DIHAD 2026 Speakers

H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi

Director-General, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Dubai | United Arab Emirates

H.E. Ahmed Darwish Saif Al Qamah Al Muhairi, the Director General of the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, holds the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leaders Preparation (Dubai Leaders – Batch 2021), a diploma in Future Leaders Program (2) from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in 2018, and a bachelor’s degree in law from the Dubai Police Academy in 2003. Throughout his career, he has held several administrative positions, most notably as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children since 2018, a member of the Board of Directors of Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation since 2018, Chairman of the Charity Work Committee for Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation since 2018, a member of the Endowment Attraction and Development Committee since 2018, a member of the Endowment Investment Committee since 2018, a member of the Social Responsibility Committee affiliated with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai since 2017, a member of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Food Bank since 2017, a lawyer at the Court of First Instance and Appeal from 2010 to 2016, a member of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments from 2019 to 2022, then appointed as Executive Director of the Charity Sector, according to Executive Council Resolution No. (74) of 2016 until 2023. At the end of the year 2023, Royal Decree No. (50) of 2023 was issued appointing Mr. Ahmed Darwish Saif Al Qamah Al Muhairi as the Director General of the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.

Ms. Arwa Damon

Five-time Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Founder of INARA | United Arab Emirates

Arwa Damon is a five-time Emmy winning former CNN Senior International Correspondent. While her career has taken her across the globe, she is best known for her coverage of the Middle East, especially out of Iraq and Syria, and for the human stories she brings into her reporting. She is also the recipient of numerous Peabody Awards, the Investigative Reporters and Editors award for her coverage of the 2012 attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, and the prestigious “Courage in Journalism” award by the International Women’s Media Foundations. In 2015 Arwa founded her charity, the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance, INARA, that provides comprehensive holistic medical and mental health care for children impacted by war and natural disasters who otherwise would not be receiving treatment. In 2022 Arwa parted ways with CNN to direct and produce the award-winning documentary “Seize the Summit” and focus on growing and expanding INARA. She is also a non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council.

H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi

Minister of State, United Arab Emirates; Advisor to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee | United Arab Emirates

H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi currently serves as Minister of State in the United Arab Emirates and Advisor to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.” She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and conducts research across several social fields, with a particular interest in scientific research. She has authored numerous books and research studies on women, demography, and development. She currently chairs the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee and the Board of Directors of the UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women Career Development (FCW). As an expert, H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi has participated in numerous scientific conferences and worked with several United Nations organizations, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has also represented the United Arab Emirates at numerous international conferences.

Ms. Rania Dagash-Kamara

Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, World Food Programme | United Arab Emirates

Rania Dagash-Kamara is WFP’s Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation. In this role, she leads the organization’s engagement and resource mobilization activities with global partners, international financial institutions and programme countries. She also oversees WFP’s expanding work in innovation. Prior to her appointment in February 2024, Ms. Dagash-Kamara served in senior roles within UNICEF, OCHA, IOM and the Department of Peace Operations (former Peacekeeping) including in the UN Office to the African Union and the UN Somalia Assistance Mission in Somalia. Ms. Dagash-Kamara brings close to 25 years of experience in the coordination of humanitarian emergencies and peace operations spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East and UN Headquarters. Ms. Dagash-Kamara holds a Masters’ degree in Vernacular Architecture from Oxford Brookes University and a Bachelors’ degree in Architecture from the University of Khartoum, Sudan. She is married and has a son.

Ms. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna

Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps | United Arab Emirates

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna has grounded her career in the simple belief that, no matter where someone is born, no matter where they live, they should be able to lead a thriving and successful life. As Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, Tjada leads a global team of over 3,400 humanitarians, who provide immediate relief to help save lives and livelihoods and work to support transformational change in more than 30+ countries. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer of CARE, where she oversaw the organization’s programming and global operations. Tjada spent more than a decade working to end world hunger in roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. government. During the Obama administration, Tjada served as the Deputy Coordinator of Development for Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative, and the Assistant to the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Food Security in Washington, D.C. Tjada also brings a passion for innovation to her work, developed early in her career, through various roles at McKinsey & Company, American Express, and General Electric. In addition to leading Mercy Corps, Tjada sits on the Climate Migration Council and is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Tjada earned a B.A. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. When she’s not working, Tjada enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family

H.E. Ahmad Al Suwaidi

CEO, Dubai Charity Association | United Arab Emirates

His Excellency Ahmed Al Suwaidi is recognized as one of the distinguished and esteemed figures in the fields of philanthropy, humanitarian work, and community service in the United Arab Emirates. His journey in charitable endeavors began in 1995 with one of the country’s charitable organizations. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, His Excellency has accumulated a wealth of expertise and achievements, having held numerous positions in Dubai’s government sectors. Through these roles, he has significantly contributed to enhancing governmental operations and elevating the quality of services provided to both citizens and residents. During this period, he earned an excellent reputation and achieved numerous successes that left a positive impact in every field he worked in. He currently serves as the Executive Director of “Dubai Charity Association,” where he leads its operations through a wide range of responsibilities. These include managing its affairs, implementing its vision and mission, formulating strategic plans and programs, and strengthening its role in supporting humanitarian and charitable causes both locally and globally. Under his wise leadership, the association has achieved remarkable milestones by implementing numerous projects and initiatives that have successfully improved the lives of millions of beneficiaries both within the UAE and abroad. He has focused on developing innovative programs, building robust strategic partnerships, and ensuring the sustainable growth of Dubai Charity Association.

