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Lorem Ipsum est simplement un faux texte de l'imprimerie et de la composition [...]
Lorem Ipsum est simplement un faux texte de l'imprimerie et de la composition [...]
As a good governance practitioner, Ina has spent the past six years cultivating her career in local government, policy innovation, and social impact — building bridges between institutions and communities, and helping shape programs that make governance more responsive, inclusive, and people-centered.
Currently serving in the City Government of Pasig at the Mayor’s Office, Ina connects stakeholders from the public and private sectors to support Pasig’s strides in good governance and service delivery. She focuses on translating these collaborations into policy and planning frameworks that strengthen institutional capacity, advance evidence-based decision-making, and embed innovation in local governance. For the past two years, she has steered Pasig City’s Local Circular Economy Action Team in implementing the EU-funded EU Green Economy Partnership (EU-GEPP) Green LGUs Project to help localize and institutionalize the circular economy in Pasig.
Mr. Ghana Shyam Giri has been serving as the Mayor of Chandragiri Municipality since 2017 A.D. and was re-elected in May 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography (B.A.), and a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Supervision (B.Ed.), and a Master’s degree in Nepali Language (M.Ed.), alongside Bachelor’s in English language carried out from the American Language Institute, American Embassy. With more than 36 years of experience as the founding Principal of Shree Chundevi Higher Secondary School, Mr. Giri made significant contributions to the field of education and Social Development. His political journey with the Nepali Congress party began in 1979 A.D., during which he served in several leadership roles, active participants in the mass movement of 2005. He has also contributed to the Nepal Teacher’s Association. Mr. Giri remains strongly committed to community development, good governance, and public service.
EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership
Vani Catanasiga is the executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, a national NGO platform with over 350 community based organisations and 10 national NGO members. FCOSS is currently implementing one of if not the first Community Led Planned Relocation Project with the support of the Bread for the World in remote Wainunu District in Fiji’s northern division.
A celebrated speaker, trainer, consultant and though-leader, Usha Menon brings hands-on experience and unique insights she has gained from the inside-out, through 40-years of volunteering, working and consulting in the social impact space. She is the founder of Usha Menon Management Consultancy (Asia) and serves on the Global Board and a Trustee of the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR). She brings practical insight on how governance, accountability and inclusive participation can ensure that climate finance truly reaches and empowers at-risk populations. In her role at GNDR, she contributes to strategic oversight of the world’s largest civil society network dedicated to disaster risk reduction, amplifying frontline community voices into global climate and resilience policy processes. Her expertise in mobilising resources for social purpose organisations positions her as a key bridge between civil society, philanthropy and institutional climate finance, helping align funding architectures with locally led adaptation and risk-reduction priorities.
Ms. Tiene Tooki Kanoua holds a BA in Environmental Studies and an MA in Management and Public Administration, with more than 10 years of experience serving as an Administration Officer across various government ministries in Kiribati. She was appointed Executive Officer of the Kiribati Local Government Association (KiLGA) while also serving as Project Coordinator for the Blue Green Development Project. Known for her strong leadership and collaborative approach, Ms. Kanoua has played a key role in strengthening partnerships between KiLGA and the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs (MCIA). In 2025, she successfully led the launch of the Maneaba COP initiative in collaboration with key partners including OB, MCIA, CLGF, and ICLEI. The event, opened by President Taneti Maamau, brought together government leaders, diplomats, NGOs, and communities, resulting in the “Ikarekebai Declaration” on climate survival and local action. She remains passionate about empowering local governments and advancing sustainable community development across Kiribati.
Thibaut Portevin is an experienced professional in the field of international cooperation, with expertise in promoting sustainable development and the green transition. He is currently Team Leader in charge of regional cooperation with ASEAN at DG International Partnerships, European Commission. Between 2021 and 2025, he served as Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to ASEAN and the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. He previously already worked at the European Commission in Brussels, dealing with international cooperation on forests and on circular economy. Prior to the European Commission, he worked with civil society organisations in the Balkans, Latin America, Central Africa and Indonesia.
Sukhreet Bajwa has spent over a decade in the development sector, bringing people, ideas, and resources together to create meaningful change. She leads the GROW program at EdelGive Foundation, where she works closely with grassroots organisations to build partnerships rooted in collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose. Passionate about sustainability, disaster risk management, and community resilience, she’s always thinking about how to make systems stronger and kinder. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her experimenting with paints and needlecrafts, or enjoying some books, inspired by everyday life.
Sujiro SEAM is a distinguished French career diplomat with more than two decades of international experience in diplomacy, European affairs, development cooperation, and global public policy. Since 2023, he has served as Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he oversees relations between the EU and Southeast Asian nations. Prior to this appointment, he was Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji, with accreditation to numerous Pacific island countries including Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Earlier in his career, he served as Ambassador of France to Fiji and several Pacific nations, as well as Consul General of France in Houston, United States, with responsibility for Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He also held senior positions within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris, specialising in development, food security, economic affairs, and legal policy, and worked with both the European Commission and the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union in Brussels. Educated at ENA, Sciences Po Paris, and ESCP Business School, he is also a Colonel in the French Army Citizen Reserve and a dedicated practitioner of Aikido, Karate, and Jodo.
Shivangi Chavda is the Head of Programmes at Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, a global network of over 1,900 civil society organisations working across more than 130 countries to strengthen disaster resilience. With more than 25 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, including 18 years in senior leadership roles, she specialises in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, anticipatory action, and locally led resilience-building. She has led global programmes focused on integrating DRR and climate resilience into development planning, strengthening institutional capacities, and advancing risk-informed development. At GNDR, she works with governments, regional networks, and international partners to strengthen early warning systems, anticipatory action, and the localisation of disaster risk governance. Shivangi holds an MBA in Project Management from CNAM, Paris, and a Master’s degree in Banking and Industry.
Sarah Torres est coordinatrice de Reality of Aid – Asie-Pacifique, un réseau d’organisations de la société civile qui mène des recherches et fait du lobbying sur l’aide et la coopération au développement. En tant que coordinatrice, elle siège également dans d’autres plateformes de la société civile telles que le CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness et le DAC-CSO Reference Group, où elle porte les positions des OSC en faveur d’une coopération au développement plus efficace et efficiente, axée sur la réduction de la pauvreté.
S. M. M. Muszhaaraff is a prominent Tamil political leader from Pottuvil, currently serving as the Chairman of the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha. An Attorney-at-Law with an LLB and LLM, his legal expertise strongly supports his administrative roles. A former Member of Parliament, Muszhaaraff was appointed State Minister of Textile Industry & Local Apparel Products Promotion in 2022. During his parliamentary tenure, he was an active member of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and served as the President of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association. Before entering full-time politics, he built a distinguished career as a TV presenter and producer, earning multiple state awards for excellence in broadcasting. Now leading the Pottuvil local council, he continues to apply his diverse experience in media, law, and national governance to grassroots development in his community.
Rey Asis is the deputy general manager of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, a regional organisation supporting through their programs the empowerment and movement building of migrants in Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. He is currently one of the focal points of the Stakeholder Advisory Group, a multi-stakeholder platform working with the UN Network on Migration on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. He is a member of the Advisory Group for the Asia Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism, a broad, independent CSO-led regional platform that engages in the monitoring of the 2030 Agenda implementation in the region. Rey Asis is a strong supporter of migrant empowerment and their movement building while continually pushing for and realising meaningful migrant participation in norm-setting spaces.
Dr. Rekson Silaban is an economist, labor policy expert, and international labor movement leader with more than 20 years of experience in governance, social security, and labor advocacy. He has held key leadership positions in Indonesia and globally, including Supervisory Board Member of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and member of the International Labour Organization Governing Body. Currently, he serves as Chief Expert for Social Security Law Reform at DPD RI. Dr. Silaban earned his Doctorate from the University of Indonesia and completed executive programs at the University of Toronto, New York University, and University of Cambridge. He is also an author of several books on labor rights, social justice, and industrial relations, with extensive experience in international policy dialogue and organizational leadership.
Mr. Ravi Guru is a seasoned urban development professional with over two decades of experience in urban governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development. As Deputy Director General at All India Institute of Local Self-Government, he leads high-impact initiatives in partnership with government bodies, multilateral organisations, and local authorities across South Asia. His work has contributed significantly to flagship national programmes including the Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
Mr. Guru has collaborated extensively with institutions such as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, NITI Aayog, the World Bank, and international networks including UCLG ASPAC, CITYNET, and WeGO. His expertise spans climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy, environmental management, and policy advocacy. He also plays a key leadership role in regional and global urban forums, serving on several international boards and committees focused on sustainable and inclusive city development.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Rachmat Pambudy, M.S. is the Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia and Head of Bappenas, appointed in October 2024. He brings decades of experience in academia, public policy, and sustainable development to his ministerial role, with a strong commitment to data-driven and inclusive national planning.
Prior to his appointment, he served as a professor at IPB University, where he focused on agricultural economics, cooperative development, and rural entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has been actively engaged in promoting sustainable food systems, farmer empowerment, and national development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
In addition to his academic and policy work, Mr. Pambudy has advised various government institutions and international organizations on development and economic cooperation. He holds degrees in economics and agricultural business from IPB University and has contributed extensively to Indonesia’s vision for inclusive and sustainable growth towards “Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Pefi is a Daughter of the Pacific from the coral atoll of Niue. Born and raised in Niue, educated in Niue, Aotearoa New Zealand, USA and currently, still a learner residing permanently in Australia. Pefi is passionate about the Pacific, Pacific Civil Society developments for Climate Adaptation and Climate Mobility, with special attention on marginalised communities. She has leadership and management experience from across education (secondary school teacher, teacher development trainer/lecturer, educational inspector); and also, mental health, public health, and civil society sectors. As the current Pacific Regional Focal Point on Migration, she navigates for Pacific representation, visibility and collective Pacific priorities in indigenous rights, climate change, climate impacted mobility, climate finance/loss and damages, development effectiveness and the implementation of various universal instruments. She is inspired by transformative options, possibilities and the potential power of People to be best stewards of our shared Blue Oceans, Mother Earth and Her Peoples.
Monalisa Kashyap is the Program Coordinator & Advocacy Officer at the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), a member-based organization representing 122 members across 29 countries in Asia and the Pacific. She leads the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) Phase II in Asia-Pacific region and also serves as the Secretary of the ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation. Monalisa previously worked as Programs Head at Access Livelihoods and with Friends of Women’s World Banking, where she focused on strengthening Producer Collectives through capacity building and strategic policy initiatives. Her professional interests center on promoting equality—particularly gender and income equality—and advancing women & youth empowerment. Beyond her professional work, she is passionate about travel blogging and photography. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Management and a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honors in Accountancy.
Michelle McIlroy is the Director of Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust and an elected Councillor of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council in Aotearoa New Zealand. She also serves as Environmental Lead for her governance board and is a committed advocate for freshwater protection, Māori rights and biodiversity restoration in Hawke’s Bay.
Michelle brings lived experience of climate disruption and Indigenous displacement, having directly experienced the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which devastated her home and community, followed by subsequent flooding events affecting her region. These weather events have deepened her understanding of the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters impacting coastal and river communities in Aotearoa, including rising sea levels and landscape vulnerability.
Ms Michela TOMASELLA is an economist serving as Team Leader in DG INTPA and in charge of the Policy Dialogue with the CSOs and of Foundations. She oversees the consultations under the Policy Forum on Development, the Global Gateways CSOs and Local Authorities (LAs) Platform and the relations with Foundations. Until August 2025 she wasHead of Cooperation of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Republic of Rwanda where she was in charge of all cooperation portfolio in the country including mainly Education, Agriculture, Climate Change, Urbanisation, Economic and political governance. In 2013, she joined the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnership when she was appointed to work at EU Delegation to the Central Africa Republic. Previously, she participated in projects in Benin and in Togo to actively promote entrepreneurship, women empowerment and education. In 2006 she started working in private sector and as a consultant. At the beginning of her career, she was an economic analyst at University of Venice and of Udine (IT). Her educational background includes a Master degree in European studies at the Institute of European Studies in Louvain-La-Neuve (Belgium), a Master Degree in Economics at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice (Italy) as well as a Diploma in International Cooperation. She speaks Italian (mother tongue), English, French and Spanish.
Maimunah Mohd Sharif (born 1961) is a trailblazing Malaysian urban planner and civil servant who served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the first Asian woman to serve as Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) from 2018 to 2024. During her UN tenure, she championed global sustainable urban development, climate action, and crisis prevention. Before her international leadership, she served as Mayor of Penang Island and later made history in Malaysia as the 15th and first female Mayor of Kuala Lumpur. Her early career includes managing the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and pioneering gender-responsive participatory budgeting in local government. Trained in town planning at the University of Wales, she currently advises global organisations on urban resilience, including the COP29 Urbanisation Advisory Group and PETRONAS. Her impactful career has earned her numerous honours, including Malaysia’s Planner of the Year.
Lishia Erza is the CEO of Candra Naya Lestari, an Indonesian advisory firm specialising in climate inclusive finance and MSME development. She chairs the SME Entrepreneurship Capacity Building and Inclusive Economy committee at APINDO (Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia), Indonesia’s biggest and oldest employers’ association. As an Innovative Finance Specialist, Lishia leads the design of dual-toolkit instruments that connect underserved entrepreneurs (women, youth, and persons with disabilities) to appropriate climate finance, anchored in OJK’s Pedoman SETARA and Indonesia’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (TKBI) for KINETIK Inclusive Climate Finance Ecosystem — a sub-stream of the Australia–Indonesia Climate, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Partnership funded by DFAT. Her practice integrates regulatory analysis, co-design methodology, and accessibility-first product design across Bahasa Indonesia and English working environments.
Lazeena Rahman is a Senior Climate Finance Specialist and an Energy Transition Policy Reform lead for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Indonesia energy sector operations, based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Prior to assuming this role in 2022, Lazeena was as an Investment Specialist with ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) (2011-2016), as well as an Investment Officer for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Blended Finance and East Asia Pacific Infrastructure teams (2016-2022). Across her roles at ADB and IFC, Lazeena has led and supported the structuring of commercial debt, equity and concessional finance with a strong transaction focus on the energy sector (geothermal, gas, solar, wind, storage) alongside work in the logistics, forestry, water supply and wastewater sectors. Lazeena holds a Joint Masters in Business Administration and Public Policy from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Harvard College.
