Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, OYO Rooms Pranjal Sharma (Topic Leader), Economic Analyst, Advisor and Author, India
India is undergoing its economic, technological and demographic transition simultaneously. An old country is becoming youthful and adventurous with the passage of time. Young Indians like OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal are quietly taking charge of Indian ethos by becoming icons of audacious aspirations and tangible proofs of its potential, spawning startups that are becoming most valuable and famous than many legacy companies. How can young revolutionaries find ways to carry the older generation of investors, regulators, workers and consumers with them and what can other economies and founders learn from India’s momentous transition?
Former Members of the International Students' Comittee Christoph Loos (Topic Leader), Chief Executive Officer, Hilti AG Vivian Bernet (Topic Leader), Head of the Organising Committe, International Students' Comittee
For over 50 years teams of student have volunteered to organise the St. Gallen Symposium. They have written countless invitations, met thousands of partners, and welcomed some of the most important personalities of their time on stage. Together with former members of the ISC we will reflect on the St. Gallen Symposium experience of cross-generational dialogue and collaboration, the lessons they have learned for their lives and on how the symposium has evolved. This session is organised together with ISC Alumni.
Susan Goldsworthy, Affiliate Professor of Leadership, Communications and Organizational Change, IMD Business School Gerry Hofstetter, Light Artist & Film Producer Hofstetter Marketing Javiera Estrada, Artist Tatjana Rupp (Topic Leader), Member of the International Students' Committee
As the need for innovation is growing, the routinisation of well-structured creative processes within organizations is key for concurrent value creation. Prof. Susan Goldsworthy of IMD, this year's St. Gallen Symposium artist Javiera Estrada and Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter will discuss the role of collaboration in the creative process. Together, and in conversation with the audience, they’ll explore the way collaboration can drive creativity in various organisational contexts, and, on the other hand, the role of introversion and lone contemplation in creating something new.
Curdin Duschletta, Head Community Impact Switzerland & Foundations, UBS Christopher Jarvis, Executive Director, RWInstitute Prof. Amanda Shantz (Topic Leader), MBA Director and Professor of Management, University of St.Gallen
Many employee volunteering and giving programs are presented as an employee perk, similar to casual Fridays or a team-building event. But treating workplace giving and volunteering this way fails to fully capitalise on the great potential of such programs: to foster employee personal growth, and address key societal challenges. The panel will particularly explore the potential of skills-based volunteering, its benefits, and the unique challenges that arise when moving from merely transactional volunteering to something far more transformative.
Patrick Zhong, Founding Managing Partner, M31 Capital Makram Azar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Full Circle Capital Prof. Julia Binder (Topic Leader), Professor of Sustainable Innovation and Business Transformation, IMD Business School
The investment landscape over the next twenty years will be radically different from previous generations. While there appears to be greater access to capital, there also appears to be much more volatility and debt with no clear dominant financing mechanism. Entrepreneurs, VC, Private Equity, and banks will have to find new ways to work together to create growth and stimulate innovation. How can investors and entrepreneurs better collaborate and find mutually beneficial agreements that balance risk and return?
Martina Bonnier, Editor-In-Chief, Vogue Scandinavia Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO, Omega S.A Carmen Jenny, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CLOTHESfriends AG Johannes Reponen (Topic Leader), Director of Post-Graduate Programmes; Academic Affairs; Research & Knowledge Exchange, Condé Nast College
The fashion industry accounts for 10% of humanity’s annual carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. For long, the fashion and luxury watchmaking industry drove, together with the fashion media industry, unsustainable dynamics in the sector: generating more and more demand through an artificial cycle of new collections and seasonal trends. Businesses’ marketing, media as well as influencers thereby create a constant longing and demand for their products. How can designers, fashion houses and publishers exit this vicious cycle and, collaboratively, drive the transition towards more sustainable and ethical fashion and luxury watchmaking?