Mr. Ahmad Mukhtar

FAO Representative to the United Arab Emirates and Subregional Coordinator (OIC) for the GCC States and Yemen | United Arab Emirates

FAO Representative to the United Arab Emirates and Subregional Coordinator (OIC) for the GCC States and Yemen

H.E. Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa

Secretary General, AWQAF Dubai | United Arab Emirates

Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa is the Secretary-General – Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) Board Member – Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment Board Member – Dubai Sports Council Board Member – International Institute Of Islamic WAQF (Global and Islamic Worlds) Member – Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs Member – Arbitration Committee for the Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service Member of the Board of Trustees – 1 Billion Meals Endowment Vice Chairman – Citizens’ Applications Review Team (2023–present) Board Member – Dubai Foundation for Community Contributions (Jood)

H.E. Amb. Alia Hatoug-Bouran

Senator, The Jordanian Senate; Former President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean; Member of the Advisory Council, IISS | United Arab Emirates

Professional Experience: Governmental Portfolio • Member of the Jordanian Senate, 2016 – 2024. • Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, 2003 to 2005. • Minister of Environment and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, 2003 to 2004. • Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities in Jordan, 1998-2001. Ambassadorial Portfolio • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the United Mexican States, 2010 to 2016. • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Iceland, 2006 to 2010. • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium, EU and NATO, 2001- 2003. • Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway, 2002 – 2003. • Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the European Communities, 2001-2003. • Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 2001-2003. Diplomatic Portfolio • Member of the Med-Or International Advisory Council (Rome) since 2022. • Member of the Advisory Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies – London (IISS), since 2021. • Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) 2016-2024, voted President of the PAM in 2019. • Member of the Center for Strategic Studies, Jordan University, 2021-2023. • Head of Environment Team of Free Trade Agreement between Jordan and the United States, 1999-2000. • Head of National Debt-for-Nature Swap Program in Jordan, with the technical assistance of the IUCN and in partnership with UNDP – Amman, 1995-2000. • Senior Negotiating member on Environment Track during peace talks with Israel, Bilateral Negotiations, 1993-1994. • Head of Jordanian Team on the Environmental Multilateral Peace Talks, 1998-1999. Private Sector • Political Advisor to Arab Bank since 2017. • Board member of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation since 2022. Awards: • The Independence Medal of the First Degree. • The Independence Medal of the Second Degree. • The Independence Medal of the Third Degree. • Award by the German-Mediterranean Council on Achievements and Excellence in the Field of Environment and Sustainable Development. Skills • Extensive experience in diplomacy and negotiations. • Extensive knowledge of spheres of influence in the US, UK and the EU; lobbying different causes and cases. • Strong knowledge and in-depth skills in developmental projects and investment. • Financial negotiations (was instrumental in the Arab Bank negotiations versus the United States case). • Strong background in environmental auditing and environmental economics. Academic Background: • Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, Strategic Planning, Russian Academy of Science Novosibirsk Branch, 1980-1983. • MSC in Applied Environmental Studies, Moscow State University (1979-1980). • BSC in Applied Environmental Studies, Moscow State University (1975-1979). • Associate Professor of Environmental Science faculty of applied Sciences, Centre for Strategic Studies, University of Jordan (1984-1998)

Mr. Amin Awad

President of the Foundation Council, DCAF Genève Center for Security Governance; Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine | United Arab Emirates

Across his 35-year career, Mr Awad has served at the intersection of international peace and security, spanning the post–Cold War era across the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa, the former Soviet Union, and the former Yugoslavia. Appointed by the UN Secretary-General as Assistant Secretary-General and UN Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine at the onset of the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022, Mr Awad drew on his extensive experience in early warning and humanitarian crisis coordination, leading complex politico-humanitarian engagement and securing vital assistance. Mr Awad currently serves as President of the Foundation Council at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and 2020 Senior Fellow of Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative and member of the Board of DIHAD.

Ms. Arwa Damon

Five-time Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Founder of INARA – Moderator | United Arab Emirates

Arwa Damon is a five-time Emmy winning former CNN Senior International Correspondent. While her career has taken her across the globe, she is best known for her coverage of the Middle East, especially out of Iraq and Syria, and for the human stories she brings into her reporting. She is also the recipient of numerous Peabody Awards, the Investigative Reporters and Editors award for her coverage of the 2012 attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, and the prestigious “Courage in Journalism” award by the International Women’s Media Foundations. In 2015 Arwa founded her charity, the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance, INARA, that provides comprehensive holistic medical and mental health care for children impacted by war and natural disasters who otherwise would not be receiving treatment. In 2022 Arwa parted ways with CNN to direct and produce the award-winning documentary “Seize the Summit” and focus on growing and expanding INARA. She is also a non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council.

