IPI - Key Persons
"The current power vacuums and chaos in Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen are essentially results of serious political mistakes, miscalculations, delusions, and blunders," said Former Turkish President Abdullah Gul at an IPI MENA event in Manama, Bahrain, on September 15, 2015. Mr. Gul said that it is a priority to fill the power vacuum created
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- Chief Operating Officer
- Vice President
Adam Lupel has been Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the International Peace Institute since 2016. He served as IPI Acting President and CEO from October 2020 to March 2021. He is…
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- President of the Bahrain Journalists Association
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- President of the Global Council for Tolerance & Peace
Ahmed Bin Mohamed Aljarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance & Peace (GCTP), expressed strong support for IPI and pledged cooperation on the "Culture of Tolerance and Peace" through joint programs, initiatives and events at a November 12th meeting in Manama.Nejib Friji, Director of IPI-MENA, and Mr. Aljarwan stressed the need for a partnership
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- Editor and Research Fellow
Albert Trithart joined IPI in November 2015 as the Assistant Editor. As current Editor and Research Fellow, he is involved with editing and producing IPI books, policy reports, issues briefs, and…
Allison White joined IPI in October 2012. As part of the Development Team, she supports the Institute's grant-making efforts and is responsible for expanding IPI's Membership Program and strengthening the Institute's relationships with its donors.
Before coming to IPI, Allison received a Master's degree in International Relations from New York University. While at NYU, she worked as an intern at the UN's Department of Political Affairs in the Division for Palestinian Rights, and as a research intern at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Allison graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor's degree in Government and Spanish in 2007, and worked for two years as a paralegal at a corporate law firm in New York.
Amanda Mignone joined IPI in October of 2013.
Before coming to IPI, Amanda attended Siena College where she graduated with a double B.A. in Psychology and Economics. She has four years' experience in information technology services and six years' experience in customer service. Additionally, Amanda has internship experience in Human Resources.
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- President
- UN Secretary - General Ban Ki - Moon, Honorary Chair
International Peace Institute President Terje Rød-Larsen inaugurated IPI's new Middle East Regional Office with a recognition of the area's critical importance to the world and the rapid political changes underway in the countries of the region, and he asserted that IPI has an "important role" to play there."We do not, of course, have solutions to
Ambassador Terje Rød-Larsen (Norway) became IPI president in 2005 after more than a decade of service as a UN envoy in the Middle East. Rød-Larsen expanded IPI's regional focus to the Middle East and Asia alongside Africa; involved IPI in intensive policy support for ongoing UN reform efforts and developed a new research and policy agenda to address transnational peace and security challenges and global response capacities beyond the UN.
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- Founder
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Facilities and Technology
Andres Pena joined IPI in the fall of 2008, and works in the Finance and Administration department, supporting the events team and carrying out various facilities tasks.
Before joining IPI, Andres worked as a biology, science, and Spanish teacher in England and Colombia. He has also worked with a variety of environmental and social organizations. Andres graduated from Universidad del Valle, Colombia, with a BA in biology. He specialized in botany.
A native of Colombia, Andres speaks Spanish and English fluently, and is learning Portuguese.
Job Titles:
- Senior Researcher
- Non - Resident Fellow
Angela Muvumba Sellström is a Senior Researcher, Conflict and Security, at the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Uppsala, Sweden and affiliated to Uppsala University's Department of Peace and…
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- Communications Officer
- Media Inquiries
Annie Schmidt joined IPI in 2009. She is responsible for managing the website, webcasting events, designing IPI visual presentations, and developing the Salesforce CRM.
Prior to her arrival at IPI, Annie served as Communications/Editorial Intern at the World Federation of United Nations Associations in New York and worked as Program Administrator at the American School in Switzerland for four years.
After graduating with a BA in European History from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, Annie went on to obtain her master's degree in Regional Studies from Columbia University in New York, specializing in the Balkans. In 2008 she completed her thesis, "Accommodation, Assimilation, Alienation: Muslim Minorities and the Politicization of Identity in Interwar Bulgaria." She speaks French, German, Italian and Russian.
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- Program Administrator
- Program Administrator for Peace
Aparajita (Pari) Rao is the Program Administrator for Peace, Climate and Sustainable Development at the International Peace Institute. She is based in New York, where she works full time on sustainable development projects at IPI.