Juliette Segard represents Expertise France, the French public agency for international technical cooperation, where she works on Asia and the Indo-Pacific. As Geographic Coordinator for the region, she contributed to the coordination of Expertise France’s activities across Asia and Pacific, working with headquarters teams and project units on sustainable development, inclusive economy, governance, peace and security. Her role included supporting regional strategy development, strengthening engagement with various stakeholders and accompanying the agency’s decentralisation and localisation of operations. She is currently based in Jakarta, where she manages a cooperation initiative with ASEAN financed by AFD. Before joining Expertise France, Juliette led Asia partnerships at CCFD-Terre Solidaire, supporting CSOs across East, Southeast and South Asia on people-centred development, socio-economic and climate justice, and democratic participation. She also previously worked with the European Commission on civil society, local authorities and territorial development. She holds a PhD in Political Geography focused on urban and territorial transformations in Vietnam.
Julia Puno est secrétaire générale de l’Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN), un réseau régional d’ONG de recherche basé en Asie-Pacifique. Avant d’assumer ce rôle, elle a été chargée des politiques et de la recherche du réseau, ainsi qu’assistante de programme pour les volets « Économie et commerce en faveur des peuples » et « Justice climatique et ressources naturelles ». Elle dispose de plusieurs années d’expérience en renforcement des capacités, en tant que formatrice dans les programmes de l’APRN portant sur le plaidoyer, l’engagement, la recherche centrée sur les personnes et l’efficacité du développement à destination des organisations de la société civile (OSC) et des organisations de producteurs. Elle a également facilité la participation de nombreuses organisations aux dialogues intergouvernementaux et aux espaces d'engagement. Ses domaines de recherche incluent les enjeux géopolitiques, les questions climatiques, entre autres. Julia Puno fait partie du groupe consultatif du Mécanisme régional d'engagement des OSC pour l’Asie-Pacifique (APRCEM), dont elle a été coprésidente, membre du secrétariat et point focal pour l’Asie du Sud-Est. Elle siège également au comité de l’équipe opérationnelle du Forum Politique pour le Développement (FPD), où elle est la représentante des OSC pour la région Asie-Pacifique.
Jodel Dacara is the Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific at WINGS, the global network of over 250 philanthropy networks, support organisations, and foundations across 60 countries. He facilitates the network’s initiatives to strengthen and grow philanthropy support ecosystems, ensure membership engagement around the network’s areas of work, and foster relations between WINGS and philanthropic actors in the AP region. Before joining WINGS, Jodel was the Network Manager of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness, the global civil society platform on aid and development cooperation. At CPDE, he worked on CSO enabling environment, development effectiveness advocacy, and multistakeholder partnerships. He also worked for the Reality of Aid and the Asia Pacific Research Network. He graduated from the University of the Philippines and Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Jodel is based in Manila, Philippines.
Hemanthi Goonasekera started her career as a development practitioner and has worked with many national and international organizations, including German Technical Cooperation, The Asia Foundation/USAID, DHV BV, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Dutch Municipal Association, and The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre Thailand. Her main expertise includes local governance, such as policy analysis, research and development, disaster management, training, and capacity building. Hemanthi holds a B.A. in Social Science and an MA in Development Studies and Public Policy from the University of Colombo. She is a visiting academic in the Social Science department at the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance, the Open University of Sri Lanka, and the University of Ruhuna. Hemanthi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Govt. The national local government association of Sri Lanka.
Gineng Sakti is a Senior Investment Structuring Officer at Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Indonesia working on energy, infrastructure, and sustainable finance. He has extensive experience working for international development agencies such as JICA, ADB, and UNESCAP as a private sector and investment specialist. Gineng holds a master’s degree in development management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom.
Faaris Pranawa is Director of Public Financing and Project Development at PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur, a state-owned development finance institution under Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance.
With over 25 years of experience across Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, State Asset Management Company, and PT SMI, he oversees a sub-national lending portfolio of approximately USD 1.6 billion, ten active PPP projects — including Nusantara Capital City infrastructure — and USD 800 million in donor-managed funds. He has led structuring of landmark PPP transactions across urban transit, healthcare, and energy transition, and has been instrumental in shaping Indonesia’s blended finance and municipal financing frameworks. He holds a law degree from Universitas Indonesia and is a certified Risk Management professional.
Eugene Zapata Garesche serves as Team Leader of the European Union global initiative advancing the Territorial Approach to Local Development (TALD). Under contract with GIZ, the German International Development Agency, he promotes city, local, and regional governments as development actors in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Before this, Eugene was the Global Director for Strategic Partnerships and Head of Latin America and the Caribbean for the Resilient Cities Network. From 2009-2016, he served as International Advisor to the Mayor of Mexico City, where he led the AL-LAs project, a network of European and Latin American cities working to professionalize their international affairs. He was also the Latin American Regional Director for the World Fund for City Development (FMDV) as well as the North American Secretary of METROPOLIS, a global association of the largest cities. Eugene has extensive experience in city-to-city cooperation, decentralization, and local government. He has authored dozens of books and articles and lectured on the international affairs of cities and mayors. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Americas Quarterly and is a member of the Board of Directors of Tinker Foundation. He holds a BA in International Relations from UNAM and master’s degrees from the Sorbonne and the London School of Economics.
Emeline Siale (preferred name is Siale) is a Tongan civil society leader, women’s advocate and activist, working and base in Suva, Fiji as the Executive Director of PIANGO since 2019. Prior to her life in Civil Society, she was a public servant for 15 years with the Tonga Civil Aviation Ministry. She has brought 12 years experiences from her previous role as Executive Director of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga to the region in the area of coalition building on issues as diverse as ethical leadership, women’s access to finance, women’s leadership and political participation, Seabed Mining, Climate Change, humanitarian localisation and locally led development. She represents the interests of Pacific civil society in a range of regional and international fora specifically in areas of human rights-based approach, governance, Public Finance Management and institutional building, effective and informed participation of citizens in decision making to ensure that interest and wellbeing of Pacific peoples are safeguarded. Siale believes that accountability can only be exercised when resources are invested in building of Civil Society Institutions, mechanisms and processes as accountability is about how we managed relationship in contradicting dynamics. Siale was awarded an inaugural Jose Edgardo Campos Collaborative Leadership Award in Washington DC in 2016 in recognition of her contributions to local leadership efforts in Tonga.
Elenita San Roque, known as Leni, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions, a regional network representing more than 50 million members from over 35,000 credit unions across 23 countries. As CEO, Leni provides strategic leadership and drives organizational development, advocacy, member engagement, education, innovation, global partnerships, and financial stewardship. Her work is central to advancing ACCU’s mission and ensuring the growth and sustainability of Asian credit unions. Among her achievements is the 37 Credit Union Business Solutions, designed to help credit unions serve members more effectively while staying true to their cooperative mission. These pioneering tools include the Guide for Credit Unions on Climate Action and the Assessment Tool for Green Cooperatives. Leni serves on the Board of Directors of the International Raiffeisen Union, is a Raiffeisen Ambassador, a Certified Public Accountant, and a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program.
Donna is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience across academe, financial sector, development and cooperative industry. She drives strategic leadership in human resources, organizational development, innovation, and partnerships that advance organizational resilience, education and sustainability. She has been actively involved in initiatives on gender-smart Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (CDRFI) that strengthen inclusive and climate-resilient communities. Passionate about lifelong learning and people development, Donna has earned post-graduate certifications in Cooperative Management and Insurance Development from institutions both locally and internationally. She holds a degree in Business Administration major in Economics from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from the Asian Institute of Management. She currently serves on the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperatives in Educational Institutions (ICEI), contributing to regional initiatives that promote cooperative education and leadership development.
Dhiraj Katari is a sustainability professional with 10 years of work experience in sustainable development, green building certification, and stakeholder engagement. He currently leads the Green Homes certification portfolio and stakeholder engagement initiatives at the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). With extensive experience in green building certification, policy engagement, and sustainable development, he has played a key role in driving certification processes, conducting technical reviews, and supporting the development and enhancement of rating frameworks. Dhiraj actively works with developers, government bodies, industry stakeholders, and institutions to promote sustainable built environments through training programs, technical capacity building, and collaborative initiatives. He has successfully supported the certification of numerous green building projects and is passionate about advancing climate-responsive, scalable, and impactful sustainability solutions.
Ms Claire Frost is Head of Programmes at the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF). She is based at CLGF Headquarters in London (UK) and works extensively with CLGF’s regional teams in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Pacific. She leads on the coordination of CLGF’s portfolio of projects and has extensive experience in supporting local governments in inter-governmental relations, local economic development, climate resilience, SDGs, social inclusion and addressing inequalities. She supports the coordination of theCommonwealth Women in Local Government Network (ComWLG) and the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Network (CSCN). She is CLGF’s operational lead on the relationship with the European Union both in the coordination and implementation of the CLGF Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and as the representative to the Policy Forum for Development (PFD) and PLATFORMA.
She has a Masters degree in urban planning and a BA in communications. Prior to joining CLGF she worked as a Programme Officer with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in Barcelona. She has 20 years of experience working with local government at the local, national and international level.
Cécile Leroy is Cooperation Programme manager for green and inclusive economy in the Cooperation section of the European Union Delegation to the Lao PDR. In Lao PDR since September 2021, she is working on green growth, natural resources, biodiversity, environment, circular economy and climate change and overviewing the Global Gateway flagship programme “Trade, Investment and Connectivity for Agriculture and Forestry (TICAF)”. Her job is to support sector and policy analysis, development, implementation and monitoring of projects, including coordination with Government partners, Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector representatives and other Development Partners. Cécile has spent almost 25 years in the South-East Asia region, in Vietnam and Indonesia, in different positions, including for regional cooperation with ASEAN. She also has private sector experience. Cécile holds a Master of Sciences in development economics and environment economic valuation.
Ms. Caroline Edant is currently the Deputy Country Director of Agence française de développement (AFD)’s office in Jakarta (Indonesia). From 2019 to July 2023, she held the position of biodiversity and climate regional policy officer at the AFD’s Pacific Ocean Regional office in Noumea in New Caledonia. She joined AFD’s headquarters in Paris in 2014 as a senior climate expert. She previously spent seven years at international public transit operator Transdev as a climate expert and worked as a sustainable development consultant for a private equity firm in Chile. She holds a Post Master Degree in Environmental Management (from Mines ParisTech) and a Master Degree in Political Sciences (Sciences Po Paris).
Betty joined the Business and Human Rights Centre in February 2019 as its first Asia Regional Manager and was appointed, in December 2021, as Director of Regional Programmes to lead the Centre’s teams of experts in Asia and Pacific, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and Central Asia. Betty came to the Centre from 5 years at FORUM-ASIA, and prior to that at the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative. Betty started her human rights work at the Institute for Policy Research & Advocacy, where she spent 8 years developing and strengthening its research and international advocacy work.
A Chevening scholar, Betty holds an LL.M in international human rights law from the University of Essex, United Kingdom. She has a bachelor’s degree in international law from the Catholic University of Atma Jaya, Jakarta.
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi is the first woman to serve as Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), the largest regional section of the global UCLG network. With over two decades of experience in urban development, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and local governance, she is a respected leader in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Her career includes roles at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), CITYNET in Yokohama, and visiting professorships in Japan. Dr. Bernadia holds a PhD in Urban Engineering from the University of Tokyo and master’s degrees in Atmospheric Physics and Public Policy. She is a member of the UN-Habitat Advisory Group on Gender Issues and the Expert Group on Climate and SDGs Synergy. Her leadership at UCLG ASPAC has led to major milestones, including ASEAN recognition of the ASEAN Mayors Forum and the formation of the Asia-Pacific Local Government Coordinating Body. She has been instrumental in supporting cities with SDG localisation and Voluntary Local Reviews. Her work has earned multiple accolades, including a UN-Habitat citation in 2023. As Secretary General, she oversees strategy, operations, and advocacy for sustainable urban development across the Asia-Pacific.
Ms. Assel Kurmantayeva has six years of experience in the development sector. Assel is an international consultant who collaborates with academia, government, business and civil society organizations across Central Asia, Europe and beyond. She currently serves as a project analyst and has worked as a consultant for the Innovation for Change Central Asia hub within ARGO. She has designed and delivered complex projects for the European Union, US State Department, World Bank, CRDF Global, CEEMAN and multiple NGOs, overseeing budgets, monitoring & evaluation, stakeholder outreach and consortium management. Previously, she led Strategic and International Development at a university and has worked as an expert for national research institutes and companies. Her research interests include social innovation, NGO management, strategic management and project management. Assel holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the University of Essex (UK) and an MSc in Management from Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan).
National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Cooperatives President Ts. Altantuya is a leading figure in Mongolia’s agricultural cooperative and rural development sector. She has extensive experience managing national and international projects focused on cooperative development, agricultural marketing, land governance, and poverty reduction. Her key roles have included leading the development of Mongolia’s Master Plan for Herder Cooperatives, adapting the International Labour Organization “My.Coop” training package for Mongolia, and serving as coordinator and expert for projects supported by organizations such as the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the EU. She served as Chairperson of the Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development from 2022–2024 and currently serves on the International Land Coalition Council. She also holds leadership roles in Mongolia’s cooperative movement. Mrs. Altantuya graduated from the University of Humanities of Mongolia and has completed extensive professional training in cooperative management and rural development.

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Outcomes
Christian Burgsmüller assumed the position of Head of the Americas.1 Division (Regional Affairs) at the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 1 September 2024. His diplomatic career includes serving as Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Canada between 2020 and 2024, and heading the Global Issues Section at the EU Delegation to the United States in Washington, D.C. (2010–2014). He also led the Political and Press Section in Brazil (2006–2010) and was an attaché at the German Embassy in Argentina in 1999. A lawyer by training, Christian studied in Freiburg, Geneva, and Cologne, and holds a PhD in Constitutional Law.