Ms. Bertha Chiudza

Founder & Team Lead, Tsinde Eco Empower; DIHAD Humanitarian College Student | United Arab Emirates

Bertha Chiudza is a sustainability and humanitarian development practitioner with over 17 years of international experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Through the DIHAD Glasshouse Incubator program and as a DIHAD Humanitarian College scholarship recipient of 2022, she founded Tsinde Eco Empower, a Malawi-based social and green enterprise. Her work demonstrates how locally driven environmental innovation can serve as a climate-responsive and humanitarian intervention while strengthening resilience in vulnerable urban and peri-urban communities. She has worked with the GCF, GGGI, UN organizations like UNOPS, UNFPA, WFP; and INGOs like Oxfam, Plan International among others. She has received multiple global awards for leadership and impact on sustainability.

Ms. Bérangère Böell

United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE | United Arab Emirates

United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE

Ms. Christelle Delenclos

Global VP Humanitarian, Ecolog International | United Arab Emirates

Christelle Delenclos is the Global VP of Humanitarian at Ecolog International, with over 25 years of operational experience across Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Her work focuses on Operational Diplomacy, the critical intersection where high-level diplomatic mandates are translated into verified, field-ready logistics. Specializing in rapid deployment, infectious disease response infrastructure, and navigating highly fragmented geopolitical landscapes, Christelle prioritizes realistic, cross-sector partnerships that bypass traditional bottlenecks. She specializes in stripping away assumptions to secure functional, high-stakes supply chains in the world’s most complex environments.

H.E. Denys Bashlyk

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine | United Arab Emirates

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine

Ms. Elizabeth Campbell

Executive Director, ODI Global Washington | United Arab Emirates

Elizabeth Campbell is the founding executive director of CoAction Global, a nonprofit impact accelerator connecting local leadership and ideas with global capabilities to advance economic opportunity, drive community investment, and convene partnerships. She leads the development and execution of the organization’s vision to build cross-border, cross-sector partnerships that facilitate economic prosperity and resilience in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. Elizabeth takes the helm of CoAction Global as the next step in a career spanning government, civil society, and the United Nations, marked by leadership in multilateralism, diplomacy and humanitarian action. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the U.S. State Department, where she was responsible for over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance in Africa and managed the relationships with key UN, international organizations, and civil society partners. She also served as senior humanitarian policy advisor in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. Previously she was Director of UNRWA’s representative office in Washington, D.C., a senior advocate at Refugees International, where she focused on humanitarian crises in East Africa and the Middle East, director of Refugee Council USA, and as part of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Kenya. Elizabeth holds a B.A. from St. Lawrence University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Binghamton University. She has served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Law, James Madison University, and Binghamton University. She is a fellow with New America’s Future Security Program, and an Arizona State University research fellow.

Mr. Fadi Ghandour

Founder of Aramex; Executive Chairman of Wamda Capital | United Arab Emirates

Fadi Ghandour is the Executive Chairman of Wamda Group, a platform that invests, nurtures and builds entrepreneurship eco-systems across the Middle East and North Africa. Mr. Ghandour is also the Founder of Aramex, one of the leading global logistics companies. Mr. Ghandour spent the first 30 years of his work life as CEO of Aramex, building the company, making it the leading emerging market logistics company, employing over 15,000 people working in over 250 offices in 90 countries. He took the company public twice, first on Nasdaq making it the first company from the Arab world to do so, then on Dubai Financial market. He continues to be active on the Aramex board. Mr. Ghandour is a serial entrepreneur. In his career, he was involved with founding, investing and launching tens of companies and non-profits, ranging from digital tech, hospitality, fitness & wellness. Passionate about impact and social entrepreneurship, Mr. Ghandour founded and chairs Ruwwad for Development, a private sector led community empowerment platform that helps marginalized communities, across several countries in the MENA region, overcome marginalization through activism, civic engagement, education and financial inclusion. Mr. Ghandour also served and continues to serve on several global and regional boards of companies, education institutions and non-profits

Ms. Farah Kabir

Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh | United Arab Emirates

Farah Kabir is the Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh and a renowned human rights activist with a longstanding commitment to social justice, gender equality, and climate justice. She is widely recognized for her uncompromising advocacy against human rights violations and her leadership in advancing women’s rights and political empowerment in Bangladesh. As a gender justice advocate, her contributions to research and advocacy are recognized nationally and internationally. As a media activist, Farah Kabir regularly writes op-eds and advocacy pieces in Bangla and English newspapers to advance social justice. A prominent voice on climate justice in Bangladesh, she actively engages in national and global advocacy platforms, including the UN climate negotiations (COP process).

Ms. Gulnaz Ukassova

Security Director for Information & Analysis, International SOS (Kazakhstan) | United Arab Emirates

Gulnaz Ukassova is Security Director, Information & Analysis at International SOS, based in the UAE, where she leads the intelligence function across the Mashreq & Iran, East and Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. In this role, she oversees the delivery of real‑time intelligence, crisis reporting, and forward‑looking geopolitical analysis, supporting organisations during both business‑as‑usual operations and high‑impact security crises. Gulnaz has extensive experience advising multinational organisations on geopolitical risk, crisis management, evacuation planning, and operational security, and regularly supports clients during periods of heightened regional instability, including most recent escalation in the Middle East. She is a frequent media contributor and industry speaker, providing expert insight on evolving security threats, mis and disinformation risks, and organisational preparedness across complex operating environments. Her professional focus includes intelligence analysis, security risk management, crisis response, and strategic forecasting across emerging and high‑risk markets.