She recently graduated from Columbia SIPA with an MPA in Development Practice and has a prior MSc and BA in Economics.
Of Indian origin, she's lived in England and Singapore, now making New York her home with her husband and rescue pup. She has 7 years of work experience as a project management professional in telecom tech implementation. Most recently at Vodafone, she worked in pre-sales and oversaw procuring competitive pricing on last-mile connectivity, working B2B. Before, she was an Associate Project Manager with SITA, implementing telecom technologies for aviation projects at international airports.
Her interests are around climate, universal connectivity, migration, and inter-generational equity.
Aparajita Rao, Program Administrator
Aparajita (Pari) Rao is the Program Administrator for Peace, Climate and Sustainable Development at the International Peace Institute. She is based in New York, where she works full time on...
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- Information Technology Administrator
Apolinar Reynoso joined IPI in 1998. He is responsible for the administration of IPI's local area network (LAN). He provides technical support and help desk assistance, and he addresses technical problems relating to desktop PCs and other computer equipment.
Previously, Apolinar was an information systems manager for the greater New York Volunteers of America, and he was a data administrator for Universal Spanish Communications. A native of the Dominican Republic, he has also worked as a programmer for Banco Universal in that country.
Apolinar earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from O & M University, Dominican Republic. Subsequently, he had computer training at Velez Computer Center in Puerto Rico and IBM in the Dominican Republic. In New York, he has trained at ZD University and New Horizons.
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- Manama Staff Member
- Resident
- Senior Adviser
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Arthur Boutellis is a Non-resident Senior Adviser at IPI, where he was Director of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations, responsible for developing and managing IPI's programs and…
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum
Beatrice T. Agyarkoh, a native of Ghana, joined IPI in April of 1998 and has held a number of positions within the organization. She is currently an Events Administrator.
Beatrice's responsibilities include assisting with meeting organization, providing support on an annual basis for the Defense Institute of International and Legal Studies (DIILS), and organizing IPI's annual New York and Vienna Seminars.
Job Titles:
- Non - Resident Fellow
- Security Researcher and Policy Analyst
Bitania Tadesse is a peace and security researcher and policy analyst who focuses on conflict management and peacebuilding in Africa and African multilateral institutions. Before joining the…
Chelsie Loveder is the Program Coordinator for the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations, and the Women, Peace, and Security program at IPI. Chelsie earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with honors and an M.A. in Human Rights and Global Ethics from the University of Leicester (UK). She is certified in project management and experienced in conducting research and analysis on topics spanning international relations. Before joining IPI, Chelsie worked as a Senior Project Officer for the London-based NGO Publish What You Fund on the topic of aid and development transparency. She regularly contributes to the African-led NGO Make Every Women Count on cross-cutting issues including peace and security.
Chelsie has experience working across international environments in the UK, Czechia, Paris, and New York, including working for the Anti-Corruption Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. She has contributed to international conferences including Forum 2000 in Czechia and COP21 in France. Chelsie regularly seeks new ways of learning and volunteers for different organizations including co-chair of the British Embassy Charity Committee in Paris as well as NYC green initiatives.
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- Attorney at Law
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Manama Staff Member
- Policy Analyst
Dalya Al Alawi joined IPI in January 2018, where she is responsible for managing programs, concept notes and internships, monitoring budgets, providing support in research, and drafting the Director of IPI MENA's speeches. She also manages IPI MENA's social media.
Dalya graduated in December 2017 with a Master's of Arts in International Relations from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, where she primarily studied terrorism and contemporary conflict, globalization and governance, and the theory and ethics of political violence. Her thesis focused on the gendered impact of nationality and citizenship laws on statelessness and its political implications in the GCC. She also earned her Bachelor's of Art in International Relations with German from the University of Birmingham, during which she spent a year studying at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany.