Gabriel Mato Adrover is a Spanish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2009, re-elected for the 2014-2019, 2019-2024 and 2024-2029 terms. A member of the European People’s Party (Partido Popular de España), he currently serves as European Co-President of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat) and Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to EuroLat. He is also a member of the Conference of Delegation Chairs (CPDE), the Committee on International Trade (INTA) and the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-CL). As a substitute, he sits on the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) and Fisheries (PECH). Mr Mato holds a degree in Law and previously served in senior legal and political roles in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Daniel Caggiani is a Uruguayan Senator, re-elected in 2024 for the 2025-2030 term, representing the Frente Amplio. He currently serves as President of the Mercosur Parliament (Parlasur) for the 2019-2029 period and as Latin American Co-President of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat). A long-standing social and political activist within the Movimiento de Participación Popular (MPP) and the Frente Amplio’s Espacio 609, he has held parliamentary office since 2011. Mr Caggiani previously served as Vice-President of Parlasur, has chaired several Senate Committees – including Labour (2023) and Transport and Public Works (2024) – and is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He currently coordinates the Frente Amplio caucus in the Uruguayan Senate.
Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy is a Colombian economist and diplomat, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs since July 2025. Born in Bogotá and shaped by her social leadership experience as a migrant in Spain, she has defended the rights of migrant communities and promoted integration and equality through civil society organisations. Her background in migration, international cooperation, and human rights positions her as a voice that connects territories and people. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she drives a citizen-led, feminist, and inclusive diplomacy that presents Colombia as a country of solidarity, equity, and commitment to life.
Hadja Lahbib is the European Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management. She is responsible for promoting equality and inclusion across the European Union, upholding the rights of minorities with the aim of creating a fairer society and social model for everyone. She also leads the EU’s work on preparedness and crisis management, ensuring a more robust and proactive approach to European crisis management and civil preparedness, both within our borders and on the global stage. In this capacity, she plays a central role in shaping and overseeing the EU’s humanitarian action worldwide. Working closely with the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), she sets the strategic direction for the Union’s humanitarian policy and ensures that EU assistance is principled, needs-based and in full respect of international humanitarian law. Before joining the European Commission, Ms Lahbib served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions of Belgium (2022–2024). She previously had a long career at Belgium’s French-speaking public broadcaster RTBF (1993–2022) as a journalist, news anchor and documentary filmmaker. Ms Lahbib co-led Brussels 2030, preparing the city’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communication from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, and completed executive training in Change Management and Digital Leadership at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management.
Juan Sebastián Rodríguezián Fernández, a young leader from Barranquilla, has an outstanding trajectory in social, educational, and youth political leadership. He is a member of the Youth Sounding Board of the European Union, delegate for outreach to and engagement with youth in the EU external action, District Youth Councillor of Barranquilla, and has represented the country in global forums such as One Young World in the United Kingdom and Global Gateway Youth in Brussels. Former Ambassador of the SoyBilingüe strategy, through which the first public policy on bilingualism in Colombia was developed, he believes in youth leadership as the key to major transformations.
María Paula Castro Rodríguez is a Social Communicator and Journalist, born in Arauca (Arauca). She has complementary studies in marketing and live event production, and a solid track record in digital, internal, and corporate communications for public and private entities. Her experience includes the creation of communication strategies, content writing, and management of institutional social media. She has also served as a master of ceremonies at events of the Government of Arauca and the Special Registry of Arauca, standing out for her stage presence and ability to connect with the audience — and currently at official events of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Andrés Rodríguez Cárdenas, a 20-year-old Colombian youth, has made sustainability and social justice his life’s purpose. Through the Luces de Paz initiative, he brings electric light to communities without access, combining innovation, empathy, and environmental action. A youth councilor and social leader, he has represented Colombia at international forums in Washington, New York, Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil. He participated in FAO’s World Food Forum, amplifying youth voices for sustainable food systems. His leadership inspires thousands of young people to believe in their transformative power and to build a fairer, greener future.
Nelson Javier Restrepo Arango is Director of the Directorate of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. A lawyer, researcher, educator, and human rights defender, he has over 35 years of experience researching political violence, parapolítica, and historical memory. He served as Director of Human Rights at the Instituto Popular de Capacitación (1996–2000) and has worked as an advisor in public institutions in Spain. He is the author and co-author of several studies and books, including Nos matan y no es noticia, and is responsible for inter-institutional coordination and follow-up on international human rights recommendations.
Marlene Holzner is Head of Unit for Civil Society, Local Authorities and Foundations in the DG INTPA (EU Commission) since 2020. She is responsible for designing and implementing the CSO Programme 2021-2027 with a team of 20. Before this, she worked for 10 years for Commissioner Guenter H. Oettinger as Spokesperson and Cabinet Member. A graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Marlene has worked many years as a journalist (WirtschaftsWoche, Berlin) before joining the European Commission.
Claudia Paz y Paz is a lawyer and Director of the Mexico and Central America Program at the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL). Before joining CEJIL, Claudia was the first woman to serve as Attorney General of Guatemala, where she believed in the rule of law as a force capable of strengthening society through the pillars of peace, justice, and equality. Under her leadership, Guatemala’s Attorney General’s Office became the first law enforcement body in the country to prosecute high-ranking civil war combatants for war crimes, achieving the conviction of senior military officers and former head of state Ríos Montt for genocide and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Claudia was a member of the Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, tasked with investigating the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa students in Mexico, as well as a second iteration of the GIEI that investigated the violence that took place in Nicaragua following the April 18 protests. From 2017 to 2018, she served as Secretary for Multidimensional Security at the Organization of American States (OAS).
Journalist by training, he has been working for a decade in civil society in the areas of cooperation for development and international relations with the aim of contributing to the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, a group to which he also belongs. He has postgraduate training in institutional communication, design of social projects and implementation of international development cooperation interventions. For eight years, his work has been focused on the Latin American and Caribbean region, where he has interacted with governments, international organizations, the private sector and other civil society actors.
Venezuelan grassroot activist, advocate for dismantling systems of oppression through meaningful youth civic engagement and inclusion. Background in National Student Movement Leadership for over 3 years. Founder of “Juventud Cívica”, a Venezuelan youth program to increase youth civic engagement, through socio-political dialogue spaces, and skill sharing hubs. Member of the European Union Youth Sounding Board, Global Peacebuilders Network, Co-creator of Peace Direct’s Global Peace Campaign, Kofi Annan Changemaker. Current Youth Engagement Coordinator at CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation, leading a network of over 4000 youth activists from +150 countries who collaborate to strengthen youth action in civil society through youth- centric innovative approaches.
Magdalena Bordagorry is a lawyer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a Master’s in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies from KU Leuven. She has served as Policy and Membership Development Officer at the European network Eurodiaconia, where she worked on issues related to poverty reduction and social inclusion. Previously, she worked with migrant women as well as women survivors of gender-based violence in Chile. She is currently the Policy and Networks Coordinator at the EU-LAT Network, a coalition of more than 40 European organizations promoting solidarity between the peoples of Latin America and Europe, advocating for participatory European policies with a gender perspective that advance human rights and democracy in Latin America.
Lucy Garrido is a journalist, editor, and creative producer. She is part of Cotidiano Mujer, the Articulación Feminista Marcosur, and the Civil Society Organizations CELAC/EU Working Group. She coordinates Diálogos Consonantes, the Isoquito ranking, the Regional Alert System on Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Causa Abierta, the campaign “Tu boca, fundamental contra los fundamentalismos”, and the Regional Fund for Supporting Feminist Organizations. She has produced for the movement the pieces “Mujeres migrantes. Mujeres con derechos” and “El mundo al revés es posible”; and for ECLAC, “La seguridad ciudadana empieza por casa”, “Qué Estado para qué Igualdad”, and “Hacia la sociedad de los cuidados”, among others.
Sergio Chaparro Hernández is International Coordinator at Dejusticia and in charge of international advocacy and policy at the Tax Justice Network. He is an economist and philosopher, holding master’s degrees in Law from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics. Sergio is an Economic and Social Equality Fellow at the Atlantic Institute.
Marie L’Hostis is Advocacy Coordinator at Forus, a global network that brings together 72 national platforms and 7 regional coalitions, representing over 24,000 civil society organizations worldwide. She leads Forus’ advocacy strategy under the “Influence” pillar, focusing on strengthening the enabling environment for civil society, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering its participation in global political processes. Her work focuses on amplifying the collective voice of member organizations and strengthening their joint advocacy efforts at national, regional, and global levels.
Inma Alonso Delgado is responsible for EU–Latin America and Caribbean relations and development financing at the Coordinadora de Organizaciones para el Desarrollo (Spain). She holds a degree in Communication Sciences – Journalism, a Master’s in Political Action (with a specialization in gender equality and gender-based violence), a postgraduate diploma as a Specialist in International Information, and is a PhD candidate in Communication, focusing on public policy and communication. She has over 15 years of professional experience in civil society organizations — in Spain and 12 countries across Africa and Latin America — leading public affairs, political and social advocacy, communication, awareness-raising, and mobilization strategies.
Luciana Torchiaro is the Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Secretariat of Transparency International (TI). With over 15 years of experience in civil society, Luciana is responsible for coordinating TI’s network of chapters in the region and leading regional initiatives. She is also a member of TI’s global working group on gender and inclusion. Previously, she worked as Project Coordinator at Nueva Sociedad, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and as Technical Advisor at the Secretariat for International Affairs of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Luciana was a Ford Foundation fellow, holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Buenos Aires, and a Master’s in International Studies from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.
João Figueiredo is the Regional Lead for Latin America and the Caribbean at GNDR, with extensive experience in urban development, disaster risk management, and climate change adaptation. He is an architect and urban planner with a master’s degree in International Cooperation for Urban Development from TU-Darmstadt University (Germany) and UIC Barcelona (Spain). João has also led projects in countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. His work focuses on strengthening resilient infrastructure and communities through innovative, locally adapted strategies. He is committed to community empowerment and promotes cross-sector collaboration for sustainable and inclusive development.
Carla Álvarez González is a lawyer specialized in governance, sustainability, and social impact. She represents the Consejo de la Juventud de España (CJE) before the European Youth Forum (YFJ), where she works to strengthen youth participation and the role of civil society in bi-regional cooperation and international dialogue spaces. With experience in diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development, she fosters alliances that connect young people, institutions, and communities to build more inclusive and sustainable policies.
Pedro P. Bocca holds a degree in International Relations and a master’s in Political Science. He has over 15 years of experience in political advocacy and defense of national and international civil society organizations, covering topics such as civic space and democracy, human rights, climate justice, sustainable development, and development financing. He is currently the Coordinator for International Relations and Public Policy at GIFE, a platform that brings together 170 Brazilian philanthropic institutes and foundations.
Susana Eróstegui is the Executive Director of the Red Boliviana de Cooperación Internacional (REBCI) and the representative of the Mesa de Articulación de Asociaciones Nacionales y Redes Regionales de ONGs de América Latina y el Caribe at the European Union’s Policy Forum on Development. She holds a degree in Communication Sciences and postgraduate studies in Human Rights, Communication for Sustainable Development, and Development Projects. She has experience in institutional management and organizational development, fundraising, public and policy advocacy, strategic communication, transparency and accountability, enabling environment, and multi-stakeholder political dialogue on CSO effectiveness and development effectiveness.
Tania Sánchez Montaño is the Director of Coordinadora de la Mujer, a network of feminist institutions working for women’s rights in Bolivia. She is a member of the CELAC–EU Civil Society Forum of AOED LAC, the Articulación Feminista del Marcosur (AFM), and the Red Trenzando Cuidados. A Bolivian activist and feminist, she has experience in the development of public policies and budgets with a gender perspective, as well as in the planning and implementation of programs that promote equity. She holds a degree in sociology and has specialized in gender, public planning, and budgeting.
José Ramón Ávila is a lawyer who has worked on social projects with vulnerable groups, promoting respect for human rights in Honduras. He has extensive experience in gender, inclusion, land defense, migration, food security, risk management, governance, and citizen participation. Since 2008, he has served as Executive Director of the Asociación de Organismos no Gubernamentales de Honduras (ASONOG) and currently holds the position of Executive Secretary of the Concertación Regional para la Gestión de Riesgo de Centroamérica. In addition, he represents several regional and global networks such as the Alianza de Organizaciones para la Ayuda al Desarrollo, the Foro Ciudadano de las Américas, FORUS, and the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR).
Jared Ortiz González is a public policy and organizational development professional with a strong background in the nonprofit sector in the Dominican Republic. As Executive Director of Alianza ONG, he leads a multisectoral network dedicated to strengthening the social sector. He has held key roles at Aldeas Infantiles SOS and World Vision, developing expertise in fundraising, communications, program management, and strategic partnerships. Academically, he holds a Specialization in Organizational Development from Tecnológico de Monterrey and a Postgraduate Degree in Senior Business Management. He is currently completing a specialization in International Cooperation Management at FLACSO.
Francisco Mantilaro, based in Patagonia, Argentina, has been a member of Fundación Otras Voces for 25 years and currently serves as its President. He is also a board member of the Red Encuentro de Entidades No Gubernamentales para el Desarrollo, a network with over 40 years of work in Argentina that brings together 40 civil society organizations with representation across the country, addressing issues such as education, youth, gender, human rights, Indigenous peoples, health, and housing, among others. He is also a co-founder of Liquen Consultora, an organization with a regenerative purpose. Francisco is a Psychological Consultant who works from a holistic perspective grounded in non-violent communication, focusing on healing and transformation processes with purpose and impact, supporting communities, companies, governments, and diverse social organizations.
Jessica Vidales Ferro is the Coordinator of the LAC RMD Coalition, an alliance of international NGOs working for the rights of refugees, migrants, and displaced persons in Latin America and the Caribbean. With over 10 years of experience in advocacy, strategic partnerships, and communications in humanitarian and development contexts, she has worked with NRC, Geneva Call, and WFP, as well as serving as a consultant for other organizations. Throughout her career, including in Brussels, she has led advocacy initiatives with governments, the European Union, and UN agencies. A psychologist from Universidad de los Andes and holder of a Master’s in Development from Université Catholique de Louvain, Jessica brings a strategic, multilingual, and collaborative perspective to dialogue and policy-making spaces.