Mr. Guy Cave

President, Legatum Foundation | United Arab Emirates

Guy Cave is President of the Legatum Foundation and is also currently serving as Interim CEO of the END Fund. Guy has over 30 years of experience in social work, international development, humanitarian response, and philanthropy. Guy has lived and worked in multiple countries across five continents – including: Colombia, Myanmar (Burma), Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, USA, Türkiye etc., and has led many humanitarian responses. Legatum Foundation runs pilot programs through local and national partners and then spins them out as collaborative philanthropic Funds. This has led to the founding of the END Fund, the Freedom Fund, Luminos Fund, and – most recently – the Resilio Fund, which was launched in Dubai in November 2025, and which supports community-led humanitarian response. By centering local communities – the true first and best responders in times of disaster – Resilio Fund aims to transform how the world responds to crises. Guy holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Durham; a Masters in Social Work from the University of York; and a Masters in Children’s Rights from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland).

Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang

Philippines Red Cross Secretary General | United Arab Emirates

Philippines Red Cross Secretary General

H.E. Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei (TBC)

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Emirates Red Crescent Authority | United Arab Emirates

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Emirates Red Crescent Authority

Mrs. Iva Hamel

World Bank’s Resident Representative for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain | United Arab Emirates

World Bank’s Resident Representative for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain

H.E. Jagan Chapagain

Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC | United Arab Emirates

Mr Jagan Chapagain is the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the IFRC. He was appointed by the IFRC Governing Board in February 2020 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr Chapagain has extensive experience in leading effective and principled humanitarian response around the world and has dedicated his life to helping empower local communities. He brings decades of experience in building and leading inclusive teams and forging trustful partnerships to address global challenges, ranging from climate to health, and from migration to protection, gender, and inclusion. He has also championed policies and programmes that promote youth engagement and volunteering, and that strengthen localization and accountability in humanitarian action. He began his humanitarian journey as a youth volunteer with the Nepal Red Cross and has extensive experience in, and broad knowledge of, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Prior to being appointed Secretary General, he served as Under Secretary General for Programmes and Operations at the IFRC. He was also previously Chief of Staff and Regional Director for Asia Pacific, where he provided leadership during large-scale humanitarian crises and built resilient communities alongside National Societies and other partners. An engineer by training, Mr Chapagain holds certificates in Leadership and Turnaround Management, Emerging Social Sector Leadership, and High Performance Boards. A national of Nepal, he is fluent in Nepalese, English and Hindi and has basic knowledge of Urdu and Russian.

Dr. Jamie Munn

Executive Director / CEO, International Council of Voluntary Agencies | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Jamie Munn is Executive Director of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), one of the world’s largest global networks of humanitarian NGOs, representing hundreds of organisations working in crisis settings around the world. Based in Geneva, he works to strengthen principled humanitarian action and ensure that civil society organisations, particularly local and national actors, have a stronger voice in global humanitarian policy and decision-making. With more than two decades of experience across humanitarian operations, policy, and research, Jamie has worked in numerous complex crisis contexts including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His career has focused on strengthening the role of civil society in humanitarian response, advancing accountability to affected communities, and promoting approaches that shift power and resources closer to local actors. At ICVA, Jamie regularly participates in high-level humanitarian coordination and policy forums, including the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), advocating for stronger NGO participation, more equitable humanitarian financing, and the protection of civic space for civil society organisations operating in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Prior to returning to the humantiarian sector, Jamie held academic positions in the United Kingdom, including senior lecturerships at the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, and City, University of London, where he taught international politics and humanitarian studies. He holds a PhD from the University of Exeter and a Master’s degree from Acadia University. Jamie is Canadian and currently lives in Geneva, where he continues to advocate for a humanitarian system that is more inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.

Mr. Joris Amin

Doctor of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | United Arab Emirates

Joris Amin, PhD, is a researcher and practitioner working at the intersection of refugee integration and entrepreneurship, combining academic and practice-based research. As Impact Manager at Forward·Inc, he measures the impact of programs that help refugee entrepreneurs build economic independence and attain societal inclusion. As a researcher within the Refugee Entrepreneurship Network (REN), he studies the refugee entrepreneurship ecosystem worldwide, mapping the landscape and the challenges refugee entrepreneurs encounter across different contexts. Through all strands of his work, Joris is committed to creating environments where refugees can leverage their skills through entrepreneurship to survive and thrive.