Job Titles:
- Researcher
- Non - Resident Fellow
Dirk Druet is a researcher, policy adviser and strategist with over a decade of experience in the international peace and security pillar of the United Nations. He is a research affiliate at McGill…
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- CEO and President of the Resource Center for Cultural Engagement
H.E. Nicolas de Rivière
Permanent Representative of France to the UN
H.E. Anna Karin Eneström
Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN
Professor Ibrahim Gambari
Founder & Chairman
Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD)
Ameerah Haq
Former UN Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Field Support, Vice Chair of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations
Patricia Herdt
Senior Political Analyst, Observer of the International Organization of la Francophonie to the UN
Professor Ian Johnstone
Professor of International Law at Tuft University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
H.E. Elina Kalkku
Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN
H.E. Yerzhan Kh. Kazykhanov
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States
H.E. Antje Leendertse
Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UN
Dr. Youssef Mahmoud is Senior Adviser at the International Peace Institute supporting the sustainable development and peace operations programs and serving as a focal point on mediation and…
Edna Capella joined IPI in September 2022 as the Human Resources Officer. She has over 14 years of experience with a wealth of knowledge in Administration, Human Resources and Payroll. Edna is a seasoned professional with a strong understanding of various HR areas such as retention, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and administration, payroll & HR systems. Edna understands the challenges and best practices involved in HR operations and can draw on her experience to help IPI effectively manage its workforce. She speaks both English and Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator for the Executive Office
Emmanuelle Cousin serves as the Program Coordinator for the Executive Office at IPI in New York. In this capacity, she supports the President and CEO, contributing to outreach activities, strategic…
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- Policy Analyst
- Policy Analyst for IPI 's Women
Evyn Papworth is a Policy Analyst for IPI's Women, Peace, and Security program. Evyn received her MSc in Women, Peace and Security from the London School of Economics and was awarded a prize for Best Overall Performance in her cohort. Her dissertation focused on reproductive violence against women combatants and reparations law in Colombia.
Before joining IPI, Evyn was a Program Associate at Creative Associates International, working on projects based in Central America. Her previous experience also includes assisting with research at IPI as a former WPS intern and consultant. Her research interests include new applications of a WPS lens to issues such as gang violence, climate change, migration, and strategic gender-based violence. Evyn completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colorado College in 2018 and speaks Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, S & P Global / Chair of the Board of Directors of UNICEF USA
Amy Towers
Former Chief Operating Officer of Glenview Capital Management
Founder of the Nduna Foundation
Co-founder of the Collaborating Centre for Operational Research and Evaluation in Harare, Zimbabwe
Trustee for Women for Women International
Job Titles:
- Non - Resident Adviser
- Resident Adviser
Farrukh Khan is a non-resident adviser at IPI. Farrukh boasts 27+ years of active involvement in shaping global political and economic policies, holding various senior roles in government, global institutions, think tanks, and academia. His international career commenced in 1995 when he joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan.
In the Government of Pakistan, he served as Director General for the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference, and Economic Diplomacy, as well as representing Pakistan in the United Nations Missions in Geneva and New York. He led negotiations for launching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Rio+20 and co-chaired the UNEP Working Group that established the UNEP's World Environment Assembly. He also served as the Chairperson of the Adaptation Fund Board, introducing the innovative direct access modality. His efforts on behalf of the developing world led to the establishment of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), where he served as a member of the International Committee that designed it. Subsequently, he served on the Green Climate Fund Board, overseeing the creation of the GCF's Private Sector Facility and various organizational components.
Farrukh also served as Chef De Cabinet/Deputy Chef of the Cabinet to the 75th President of the UN General Assembly and as a Senior Manager at the Executive Office of the then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Currently, he is a Visiting Scholar at the Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania. He previously served as a Senior Fellow at Harvard's Mossavar-Rehmani Center for Government and Business. He is a member of the Governing Board of the Carbon Market Integrity Council, actively engaged in revamping voluntary carbon credit standards. His thought leadership extends to policy journals and newspapers, and he is an alumnus of the University of the Punjab and Columbia University.
Job Titles:
- Resident
- Senior Adviser
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Francesco Mancini is a Non-resident Senior Adviser at IPI, where he was Senior Director of Research before relocating to Singapore in June 2014. His work focuses on geostrategic analysis, global risks, multilateral diplomacy, and armed conflicts and the means to prevent and solve them. He regularly lectures at academic institutions and presents at conferences and to governments on global peace and security issues. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), a member of the Board of Directors of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), a member of the Research Committee of the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), and a member of the Editorial Board of the journal Peacebuilding.
