trust gap, posing a significant obstacle to the revitalization of globalization. My paper proposes a comprehensive strategy integrating analytical tools, international collaboration, and norm-building to address this pressing issue.

Walker Darke is a PhD candidate at Fudan University, and lead author of the United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality for Europe, North America and Central Asia. He was named on the Forbes Under 30 list in 2023 for his work on sustainable development at the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the European Commission, and the UN Development Programme. He was the 2023 G20 Youth Delegate for the United Kingdom, and strongly advocates for youth involvement in global affairs to foster diversity and cultural understanding. He holds a Bachelor's in French and Music from Canterbury Christ Church University and a Master of Laws from Peking University.

Wendelin is a graduate student in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Specializing in Control Engineering, he is particularly interested in how humans act within complex systems and what impact technology has on our society. He is currently an intern at the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics in Paris, working on the intuitive control of a prosthetic arm. His favorite pastimes include various kinds of music and sports and representing student interests at KIT.

William Bergh is the founder and CEO of Cling Systems, establishing the circular platform for batteries worldwide. Prior to starting Cling in 2020 he developed recycling strategies and designed battery systems for recycling at Northvolt. He attended Lund University where he founded the first electric formula racing team and studied Engineering. He is based in Stockholm.

Xi Wang is a PhD student in Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research interests are at the intersection of popular culture and social media platforms, with a particular focus on fandom studies within the East Asian context.

After finishing my Master in Business Innovation at HSG I continued working in my own company «NEOVISO AG» which holds 35 people today. We consult companies on staying relevant for the next generation on the employer branding side as well as on the marketing side. Besides that I'm an international keynote speaker on the topics of employer branding, leadership and marketing. I'm a member of the board of the «Messe Luzern AG» and «Chrampfcheibe.ch AG». For over three years I host my own podcast called «Navigator Podcast» and write regularly on LinkedIn on my chosen topics.

Yanyang is pursuing a Master's degree at Sciences Po, Paris, in the political science program. Previously, he has worked as a student-researcher at the University of Southern California, and as a research assistant at Foreign Policy Research Institute (Philadelphia). His research focuses on the intersection of politics and economics, which may be divided into three topics: the politicalized economics as in central banking and regulation; the politicised socio-economy as in class analysis; and when policies meets economy in welfare states.

I'm a recent MBA graduate specializing in Finance and Marketing, I am deeply intrigued by the dynamic realm of investments and relish engaging in discussions surrounding financial markets. Moreover, my undergraduate background in Computer Science and Engineering has endowed me with a passion for technology, making me an enthusiastic participant in conversations about emerging technology trends.Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have actively assumed leadership roles and enthusiastically participated in extracurricular activities, underscoring my multifaceted nature and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a diverse skill set and a track record of success, I am primed to confidently take on new challenges.Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a fervent food enthusiast and find joy in culinary exploration and experimentation.

Yashree Sharma is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in research, policy advocacy, and project management. Currently pursuing a Masters of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Yashree possesses a strong foundation in economics, complemented by minors in management and statistics from the University of Minnesota. Yashree's dedication to creating systemic change is evident through her most recent work as a Policy and Advocacy Intern at Engineers without Borders, where she authored comprehensive policy documents on climate finance. Beyond her professional endeavors, Yashree actively contributes to her community as an Operations Manager for the Global Ideas Institute, organizing impactful programs and fostering mentorship opportunities for high school students interested in finding solutions to complex global challenges. She is passionate about creating a social impact and focusing on sustainable development. In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to podcasts, and go to Bollywood dance classes. Fun fact – She grew up in Dubai, UAE, and can read and write in Arabic along with being fully fluent in English and Hindi.

Yousef is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of Sager, an innovative company reshaping the integration of advanced Drone technology and AI-driven geospatial intelligence across the Middle East and beyond. Under his leadership, Sager is transforming data collection and analytics in critical sectors such as construction, energy, infrastructure, and government, significantly enhancing sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency.His strategic approach and commitment to impactful technological solutions have positioned Sager as a leader in the geospatial and drone technology industries, driving forward the digital transformation of asset development from construction to operation. Yousef's work consistently demonstrates his belief in technology as a force for tangible economic and societal improvement.In addition to his role at Sager, Yousef is deeply committed to fostering innovation ecosystems. He spearheads Levitate, the region's premier conference on drone technology, creating a collaborative platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore trends, address challenges, and leverage opportunities in the rapidly evolving drone landscape. Through these initiatives, Yousef actively contributes to building a dynamic community of forward-thinking leaders dedicated to technological advancement and regional growth.

Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in the geography department at the National University of Ireland, focusing on the global governance of the energy transition, specifically examining how energy innovation disproportionately empowers local communities. With working experiences with the UNFCCC secretariat in the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division, I contributed to coordinating the workstreams on the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement. Now, I’m leading as the global youth policy board for the Asia-Pacific region at FAO. I’m chairing the young working group for energy systems at the UNECE in the Sustainable Energy Division. Having contributed to the development and long-term cooperation of WMO (World Meteorological Organization) and youth strategy. Before I entered the track of my PhD study, I dedicated the last 4 years to studying urban sustainability, climate resilience, urban resilience, and smart cities. My research has resulted in numerous publications and conference presentations. Aside from my academic role, I’m leading the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force, monitoring academic and science-based projects, and contributing to long-term collaboration with leading energy institutes like IEA, IRENA, SeForAll, etc. Originating from being the Global Ambassador of One Young World, I joined the Global Youth Security Council, together with the Interaction Council, to provide intergenerational solutions to existential and planetary risks. Last but not least, I’m currently serving as International Affairs Manager at WAGA (a renewable energy company dedicated to solving energy poverty starting in African villages). See my personal website at: https://sites.google.com/view/yuhan-zheng/homepage

Ms. ZHUANG Yulin is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong. She is keen on voluntary activities and has volunteered at Quanzhou Tonghuai Guanyue Temple, Fujian Province, China, for over two years. During this voluntary journey, she learned about some religious rituals, such as how to pray and draw a divination stick at temples. Also, the joy of helping others pushed her forward and brought a sense of achievement to her. Therefore, Ms. ZHUANG Yulin set up her mind to delve into cultural promotion, including Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture, hoping to discover new methods for cultural inheritance. With these methods, more traditional cultures are expected to be passed down from generation to generation.

Hi, I’m Yves Zumbühl, an entrepreneur and AI innovator with over five years of experience building technology solutions that drive impact. I founded PaperCheck, an AI-powered proofreading agent now trusted by thousands across Switzerland, and Botts.ai, a platform of AI-driven agents built with Swiss data residency. My work in AI has garnered millions of views on TikTok, and during a one-year service in Laos, I developed a public data system aimed at combating corruption. As a proud Global Shaper, I continuously strive to connect technology, education, and social progress on a global scale.

Zeynep Sude Uzun is a Clinical Clerk at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, one of the most competitive and prestigious medical schools in Türkiye, which admits only the top-ranking students nationwide. With a strong academic background, she graduated from Ankara Atatürk Anatolian High School (AAAL), an institution renowned for producing influential leaders, including numerous CEOs in global companies.Particularly focusing on precision medicine, translational research, and stem cell applications, Zeynep is passionate about sports medicine, rehabilitation sciences, and plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery (PREC). Through international clinical observerships in Australia and Europe, she has adapted to diverse medical systems while continuously improving her proficiency in French and German to strengthen her global academic and professional engagement.Selected among thousands of applicants as one of the Top 100 "Leaders of Tomorrow" at the prestigious St. Gallen Symposium, Zeynep is also honored to be among the Top 25 finalists of the Global Essay Competition (GEC), a distinction that highlights her commitment to critical thinking and thought leadership on global healthcare challenges.Beyond clinical practice, she has led multiple high-impact medical projects and international student collaborations, holding leadership roles in EMSA and IFMSA. Her excellence has also been recognized through her selection for the Leadership & Business Management Certification at Harvard Medical School, underscoring her dedication to strategic decision-making in healthcare and leadership.With a strong passion for medical innovation, neurology, genetics, and surgical advancements, she strives to bridge the gap between clinical practice, research, and healthcare innovation, ultimately contributing to advancements in patient care and scientific progress.

Xuan Zihan is a current MSc Environmental Change and Management student at the University of Oxford. Previously, he interned at the UNFCCC and WMO in 2022 and served as the UNFCCC Youth Focal Point in 2023. His interests include climate finance, international relations, and health technology.

Zongxu (Hazim) Xie is a young scholar at IDEAS (Institute for Digital Economy & Artificial Systems, under BRICS PartNIR). With an academic foundation from prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University and the University of Oxford, he has developed expertise in the fields of global governance, digital economy, and climate change. At IDEAS, Zongxu plays a crucial role in interdisciplinary research and fostering international networks for collaborative projects.Zongxu's leadership capabilities have been recognized through his role as the head of the Chinese delegation for the 2022 G20 Youth Summit. In 2023, he served as the co-founder of the Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue. Additionally, as a Global Youth Ambassador for the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), he actively contributes to global collaboration and sustainable development efforts.

Zvezdana is a first-year master student of Sustainable Resource Management at the Technical University of Munich. She holds a BA in International Studies from the University of Belgrade. Passionate about climate change, Zvezdana has worked at the UN Environment Programme and the World Food Programme, and has been engaged in international climate negotiations since 2022 as an observer.

Zvezdin is an entrepreneur who often thinks about the issues which are eroding our modern civilisation, and attempts to find a functioning and scalable business model which addresses this - combining the impact of NGO-focused work with the scalability and growth potential of modern startups. His current venture revolves around tackling the problem of AI-generated spam, information manipulation, and widespread low-scale fraud by verifying real human users online - in a way which doesn't infringe on online anonymity. If you scam someone on eBay and your account is blocked, you shouldn't be able to easily open a second account :). Besides, Zvezdin is very geeky on the topics of privacy, decentralisation, and various peculiar technological advancements.