Agenda

Prof Dr Peter A. Bruck studied law, economics, sociology and communication sciences at the Universities of Vienna, Iowa and McGill. He holds a doctorate in law and communication science and has taught at universities in Canada, the USA and Western Europe as well as in Israel and Poland, where he held chairs in communication theory, sociology of mass communication, media economics and new media technology.

He has almost 40 years of experience in founding and managing academic and business-oriented research centres and IT companies. He founded the University of Applied Sciences for Information Economy and Multimedia in Salzburg and has worked as a business and policy advisor for digital technologies in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Portugal, the USA and Canada.

Prof Bruck has received numerous awards and fellowships in Europe, the USA and Canada and is listed in Canadian and Austrian Who's Who. He was one of the founding directors of the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights.

His wealth of experience includes serving as Chief Content Officer on the board of the Telekom Austria Group, where he also headed the Interactive Media business unit. He founded and headed Research Studios Austria FG for 20 years as CEO and Chief Researcher, bringing digital innovations from universities to the market.

Prof Bruck successfully founded several companies in the field of research and education technology

Ieva Žilionienė is an experienced digitalization policy and strategy expert, with broad experience in national and global ICT trends, initiatives and use cases.

She has been working for the Lithuanian Government at the Information Society Development Committee, from the very start of this institution responsible for State’s digitalization, overseeing the development and implementation of Lithuania’s information society and electronic governance strategies and programs, and developing and implementing the framework for the use of EU structural funds dedicated to Lithuania’s public ICT sector. As the Director of the Strategy and later - the Deputy Director General at the Communications Regulation Authority of the Republic of Lithuania, she was responsible for coordination of economic and technical regulation of electronic communications, postal services, and rail transport sectors, and supervision of digital trust services, such as e-signature. And now she‘s putting her experience and knowledge into leading the consulting business branch of NRD Companies.

Ieva has an extensive experience working in various multi-stakeholder, nation-broad and international groups and committees, she has experience in developing and handling teaching and training programs, in both academic and organizational training, as well, she's an author of various publications on State’s digitalization and electronic governance.

From 2012, Ieva is Lithuania's WSA national expert, responsible for organizing Lithuania's national contest of digital innovations “Naujasis knygnesys” (“New Enlightner”), and is part of global World Summit Award Jury.

Jon Mark Walls is a social entrepreneur, lecturer and speechwriter focused on simplifying the complexity around some of the world's biggest challenges. He has worked for a range of United Nations agencies as well as various governments and NGOs on innovative ways to approach issues ranging from global health, human rights and sustainable development to climate change, child labour and economic development. In 2012 he co-founded GovFaces which aimed to improve interactive communication between citizens and elected representatives. He has served as a panelist and speaker in a range of fora including multiple TEDx events. He serves on multiple boards and has been cited in media including Forbes, BBC and Figaro.

Maël advises Swiss and international entities, as well as private individuals, on litigious and non-litigious matters arising from disruptive technologies and business models, transnational trade, employment relationships, and criminal investigations. 

He has led several initiatives on digital self-determination, artificial intelligence, blockchain, web3, neuroscience, and the future of work, leading him to formally join the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community in 2020. 

Active in the legal community, he was elected to the board of the Geneva Young Bar Association, serving over 1’000 lawyers under 40. He has further been serving as an Arbitrator for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot since 2023. 

Maël studied law and international affairs primarily at the University of Geneva, while also spending part of his studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Passionate and driven graduate deeply committed to shaping a sustainable future. Drawing from a background in Marine Biology I have strong skills in data analysis, project management, communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork. I have also had the opportunity to co-author four papers in well-known scientific journals. I am eager to apply these skills in positions related to sustainability, climate change, and data analysis. Adaptable, and open to relocate for impactful roles.

Hanna-Mari Ristimäki holds a master’s degree in the Finnish language and as a minors she studied for example journalism and communication, literature, and general linguistics.

In the past years, she has worked with social media and event management in different roles, most recently co-organizing a festival of Finnish film at the Finnish Institute FinnAgora in Budapest.