Prior to joining IPI, Francesco served as an Associate at the EastWest Institute in New York, where he co-managed the Worldwide Security Initiative, a program designed to enhance international cooperation in addressing new security threats, particularly transnational terrorism. Earlier in his career, he was a management consultant at Group CRCI in France, Italy, and Morocco.
Francesco earned his BS in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. He received a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, where he studied international security policy and conflict resolution. While at Columbia, he was awarded a fellowship within the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. In 2002, he researched the peace negotiations in Cyprus at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia.
Professor Frederic Charillon, IPI MENA Senior Director Nejib Friji, and French Ambassador Jerome Cauchard Key players from the diplomatic corps, governments, academics, and private sector convened at IPI MENA to call on the multilateral system and regional players to counteract wars of influence through preventive diplomacy.IPI MENA hosted Prof. Frédéric Charillon, Professor of Political Science
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- Professor
- Representative of Sweden
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- Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN
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- UN Assistant Secretary - General for Africa
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- Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the UN
H.E. Mohamed Al Hassan
Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of France to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN
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- Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN
H.E. Yoka Brandt
Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN
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- Chairman / the King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic
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- Professor of International Law at Tuft University 's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
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- Professor
- Representative of Sweden
During a three-day conference in Baghdad entitled "Baghdad Dialogue: Exploring Regional Connectivity" organized by the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue and the Centre for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient (CARPO, Germany), IPI MENA Senior Director Nejib Friji emphasized the strong need for regional cooperation towards building peace and security.During the participants' discussions with Iraqi
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
IPI is very pleased to announce that Jean Todt was elected as Chair of IPI's Board of Directors on June 21, 2023. Mr. Todt has served as IPI's interim Chair since March 6, 2023. IPI is grateful for the contributions he has provided to the organization since first joining the Board in 2015 and is looking forward to his leadership as the organization expands the breadth of its work on pivotal issues of our time, including climate action.
Mr. Todt is a well-known and respected philanthropist who devotes his time to several charitable causes. He is one of the Founders and Vice-President of the Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (ICM), an institute focused on medical research for brain and spinal cord disorders.
He started his career in 1966 as a rally co-driver and participated in the World Rally Championship that he won with Talbot Lotus in 1981. Between 1981 and 1990, he was Director of Racing and Founder of Peugeot Talbot Sport and then Director of Sporting Activities of PSA Peugeot Citroën, between 1990 and 1993. Between 1993 and 2006, he was Team Principal of Formula 1, Ferrari. He then became Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari between 2006 and 2009.
He is the former President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and was first elected to this post in October 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017 until 2021.
Mr. Todt was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the United Nations Association of New York in 2016 and the Lifetime Achievement for Contribution to Road Safety by the European Commission in 2022.
At present, Jean Todt holds the position of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety and is deeply committed to IPI's mission. He succeeds the Honorable Kevin Rudd who served as Chair since June 1, 2018.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Policy Analyst
- Director Affirms Commitment to Regional Integration and Peace in MENA
- Director and Bahrain Speaker Vow Cooperation on Women 's Role in Law - Making, Sustainable Development, and Peace
- Director Appeals to ASEAN to Back Culture of Peace in MENA Regional Integration
- Director Calls for Deeper Regional Integration in the Mediterranean
- Director Calls for International Support to Women Leaders in Pandemic Response
- Director Calls on Multilateral System to Address Pension Crisis
- Director Calls on Muslim Youth to Tackle Intolerance & Discrimination
- Director Calls on Rotarians to Recommit to Multilateralism
- Director Discusses Joint Cooperation on Water Challenges With Supreme Council for Environment
- Director Emphasizes Need for Culture of Democracy
- Director Highlights Role of Innovation in 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Director Spotlights the Role of Youth for Regional Integration
- Director Stresses Cooperation With Bahrain Journalists Association
- Director Stresses Role of Culture and Education in Preventing Violence and Extremism
- Hosts Korean Ambassador on Sustainable Development & Peace