Bibiana Aido Almagro joined UN Women as Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean in September 2025. Previously, she served as UN Women Representative in Colombia since 2021, Country Representative in Ecuador (2017–2021), Programme Adviser for the Americas and the Caribbean (2013–2017), and Special Adviser to the Executive Director (2011–2013) in New York. She served in the Government of Spain as the first Minister of Equality (2008–2010) and later as Secretary of State for Equality (2010–2011). She worked in the Andalusian Regional Government’s Department of Culture, first as Provincial Delegate for Culture in Cádiz (2003–2006) and later as Director of the Andalusian Agency for the Development of Flamenco (2006–2008). She holds a PhD in Business Administration and Management (2012–2016) from the University of Cádiz, Spain, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the same university (1994–1999). She has received several recognitions for her work in advancing gender equality and women’s rights, including an Honorary Doctorate from Northumbria University (United Kingdom) and the Social Engagement Award from the University of Cádiz (Spain).
Pelayo Castro Zuzuárregui (Valencia, April 14, 1976) is currently Acting Managing Director for the Americas at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels. He previously served as Adviser in the Cabinet of High Representative Josep Borrell and as Head of Division for Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan in the EEAS. From 2019 to 2021, he was Ambassador of the European Union to Nicaragua, and from 2015 to 2019, Ambassador to Costa Rica. He was also member of the Cabinet of High Representative Catherine Ashton and Head of the Division for Relations with the European Parliament and National Parliaments at the EEAS.
Josefina Sánchez is a prominent national and provincial cooperative leader. She serves as President and General Coordinator of the Soltrecha Workers’ Cooperative (Solidaridad Trento Chaqueña Ltda.), an innovative social enterprise in the field of home care, focused on assisting the elderly, people with disabilities, the sick, and children. She is also President of the Federation of Comprehensive Care Workers’ Cooperatives of Argentina (FECOOP CUIDAR); President of the Members’ Committee of Banco Credicoop, Branch 375; and Board Member of the Federation of Workers’ Cooperatives of Argentina (FECOOTRA). She is part of the board of the former INAES Cooperative and Mutual Care Incubator. She holds a diploma in Care Services for the Elderly and their Cooperative Organization, as well as a postgraduate degree in Social Economy and Nonprofit Entities.
Ximena Torres is the Country Representative of Fundación Avina in Colombia and Program Manager for the Water Program. With more than two decades of experience, she leads multi-stakeholder collaboration initiatives focused on sustainable development, democratic governance, and socio-environmental justice in Latin America. Her work centers on promoting democratic water management, strengthening local capacities, and building alliances that drive transitions toward more equitable and sustainable societies.
Medical doctor, Master in Social Research in Health, and PhD in Bioethics and Collective Health. Researcher, lecturer, and international expert in the fields of the right to health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality. Her most significant contributions to equality have taken place in the field of the right to health, as well as in reflections on care, including an expert opinion presented before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 2023. She has served as an international consultant for UNFPA, WHO, UN Women, and ECLAC, and was the National Director of Public Health in Colombia. She is co-founder of the Mesa por la Vida y la Salud de las Mujeres, the organization from which the Causa Justa movement emerged—leading Colombia to adopt the most progressive abortion regulation in Latin America and the Caribbean. She is also a member of the Articulación Feminista Marcosur. Her most recent publication, “Conversaciones fuera de la Catedral: una historia del aborto en Colombia”, co-authored with Laila Abu Shihab and Cristina Villareal (Penguin, 2024), explores the history of abortion in Colombia.
Olga Montúfar, President of the Network of Indigenous and Afro-descendant Women with Disabilities of LAC (REMIAD), Mexico. Former President of the Global Network of Indigenous Persons with Disabilities. Member of the UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group for the Americas. Member of the Civil Society Steering Group of CELAC–EU. Advisory Member of the Ibero-American Disability Program. Coordinator of the Mixed Hemispheric Follow-up Group of the PAD–OAS.
Executive Director of the EU-LAC Foundation since July 26, 2024. He has worked for more than 25 years with the United Nations (UN), serving, among other roles, as Regional Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) between 2008 and 2024 in Panama, and as Representative in Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico. He was Coordinator of the Commissioner’s Office of CICIG in Guatemala (03/08–09/08) and Assistant to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan (UNAMA) from 02/06 to 02/08. Between 2004 and 2006, he worked in the private sector as Head of the Institutional Strengthening Area at ARS Progetti s.r.l. in Rome. From 1998 to 2004, he worked with the UN Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), and between 1995 and 1997, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Panama and Mexico. He began his professional career with Italian Non-Governmental Organizations (1992–1995).
Claudio Soumoulou is the current President of the Nodos Foundation, an organization co-created by the Cooperative Group formed by the Asociación de Cooperativas Argentinas (ACA), La Segunda Seguros, Avalian, and Coovaeco. The Foundation aims to connect and strengthen the cooperative ecosystem through people’s development, the enhancement of cooperative organizations’ management, and support for the communities where they operate. He began his journey at the age of 18 in the agrarian youth of Máximo Paz, which led him to serve as President of the Youth Council from 2004 to 2008. He continued his career as President of Coovaeco Turismo. In 2017, he was elected President of the Asociación de Cooperativas Argentinas, serving until 2021. He is currently President of the Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Máximo Paz and, since December 2024, has also been a board member of ACA, while continuing his work as an agricultural producer and beekeeper.
Tamisha Lee is a distinguished leader and powerful voice on building resilient, equitable food systems, particularly across the Caribbean. As the current President of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP), she spearheads a network of over one thousand women agri-entrepreneurs, championing their economic empowerment and access to critical resources like land, finance, and training. Ms. Lee’s advocacy focuses on the vital intersection of gender equality, climate-smart agriculture, and national food security, driving policy changes that support smallholder farmers and enhance the entire food value chain. She has represented the voices of producers on the international stage, including at high-level UN forums, underscoring the indispensable role of rural women in creating a sustainable and inclusive global food future.
Sebastián Pedraza is a youth leader and activist, expert in rural youth issues. He has conducted several studies in project management, public policy, and rural development. For more than 10 years, he has been involved in the design and implementation of various projects that contribute to social and rural development, particularly those related to youth. He has worked on projects and participated as a speaker at international conferences with institutions such as IFAD, FAO, the European Commission, and IICA. In 2021, he was selected as one of the 12 Kofi Annan Changemakers by the Kofi Annan Foundation. He is currently the Chair of the Board and Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean of a global youth organization called YPARD (Young Professionals for Agricultural Development), which seeks to empower young people to transform food systems.
Political scientist and Master in History from Universidad Nacional de Colombia. PhD candidate in Social Sciences at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana de Xochimilco, Mexico. She served as an analyst for the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition of Colombia. She also held the position of Deputy Director at the Territorial Renewal Agency. She is currently Director of Productive Capacities and Income Generation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Alejandra Claros Borda holds a degree in Legal and Political Sciences. From a very young age, she held various positions of responsibility in high-level political spheres of her country, including Chief of Staff to the President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and National Coordinator of the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL). Later, in 2015, she joined CAF as Secretariat Coordinator and subsequently became responsible for the institution’s political analysis. In December 2021, she was appointed Secretary General — the first woman in the institution’s history to hold this position. She holds a postgraduate degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Plurinational Diplomatic Academy; a master’s in Multidisciplinary Law from Universidad Mayor de San Simón (Bolivia); and another in Political Communication and Marketing from Universidad de Alcalá (Spain). She also holds specializations in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and in Technology and Political Subjectivity, both granted by the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO).
Economist specialized in social security from Universidad Externado de Colombia, with a Master’s in Political Studies from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. For more than 20 years, she has specialized in the formulation, implementation, evaluation, and technical assistance of policies and programs related to food security and the human right to food. She is a professor and researcher at Universidad Externado de Colombia and the Inter-American Center for Social Security Studies (CIESS). She served as National Deputy Director for Food and Nutritional Security at the Department for Social Prosperity (2012–2016) and has worked with international organizations such as ECLAC and WFP. Since 2016, she has led the food and nutrition area of FAO Colombia.
Danilo Salerno is the Regional Director of Cooperatives of the Americas, a Region of the International Cooperative Alliance. Has an extensive professional record within the cooperative movement, both at domestic and international level. From 2016 to 2018 has been Chairman of the working group on “private sector engagement” of the National Council for Development Cooperation, under the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2018, is the International Cooperative Alliance account manager for partnerships with FAO, IFAD, and WFP. Since November 2024, is serving as Secretary of the Regional Committee of the Partner Parties for the International Year of Cooperatives in the Americas.
Luisa Fernanda Gallo Herrán is a lawyer from Universidad del Rosario and holds a Magna Cum Laude master’s degree in International Relations and Development from Università Ca’ Foscari in Venice, Italy. She was a fellow of the Social Leadership Program at Harvard University (2014). With over ten years of experience in strategic partnerships and development, she has worked with the United Nations System, the European Union, and both the public and private sectors in Colombia, Costa Rica, Europe, and the United States. She is currently a fellow at the Institute of Technology and Society of Rio de Janeiro and serves as a Cooperation Officer at the Delegation of the European Union in Colombia, focusing on civil society, youth, innovation, and education.
Kiwar Maigua is an internationalist and co-founder of the KISTH Foundation, an NGO of young Kichwas in Ecuador that works on education and professional development for the new generation of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity in socioeconomic development. He served as a Young Expert for Just Culture at the German Commission for UNESCO and as a member of the Youth Advisory Council for International Partnerships at the European Commission. In addition, Kiwar was a trainee at the EU Delegation in Ecuador. He is currently collaborating with Maiwa Inc., a company that promotes Indigenous fashion and craftsmanship in the U.S. market.
Delcy Medina, representative of the Guarani Charagua Iyambae Autonomous Government (Redes Chaco), Bolivia. Born in the community of Itatiki, in the Parapitiguasu Captaincy of the current Guarani Charagua Iyambae Autonomous Government (Santa Cruz, Bolivia), she grew up in a Guarani family deeply committed to her community. She began her community leadership at the age of 15, actively participating in the Guarani People’s Assembly. She served as president of her community’s school board (2002) and as second cuña mburuvicha of Parapitiguasu (2006). Between 2010 and 2014, she promoted education and gender equity from her captaincy and contributed to the construction of Indigenous autonomy. In 2017, she became the first female zonal executive of Charagua Iyambae and, in 2023, the first Tëtarembiokuai Reta Imborika (General Executive) of the autonomous government. A prominent figure in Guarani women’s leadership, she promotes the participation of women and youth in public administration and the defense of their political and community rights.
Anthropologist, specialist in the Amazon, and representative of the Research Institute for Development (IRD) in Ecuador and Colombia, based in Quito. She holds a PhD in Ethnology from Paris Nanterre University and has worked on issues related to memory, cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, and the environment, as well as the autonomy of Amazonian peoples. In her role at IRD, she promotes international scientific cooperation and the strengthening of academic and social networks in Ecuador, Colombia, and Latin America, fostering research committed to the region’s environmental and social challenges.
Uitoto leader from the Jitomagaro clan in the Colombian Amazon, she is a lawyer and the first Indigenous woman to earn a master’s degree in Political and International Studies. She currently serves as the General Coordinator of COICA, marking the organization’s first female leadership in its 40-year history. She played a key role in securing land titles for six million hectares of the Predio Putumayo Indigenous Reserve and has been recognized among the 100 Latinas most committed to climate action and as one of the 21 leaders changing the world. Through her work, she promotes the global voice of Indigenous peoples, women’s leadership, and a new vision of Indigenous economy.
Hortencia Hidalgo Cáceres, from the Aymara people of northern Chile. Representative of the Indigenous Forum of Abya Yala (FIAY) and part of the Indigenous Women’s Network on Biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean (RMIB-LAC). She has experience in international Indigenous diplomacy, participating in negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. An Aymara leader with a distinguished trajectory promoting and defending the fundamental rights of Indigenous Peoples. Former member of the Advisory Selection Committee of the Voluntary Contributions Trust Fund of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Lecturer and University Expert in Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Human Rights, and International Cooperation. Holds regional Latin American diplomas in Indigenous Peoples, Forests, and REDD+; Gender Equality and Reconciliation; Heritage Education and Museography; Leadership for Public Management; Social and Community Leadership; and Heritage Management.
Onel Masardule, Manager of the Foundation for the Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge (FPCI, Panama). Guna Indigenous from Panama. He has studied Chemistry, Sustainable Development, Integrated Water Resource Management, and Environmental Management and Evaluation. He has over 25 years of experience in Indigenous Peoples’ rights, biodiversity conservation, climate change, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable development. He has worked as a consultant for governments, multilateral institutions, and Indigenous and environmental organizations. He is currently Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on the Voluntary Carbon Market, Director of the Foundation for the Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge (FPCI), and part of the technical team of the Indigenous Forum of Abiayala (FIAY). He is a founding member of the Rux’u’ Balam Consortium.
Augusta Moreno Quant is an anthropologist and specialist in University Teaching, with training in social cartography and over seven years of experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of social and research projects. She has led participatory, consensus-building, and advisory processes in public policies related to gender, security, and human rights. She has served as a lecturer in the Anthropology program at Universidad del Magdalena (2021–2023) and as a developer and advisor for initiatives with population-based, differential, and gender approaches.
Lilia Saúl Rodríguez, based in Mexico, joined OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project) in 2019 as an investigative reporter. Before that, she was an editor at Connectas and a reporter at El Universal. She is also a contributor to Aristegui Noticias. In 2022, Lilia Saúl won, together with Luisa García Téllez, the TRACE Prize for Investigative Reporting for the investigation “A dónde va mi pensión”. She received the 2016 Ortega y Gasset Award in the multimedia category for the investigation Desaparecidos and was a finalist for the Data Journalism Awards in 2015 for an investigation into how the Mexican government was misusing public trust funds.
Master in Law and Legal Advisor of the Administration of Justice, he has been leading the EL PACCTO 2.0 program (EU Program for Assistance Against Organized Crime) since 2023. For 10 years, he held various positions in the International Relations Directorate of the Spanish Ministry of Justice, working on the drafting and negotiation of international treaties in areas such as regulatory development, the design and implementation of cooperation projects, and the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. He has also served as Spain’s national coordinator in COMJIB, contact point for IberRED, and focal point in the Coalition of European Countries against Organized Crime.
Lawyer with a diploma from the University of San Paul in Chicago on the use of the Inter-American Human Rights System. He is currently the Legal Director of Cristosal, where he has supported victims of violence and serious human rights violations through legal and advocacy processes. He has extensive experience working with human rights organizations and networks in promoting and defending human rights within the framework of security policies in the northern region of Central America.