Prof. João Bosco Monte

President of Brazil Africa Institute | United Arab Emirates

João Bosco Monte is a leading authority on Brazil–Africa relations and a prominent figure in international cooperation. As the Founder and President of the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF), he has dedicated his career to fostering dialogue and advancing strategic partnerships between Brazil and the African continent. He is also the Founder and General Coordinator of the Brazil Africa Forum, the leading multisectoral platform connecting leaders from government, business, and academia to promote impactful collaboration between Brazil, Africa, and other global regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and completed postdoctoral studies in International, Bilateral, and Multilateral Relations at the University of Brasília (UnB). His academic work focuses on African continental integration, South-South cooperation, and international development. He also serves as an Academic Reviewer at the Rio Branco Institute (IRBr), Brazil’s diplomatic academy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A respected scholar and educator, João Bosco Monte has been a visiting professor at universities in Brazil and across the African continent, contributing to academic discourse on international partnerships. He is a Senior International Associate at the Center for African, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies (CALACS) at O.P. Jindal Global University (India), and a member of the Academic and Scientific Board at TRENDS Research & Advisory (Abu Dhabi), where he contributes to high-level policy discussions. His expertise extends beyond academia, as he acts as an international consultant for governments, organizations, and private-sector entities seeking opportunities across Brazil, Africa, and the Gulf region. He is also the General Coordinator of the “Mandela: Icon of Reconciliation” Exhibition in Brazil, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation (South Africa). João Bosco Monte is a prolific author, contributing to books and publications on international trade, sustainable development, and global governance, with a particular focus on South-South and Triangular Cooperation. His commitment to food security as a pillar of sustainable development led to his participation as a Champion at the UN Food Systems Summit (2020), where he advocated for inclusive and sustainable policies. He was awarded the Order of Rio Branco in 2018 and 2023, the highest distinction granted by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in recognition of his distinguished service to international relations. He also served as a Brazilian delegate at the BRICS Academic Forum (2013) and is a frequent commentator in leading Brazilian and international media outlets. He previously served as Secretary for International and Institutional Relations for the City of Fortaleza, where he led strategic initiatives to strengthen global partnerships and enhance the city’s international presence. His work has positioned him as a key bridge-builder between Brazil, Africa, and emerging global regions.

Dr. Khaled Khalifa

Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Panel Chair | United Arab Emirates

Khaled Khalifa is a seasoned humanitarian professional with over 30 years of experience in relief and development. He currently serves as the Senior Advisor on global Islamic Philanthropy initiatives and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Throughout his career, Khaled has held senior managerial positions with major international organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA), and Islamic Relief Worldwide. Khaled holds a Ph.D. in Management Leadership and Organizational Strategy, an M.Sc. in Sustainable Development, an M.A. in English Literature & Humanities, and a Project Management Diploma. He is a renowned international trainer in disaster management and an expert speaker on humanitarian affairs and the Middle East. At UNHCR, Khaled’s expertise in forging innovative partnerships has been key to the success of the Refugee Zakat Fund, which has supported over 8 million people in 28 countries since its initiation in 2017. His efforts also led to the establishment of the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees, an endowment with the Islamic Development Bank’s Solidarity Fund aiming to raise USD $500 million to support UNHCR’s humanitarian response efforts sustainably.

Eng. Khaled Al Attar

Director-General, DIHAD Sustainable Organisation | United Arab Emirates

Eng. Khaled Al Attar the Director-General of the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, where he plays a key role in managing humanitarian initiatives. He is also the Founder and Chairman of GADHA, a training and consulting institute focused on leadership and management. Additionally, Eng. Khaled Al Attar oversees the World’s leading event in humanitarian aid and development – the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD), and has been pivotal in establishing the DIHAD Humanitarian College, and its first-ever master’s program in sustainable humanitarian action.

Ms. Lana Al Wreikat

UNICEF’s Director for the Gulf Area, GCC Countries – Panel Chair | United Arab Emirates

UNICEF’s Director for the Gulf Area, GCC Countries

Mr. Mahmoud Bah

Chief Operating Officer, Corus International | United Arab Emirates

Mahmoud joined Corus International in May 2023 as the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Mahmoud oversees the organization’s broad portfolio of businesses and non-for-profits, focusing on program operations, business development, impact and partnerships as well as legal and compliance. Mahmoud spearheads the holistic integration of various processes while seeking efficiencies across the organization. Prior to joining Corus, Mahmoud worked for nearly 13 years at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), where he occupied various positions. In his most recent, he served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a presidential appointed position in an U.S. foreign assistance agency. Prior to that, he also served as one as President Biden’s designated Acting Chief Executive Officer overseeing the agency’s operations and administration during the transition period leading up to the confirmation of the Chief Executive Officer by the U.S. Senate. MCC provides large grants to support eligible and selected countries to reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth. To date, MCC has invested more than $15 billion in compact and threshold programs worldwide, with $8 billion of active programs that support data driven and country-led infrastructure and policy reform projects in health, agriculture, education, energy, finance and enterprise development and more. Mahmoud also spent three years in Côte d’Ivoire as MCC’s Resident Country Director overseeing the implementation of MCC-Côte d’Ivoire’s $525 million transport and education program. Mahmoud has over 25 years of experience in international development, project finance and financial management, public and forensic accounting including mergers and acquisitions, and advisory and consulting services in both the public and private sectors. He is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant and has an MBA from the University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business. Mahmoud is a native of Guinea but grew up in Togo as one of nine children, giving him exposure to French, Mina, and Fulani which he speaks fluently.