She has an international background having lived, worked, and studied in different European countries through for example volunteer work, Erasmus exchange, and an internship. 

Nora Wolloch holds a Diploma in German Literature and Theatre Science. Since 2005, she worked as a Production Manager for various international Theater Festivals, as Vienna Festival, Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture or Salzburgfestival. Nora joined the ICNM Team in November 2010 as Event & Project Manager for the World Summit Awards. She is responsible for partnerships, fundraising as well as the strategic development of the initiative.

Marko Paloski is a System Engineer at Netcetera and coordinator of IGF MKD initiative under the UN IGF secretariat. Has big experience with the civil societies and NGO’s, especially with focus on the youth. His focus and primary interests are Internet Governance, Cyber Security, Privacy, Entrepreneurship, Community Building, Youth Empowerment, Mentorship, and Innovation.
 
 

Rafia is a distinguished professional with a robust academic and professional background. Holding a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the esteemed National Defence University in Pakistan. Rafia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social causes through diverse roles in social work, project management, research and development, innovation and peace building. 

Currently, Rafia serves with distinction as the Federal Minister for Human Rights and Gender Issues within the National Youth Assembly of Pakistan. This role is complemented by a position in the International Project Management Department at the OIC Youth Network. Her career is marked by an active engagement in projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tackling critical issues such as Zero Hunger, environmental conservation through the Go Green Youth program, promotion of education, and the prevention of drug addiction and sexual assaults.

A notable highlight in Rafia’s career was representing Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) conference. Additionally, she has participated as a dedicated country delegate at the ICYF, focusing on humanitarianism and climate change in Antalya, Turkey. Rafia also contributed significantly to the "Youth Dialogue on Adaptation Action - Delivering Glasgow Climate Pact" in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Recently, Rafia was honored with the Global Scholarship from Johns Hopkins University SAIS for Masters Degree, acknowledging her academic excellence and potential. She was also awarded a Research Award by the International Association of Political Science Students, underscoring her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Furthermore, Rafia secured the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Human Rights and Policy Practice Scholarship- EMHPP, adding her commitment for human rights and SDGs. 

Through these experiences, Rafia has developed a profound passion for serving humanity, working for global peace and prosperity and aims to inspire the next generation.

Michaela A. Ternasky-Holland is an Emmy and Webby award-winning director who specializes in creating socially impactful stories using immersive and interactive technology. As an XR/metaverse creator, consultant, and speaker, she has been recognized as one of the 100 Original Voices of XR by industry veteran Avi Bar-Zeev for her work. Michaela specializes in creative strategy and impact production and has either worked with or had her work featured by top brands and organizations like Disney, TIME, Forbes, The Guardian, Cannes Film Festival, New York Public Library, Tribeca Film Festival, and more.

Lilan Dayananda is the co-founder and CEO of Elzian Agro and was among the top ten Youth Social Entrepreneurs at the Global-South Development Expo 2022, recognized by the United Nations Youth Envoy’s Office, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and UNDP Youth Co:Lab. He is also a Commonwealth Youth Awardee for excellence in development work in 2022 and was nominated for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Youth Award. Additionally, he was recognized among the top 100 meaningful business founders in 2023 by Ernst & Young (EY), Hogan Lovells Global Law Firms, and Babson College, along with the Meaningful Business Community.

Lilan secured a prestigious position on Forbes Magazine’s ’30 Under 30 Asia’ list in the social impact category. He holds a Business Management (Special) Degree from the University of Kelaniya, is reading for his Master's Degree at Wayamba University, and is an ALS Public Policy fellow at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and an Anubhav fellow at the Indian School of Public Policy. He has also completed the Stanford Seed Spark Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Since 2021, his social initiative, Elzian Agro, has continuously conducted research and developed validated innovative solutions for climate-smart, data-driven precision agriculture, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity restoration, analog forestry, and agroforestry. His aim through this initiative is to provide effective, sustainable solutions to food security in all its forms.