Liliana Ramírez Hinojosa, municipal and departmental Youth Councilor, originally from the Department of Chocó, social and political activist, passionate about peacebuilding and politics, seeking spaces where young people can have an impact and transform our reality. I am part of Juventudes Diversas, the Youth Advisory Board of the European Union in Colombia, and the Network of Women Councilors and Leaders of the Pacific in Chocó. In addition, I am co-founder of the Umoja Foundation, where we promote leadership and youth participation processes. I am a young woman convinced that the power of transformation lies in our hands.
Professional in Government and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia, with training at the Institute of Political Studies of Paris, a Master’s in Political Action and Citizen Participation from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, and a diploma in Governance and Public Innovation. For several years, he served as Regional Coordinator for the Americas at the Secretariat of Transparency International. He has been a lecturer and has contributed to numerous documents on transparency and the fight against corruption. Since April 2017, he has been the Executive Director of Transparencia por Colombia, and in 2022, he was elected to the global Board of Directors of Transparency International.
Ramiro Orias Arredondo, Bolivian lawyer and Master in International Studies, university professor. He served as a member of the Inter-American Juridical Committee of the OAS during the 2021–2024 period. He is currently the Director of the Program on Corruption and Human Rights at the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF).

In the face of the crisis of Democracy and the Rule of Law, the PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY is key as an actor of peace and a pillar of a just and sustainable society
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11:30-13:00, Auditorium
Objectifs
To reaffirm the crucial role of civil society as a pillar of democracy, peace and multilateralism. And that this recognition be accompanied by a roadmap that guarantees the creation of a structured and parity mechanism for multi-stakeholder dialogue to monitor bi-regional relations; that promotes the free, informed and efficient participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) from both continents, as well as a bi-regional commitment to flexible and sustainable financing for CSOs, defense of the rule of law, civic space and the protection of defenders.
Methodology
Panel with institutional and civil society voices on democracy and the rule of law; justice, peace and sustainable development; integrity and anti-corruption as enablers of peace, democracy and trust in multilateralism; freedom of expression at risk; and the role of civil society for democracy, peace and sustainable development. This will be followed by a guided debate with very brief interventions by the panellists, an open debate with the audience, conclusions and closing.
Modérateur : Sergio Chaparro, Coordinator, Center for the Study of Law, Justice and Society (Dejusticia), Colombia
Intervenants :
Questions directrices :

Main CONCLUSIONS and Joint Declaration from the 2025 LAC-EU Civil Society Forum
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 09:45 – 11:00, Auditorium
Objectifs
To summarise the key takeaways from all plenary and thematic sessions and formally endorse the Civil Society Joint Declaration
Methodology
The Masters of Ceremonies engage with the session reporters in a conversational interview format to extract and highlight the key conclusions. These insights are displayed in the room, and will be integrated into the Civil Society Joint Declaration.
Moderators:
Speakers:
Questions directrices:

SOCIAL COHESION AND INCLUSION IN THE FACE OF INEQUALITIES
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 08:30-09:45, Auditorium
Objectifs
To highlight how structural inequalities impact the most vulnerable populations and groups; as well as the weight of informality, precarious work, union persecution and the lack of collective bargaining and social dialogue in the perpetuation of these inequalities. Integrate a substantive equality and intersectional approach to analyse how these inequalities affect women, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, youth, and marginalized groups. Discuss inclusive solutions that strengthen social cohesion, democracy, governance and civic rights. To illustrate how the social dimension of the Global Gateway’s Investment Agenda is articulated and to open a space to discuss concrete examples of implementation in countries in the region.
Methodology
Panel with 6 short presentations followed by a dialogue between panellists and with the audience about inclusive solutions.
Modérateur : Jessica Vidales Ferro, Coordinator of the Coalition for the Defense of the Rights of Refugee, Migrants and Displaced Populations in Latin America and the Caribbean
Intervenants :
Questions directrices :

BI-REGIONAL PACT FOR CARE: The role of LAC and the EU in the decade of action for the care society and substantive equality
Friday, November 7, 2025, 17:15-18:30, Auditorium
Objectifs
With a multi-stakeholder approach, analyze the proposals of each panelist in view of the adoption of a bi-regional Care Pact; delve into the concept of a “care society” and a broad vision of care based on caring for others, caregiving, and self-care as a human right, the sustainability of life, policy coherence, and social, environmental, gender, class, age, disability, sexual diversity, and country-of-origin justice; and examine key initiatives on care, as well as proposals for a possible roadmap toward the implementation, coordination, sustainable financing, and monitoring of the bi-regional Care Pact and related support measures that strengthen relations between LAC and the EU under principles of equity, social justice, and decent work.
Methodology
Panel with 6 short presentations followed by a dialogue between panellists and with the audience.
Modérateur : Alberto Brunori, Director, EU-LAC Foundation
Intervenants :
Questions directrices :

Sustainable, inclusive and resilient FOOD SYSTEMS to eliminate hunger and achieve SDG 2 in the region
Friday, November 7, 2025, 15:45-17:00, Salón del Lago
Objectifs
To strengthen intergenerational and intercultural dialogue between various actors (youth, community leaders, institutional and international cooperation actors) to share experiences and good practices that promote food and nutrition security through a human rights and environmental sustainability approach.
Methodology
Contextualisation by the moderator, highlighting the importance of youth and international cooperation in achieving food security, followed by an initial presentation that provides the vision of the institutions, followed by the experiences of civil society actors. At the end there will be a space for questions and answers with the audience and conclusions.
Modérateur : Danilo Salerno, Regional Director Americas, International Cooperative Alliance-LAC
Intervenants :
Questions directrices:

INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE and Bi-regional Democracy: EU-CELAC common agenda towards Santa Marta and COP30
Friday, November 7 2025, 15:45-17:00, Auditorium
Objectifs
To articulate the indigenous agenda by generating a space for high-level dialogue; define joint proposals for an indigenous-bi-regional roadmap; and consolidate indigenous peoples as strategic partners in bi-regional cooperation.
Methodology
Opening with the indigenous ceremonial greeting and presentation of the approach, followed by interventions by the panellists and a dialogue around 4 guiding questions; a space for questions and answers with the audience and conclusions.
Modérateur : Fany Kuiru Castro, General Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA)
Speakers:
Questions directrices:

ORGANISED CRIME, CORRUPTION AND DEMOCRACY: BI-REGIONAL CHALLENGES FOR SECURITY AND PEACE
Friday, November 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m., Auditorium
Objectifs
To analyse the connection between organised crime, corruption, democracy and security in Latin America and Europe and show the bi-regional nature of the problem. Share specific cases about the impact of organised crime and corruption on democracy and people’s lives, including women and girls, youth and indigenous populations; as well as good practices for combating organised crime and transnational corruption; and propose comprehensive, bi-regional and coordinated recommendations to combat organised crime and transnational corruption.
Methodology
The moderator will present some data that illustrate the magnitude of the problem, followed by a round of questions to the speakers on the causes and impact of the rise of organised crime. The second round will focus on concrete recommendations addressed to the EU and LAC governments. Finally, there will be a Q&A space with the audience.
Moderator: Ramiro Orias, Program Director, Fundación Debido Proceso (DPLF), Bolivia
Speakers:
Questions directrices:

COMMUNITY CLIMATE RESILIENCE: Climate justice as a pillar of bi-regional cooperation
Friday, November 7, 2025, 14:00-15:15, Masinga Room
Objectifs
To analyse the progress and challenges of EU–CELAC bi-regional cooperation on climate change, adaptation, conservation and disaster risk reduction, in light of the shift from programmes such as EUROCLIMA+ to the new Global Gateway framework, reflecting on its real impact on the most vulnerable territories and communities. To foster a horizontal dialogue among community actors, public institutions, academia and cooperation agencies to identify how climate resilience is being built locally and what lessons can be shared across both regions. To propose orientations for a bi-regional climate governance architecture that prioritises local resilience, social participation and climate justice—moving beyond investment- and infrastructure-driven approaches, and reaffirming cooperation centred on people, territories and the care of nature.
Methodology
Panel with six short presentations followed by a participatory “fishbowl” dialogue between panelists and audience, focusing on the experiences and challenges of local communities.
Modérateur : Aura Elizabeth Rodríguez Bonilla, Director of Viva la Ciudadanía and Technical Secretary of the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development
Intervenants :
Questions directrices:

Leaving No One Behind in the DIGITAL TRANSITION
Friday, November 7, 2025, 14:00–15:15, Lake Room
Objectifs
To highlight how digital inequalities affect social cohesion; promoting the principles of digital justice (human rights, decent work and freedom of association, data protection, online safety with an emphasis on women and girls, platform governance, trustworthy AI) with safeguards for policies and investments (including Global Gateway); and make proposals for digital investments to translate into affordable and quality connectivity, inclusive skills and accessible public services, with the participation and monitoring of civil society.
Methodology
A keynote by the moderator followed by 3 micro-presentations to frame the themes (Table 1: access and sustainable connectivity; Table 2: rights, data protection and security; and Table 3: literacy and inclusion), followed by discussion by thematic tables and a plenary report of 2-3 recommendations per table.
Moderator: Fernanda Martins, Director of Strategy and Advocacy, Fundación Multitudes (Brasil)
Intervenants :
Questions directrices :

FINANCING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: towards a fair, equitable, participatory, and transparent bi-regional agenda
Friday, November 7, 2025, 11:15-12:30, Auditorium
Objectifs
To analyse the Global Gateway strategy and financial architecture to identify social, environmental, and economic justice opportunities and risks, and ensure civil society’s role in investment definition, monitoring, and sustainability through access and accountability mechanisms.
Methodology
Opening by the moderator to focus the objective of the session, followed by a moderated panel with three blocks of dialogue that follow a CSO intervention structure. Thereafter, institutional intervention(s) and CSO replies, favouring dialogue and exchange between panellists. Final synthesis with key messages for the Santa Marta Declaration.
Moderator: María José Romero, Policy and Advocacy Program Manager, EURODAD
Speakers:
Questions directrices:

Ensuring an ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR CIVIL SOCIETY: a condition for democracy, peace and sustainable development in the EU-LAC partnership
Friday, November 7, 2025, 09:30-10:45, Auditorium
Objectifs
To reaffirm EU-LAC commitments and promote an enabling environment for civil society by calling for concrete actions to strengthen democracy, respect fundamental rights, and ensure civil society voice and participation in major cooperation frameworks (Agenda 2030, Global Gateway).
Methodology
The event begins with a high-level plenary roundtable featuring brief interventions (5-7 minutes) connecting themes such as democracy, rule of law, justice, peace, sustainable development, and civil society participation. This is followed by a guided dialogue and interactive debate that considers a bi-regional, gender, and intersectional approach, reflecting the diversity of realities, conditions, and needs in the implementation and evaluation of EU-LAC association agreements.
Modérateur : Javier Azpur, President of the National Association of Centres (ANC), Perú
Intervenants :
Questions directrices :
Ana Maria De la Torre has been working at ECHO as a Programme Officer for South America for 18 years. Before joining ECHO, she worked for 5 years at WFP and 1 year at UNFPA, and also provided targeted support to a civil society organization in Ecuador. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, a diploma in Humanitarian Aid, and another in Risk Management and Local Development.
Nelson Hernández Marulanda is a Colombian animal scientist with postgraduate studies at the University of Chile and over 20 years of experience in disaster risk management. He served as National Director of Risk Management at the Chilean Red Cross, leading humanitarian operations such as those responding to the 2010 earthquake and tsunami. He is currently a Specialized Professional at Colombia’s UNGRD, where he drives policies and regulations such as Decrees 2157 of 2017 and 1868 of 2021. In addition, he teaches disaster risk management and sustainable development in master’s programs at institutions such as the School of Military Engineers and La Gran Colombia University.
James Trinder is International Climate Policy Coordinator at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, the continent’s largest coalition working to prevent dangerous climate change and promote just climate and energy policies. He leads CAN Europe’s international advocacy across multilateral and bi-regional processes, including the CELAC–EU Summit, helping ensure the climate imperative is central to renewed EU–LAC cooperation. With prior experience at the UK Government and the Inter-American Development Bank, James advances people-centred climate action grounded in equitable technology transfer, new models of partnership, energy access, the phase-out of fossil fuels, and the protection of rights and ecosystems.
Olivia Chase is a seasoned development economist and organizational development specialist with over 20 years of experience across the public, private, and civil society sectors in the Caribbean. As Senior Development Specialist at the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), she leads initiatives in regional policy dialogue, institutional strengthening, and capacity building for civil society organizations. Previously a Senior Economist with the Barbados Productivity Council and founder of QM Consulting Global, she has managed major consulting projects for governments and multilateral agencies. An ISO-certified consultant and trainer, Olivia integrates economic analysis and strategic management to advance sustainable development and inclusive governance in the region.
Lidia Antonia Serrano Gálvez is the Coordinator of the “Comunidades Vivas” Program, implemented by the Indigenous and Peasant Coordination Association for Community Agroforestry of Central America (ACICAFOC), with funding from German Cooperation through KfW. She holds a degree in International Relations, a Master’s in International Business, and postgraduate studies in Agribusiness Management and Sustainable Markets (CATIE). She has over 10 years of experience managing regional programs on sustainable development, community conservation, and organizational strengthening. Her work promotes territorial resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, and the integration of ancestral knowledge in Indigenous and local communities.
Economist, Master in Development Planning, and human rights defender with over twenty years of experience in social leadership, organizational management, and coordination of national and international networks in human rights, democracy, and peace. She has expertise in economic, social, cultural, environmental, and nature-related rights. She is currently the Director of the Colombian organization Viva la Ciudadanía and the Technical Secretary of the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy, and Development.
A computer engineer with 30 years of experience in the ICT sector, he is the Executive Director of the Latin American Cooperation of Advanced Networks, RedCLARA. He was co-founder, president, and board member of Venezuela’s national academic network, REACCIUN (1996 and 2000). He chaired the Latin American Research Network Association (Enredo 1998-1999), served on the board of the National Supercomputing Center of Venezuela (Cecalcula, 1997-1999), and on the board of the Sartenejas Technology Park (1997-1999). He also led the strategy for the Cisco Networking Academy Program (2000-2006), where he held several positions before becoming Director of RedCLARA in 2017.