Dr. Manal Taryam

Chief Executive Officer, Noor Dubai Foundation | United Arab Emirates

Chief Executive Officer, Noor Dubai Foundation

Mr. Mario Stephan

Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, Center for Civilians in Conflict | United Arab Emirates

Mario Stephan is currently the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships for the Centre for Civilians in Conflict, based out of Geneva. He brings today over 21 years’ experience in the Aid&Relief sector, with more than half of it dedicated to philanthropy and building partnerships, during which he carved an expertise in Islamic and Blockchain philanthropy. Mario’s experience encompasses a wide variety of roles, from field work to leadership and executive roles, with several international organisations. In the course of his career, Mario has lived and worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Afghanistan, Somalia, Egypt, the UAE, and now Switzerland. Mario also held regional positions covering eastern and southern Africa, the MENA region, and the Gulf region. In the years leading to his present appointment, Mario was the founding director of Arabian Perspectives, a consultancy firm providing expertise and knowledge on the Arab World to the relief and development sectors, and the Executive Director for Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)’s UAE regional office from 2018 to 2022. Since 2013, Mario has been involved in different governance roles, from board member and trustee to secretary to chairman. He has also joined advisory boards of Gulf universities and foundations, bridging the gap with the Aid & Relief sector. Mario speaks Arabic, English, French and Spanish, and holds a Master’s degree in Management and Business Administration from the KEDGE business school (Bordeaux, France), and throughout his career has been accredited as a professional trainer by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (London, United Kingdom), and a mentor at Senior Practitioner Level by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).

Mr. Mark Nowak

Chief Technical Officer, OmniAid | United Arab Emirates

Mark Nowak has served as Chief Technology Officer at OmniAid since August 2025, leading the company’s technology strategy and product innovation. He oversees the architecture and development of OmniAid’s humanitarian fintech platform, creating secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions that help governments, NGOs, financial institutions, and humanitarian organizations deliver transparent and efficient digital assistance programs worldwide. With more than 22 years of experience in enterprise architecture, distributed systems, and digital transformation, Mark has designed and modernized mission-critical platforms across the financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, retail, and e-commerce sectors. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale modernization initiatives for multinational enterprises and major financial institutions, helping organizations build resilient cloud-native platforms, modernize legacy infrastructure, and accelerate digital transformation. His expertise spans enterprise architecture, cloud computing, cybersecurity, microservices, high-load distributed systems, and large-scale systems integration. Mark is recognized for combining strategic technology leadership with deep engineering expertise, enabling organizations to align business objectives with sustainable, secure, and scalable technology solutions. He has established enterprise architecture governance frameworks, introduced modern engineering practices, and mentored architects and engineering leaders throughout his career. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics (2013) and a Master’s degree in Digital Transformation from IU International University of Applied Sciences (Germany). He has completed more than 100 professional certifications and executive education programs covering enterprise architecture, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, digital governance, and software engineering. At OmniAid, Mark is focused on building technology that improves the transparency, accountability, and accessibility of humanitarian assistance. By combining digital identity, secure financial infrastructure, AI-powered automation, and modern cloud technologies, he is helping create next-generation platforms that enable humanitarian and social impact programs to operate more efficiently, securely, and at global scale.

Mr. Martin Jaggi

Head of the Middle East Section, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation | United Arab Emirates

He has 25 years of work experience in international humanitarian and development cooperation. He has served in different positions for international NGOs, UNHCR and since 2007 for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC. For SDC, he has among others worked as Deputy Head of the Humanitarian Africa Division, Head of Cooperation for Colombia and Head of Cooperation of the Regional Hub in the Andes. In his past position he was Chief of Staff and Deputy Head of SDC’s Humanitarian Aid Division.

H.E. Marwan Binhashim (TBC)

The CEO of Dubai Community Contributions Establishment (JOOD) | United Arab Emirates

The CEO of Dubai Community Contributions Establishment (JOOD)

Ms. Melissa Saoudy

Managing Director, The Why / Master of Studies Holder in Social Innovation, University of Cambridge | United Arab Emirates

Melissa Saoudy is the Founder and Managing Director of The Why Impact Consulting, where she advises governments and organisations across the UAE and wider region on social impact, innovation and future-focused strategy. A sociologist by training, she brings more than 15 years of experience designing programmes and policies that translate complex challenges into practical, people-centred solutions. She holds a Master’s in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge.

Prof. Michael Kohler

Grand Bargain Ambassador; Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges, and LUISS Guio Carli, Rome; Acting Director-General, European Commission (ret.) – Panel Chair | United Arab Emirates

Grand Bargain Ambassador; Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges, and LUISS Guio Carli, Rome; Acting Director-General, European Commission (ret.)