Mathias Müller von Blumencron, Journalist, Member of the Board, Tagesanzeiger and Advisory Board Member M100 Sanssouci Colloquium Joanna Krawczyk, Chairwoman, Leading European Newspaper Alliance Paul Radu, Investigative Journalist, Co-Founder OCCRP Astrid Frohloff (Topic Leader), TV Presenter and Journalist, Advisory Board Member M100 Sanssouci Colloquium
Media diversity, freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Europe are currently under threat. Journalists and independent media companies are increasingly joining forces across borders to respond to such challenges as well as to be able to continue to offer independent quality journalism in the future. This session will identify learnings from new media partnerships such as the Leading European Newspaper Alliance (LENA) and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to identify how media can most effectively work together.
Gina Loften, Member of the Board of Trustees, TIAA Luzius Meisser, Chairman, Bitcoin Suisse Tycho Onnasch, General Manager, Trust Machines Shuo Chen (Topic Leader), General Partner, IOVC
Technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship are key drivers of the modern economy and social mobility. Given their importance, we should strive to improve accessibility to tech, education and entrepreneurship across all backgrounds. Creating open and inclusive communities, especially with tech is important to accomplishing this goal, but it is easier said that done. Simultaneously, a third iteration of the internet – Web3 – has the potential to radically transform the internet of things and reduce barriers to access. How can these forces be effectively harnessed and directed for the benefit of all people and move the world forward?
Over the past decades, the tech sector, especially the internet of things, has become a central component of modern economies. Trying to catch up with the exponential pace of technological development, the US, China, and Europe are crafting rules of the game on digital markets. What are the emerging characteristic differences between regulatory regimes of digital markets, in the US, Europe and beyond, and how do they balance innovation and regulation? In light of strategic competition over tech dominance between the US and China, what are the opportunities and challenges for Europe in particular?
Petra von Strombeck, Chief Executive Officer, New Work SE Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board, Adecco Group Nat Ware, Founder & CEO Forte Prof. Heike Bruch (Topic Leader), Director, Institute for Leadership and Human Resources Management, University of St. Gallen
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world of work forever. The fast and widespread adoption of remote work and an ever-increasing concern of employees with purpose and meaning on their job have intensified the war for talents. Reaching out to and concurrently engaging employees is key for businesses across sectors and regions. What learnings can be drawn from the pandemic as regards our approach to work? Has the world of work changed for the better? And what role does leadership culture and a new approach to hiring play going forward?
We are thrilled to announce this year’s Leader of Tomorrow community and cannot wait to welcome them all in St. Gallen in May!
Top 25 Essays of the 53rd Symposium
The Global Essay Competition (GEC) is over and the 100 best authors have been invited to the 53rd St. Gallen Symposium and got to spend a week in Switzerland. Congratulations to all the winners!
Read the best 25 essays down below.
Essay Question: Striving for more or thriving with less – What pressing scarcity do you see, and how do you suggest to tackle it?