- Senior Director Calls for Regional Integration and Cooperation With ASEAN
- Writer Devoted to Peace
Interfaith leaders, religious representatives, private sector, and key players convened at IPI MENA to call on local, regional, and global communities to counter hate narratives, violent extremism, and current global challenges, through solidarity, tolerance, empathy, and open dialogue.On March 15th, IPI MENA hosted an interfaith roundtable conference under the theme "Interfaith Solidarity & Global Challenges
IPI MENA Policy Analyst Dalya Al Alawi, Thailand Ambassador, Charge D'Affaires of Brunei Darussalam, Philippine Ambassador, IPI MENA Senior Director Nejib Friji, Indonesian Ambassador, Malaysian Ambassador, Turkish Ambassador, Egyptian Ambassador, Nepalese Ambassador and Moroccan Ambassador to BahrainASEAN and Arab diplomats called on greater regional integration and cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) […]
The Middle East and North Africa region could benefit from additional efforts to promote the Culture of Peace, according to IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji, President of Bahrain's Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, and BACA Adviser Mounir Bouchenaki.This was the subject of a January 30th meeting during which the
IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji met with Ahdeya Ahmed, the newly elected President of the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA). Mr. Friji emphasized that the cooperation between IPI and BJA promotes the Culture of Peace and Sustainable Development involving print, audiovisual, digital, and social media.The IPI MENA Director congratulated the BJA for electing a woman at […]
Private Sector Representatives, Businesspersons and Rotary Club Members attending IPI MENA Director's Guest Lecture on Regional Integration & Peace in the MENA RegionAt a time when the value of multilateralism is being questioned, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji called for further commitment to the multilateral system to help reinforce regional cooperation, sustainable development, and peace […]
IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji and H.H Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) discussed the water challenges in the MENA region, in particular the issues of water scarcity and its threat to regional peace and stability on October 17th.Both parties pledged cooperation in those […]
IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji and H.E. Fawzia Zainal, Speaker of the Council of Representatives (Parliament) to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the first woman to be elected as Speaker, made a commitment to further uphold women's rights and encourage their political participation across all sectors of society to achieve a culture of peace through […]
IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji and H.E. Mohammed Adnan Mehmood, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressed the fundamental importance of Iraq's role in building peaceful relations to achieve regional integration in the MENA region at a February 24th meeting.Accompanied by IPI MENA Policy Analyst Dalya […]
Peace and regional stability are at stake in the pensions crisis, Nejib Friji, Director IPI-MENA, warned an expert audience at the second annual TAKAUD Pensions Conference in Manama. The pressure on pension payouts is increasing with the regional and global elderly population expanding due to longer life expectancy, extended contribution in the labor market, and
In a webinar hosted by IPI MENA on November 5th entitled "Building Youth Resilience," young authors, filmmakers, and artists called for greater awareness of the benefits of using the arts to build peace and resilience among the Arab youth.IPI MENA's Director Nejib Friji and Policy Analyst, Dalya Al Alawi underlined the importance of this at
IPI MENA hosted a webinar on November 3rd entitled "Cultural Heritage & COVID in the Arab Region: Assessment & Perspectives," where experts called for greater efforts to ensure protection and conservation of cultural heritage, during pandemic situations.During his opening remarks, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji emphasized the severity of the pandemic's impact on the cultural […]
In an online conference hosted by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji stressed the fundamental role culture and education plays in preventing violence and extremism.Against the backdrop of increasing tides of national populism, racism, xenophobia, gender inequality, and discrimination - the abrupt disruption to education for millions […]
H.E Kai Boeckmann, German Ambassador, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji, H.E Jerome Cauchard, French AmbassadorKai Boeckmann and Jérôme Cauchard, Ambassadors of Germany and France to Bahrain, made a joint presentation on "Regional Integration: Reflections & Lessons Learned" during the first session of IPI MENA's "Ambassadorial Conferences Series" on February 26th. Together with the audience, the […]
IPI MENA and the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) noted the necessity of women's participation to achieve sustainable development and social peace in Manama on January 13th. In a meeting with representatives of SCW and John Hopkins University Graduates, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji stressed the importance of the achievements of Bahraini women and called
IPI MENA Director Joins Bahrain in Support for Women in Diplomacy
From left: Mr. Nejib Friji, IPI MENA Director, Ms. Saibatu Mansaray, Former US Assistant Director for Public Health with Ms. Amel Ouchenane (moderator).During a webinar hosted by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) on November 25th, an international organization affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji called for greater […]