Marina Meira, Public Policy Coordinator at Derechos Digitales (Brazil). She holds a Master’s degree in Scientific and Cultural Communication from the University of Campinas, with research on gender and data protection. She has a Law degree from the University of São Paulo. Marina has experience in research, advocacy, and strategic litigation in various civil society organizations. She also served as a coordinator at the Secretariat of Digital Policies of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil.
Olga Paz Martínez is a Social Communicator and Journalist, with a Specialization in Communication and Culture and a Master’s degree in Communication and Society with a focus on Public Policies for the Internet. She is Project Director at Colnodo and has over 25 years of experience coordinating initiatives aimed at closing digital and gender gaps, ensuring that the internet provides opportunities for populations facing social and economic inequality. Her work has focused on promoting access to, use of, and ownership of ICTs among women, youth, older adults, ethnic communities, and rural populations, among others. In recent years, she has supported community network initiatives and models for internet access and adoption based on local stakeholder management in rural areas.
Fernanda Martins is an anthropologist, holds a PhD in Social Sciences, and serves as Director of Advocacy and Strategy at Fundación Multitudes (Chile). She has over a decade of experience in research, advocacy, and strategic development for social impact in Latin America. Her work focuses on the intersection of human rights, digital governance, gender, and climate justice. She has collaborated with UN Women and Plan International, and previously led research at InternetLab (Brazil). She is an active member of Global South networks promoting feminist, inclusive, and sustainable digital governance across the region.
Ramiro López-Ghio, an Argentine national, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of La Plata (Argentina), a Master’s degree in International Political Economy, and a PhD in Business from the University of Warwick (United Kingdom). Since May 2023, he has served as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Representative in Colombia. Previously, he was the Bank’s Representative in Belize (from September 2020) and earlier served as Head of Operations at the IDB Country Office in Colombia. He joined the Bank in 2008 as a Fiscal and Municipal Development Specialist in Bolivia.
Eleonora Betancur González is the Director of the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia (APC Colombia) and Vice President of the UN High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation, representing GRULAC. She holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Salamanca, a specialization in Good Governance and Territorial Public Management from the Pontifical Javeriana University, and a Master’s in International Relations and Development Cooperation from CIDOB–Autonomous University of Barcelona. She has served as Director of International Relations at the Bogotá Mayor’s Office and of the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín (ACI Medellín), leading internationalization and regional development strategies. With extensive experience as a lecturer and consultant in Latin America and Spain, she stands out for her commitment to sustainable development and institutional strengthening through international cooperation.
Alejandra Vargas Durango is the Country Manager for Colombia at Latimpacto, a Latin American and Caribbean network that brings together the largest number of capital providers with the goal of strategically catalyzing the flow of human, intellectual, and financial capital to drive a more effective allocation of resources toward social and environmental impact. With an academic background in Economics and a professional degree in Government and Public Affairs, Alejandra has led strategic projects in education, innovation, and impact investment within organizations such as United Way Colombia, Inter-American Dialogue, and Fundación Corona. Her career has developed at the intersection of multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Jorge Coronado is a member of the Board of Directors of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Economic, Social and Climate Justice (LATINDADD). He holds a degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Costa Rica and a specialization in Political Economy from the Free School of Advanced Studies of Berlin, Germany. He is a specialist in fiscal issues within the Latin American and Caribbean Tax Justice Network, as well as in trade, free trade agreements, and integration processes within LATINDADD. He serves as a trade union advisor on taxation, trade and investment, and collective bargaining issues for unions in Costa Rica and across Latin America. He is a member of the Board of Directors of LATINDADD, the Coordination Council of the Latin American and Caribbean Tax Justice Network, the Civil Society Advisory Council of the Regional Platform for Tax Cooperation (PTLAC), and the Civil Society Working Group CELAC–EU.
Gloria García-Parra, Regional Director of Oxfam in Latin America and the Caribbean, is Colombian and has over 25 years of experience working in various countries across the region. She has collaborated with local and international organizations as well as with the United Nations system. Her professional development has focused on working in crisis contexts—both of natural origin and those related to armed conflict, migration, socio-political, and environmental crises. She holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Colombia, a specialization in Sustainability from the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Havana, and a Master’s degree in Latin American Cultural Studies from the Pontifical Javeriana University.
Miguel Santibáñez Ibarra is a Chilean architect and PhD in Urban Planning. He is Vice President of ACCIÓN (Chilean Association of NGOs) and a professor at the Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano. He has served as President of ALOP, Coordinator of the Mesa de Articulación de ONG de América Latina, and President of the FORUS Council. He currently chairs the Agenda Ciudadana Foundation in Santiago. His work focuses on social urbanism and urban rights, strengthening civil society, international cooperation, and environmental sustainability.
María José Romero is an expert in development finance. Since 2012, she has been Policy and Advocacy Manager at the European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad), an organization based in Brussels that brings together 61 NGOs. Before joining Eurodad, María José worked at the secretariat of the Latindadd Network in Peru and as coordinator of the Latin American IFIs Monitor Project at the Third World Institute, based in Uruguay. She holds a PhD in International Development from SOAS University of London and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Republic of Uruguay.
Myriam Ferran is since November 2021 Deputy Director General at the European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships. She oversees the geographical Directorates, covering Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia and Pacific regions. Myriam Ferran started her professional career in the French administration and as member of cabinet in the French government. She then joined the European Commission in 2001 and worked in various capacities in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Directorate-General for Transport and Energy before joining the Cabinet of Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for Enlargement. She later worked as Head of Unit in charge of relationships with Iceland, Serbia and then Turkey in DG Enlargement. In her last position Myriam Ferran was Director in charge of the EU Neighbourhood and Enlargement Strategy and Turkey in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement negotiations (DG NEAR).
Sandra Ferrer Aranda is the Director of La Coordinadora de Organizaciones para el Desarrollo (Spain). She holds a degree in Translation and Interpreting, has studied Political Science, completed postgraduate studies in Development Cooperation, and holds a Master’s degree in Middle East Politics. She has more than 15 years of experience in humanitarian action, development cooperation, and international relations. In the humanitarian field, she has worked in several countries across Africa and the Middle East.
Marta Ferrara is the Executive Director of the organization Semillas para la Democracia and a board member of Pojoaju (the Association of NGOs of Paraguay). She studied Sociology at the Universidad Católica “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” and pursued studies in Anthropology in Quito, Ecuador, and Montevideo, Uruguay. She has extensive experience working as a director of programmes, departments, and projects in civil society organizations, has worked as an account executive in advertising, and practiced journalism for 10 years in print and radio media. She also served as Director of Communications for the Municipality of Asunción, was a trade union leader, and president of the Student Centre of the Faculty of Philosophy. She has been the Executive Director of Semillas para la Democracia since its founding in 2006 to the present day.
Carla Álvarez González is a jurist specialized in governance, sustainability, and social impact. She represents the Spanish Youth Council (CJE) before the European Youth Forum (YFJ), where she works to strengthen youth participation and the role of civil society in bi-regional cooperation and international dialogue spaces. With experience in diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development, she promotes alliances that connect young people, institutions, and communities to build more inclusive and sustainable policies.
Verónica González Bonet holds a degree in Computer Science and is a journalist, with diplomas in Gender Journalism and in Criminalistics and Criminology, as well as a specialization in Public Policies for Equality in Latin America. Since 2010, she has been a columnist and has produced reports on gender, disability, and human rights for Argentina’s Public Television. She served as Communication Coordinator and Gender Focal Point at the National Disability Agency (2020–2021) and was part of the Communication and Disability team at the Ministry of Health (2022–2024). As a workshop leader and speaker, she participates in journalist and activist networks, is a member of the Board of Directors of REDI, and is the author of publications on media and disability, various journalistic articles, and the documentary La Ire.
He is a member of the EU Policy Forum on Development (PFD). He represents El Salvador in the Mesa de Articulación of NGOs from Latin America and the Caribbean and in the ISC of the Community of Democracies. He is pro tempore coordinator and vice president of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (REDLAD), and political coordinator of the Citizen Forum of the Americas and the Central American Civic Action Platform. He has been a visiting professor at the University of Cantabria and the University of Alcalá de Henares in Spain. He currently serves as president and regional coordinator of the Center for Training and Promotion of Democracy (CECADE) and is a board member of the Salvadoran Development NGO Movement (MODES). He holds a Master’s degree in Public Management and Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Political analyst and social psychologist from the National University of San Marcos. He has extensive experience in managing development programmes, as well as leading regional institutions and national civil society platforms. He has served as Technical Secretary of the National Assembly of Regional Governments of Peru and as Executive Coordinator of the Grupo Propuesta Ciudadana. He is currently President of the Asociación Arariwa of Cusco and of the Asociación Nacional de Centros of Peru.
Andrea Remes is a Franco-Mexican social entrepreneur and co-founder of Erandi Aprende, an AI-powered educational platform that connects students, teachers, and families through a multilingual and inclusive approach to hands-on learning in science, technology, and arts. A graduate of Leiden University, she has multicultural professional experience working with NGOs in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. She has advised global institutions such as the European Commission (as a member of the Youth Sounding Board of DG INTPA) and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, and has served as a youth representative at several high-level events such as the Global Gateway Forum.
He has been a Director at the European Commission since 2018, responsible for relations with Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Overseas Territories, particularly under the Global Gateway strategy. Since 2009, he has worked on sustainable development policy and the EU’s external action budget, including his role as an expert in the cabinet of Federica Mogherini, and has held positions in the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU. From 2000 to 2009, he worked on Justice and Home Affairs, focusing on migration and judicial cooperation, at the Spanish Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He began his career at the Embassy of Spain in Romania and is a career diplomat with a background in Law.
Roxana Nan est conseillère en partenariats internationaux chez Enabel, l'agence belge de développement, où elle se concentre sur le renforcement de la collaboration avec l'Union européenne ainsi qu'avec d'autres partenaires internationaux et européens. Elle occupe ce poste depuis 2022, avec une brève interruption en 2024 pour coordonner l’élaboration du programme de coopération bilatérale de la Belgique avec l’Ukraine. Avant de rejoindre Enabel, Roxana a travaillé chez Save the Children en tant que responsable des partenariats au bureau de l’UE, ainsi que comme chargée de portefeuille pour des programmes au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique australe. Au début de sa carrière, elle a contribué à l’administration publique roumaine, en soutenant la mise en œuvre du programme Erasmus de l’UE et en travaillant sur le programme de réforme de la justice financé par la Banque mondiale au ministère de la Justice. Elle est également membre fondatrice d’ARCADIA, l’Association roumaine pour la coopération et le développement internationaux, une plateforme regroupant des professionnels roumains du secteur.
Zaya Naran est une professionnelle du développement expérimentée, avec plus de dix ans d’expertise dans la conception de programmes, leur mise en œuvre et la mobilisation de fonds institutionnels. Elle occupe actuellement le poste de responsable du développement et des partenariats chez Transparency International à Berlin. Son parcours couvre des ONG internationales et des groupes de réflexion, notamment l’International Republican Institute et The Asia Foundation, où elle a dirigé des programmes axés sur le genre, la gouvernance et la transparence en Asie, en Afrique et en Amérique latine. Zaya possède une expertise en collaboration intersectorielle, renforcement des capacités et plaidoyer politique, et elle est passionnée par la promotion des valeurs démocratiques, de l’égalité de genre et de la justice sociale à l’échelle mondiale. Elle est titulaire d’un master en études de gouvernance de l’Université Johns Hopkins.
Thomas travaille en tant que conseiller politique pour le Réseau syndical de coopération au développement de la Confédération syndicale internationale (CSI), qui représente 200 millions de travailleurs dans 167 pays. À ce poste, Thomas est chargé de veiller à ce que les priorités syndicales soient fortement représentées dans les forums politiques mondiaux axés sur le développement durable, notamment auprès des Nations Unies et dans les politiques de coopération au développement de l’Union européenne. Avant de rejoindre la CSI, Thomas a travaillé comme juriste pour la Confédération européenne des syndicats (CES), se concentrant sur la défense et la promotion des droits des travailleurs par le biais de litiges et de plaidoyers devant des instances (quasi) judiciaires telles que la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme et le mécanisme de réclamations collectives du Conseil de l’Europe. Thomas possède également une expérience au sein d’organisations intergouvernementales, ayant travaillé au département des droits de l’homme de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (OSCE) en Bosnie, ainsi qu’à l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM) en Tanzanie. Il a étudié le droit (LLB) avec une spécialisation en politique à l’Université du Sussex, avant d’obtenir un master en droits de l’homme et gestion des conflits à l’Université Sant’Anna de Pise.
Susana Eróstegui est membre du groupe de travail du Forum Politique pour le Développement (FPD) et représente la Table d’Articulation des associations nationales d’ONG et des plateformes régionales d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes au sein de ce forum. Elle est titulaire d’une licence en communication sociale, avec des diplômes de troisième cycle en communication pour le développement durable, égalité des genres, droits humains et projets de développement. Elle possède une expérience professionnelle au sein d’ONG, d’agences de coopération et d’institutions publiques. Elle a représenté la société civile dans différents espaces tels que l’Open Forum for CSO Development Effectiveness, le Groupe d’affinité des associations nationales de CIVICUS, le CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE), FORUS, Action for Sustainable Development, entre autres. Son travail à la tête d’un réseau national d’ONG, pour l’Agence canadienne de développement international, le Bureau du Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l’homme, des municipalités et ministères, a renforcé son engagement en faveur des droits humains, de la démocratie, du développement et du renforcement des organisations de la société civile. Elle est actuellement directrice exécutive du Réseau bolivien pour la coopération internationale.
Sarah Torres est coordinatrice de Reality of Aid – Asie-Pacifique, un réseau d'organisations de la société civile qui mène des recherches et mène des actions de lobbying sur l'aide et la coopération au développement. En tant que coordinatrice, elle siège à d'autres plateformes de la société civile, telles que le Partenariat des OSC pour l'efficacité du développement et le Groupe de référence CAD-OSC, où elle défend les positions des OSC en faveur d'une coopération au développement plus efficace et efficiente pour la réduction de la pauvreté.