Ryan Teo: “From Scarcity to (Bio)Security Reshaping Oversight for the Biotech Revolution” Read here
Ashif Hassan: “Exploring the Unseen Crisis: The Scarcity of Awareness Addressing the Adverse Effect of Pornography on Male Adolescents” Read here
Aditya Bhatia: “The Silent Epidemic of Aging Alone: Why should we Care about Care” Read here
Harmanpreet Grewal: “Crossroads of Crisis and Opportunity: Navigating the Global Water Crisis in the 21st Century” Read here
Augustin Ignatov: “Clean Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Climate Change: How to sustainably power the 21st Century” Read here
Morgan See: “Natural Attorneys of the Poor”: How a New Social Contract Could Address the Scarcity of Physician Advocacy” Read here
Paul Pernot: “Applying a Pigouvian Tax on Social Media Platforms to Free Up Time” Read here
Yash Makadiya: “Navigating Climate Resilience in Coastal Urban Landscapes” Read here
Manjima A: “From Hubris to Humility: Rethinking Energy Transition for a Sustainable World” Read here
Temilola Oyenuga: “Striving For More or Thriving With Less — What We Know About Childhood Creativity Today” Read here
Manh Tri Dao: “Addressing Land Scarcity in Renewable Energy: A Multifaceted Approach to Local Interests, Social Equity, and Data Gaps” Read here
Timothee Charmeil: “How to protect What does not exist: the challenge of the legal protection of emotions.” Read here
Natalia Nowakowska: “The silent crisis of financial literacy: empowering though education” Read here
Huyi Lyu: “Truth in the Mirage: Navigating Scarcity in the Information Age” Read here
Chan Wei Jun Sean: “Mapping the Future of Global Health: Leveraging GeoAI to Optimise Resources in Climate -Resilient Healthcare Systems” Read here
David Montani: “The challenge of our century: Tackling the clean energy scarcity around the world” Read here
Kylor Kerns: “Navigating a World With Dwindling Sand Resources Through Sustainable Technology and Smart Policies” Read here
Oluwafunmike Aderonmu: “Cultivating Resilience: A Paradigm Shift in U.S. Agricultural Subsidies for a Food Secure Future” Read here
Alyssa Go: “A World Built On Scarcity: Are People Destined To Be Trapped In A Scarcity Mindset” Read here
Christopher Khajira: “Navigating Natural Resource Scarcity: Bridging Perspectives Between Developed and Developing Nations” Read here
Andreas Kuster: “Beyond the Noise: Innovating Information Verification in the Digital Age” Read here
Abhinav Priyam
BITS School of Management
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.
Adam Taha Pereira
University of St. Gallen
I am a 23-year-old Moroccan German, pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategy and International Management at the University of St. Gallen.
Aditya Bhatia
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
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 Guha
SPJIMR
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.
Adrian Andersson
Meitner AB
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.
Aiman Bentohami
KPMG, Blikverruimers
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.
Aleksandra Reinert
University of Cambridge
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.
Alexis Roberto Dick Caceres
University of Glasgow
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.
Alyssa Go
Peking University
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 Sadalla
Serenas
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.
Ami Calancea
”I. L. Caragiale” National University of Theatre and Film, University of Bucharest, Aspire Academy
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. ❤️
Andreas Kuster
Nanyang Technological University
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 Jin
University of Southern California
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 Pal
Indiana University Bloomington
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.
Anna Zam
Equotee
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.
Anushka Purohit
Breer
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.
Ashif Hassan
Memorial University of Newfoundland
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.
Assen Plevneliev
Management Solutions
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!
Augustin Ignatov
University of Basel
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.
Aurelie Laborde
Columbia University
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.
Barbora Bromová
Sciences Po Paris
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.
Basile Narozniak
Swiss Re
Senior reinsurance professional with a growth mindset and a passion for Data & Analytics. Outside of work, I play rugby and cook seasonal meals
Bea Krisha Lee
University of Stuttgart
a Civil-Environmental Engineer committed to make positive a impact to the environment and society
Bhavuk Mittal
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
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.
Bibiane Kronemann
Phillips-Universität Marburg
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.
Billion Promise Agunia
Rivers State University
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.
Bryce Chan
Bryson Clark
Fordham University
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.
Caitlin Tierney
Peking University
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
OECD/Peking University
Callum Thomas is a young international development professional with ambitions to continue driving evidence-based impact across the sustainable finance sector.
Calvin Heng
National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
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 Wee
The Young SEAkers
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.
Can Arda Senel
Technical University of Munich
Politics and Technology Master's student at TUM, working student at BCG.
Carmen Elisa Mendez Silva
The World Bank
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.
Celestin de Wergifosse
Signatur Biosciences
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).
Chandan Kumar Sah
Beihang University
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
Chelsi Bansal
S P Jain Institute of Management and Research
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.
Christina huguet
Eurasia Group
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.
Christopher Khajira
Montclair State University
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.
Daeun Jeong
Korean Embassy Cultural Attaché in Sweden
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
University of East London
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
Space Economy Institute
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.
Daniel Schulz
Climate Services
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.