Kaja Posnik is a Program Director of the Girls Global Ready Program (by the Girls Future Ready Foundation), named the 2023 European Young Innovator Champion by the World Summit Awards, supported by the European Union and United Nations. Kaja is also a third year neuroscience student at University College London. Having been a Project Leader of one of the biggest student-led conferences in the United Kingdom, UCL Leaders, and President of the Polish Society at UCL, she has experience working with international communities and embracing diversity. She shares her work towards women and youth empowerment as a panelist at youth events and conferences, as well as at institutions such as the Senate of the Republic of Poland.

Kaja is a scholar of the British Alumni Society and the Clinton Global Initiative University, as part of which she is working on developing a youth program focused on increasing awareness about mental health through the performing arts. She is the founder of the ’Breath of Art’ podcast, where, together with her guests, she discusses the subjective nature of the arts and their impact on various areas of our lives. Kaja is the author of several neuroscience articles, published among others in ’The Harvard Brain’.

Privately, Kaja is very passionate about musical theatre and loves performing on stage, having taken part in theatre productions as well as public speaking and debating competitions.

Sorayadebie Jhagroe is a highly driven and inspired changemaker towards the SDGs. Born and raised in Suriname, her passion is to contribute to the development of the community, with focus areas related to youth development, climate action, energy, environment and gender.

Soraya holds a BSc. degree in Infrastructure (2015). Additionally, she completed a certificate course in Pedagogics (2017). In 2020, she accomplished her MSc. degree in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. Her passion for learning led her to complete many personal and professional courses, which is still ongoing. Currently, she studies Bachelor of Law and aspires a doctorate degree in the near future.

While combining her study with work, Soraya started as a company assistant and PR officer. Her BSc. degree led her to excel in project management and technical drafting at a construction company. Afterwards, she enriched her experience at the Secondary Technical Vocational Education Institute (NATIN) as a teacher/tutor/supervisor and management member for the faculty of natural resources (4+ years). Currently, she holds the position of Economic Regulation and Supervision Specialist at the Energy Authority of Suriname.

Over the past decade, Soraya has been actively involved in various (inter)national social-community activities and youth empowerment organizations. She is well-known for her multidisciplinary approach with successful execution of projects varying in scale. Leading by example, she encourages others to actively participate in addressing pressing developmental challenges. She has been able to contribute through her different roles: (board)member of the Cultural Union Suriname (4 years); Lions Clubs International Suriname Leadership Team as the Leo Associate, chair of the Leo Clubs; (vice)president and current member of Leo Club Campus Plus (5+ years); Suriname America Alumni Association since 2022 (secretary) and senior lead at Foundation Young Help Suriname (6+ years). She was an elected Youth District Council member for approximately 3.5 years.

Recently, Soraya joined the Suriname Business Association - Young Management division. Engaging in the United People Global Network, Lights on Women's Energybase and platform of the Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition allows her to actively participate in worldwide challenges. Soraya is the recipient of the CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy Award (2022) in the category Youth Leader, which she considers a significant milestone. By being a member of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Future Leaders Network, she wants to be a champion for the Caribbean in youth development challenges and her selection in the prestigious 35 under 35 Caribbean Cohort underscores her commitment to leave a lasting impact and make valuable contributions to the region.

Apart from her professional pursuits, Soraya enjoys Indian dance and Zumba. She's a nature and meditation lover who also likes networking, socializing and spending quality time with family. Her life motto: "God, Positivity, Happiness & Inner Peace" guides her journey. Soraya's unwavering leadership commitment and strong desire to contribute to the growth of responsible world citizens keeps her energized. She aims to make a profound impact on sustainable development at every level. Her remarkable drive, expertise and personal characteristics position her to make an invaluable contribution to the world.

Maka Tokhishvili (she/her) is a young change-maker leader from Georgia, currently based in Canada. She is passionate about driving democracy, social justice, peacebuilding, and national security, with over 9 years of international experience in public policy and interdisciplinary teamwork.