Sarah Spencer Bernard est analyste politique au sein de l’équipe Crise, Conflit et Fragilité, où elle coordonne le réseau INCAF et pilote un axe de travail dédié à l’engagement dans des environnements politiquement contraints. Elle contribue également à d’autres domaines, notamment le rapport sur les États fragiles, les stratégies de financement en contextes fragiles, les approches intégrant humanitaire, développement et paix, ainsi que les évaluations par les pairs du CAD.
Avant de rejoindre l’OCDE, Sarah était basée en Jordanie, où elle gérait la dimension irakienne du Fonds fiduciaire régional de l’UE pour la réponse à la crise syrienne, le « Madad Fund », couvrant diverses actions dans le cadre du nexus humanitaire-développement-paix en Irak. Elle a auparavant travaillé comme analyste géopolitique sur la crise syrienne et occupé des postes en affaires politiques en Asie centrale, à Bruxelles, Londres et Vienne, au sein de l’UE, du gouvernement britannique et de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (OSCE).
De nationalité britannique et irlandaise, Sarah est diplômée de l’Université de Cambridge (MPhil) et de l’Université de Bristol (BA).
Sameera apporte plus de 15 ans d'expérience dans la philanthropie et le secteur privé. Elle est directrice de l'intelligence collective et du plaidoyer chez WINGS - le réseau mondial de philanthropie. Avant WINGS, Sameera a travaillé avec la CAF. Sameera a travaillé avec des partenaires dans plusieurs pays pour développer les dons et renforcer la résilience de la société civile. Parmi les expériences de travail antérieures, mentionnons la création d'une ONG au Canada, un projet de partenariat en Inde et des projets de consultation pour plusieurs ONG. Elle a également travaillé dans le secteur bancaire, occupant des postes de direction, de gestion de projet et de transformation du changement.
Rahmatouca Sow est responsable du département des Affaires politiques, des Relations institutionnelles et des Relations publiques depuis janvier 2025, après avoir été conseillère aux affaires politiques et aux relations internationales et coordinatrice des sommets AFRICITES depuis 2019 à CGLU Afrique. Elle a été directrice adjointe de cabinet du maire de Dakar pendant dix ans et secrétaire régionale du réseau METROPOLIS en Afrique.
Elle est titulaire d’un Master II en politiques et gestion du développement (Sciences Po Paris, 2014), d’un MBA international et d’un DESS en géopolitique et géostratégie. Elle a travaillé dix ans dans le secteur privé avant de rejoindre la fonction publique, où elle a initié et coordonné des projets ainsi que la mise en place de cadres de gouvernance participative et inclusive.
Experte depuis près de 25 ans en décentralisation et gouvernance urbaine des collectivités locales en Afrique, Mme Sow pilote et coordonne les réseaux politiques ainsi que les partenariats institutionnels de CGLU Afrique.
Perumal Predeep est responsable principal de programme à la Fédération des autorités locales du Sri Lanka. Fort de plus de dix ans d’expérience dans la gouvernance locale, il a travaillé au sein de conseils municipaux, urbains et divisionnaires, et a précédemment occupé le poste de secrétaire du Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha. Il a dirigé et animé des initiatives de renforcement des capacités à destination des autorités locales et des communautés, notamment dans le secteur des plantations ainsi que dans les provinces du Nord et de l’Est. Son travail porte principalement sur la gouvernance participative, l’égalité de genre, la redevabilité financière et la prestation inclusive de services. Il a également été chef de projet du projet SCOPE, ce qui a contribué à son implication dans cette réunion mondiale du Forum Politique pour le Développement (FPD). Parlant couramment le cinghalais et le tamoul, il possède une grande expérience de travail avec des communautés et conseils locaux diversifiés à travers le Sri Lanka.
La Dre Pallavi Rekhi est une figure dynamique de la société civile en Inde, actuellement responsable des programmes au sein du Voluntary Action Network India (VANI). Elle joue un rôle de premier plan dans le renforcement de l’espace civique, la promotion de la coopération Sud-Sud et l’amplification des voix des communautés de base sur les plateformes internationales. Elle a conçu et dirigé de nombreuses initiatives nationales et internationales, en collaborant avec une grande diversité d’acteurs issus de la société civile, des gouvernements et des organisations internationales. Elle représente régulièrement la société civile indienne dans des forums mondiaux. Défenseure d’un leadership féministe, elle a lancé des initiatives telles que le podcast "She Leads the Way", qui met en lumière les femmes actrices du changement dans le secteur du développement. Reconnue pour sa vision claire, son esprit de collaboration et sa capacité à traduire les politiques en actions concrètes, la Dre Rekhi contribue activement à façonner un discours du développement plus inclusif et transformateur, en Inde comme à l’international.
Nicolas Stoetzel est chef adjoint de l’unité D3 – Coordination et supervision des instruments de financement à la Commission européenne (DG INTPA). À ce titre, il est notamment impliqué dans les travaux préparatoires du prochain cadre financier pluriannuel de l’Union européenne. Juriste de formation, il travaille à la Commission européenne depuis 2013, où il a contribué, entre autres, au déploiement de la stratégie Global Gateway, de l’approche Team Europe, ainsi qu’aux affaires juridiques. Avant de rejoindre la Commission, Nicolas a travaillé pour la coopération bilatérale allemande en tant que juriste et conseiller en matière de lutte contre la corruption et intégrité.
Monalisa Kashyap est chargée de la coordination des programmes et du plaidoyer au sein de l’Alliance coopérative internationale – Asie et Pacifique (ICA-AP), basée en Inde, où elle dirige la Phase II de l’Accord-cadre de partenariat financier (FPA) entre l’ICA et l’UE. Elle occupe également le poste de secrétaire du Comité de coopération des jeunes de l’ICA-AP. Forte d’une solide expérience en gestion de programmes et en plaidoyer, elle a auparavant été responsable des programmes chez Access Livelihoods et a travaillé avec Friends of Women World Banking, se concentrant sur le renforcement des collectifs de producteurs agricoles à travers le développement des capacités et des initiatives de politique stratégique. Ses domaines de prédilection sont l’égalité — qu’elle soit de genre ou économique — ainsi que l’autonomisation des femmes. À titre personnel, elle s'intéresse à des blogs de voyage, à l’écriture poétique et à la photographie. Elle est titulaire d’un diplôme de troisième cycle en gestion du développement et d’une licence en commerce, spécialité comptabilité.
Ingénieur des mines avec plus de 10 ans d’expérience dans les secteurs industriel et minier, ayant occupé des postes de direction. A opéré une transition vers le monde des associations professionnelles, avec une spécialisation dans l’économie sociale et l’entrepreneuriat. Actuellement engagé dans la formation professionnelle et continue, et participe activement au projet Serenos Gijón. Membre de longue date du Club Asturien de la Qualité, où il promeut les bonnes pratiques en matière de gestion d’entreprise.
Depuis 2004, Marc Noël est activement impliqué dans le secteur coopératif. Il a commencé à travailler dans des coopératives de café et de cacao au Nicaragua, avant de rejoindre la confédération européenne Cooperatives Europe en 2006. Il est actuellement directeur des partenariats de l'ACI, où il coordonne le programme #coops4dev avec la Commission européenne. Il a récemment fondé la communauté locale des énergies renouvelables « Tell Energies ». Marc est titulaire d'un Master interuniversitaire d'études avancées en développement économique, environnement et société et d'un Master en ingénierie commerciale.
Julia Puno est secrétaire générale de l’Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN), un réseau régional d’ONG de recherche basé en Asie-Pacifique. Avant d’assumer ce rôle, elle a été chargée des politiques et de la recherche du réseau, ainsi qu’assistante de programme pour les volets « Économie et commerce en faveur des peuples » et « Justice climatique et ressources naturelles ». Elle dispose de plusieurs années d’expérience en renforcement des capacités, en tant que formatrice dans les programmes de l’APRN portant sur le plaidoyer, l’engagement, la recherche centrée sur les personnes et l’efficacité du développement à destination des organisations de la société civile (OSC) et des organisations de producteurs. Elle a également facilité la participation de nombreuses organisations aux dialogues intergouvernementaux et aux espaces d'engagement. Ses domaines de recherche incluent les enjeux géopolitiques, les questions climatiques, entre autres. Julia Puno fait partie du groupe consultatif du Mécanisme régional d'engagement des OSC pour l’Asie-Pacifique (APRCEM), dont elle a été coprésidente, membre du secrétariat et point focal pour l’Asie du Sud-Est. Elle siège également au comité de l’équipe opérationnelle du Forum Politique pour le Développement (FPD), où elle est la représentante des OSC pour la région Asie-Pacifique.
Jacqueline Hale travaille pour la DG Partenariats internationaux, au sein de l’unité Autorités locales, société civile et fondations, où elle collabore étroitement avec des partenaires de la société civile dans le cadre du programme «Système de l’UE pour un environnement propice à la société civile» (EU SEE). Ce programme phare vise à aider la société civile à surveiller, détecter et réagir aux changements dans son environnement propice. Avant de rejoindre la Commission européenne, Jacqui a travaillé pendant 20 ans dans la société civile sur divers aspects de la coopération internationale, allant des droits de l'homme et de la démocratisation à la réponse humanitaire et aux campagnes de prévention des conflits
Ine Van Severen est responsable du pôle de recherche sur l’espace civique chez CIVICUS, basé à Johannesburg. Elle a rejoint CIVICUS en 2013 et a occupé plusieurs postes de recherche axés sur l’espace civique et l’environnement propice à la société civile, notamment au sein de l’Observatoire CIVICUS (CIVICUS Monitor) et en coordonnant les évaluations nationales de l’environnement propice (EENA). Auparavant, Ine a travaillé dans des fonctions de recherche et de plaidoyer pour des organisations de la société civile en Belgique, et a effectué un stage au Centre régional du PNUD pour l’Afrique australe et orientale. Elle est titulaire de deux masters en sciences politiques et en conflits et développement, tous deux obtenus à l’Université de Gand.
Hilde Herssens est conseillère politique principale et cheffe de l’unité géographique chargée de la coopération au développement avec l’Amérique latine, l’Asie et l’Ukraine au sein du ministère belge des Affaires étrangères. Forte de 25 années d’expérience dans la coopération internationale, acquise au sein d’ONG, d’universités et du ministère, elle a joué un rôle clé dans la mise en place de partenariats stratégiques avec la société civile, les autorités locales et les institutions académiques. Depuis qu’elle a organisé en 2019 à Bruxelles une conférence internationale sur la reconquête de l’espace civique, son engagement sur cette thématique s’est encore renforcé. Elle l’a concrétisé par le lancement d’un appel à projets en 2021, par l’Initiative belge pour l’espace civique en 2023, ainsi que par sa co-présidence d’un groupe de travail de l’Initiative Team Europe pour la démocratie, axé sur la participation civile et politique. Elle est titulaire de diplômes en assistance humanitaire internationale, en communication multilingue pour les entreprises et en sciences politiques. Son approche allie diplomatie, expérience de terrain et un engagement profond pour l’autonomisation des communautés et de la société civile à l’échelle mondiale.
Laia Aycart est conseillère politique et de plaidoyer chez CONCORD, chargée de diriger le portefeuille du cadre financier pluriannuel (CFP). Elle dirige les efforts visant à façonner et à influencer le prochain CFP de l’UE et les futurs instruments financiers pour l’action extérieure. Avant d’occuper ce poste, elle a travaillé dans le cadre de la réponse d’Oxfam à l’Ukraine en Pologne, où elle a aidé des organisations locales de la société civile à renforcer le leadership humanitaire local et le leadership des femmes au moyen d’actions de plaidoyer et d’efforts stratégiques collaboratifs. Elle s’y est concentrée sur les personnes en déplacement aux frontières extérieures de l’Union avec la Biélorussie et l’Ukraine. Auparavant, Laia a travaillé au sein du groupe de réflexion sur les affaires mondiales ODI Global à Londres, où elle a contribué à des domaines d’action transversaux, notamment les partenariats internationaux et les programmes de coopération de l’UE. Elle a également soutenu le dialogue des maires Afrique-Europe, une plateforme de maires africains et européens qui œuvrent à la mise en œuvre d’initiatives locales visant à relever les défis mondiaux en matière de mobilité humaine.
Lucia Acosta est cheffe de projet senior, forte d’une vaste expérience internationale dans le développement institutionnel et la gouvernance inclusive, avec un accent particulier sur l’Amérique latine. Elle a dirigé des initiatives complexes et multipartites en Équateur, à Cuba, au Salvador et en Colombie, œuvrant dans des domaines tels que la consolidation de la paix, l’égalité de genre, la participation citoyenne et le renforcement des capacités locales. Lucia a collaboré étroitement avec des gouvernements nationaux et locaux, des organisations de la société civile et des bailleurs internationaux – dont la coopération suédoise (Sida) et l’Union européenne – pour mettre en œuvre des solutions de développement durable en contexte post-conflit. Trilingue (espagnol, suédois et anglais), elle combine vision stratégique et leadership opérationnel, notamment dans la conception de processus participatifs et de programmes de formation. Son parcours académique en sciences politiques et en communication stratégique renforce sa capacité à évoluer dans des environnements complexes et à construire des partenariats à fort impact.
Marlene Holzner est chef d'unité pour la société civile, les autorités locales et les fondations à la DG INTPA (Commission européenne) depuis 2020. Elle est responsable de la conception et de la mise en œuvre du programme des OSC 2021-2027, avec une équipe de 20 personnes.
Avant cela, elle a travaillé pendant dix ans auprès du commissaire Guenter H. Oettinger en tant que porte-parole et membre du cabinet.
Diplômée de la London School of Economics and Political Science, Marlene a travaillé pendant de nombreuses années comme journaliste (WirtschaftsWoche, Berlin) avant de rejoindre la Commission européenne.
Hayati Hassani est actuellement chargée des programmes européens au sein de l’Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF). À ce titre, elle coordonne les programmes financés par l’Union européenne en Afrique, dans l’océan Indien et en Asie du Sud-Est. Elle assure également le suivi des activités de la Commission AIMF sur les transitions économiques, co-présidée par la Ville de Bordeaux et le Réseau des Maires du Cameroun pour l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire (REMCESS).
Avant de rejoindre l’AIMF, Hayati Hassani a travaillé pendant six ans à l’Institut de coopération sociale internationale (ICOSI), où elle a occupé diverses fonctions avant d’intégrer le Bureau en tant que vice-président en charge des projets.