H.E. Mishal Karim Julfar

Executive Director, Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services | United Arab Emirates

Executive Director, Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services

Mr. Mohammed Alshamsi

Chief Climate Change & Sustainability Officer at DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), Acting Executive Director of the UAE Water Aid Foundation | United Arab Emirates

Mohammed Abdulkareem AlShamsi is the Acting Executive Director of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. In this capacity, he oversees Suqia’s global efforts to address water scarcity by deploying innovative and sustainable solutions powered by renewable energy. To date, Suqia’s initiatives have benefited around 15 million people across 37 countries, supporting vulnerable communities with access to safe and sustainable drinking water. He also oversees the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, a global platform that encourages the development of innovative technologies and solutions to tackle water scarcity worldwide. In parallel, Mohammed serves as the Chief Officer of Climate Change & Sustainability at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), where he leads the Authority’s strategic direction on climate action and sustainability. He oversees the development and implementation of DEWA’s climate change strategies, integrating mitigation and adaptation measures while embedding climate risks within DEWA’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Under his leadership, sustainability has been embedded within DEWA’s corporate strategy, including the development of pioneering initiatives such as DEWA’s Climate Change Resilience Plan and DEWA’s Circular Economy Strategy, reinforcing DEWA’s position as a regional leader in climate change and sustainability.

Mr. Mohammed Liswi

Technical Advisor, Global Health CRDF Global (USA) | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Mohammed Liswi is a physician and epidemiologist serving as a Technical Advisor for Global Health at CRDF Global in Jordan. He leads regional initiatives focused on health security, border health, and infectious disease surveillance in collaboration with ministries of health, the U.S. CDC, and other international partners. With over a decade of experience across humanitarian and public health settings, Dr. Liswi has contributed to health system strengthening, healthcare analytics, and capacity building across the Middle East. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Science in Public Health. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents at regional and international scientific conferences on global health and health security.

Dr. Raji Tajudeen (TBC)

Deputy Director General, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), African Union (AU) | United Arab Emirates

Deputy Director General, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), African Union (AU)

H.E. Rashed Alhemeiri

Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Communication, UAE Aid Agency | United Arab Emirates

Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Communication, UAE Aid Agency

H.E. Rashid Alshamsi

Executive Director of Operations, UAE Aid Agency | United Arab Emirates

Executive Director of Operations, UAE Aid Agency

Ms. Reem Mougheith

Regional Humanitarian Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, MSF International Office | United Arab Emirates

Regional Humanitarian Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, MSF International Office Reem Mougheith is the Regional Humanitarian Representative for the Middle East and North Africa at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International Office since December 2023. She brings over 15 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with a strong focus on humanitarian diplomacy, access negotiations, protection under international humanitarian law (IHL), and operations management. Reem also specializes in training and facilitation, with a particular focus on security training for humanitarian teams operating in complex and volatile environments. Prior to joining MSF, Reem worked for more than nine years with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), following earlier roles with several United Nations agencies, including UNHCR and WHO. She has served in complex and diverse operational settings across Cambodia, Lebanon, Syria (Homs, Hama, Hasakah), Nigeria, Iraq, Jordan, Somalia, and Kenya — with a particular emphasis on the Middle East, a region she proudly calls home. Reem holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the British University in Egypt, and a Master’s degree in International Law and Human Rights from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Mr. Samer AbdelJaber

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for the Middle East and Northern Africa and Eastern Europe | United Arab Emirates

Samer AbdelJaber is the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Regional Director for the Middle East, Northern Africa and Eastern Europe, a role he has held since June 2025. Mr. AbdelJaber facilitates coordination and dissemination of strategic guidance to Coun-try Offices across the region, strengthening operational effectiveness and performance. Mr. AbdelJaber represents the WFP in engagement with key stakeholders across the re-gion to enhance strategic partnerships, resource mobilization efforts and inter-agency coordination to advance WFP’s mission in the region. A Jordanian national, Samer brings over two decades of humanitarian and development leadership across the region and beyond. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Director of the Office of the Deputy Execu-tive Director and as WFP’s Director of Emergencies in the Office of the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at WFP Headquarters. In this role, he played a cen-tral part in shaping the organization’s global emergency preparedness and response ar-chitecture. Previously, Mr. AbdelJaber was WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Palestine, where he also led WFP’s emergency operations during the outbreak of the Gaza crisis in October 2023. He previously also served as Country Director in Libya, where he spear-headed initiatives that strengthened national capacities. Under his leadership, WFP also established key common services such as the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) and the Logistics Cluster, improving humanitarian access and coordination across the country. Throughout his career, Mr. AbdelJaber has held a range of strategic and technical roles across WFP operations in Jordan, Iraq, Sudan, and Egypt, as well as at Headquarters. He served as Chief of Digital Solutions Delivery, leading major corporate technology initia-tives, and as Deputy Country Director in Egypt, where he strengthened partnerships with UN agencies and donors and oversaw WFP’s Syria emergency response in Egypt. He has also played a key role in inter-agency coordination, most recently representing WFP in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Emergency Directors Group, contributing to the humanitarian reset agenda, support to Resident Coordinators, and the review of corporate scale-ups. Mr. AbdelJaber holds a degree in Computer Science from Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Amman, Jordan. He is married and has two children.