As a young leader with expertise in political movements, civil society, public policy, open government, and human rights, she holds a master's degree in political science, with a focus on democracy, national security, and peacebuilding. At the age of 14, when a Russian warplane flew over her house, she decided to dedicate her life to promoting peace and democracy for a better world and fighting against injustice. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to protect youth rights and promote peace.

Her experience includes working on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. She co-founded the Association of Georgia’s Sustainable Development and successfully created and managed the Open Government Support Program. She founded a communication group in Abkhazia, Georgia, an occupied region by Russia, and effectively utilized digital platforms to discover new leaders in the region. As a result of her efforts, one of the leaders she discovered gave a speech at the parliament of Georgia.

Her accomplishments include: being selected as the Obama Europe Leader 2023 at the Obama Foundation. Additionally, she was elected as vice-chair of the advisory board member on youth of the premier-minister's Youth Agency. Moreover, she achieved the first-place position among 40 interns at the Parliament of Georgia. She was also awarded presidential scholarships for higher education.

Her passion for serving in the youth field and discovering and promoting new leaders continues in Canada, where she currently works as an Incoming Global Talent Manager for AIESEC York, the world’s largest youth organization.

Her lifelong mission is to be the 'one-for-all entrepreneur of democracy' and contribute to global harmony as an ambassador of peace and equality for a better world. As Maka Tokhishvili puts it, 'my greatest strength is to inspire young people to find their meaning.’

Mubarak, a seasoned digital development advocate, has spent 5 years harnessing digital media to tackle health, population, and environmental challenges in Africa. He consults for ChangemakerXchange, focusing on Storytelling and Content Creation. Passionate about girl-child education, social justice, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and peace, Mubarak's leadership shone in the PACE project by the Population Reference Bureau. He supported pivotal legislation like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (2015) and Child Protection Bill (2018) in Kano state, employing his aptitude for policy advocacy and community outreach. Moreover, he's part of the European Union Youth Sounding Board and IREX's Community Engagement Exchange Program. Mubarak's dedication propels impactful change throughout Africa.

Gabriela is an activist for sexual and reproductive health and rights at Brazil. She founded AME, a menstrual education project. And, is the leader of Girl Up Campinas e Valinhos, a grassroots organization for gender equality. She is a Latin America Regional Focus Point at H.E.Y. Campaign, mobilizing youth for climate action intersected with gender. Mostly, she believes in the power of community action and in creating collective dreams.

Chioma Ukpabi has over seven year of experience in the social enterprise sector. She earned a Mini Master of Business Administration (Mini-MBA) degree from the Tekedia Institute, specializing in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Bowen University.

Her most recent and relevant work experience includes founding and leading Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK), a social tech startup dedicated to empowering marginalized youth by providing access to skills training and economic opportunities. Under her leadership, SUWK has established over 40 training hubs in partnership with various organizations, training over 850 young people, with a significant focus on youth empowerment. Chioma's responsibilities include program development, partnership building, and overall strategic leadership.

Through her social work, Chioma has acquired essential skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment. Her areas of particular interest in the social enterprise sector are education, youth empowerment, and economic development and had earned her several nominations and awards.

Chioma has been on several other programs by prestigious organizations such as Lagos Business School, SheLeadsAfrica, Enterprise Development Centre, United Nation Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Donors For Africa GE’DA Fellowship and many more.

Chioma has received several accolades and awards such as Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2022 awarded by JCI Nigeria, 25 under 25 Founder in Nigeria by SME100 AFRICA, 30 Under 30 CEO in Nigeria by CEOs Network, Top 20 Social Impact Founders by MentHer Magazine, Top 100 Global Women Entrepreneurs by Global Woman Magazine, Top 10 Standard Chartered Women in Tech 2023, Top 10 Creative Young Entrepreneur in Nigeria 2023, Social Innovator of the Year 2023 by Nigeria Innovation Awards and many more.

Chioma's commitment to social impact and her ability to bridge the gap between skills development and economic empowerment make her a dynamic leader in the social enterprise sector. Her dedication to fostering positive change in her community and her strategic mindset position her as a valuable asset to any organization she collaborates with.