Daniela Teplitzki
DATE
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.
Danijel Bačan
Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Department of Geography
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.
Danwei Lu
Tsinghua University
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.
David Kinzuzi
Schwarzman College
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.
David Montani
Sprüngli
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.
Dhruv Aggarwal
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management
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.
Diane Robert
Oxford University
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.
Dima Syrotkin
Pandatron
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.
Eden Tadesse
Hertie School
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.
Effie Mbuvi
ISM University of Management and Economics
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.
Elliot Gunn
Datafold
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.
Emily Kruse
University of St.Gallen
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.
Erifili Gounari
The Z Link
Founder and CEO at The Z Link, the global Gen Z-led social media agency that helps brands connect with Gen Z.
Erik Martins de Albuquerque
Activist
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.
Ethan McAndrews
Peking University
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.
Fae Johnstone
Wisdom2Action
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.
Fatou Gitteh
Lancaster University
A Chevening scholar studying Digital Business, Innovation and Management at Lancaster University, U.K
Febin Roy
ESCP Business School
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.
Flora Liao
CareMs
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
Florian Scherl
FAST AI Movies UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
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.
Gaurav Kamath
McGill University
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.
George Mwanza
Chipata City -Zambia
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
University of Notre Dame du Lac
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.
Gin Du
University of Wisconsin - Madison
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.
Ha Linh To
Outsider
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
Harmanpreet Singh Grewal
McGill University
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.
Heela Yoon
Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization
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 Cummins
Peking University
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.
Hiroyuki Kurimoto
Liquitous Inc.
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 Lyu
Tsinghua University
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 Johansson
Hyred
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.
Ida Marie Mathisen
The NHH Symposium / The Norwegian School of Economics
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.
Ideja Bajra
University of St Andrews
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
MiDym (Quadcopter Mines Detector) / University of Alberta
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
University of Zambia
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 Elisa Eisele
Swiss Re
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.
Isbella Awat Apire Lomu
University of Cagliari
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.
Jarred Chiang
Ateneo de Manila University
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.
Jaswanth Rao Konalamma
BITS School of Management
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.
Jemi Ahnaf
The Australian National University
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.
Jessica Farda
Noriware
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.
Jessica Jones
One Young World
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.
Joel Christoph
European University Institute
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.
Jonas Lüthy
Jungfreisinnige Schweiz
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.
José Castro
Segura
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.
Julia Zortea
University of St. Gallen
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 Krautter
Harvard Business School
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 Mori
CVS Health/UCLA
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.
Karla Huerta valdez
APB
-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
Karla Kuss
MBDA
- 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
Kate Bosen
Aalborg University Copenhagen
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.
Katharina Frank
TUM
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.
Katie McIntyre
MATRIARCH
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,
Katja Riem
Schweizer Parlament
Nationalrätin, Agronomin, Winzerin & Landwirtin mit Leidenschaft für Natur, Unternehmertum & Wein
Kay von Merey
Circle of Young Humanitarians
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
Kelvin Doe Foundation
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-Joseph
Consize
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.
Khalila Karefa-Kargbo
University of Virginia
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
United Nations Association Albania
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.
Kristina Kirova
Johannes Kepler University, Linz
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.
Kriti Keya
University of Delhi
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.
Kshitij Kumar
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
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.
Kwasi Minta Gyeke-Dako
Glimpse Sports
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 Kerns
University of Virginia
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
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
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.
Lavinia Wittenwiller
ESADE
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.
Leander Mellies
otinga GmbH
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 😉
Liangxuan Zhao
Tsinghua University
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”.
Lisa Militi
Student Union of the University of St. Gallen (SHSG)
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.
Lisa Oberaigner
Emidat
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 Isabel Miranda Gutierrez
Columbia University
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.
Louisa Grauvogel
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University
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.
Luisa Costa
University of Oxford
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.
Magnús Örn Gunnarsson
Taxpayers Association of Iceland
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.
Manh Tri Dao
University of California - San Diego
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 A
Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence
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.