Giulia Iovino est chargée de mission pour l’Afghanistan et coordinatrice géographique à la Direction générale des partenariats internationaux (DG INTPA) de la Commission européenne. Avant d’occuper ce poste, elle gérait des portefeuilles couvrant le Yémen, l’Iran et les pays du Golfe au sein de la DG INTPA. Avant de rejoindre la Commission européenne, elle a travaillé avec l’Office des Nations Unies contre la drogue et le crime (ONUDC) sur les questions de traite des êtres humains et de trafic de migrants dans plusieurs pays, dont l’Afghanistan, le Bangladesh, l’Iran, l’Irak et le Pakistan. Ces différentes fonctions lui ont permis de développer une solide expertise dans des contextes fragiles variés.
Mme Gertrude Rose Gamwera Buyinga est Secrétaire générale de l’Association des Comtés et Gouvernements Locaux d’Afrique de l’Est (EACLGA), dont le siège est situé dans la ville d’Arusha, en Tanzanie. Juriste de formation, Mme Gamwera est titulaire d’un master exécutif en administration des affaires et possède plus de vingt-cinq ans d’expérience dans le domaine de la gouvernance locale et de la gestion du secteur public. Elle assure la coordination du bureau du Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) pour l’Afrique de l’Est. Elle est activement engagée dans l’appui aux gouvernements locaux pour la localisation de l’Agenda des ODD et pour la promotion de l’intégration régionale. Elle milite également en faveur de liens plus solides entre les gouvernements nationaux et infranationaux et occupe le rôle de conseillère auprès du Comité exécutif régional d’ICLEI Afrique.
Mme Gamwera Buyinga est également cheffe de pôle du Hub régional pour l’Afrique de l’Est et australe du Strong Cities Network, hébergé par l’EACLGA, qui accompagne les villes et les gouvernements locaux dans la prévention de la haine, de l’extrémisme et de la polarisation.
Erica Gerretsen est titulaire d’un MBA de l’Université Paris Dauphine et d’un master en urbanisme et administration locale de Sciences Po Paris. Depuis 1995, elle a occupé divers postes à la Commission européenne, axés sur les relations extérieures. Elle est de nationalité française et néerlandaise.
Sa carrière comprend des affectations dans les délégations de l’UE en Slovénie avant son adhésion et au Bénin en tant que conseillère économique. En 2003, elle rejoint la DG DEVCO, spécialisée dans les affaires africaines. En 2012, elle devient cheffe adjointe de l’unité pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest, puis cheffe de l’unité pour l’Afrique centrale en 2013. Elle a également supervisé le financement du développement et l’efficacité de l’aide.
En 2016, elle devient cheffe de l’unité « Soutien budgétaire, gestion des finances publiques et mobilisation des ressources nationales » à la DG DEVCO. En 2021, elle est directrice par intérim d’une nouvelle direction axée sur « Finances durables, emplois et croissance, et une économie au service des citoyens ». Elle a aussi été cheffe d’unité à la DG INTPA E1 « Analyse macroéconomique, politiques fiscales et soutien budgétaire », puis directrice adjointe à la DG INTPA E « Finances durables, investissement et emplois ».
Actuellement, elle est directrice de la direction G de la DG INTPA, supervisant le développement humain, la migration, la gouvernance et la paix.
Claire Frost est responsable des programmes au sein du Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF). Elle est basée au siège du CLGF à Londres (Royaume-Uni) et travaille en étroite collaboration avec les équipes régionales du CLGF en Afrique, en Asie, dans les Caraïbes et dans le Pacifique. Elle est chargée de la coordination du portefeuille de projets du CLGF et possède une vaste expérience dans l’accompagnement des gouvernements locaux en matière de relations intergouvernementales, développement économique local, résilience climatique, Objectifs de développement durable (ODD), inclusion sociale et lutte contre les inégalités.
Elle appuie la coordination du Réseau des femmes du Commonwealth dans les gouvernements locaux (ComWLG) ainsi que du Réseau des villes durables du Commonwealth (CSCN). Elle est également la responsable opérationnelle du CLGF pour les relations avec l’Union européenne, tant pour la coordination que pour la mise en œuvre de l’Accord-cadre de partenariat (FPA), et représente le CLGF au Forum politique pour le développement (PFD) ainsi qu’auprès de PLATFORMA.
Elle est titulaire d’un master en urbanisme et d’une licence en communication. Avant de rejoindre le CLGF, elle a travaillé comme chargée de programme auprès de Cités et Gouvernements Locaux Unis (CGLU) à Barcelone. Elle dispose de 20 ans d’expérience dans le domaine des gouvernements locaux aux niveaux local, national et international.
Sociologue et politologue spécialisée en relations internationales et affaires européennes, Camila est responsable principale des politiques européennes à la Délégation du gouvernement basque auprès de l’Union européenne et membre de PLATFORMA.
Après une expérience aux Nations Unies, elle pilote aujourd’hui des domaines clés tels que les partenariats internationaux et la coopération décentralisée, l’Agenda 2030, les compétences et la spécialisation, la culture et la créativité, et la diplomatie culturelle.
Sa mission principale est de favoriser les opportunités entre l’agenda européen, les institutions de l’UE, les parties prenantes européennes, et le gouvernement basque ainsi que ses acteurs et écosystèmes socio-économiques, et vice versa, en connectant institutions et agendas de l’UE avec ceux du Pays basque, en favorisant collaborations, partenariats et opportunités, avec une forte dimension régionale.
Boris Tonhauser est directeur de PLATFORMA, le réseau des gouvernements locaux et régionaux européens et de leurs associations engagés dans la coopération décentralisée au développement. PLATFORMA est hébergé par le Conseil des communes et régions d’Europe (CCRE), dont le siège est à Bruxelles. Il a rejoint le CCRE en 2008 et PLATFORMA en 2015.
Ses expériences précédentes incluent les postes de directeur des relations internationales et des affaires européennes à l’Association des villes et communes de Slovaquie (ZMOS), secrétaire de la délégation nationale au Congrès des pouvoirs locaux et régionaux du Conseil de l’Europe, et directeur de la Fondation pour la formation à l’autonomie locale en Slovaquie.
Son parcours académique couvre les sciences politiques, les relations internationales, le droit international et européen, les affaires européennes et les sciences, étudiés à Bratislava, Londres et Strasbourg.
Bihter Moschini est chargée principale des programmes et de la recherche au sein du Réseau arabe des ONG pour le développement. Elle travaille sur le suivi, les rapports et le plaidoyer en matière de droits économiques et sociaux, sur la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2030 ainsi que sur les impacts des politiques de l’Union européenne dans la région. Elle est titulaire d’un master en politiques et affaires européennes de la Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgique) et d’une licence en relations internationales de la Middle East Technical University (Turquie).
La Dre Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi est la première femme à occuper le poste de Secrétaire générale de Cités et Gouvernements Locaux Unis – Asie-Pacifique (CGLU ASPAC), la plus grande section régionale du réseau mondial de CGLU. Forte de plus de vingt ans d’expérience dans le développement urbain, le changement climatique, la réduction des risques de catastrophe et la gouvernance locale, elle est une figure respectée dans la région Asie-Pacifique et au-delà.
Sa carrière comprend des postes à l’Agence japonaise de coopération internationale (JICA), à CITYNET à Yokohama, ainsi que des postes de professeure invitée au Japon.
La Dre Bernadia est titulaire d’un doctorat en ingénierie urbaine de l’Université de Tokyo et de deux masters, l’un en physique de l’atmosphère et l’autre en politiques publiques. Elle est membre du Groupe consultatif de l’ONU-Habitat sur les questions de genre ainsi que du Groupe d’experts sur les synergies entre le climat et les ODD.
Sous sa direction, le CGLU ASPAC a connu des avancées majeures, notamment la reconnaissance officielle du Forum des maires de l’ASEAN par l’ASEAN, ainsi que la création de l’Organe de coordination des gouvernements locaux de la région Asie-Pacifique. Elle a joué un rôle clé dans l’accompagnement des villes pour la localisation des ODD et la réalisation d’Examens locaux volontaires (ELV).
Son engagement lui a valu de nombreuses distinctions, dont une citation d’ONU-Habitat en 2023. En tant que Secrétaire générale, elle supervise la stratégie, les opérations et le plaidoyer en faveur du développement urbain durable dans toute la région Asie-Pacifique.
Ariadna Bardolet a rejoint la Fondation « la Caixa » en 1997, intégrant le programme de coopération internationale. En février 2009, elle devient directrice du département des programmes internationaux, en charge de la santé mondiale, de l’éducation, de la création d’emplois et de l’action humanitaire. Ces programmes intègrent une forte composante d’innovation sociale et de collaboration en plateforme pour optimiser l’impact. Un axe clé porte sur le renforcement des communautés locales et des écosystèmes philanthropiques, notamment en Afrique, en Asie et en Amérique latine.
Elle a étudié le droit à l’Université de Barcelone et la gestion d’entreprise à l’ESERP, et détient un master en mondialisation, développement et coopération (Université de Barcelone), un Executive Development Program de l’IESE (Université de Navarre) et un diplôme postuniversitaire de l’ESADE sur le leadership et l’innovation des ONG.
Antonio Gambino est un expert et défenseur des politiques de l’UE, fort de plus de vingt ans d’expérience dans la coopération au développement, les droits humains, ainsi que la justice sociale et fiscale. Il est actuellement conseiller en politiques d’aide de l’UE auprès d’Oxfam International, où il se concentre sur la stratégie « Global Gateway » de l’Union européenne et le Cadre financier pluriannuel (CFP).
Auparavant, il a coordonné le plaidoyer européen pour la ‘Clean Clothes Campaign’, menant des travaux sur l’interdiction du travail forcé dans l’UE et les abus dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement de l’industrie de la mode. De 2020 à 2022, il a également été conseiller du ministre belge de la Coopération au développement.
Antonio a passé dix ans au CNCD-11.11.11, une coalition belge d’ONG de développement, où il s’est spécialisé dans le financement du développement. Sa carrière inclut également des fonctions de conseil au Parlement européen et à l’Institut Émile Vandervelde.
Titulaire d’un diplôme en droit de l’Université libre de Bruxelles, il parle couramment le français, l’italien et l’anglais, possède une bonne connaissance du néerlandais et des notions d’espagnol. Antonio est aussi auteur de publications sur des sujets tels que la justice fiscale, les fonds vautours et le financement climatique, et a siégé aux conseils d’administration d’EURODAD et du Réseau FINANCITE.
Annalisa Vallone est coordinatrice du développement international chez Cooperatives Europe. Titulaire d'un double master en droits humains et gestion du développement (SciencesPo et LSE), Annalisa est une jeune professionnelle avec plus de cinq ans d'expérience en développement international dans les secteurs privé, public et associatif. Après avoir travaillé à la commission DEVE du Parlement européen et au bureau de l'OIT à Bruxelles, elle coordonne depuis juillet 2024 les activités européennes d'un projet mondial de développement coopératif international. Elle aime lire des romans historiques et cuisiner.
Andi Harun est le 10ᵉ maire de Samarinda, largement reconnu comme le Père de la Nouvelle Civilisation de Samarinda. Depuis son entrée en fonction en 2021, il a transformé la ville grâce à un développement résilient face au climat, à la numérisation des services publics et à l’amélioration de la compétitivité régionale. Sous sa direction, Samarinda est devenue la seule ville d’Indonésie à disposer d’un règlement officiel interdisant l’exploitation minière du charbon, démontrant ainsi un engagement fort en faveur de la durabilité environnementale. Son approche inclusive garantit une participation active du public aux processus de planification et de prise de décision. Samarinda est également pionnière dans la publication de son Examen Local Volontaire (VLR) sur les ODD, illustrant transparence et responsabilité dans le développement local. Actif dans des forums internationaux tels Forum mondial de l’eau et le Sommet mondial des villes, le maire Harun est aussi membre du Bureau exécutif de l’UCLG ASPAC, renforçant le rôle de Samarinda dans la coopération mondiale. Aujourd’hui, la ville s’impose comme un leader progressiste et collaboratif à l’ère de la nouvelle capitale de l’Indonésie, Nusantara. Il est accompagné de Mme Idfi Septiani, cheffe de la division coopération du gouvernement municipal de Samarinda.
Koen Doens est directeur général des partenariats internationaux (avant le 16 janvier 2021 pour la coopération internationale et le développement) à la Commission européenne depuis octobre 2019.
Il a rejoint la Commission en 2004 et a été chef de cabinet de Louis Michel, commissaire chargé du développement et de l’aide humanitaire lors de la 1re Commission Barroso (2004-2010) et chef du service des porte-parole de la Commission lors de la 2e Commission Barroso (2010-2014).
Après une période en tant que directeur des relations UE-Afrique, il est devenu directeur général adjoint chargé de l’Afrique, de l’Asie, du Moyen-Orient/du Golfe, du Pacifique, de l’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes à la direction générale de la coopération internationale et du développement en mars 2018.
Philologue classique de formation, il fut professeur de latin et de grec avant de devenir diplomate belge. Il a été affecté en Syrie, en Iran et en Russie ainsi que dans plusieurs cabinets ministériels belges.
Maureen Olyaro est une professionnelle du développement comptant plus de 15 ans d’expérience en gestion de programmes, leadership stratégique, équité de genre et plaidoyer féministe à travers l’Afrique. Elle occupe actuellement le poste de directrice adjointe au sein du Réseau africain de développement et de communication pour les femmes (FEMNET), où elle supervise des programmes transformateurs en faveur des droits des femmes et de la justice de genre.
Maureen a dirigé des initiatives couvrant plusieurs pays, mobilisé des partenariats stratégiques et obtenu des financements majeurs, notamment une subvention historique de 38 millions de dollars de l’USAID lorsqu’elle travaillait pour Christian Aid. Son expertise couvre l’analyse de genre, le renforcement des mouvements féministes, la santé publique et les droits reproductifs.
Elle a contribué à plusieurs publications sur la santé des adolescentes, l’accès aux services et la redevabilité en matière de planification familiale. Maureen est titulaire d’un master en santé publique de l’Université Moi et d’une licence en économie et sociologie de l’Université Kenyatta. Elle est également certifiée en plaidoyer, suivi-évaluation et éducation à la sexualité, et est bénéficiaire d’une bourse professionnelle du Commonwealth.