IPI MENA Director Joins the Call to Address and Resolve the Global Pension Funds Crisis
During the 4th MENA Pensions Conference organized by Fintech Robos held on November 16th, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji joined a chorus of pension funds officials, actuaries, and finance experts calling for a global multilateral response to address the global pension funds crisis.Mr. Friji, who opened and moderated the first session, "Can Defined Benefit Pension […]
On November 23rd, IPI MENA hosted Hae-Kwan Chung, Ambassador of Korea to Bahrain, in an online event entitled "Korean Economic Development: Speedy & Sustainable."During the presentation, which was moderated by IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji, Ambassador Chung first presented the historical context of Korea's economic ruin and reliance on foreign aid following its liberation from […]
On November 8th, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji was hosted by Fédération de Football de la Mauritanie (Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania - FFRIM), in Nouakchott, Mauritania, where they pledged to join the mission of sport for development.During their meeting, Mr. Ahmed Yahya, President of FFRIM, and Mr. Friji discussed the connection between sport
IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji addressed the Nouakchott Youth Forum in Mauritania on November 5th, highlighting the central role that youth play in achieving regional integration of the MENA region.Organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), in partnership with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the First Nouakchott Youth […]
On November 4th, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji addressed the Assilah International Cultural Moussem in Assilah, Morocco, emphasizing the need to cultivate a culture of democracy as part of a home-grown solution to achieve durable peace.The 42nd edition of the annual forum was organized by the Assilah Forum Foundation, in partnership with Morocco's Ministry of […]
On September 25th, IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji addressed the Forum Mondial de la Mer - Bizerte in Bizerte, Tunisia, calling for enhanced efforts to achieve the required environmental objectives in the Mediterranean Sea.Organized by La Saison Bleue, in collaboration with the Tunisian authorities, Le Forum Mondial de la Mer is dedicated to address and […]
In a webinar organized on December 1st by IPI MENA, experts and key players called upon governments, regional organizations, and policymakers to further invest and reform the education system to build resilient societies and pave the way towards regional integration and greater cooperation.The webinar, entitled "The Scandinavian Example - Integration through Education & Peace: Lessons
On August 31st, IPI MENA convened a closed discussion that called for the meaningful inclusion of youth in the countering violent extremism (CVE) agenda. The event was joined by leaders and practitioners of peacebuilding to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21st.Addressing speakers from Austria,
On August 11, 2021, IPI MENA hosted an online discussion entitled "Empowerment of Young Women in the MENA Region," attended by leading women from across the MENA region, as well as officials and diplomats. The event, held on the occasion of International Youth Day, called for invigorated efforts to empower young women in the region
In a webinar organized on May 30th by IPI MENA, experts and key players called on states and entrepreneurs to further boost the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in development in the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.Opening the webinar, IPI MENA Senior Director Nejib Friji, highlighted the urgent need to harness artificial
In a webinar organized on March 17th by IPI MENA under the theme "Energy Security in the MENA region and Beyond," experts, government officials, members of the private sector, civil society and media representatives warned against the serious ramifications of the Ukraine conflict on the world energy order among other sectors.Opening the webinar, IPI MENA
A panel of women experts and practitioners convened at an IPI MENA webinar on March 15 to elaborate on this year's International Women's Day theme of "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow," with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa region.Delivering IPI MENA's statement, IPI Policy Analyst Dalya Al-Alawi stressed the
IPI MENA this afternoon held its first Future Global Leaders Series by hosting possibly the youngest writer devoting his current and future writings to peace.In a presentation attended by school principals, teachers, parents, and media representatives, nine-year-old Adam Jade Kadia presented his first book Hakeem the Adventurer to an audience of more than one hundred
Job Titles:
- Director General of UNESCO
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- Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment
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- Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations
Jenna Russo is the Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations. Dr. Russo completed her PhD in Political Science at the CUNY Graduate Center, with a focus on the protection of civilians in armed conflict settings. Her dissertation analyzes UN protection of civilians activities and their contribution to the broader peace process, with case studies on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Her other research considers the normative development of the human protection regime, in particular how member states conceive of and implement their protection responsibilities. Her research has been published in Third World Quarterly, Journal of International Peacekeeping, Global R2P, and featured on Africa at LSE.
