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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director of Epoch AI, investigating the trajectory of AI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House of Representatives ,Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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