Marc Rüdisüli
Die Junge Mitte
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
MMM
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.
María Candela Careaga
UBA
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.
Maria Manuela Cordoba
Universidad de La Sabana
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.
Mario Assaf
Optiverse
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.
Mateo Salvatto
Asteroid Mining Corporation Ltd
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
AkoFresh
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.
Matthew Trachevski
University of Melbourne
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.
Maxime Paradis
Paradise Group
Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor.
Megan Murphy
DHL Supply Chain
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!
Mehri Huseynli
Nizami Ganjavi International Center
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.
Miao Ling Ong
Singapore Airlines
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.
Mitch Hunter-Scullion
Asteroid Mining Corporation Ltd
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.
Morgan See
University of Wollongong
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.
Muskaan Goyal
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
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!
Mustika Wijaya
Solar Chapter
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.
Natalia Nowakowska
Rotterdam School of Management
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.
Natalie Kerres
SCALED
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.
Nathanael Thomas
International Christian University
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.
Neil Heinisch
PlayTheHype GmbH/ HypeMakers GmbH
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 Awuah Ankamah
Ghent University
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.
Nicholas Lowinger
Gotta Have Sole Foundation
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.
Noémi Kmoth
START Global
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
SafeSpace
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.
Nujailah Noor
Mastercard/Columbia University
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.
Nur Hamidah
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
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.
Nyombi Morris
Earth Volunteers
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.
Oddomneath Ly
Bondoul
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.
Oliver Hervir
The University of Sydney
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.
Oluwafunmike "Funke" Aderonmu
Princeton Univeristy
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.
Parneet Kaur
Poetry for Planet
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.
Paul Pernot
ESSEC
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.
Paul Walsh Thornton
University of St. Gallen
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
Bolliger Media GmbH
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.
Qiyun Woo
The Weird and Wild
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.
Raghav Arora
Universität Hamburg
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!
Rajat Chechani
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
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.
Rayan Dabbous
Regina Ambe
Conexión Interna
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.
Reigner Wayne Batalier
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center/ University of Baguio
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.
Rita Liao
National University of Singapore
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.
Ritik Garg
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
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.
Roman Gojayev
Gender Hub Azerbaijan
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.
Ruvimbo Samanga
Regent Square Group
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.
Ryan Teo
University of Birmingham
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.
Samuel Liu
Stanford
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.
Santiago Bulat
Invecq Consulting S.A.
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.
Sanyukta Giri
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
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
National University of Singapore
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.
Seb Haugeto
Dealflow
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!
Shresth Tiwari
XLRI - Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
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 Ng
Singapore Management University
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.
Siwon Moon
DayTrip Korea
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.
Soda Guéye DIA
AFCAC / HECI International University of Dakar
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.
Somdeepa Das
Purdue University
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
UC Berkeley
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.
Sugiyama Sayaka
The University of Tokyo
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.
Temilola Oyenuga
Florida International University
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.
Thaissa Avena da Cruz Antunes
Columbia University
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
Intellect
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.
Timothee Charmeil
Harvard Law School
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.
Tomas Elia
Charles University, Jagiellonian University, Pompeu Fabra University, Leiden University
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 Xu
McGill University
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.
Umesh Balal
Nepal Water Conservation Foundation
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.
Victor Xaba
HyperionDev & Stellenbosch University/ University of Cape Town
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."
Victoria Costa Paz
Eywa
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.
Vilija Vainaite
Leiden University
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.
Vishnu Sunil
EmerStat
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.
Vo Hoang Trinh Nguyen
Fulbright University Vietnam
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
Fudan University
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.
William Bergh
Cling Systems AB
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.
Yannick Blättler
NEOVISO AG
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.
Yash Makadiya
BITS School of Management
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
University of Toronto
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.
Zihan Xuan
University of Oxford
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 Xie
Tsinghua University, University of Oxford
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 Bozovic
Technical University of Munich
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 Besarabov
Outdid.io
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.