Dr. Sandra Pertek

UKRI Future Leaders and Associate Professor, University of Birmingham; Senior Research Fellow, Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS, Doha) – Moderator | United Arab Emirates

Dr Sandra Pertek is UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the School of Government and School of Social Policy, and Associate Professor at the International Development Department (IDD) and the Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity (IRiS) at the University of Birmingham. She is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), Doha Institute. She was previously Lecturer at the Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, and Teaching Fellow (POLSIS) and ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham. Sandra specialises in the intersection of gender, violence, religion, forced migration and humanitarianism. Her research integrates the intersectional and ecological approaches to improve outcomes for displaced populations. She has led a number of studies across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, including the “Ukrainian Refugees at Risk” and “Protecting Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls in the Muslim World” projects. She currently leads an interdisciplinary and policy-oriented, UKRI-funded research initiative, “Making Aid Work for Displaced Women”, which focuses on integrating Islamic philanthropy into the international humanitarian system and developing innovative solutions to global forced displacement. She is an interdisciplinary researcher and social development specialist with over a decade of experience in humanitarian, development, and migration settings. Bridging research, policy, and practice, she has consulted for international and governmental organisations, including the European Commission, GIZ, the Home Office, and Islamic Development Bank. She has also collaborated with various organisations, such as the UNHCR, OIC and IFRC. Before joining the University of Birmingham, Sandra was a Senior Policy Adviser on Gender at a leading humanitarian agency. She has published numerous articles on gender, religion and forced migration in leading journals and co-authored the monograph, ‘On the Significance of Religion in Violence Against Women and Girls’ (Routledge). Her new monograph, ‘Violence against women, Forced Displacement and Religion: Rethinking Humanitarianism’, is underway.

Mr. Sean Carroll

President and CEO, American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) | United Arab Emirates

Sean is a recognized international humanitarian and human development leader. He is a recipient of the Julia Vadala Taft Outstanding Leadership Award and the America’s Community Council 2024 Global Humanitarian Leadership Award. As president and CEO of Anera and CEO of Anera Ventures, LLC, Sean leads a staff of over 200 in Lebanon, Palestine (West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem), Jordan and Washington, DC, overseeing the delivery of over $200 million in annual humanitarian and development aid to vulnerable communities in the Middle East. Since October 2023, Anera has delivered more than 150 million meals, over 20 million gallons of water, and over 500,000 patient consultations in Gaza. Anera’s work spans emergency and humanitarian relief, infrastructure and development projects in water, sanitation, education, and health, as well as economic growth programs, including agriculture and vocational upskilling. Prior to Anera, Sean held key roles at Creative Associates International, the US Agency for International Development, the Club of Madrid, the US Congress, and the National Democratic Institute. He’s worked also for the World Food Programme, the European Commission and the Center for Immigration Policy and Refugee Assistance. He served in the Obama Administration as chief of staff and COO at USAID; for six years as director of programs for the Club of Madrid, a leadership alliance that includes 106 former presidents and prime ministers; and for 13 years at NDI in various roles, including as chief of mission for the West Bank and Gaza, living two years in East Jerusalem, where his twin children were born. Sean earned a bachelor’s in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master’s in international public policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Sean serves on several boards, including at InterAction, as treasurer of the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations, and as chairman of both Creative Frontiers and Grant Assistant.ai; and is an advisor to the Club of Madrid and Takreem.

H.E. Sultan Al Shamsi (TBC)

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, Member of The IHPC | United Arab Emirates

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, Member of The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council

H.E. Søren Jacobsen

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the UAE | United Arab Emirates

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the UAE

H.E. Xavier Castellanos Mosquera

Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Coordination, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – Panel Chair | United Arab Emirates

Since August 2020, Xavier Castellanos Mosquera is the Under Secretary General, National Society Development and Operations Coordination of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network. Xavier has four decades experience in National Society development, resilience building and emergency humanitarian operations at the national, regional and global levels. He has served the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in various capacities since 1981, when he started as a volunteer with the National Society of Ecuador. He joined the IFRC in 1998 after Hurricane Mitch in Central America. In his previous role as Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Xavier provided strategic and operational leadership on disaster preparedness and responses to COVID-19, tsunamis and earthquakes and other health and disaster-related emergencies. Xavier also served as Regional Director of the Americas and in various leadership positions dealing with humanitarian response operations, disaster preparedness, and communications within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, in national NGOs and with the Ecuadorian Red Cross. Xavier is from Ecuador and has three children. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Health from the Andina Simón Bolívar University in Ecuador. He also holds several professional diplomas in humanitarian affairs and corporate social responsibility and is fluent in Spanish and English.

Ms. Yasmine Praz Dessimoz

Director of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC | United Arab Emirates

Director of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC

Ms. Yolande Wright

Vice President of Partnerships, GiveDirectly | United Arab Emirates

Yolande Wright serves as Vice President of Partnerships at GiveDirectly, where she leads strategic partnerships to advance evidence-based approaches to poverty reduction. She previously served as Global Director for Child Poverty, Climate, and Urban at Save the Children International. Prior to that, she spent more than two decades with the UK Department for International Development (DFID), including as Head of the Livelihoods Profession and in senior humanitarian leadership roles. Yolande lived and worked in Bangladesh for six years, leading UK efforts to address extreme poverty and climate vulnerability. She has also worked extensively across Africa and Asia on livelihoods and natural resource management. Her writing has appeared in international publications, including TIME and Devex, and she co-authored a chapter on cash in the Handbook on Child Poverty and Inequality. Yolande is a passionate advocate for evidence-based strategies to address poverty, hunger, inequality, and climate justice, including the use of cash transfers and broader social protection systems. She studied Natural Sciences at Durham University and Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford, and is based in London.