Prior to joining IPI, Dr. Russo spent more than ten years working as a consultant to the United Nations, with a focus on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants; peacekeeping training; and as a project manager in the Office of the Secretary-General. She also spent time with the Global Centre for R2P as a senior fellow in peacekeeping.
Dr. Russo teaches at Baruch and Hunter Colleges, including courses on international conflict; the UN and world politics; and women, war, and peace. In addition to her Ph.D., she also holds an M.Phil. in political science, an M.A. in international relations, and a B.A. in music. Prior to her time working in the field of international relations, she taught music at a performing arts high school in New York City.
Jenna Russo, Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations
Jenna Russo is the Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations. Dr. Russo completed her PhD in Political Science at the CUNY Graduate Center, with a focus on the...
Job Titles:
- Senior Adviser
- Editor - in - Chief - Head of the Global Observatory and Senior Adviser
Jill Stoddard, Editor-in-Chief - Head of the Global Observatory and Senior Adviser
Jill Stoddard is the Editor-in-Chief - Head of the Global Observatory (GO) and Senior Adviser. She was one of the founding editors of the GO. She joined IPI in April 2009.
Job Titles:
- Director of Global Initiatives and Head of Peace, Climate, and Sustainable Development
Jimena Leiva Roesch joined IPI in April 2015. From 2009 to March 2015, Jimena was at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the UN in New York, where she last served as Counselor. Guatemala and…
Job Titles:
- Senior Adviser
- Emeritus Senior Adviser
John L. Hirsch is currently a Senior Adviser after having held various positions at IPI, including Vice President and Acting Head of the Africa Program. He is also Adjunct Professor at Columbia…
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Job Titles:
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Katherine DeLand is a senior-level professional with a cross-cutting background in law, public health, diplomacy, governance, and biochemistry and over 20 years of experience in international…
Lauren McGowan is a Policy Analyst for IPI. Lauren received her M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School and was awarded the Alfred P. Rubin Prize for outstanding student of International…
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Global Communications at the Council on Foreign Relations
Job Titles:
- Non - Resident Adviser
- Senior Expert
Lotte Vermeij is a Senior Expert on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UN Peace Operations at NORCAP - Norwegian Refugee Council. From 2017-2020 she worked as a Senior Advisor on UN peace operations…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President and CEO of Rsted
Job Titles:
- Director of the Middle East Regional Office
Founding president Major General Indar Jit Rikhye (India) focused IPI on the training of military and civilian professionals in peacekeeping as well as selective facilitation efforts.
Job Titles:
- Resident
- Senior Fellow
- Non - Resident Senior Fellow
Marie-Joëlle Zahar is a Non-resident Senior Fellow at IPI. She is also Director of the Research Network on Peace Operations and Professor of Political Science at the Université de Montréal.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of External Relations
Mary Anne Feeney is the Senior Director of External Relations at International Peace Institute (IPI) and serves as part of the Management Team of the organization. In this capacity she works to…
In a webinar organized on March 22, 2021 under the theme "MENA Water Challenges: An Opportunity for Regional Cooperation," IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji underscored the need for a multi-layered, coherent and comprehensive approach to unleash the potential of water as a tool for regional integration and cooperation. The event coincided with World Water Day."Cooperation
Job Titles:
- the Environment, and Climate Change
In the leadup to the United Nations upcoming Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, better known as COP26, IPI MENA hosted a webinar on October 27, 2021, entitled "MENA's Youth and Environment," to highlight the importance of involving and educating youth regarding environmental issues.Moderated by Dalya Alawi, Policy Analyst, the event featured a reading by three-time
Job Titles:
- Research Fellow in the Division of Peace
Michael Franczak is a Research Fellow in the division of Peace, Climate, and Sustainable Development at IPI and a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania….
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Michael Weisberg is the Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is also Director of Postgraduate Programs at Perry…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Actor
Job Titles:
- President of the UN General Assembly, Bahrain
- President of the UN General Assembly, Calle
Miroslav Lajčák, President of the UN General Assembly, called upon leaders in the MENA region to join the body's mission of "delivering for the people."Mr. Lajčák spoke on November 2, 2017, to an audience of representatives of government, civil society, media, academia, culture, diplomacy, youth, and the private sector at IPI-MENA in Manama.Referring to issues […]
Job Titles:
- President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus / the International Advisory Council
Job Titles:
- Manama Staff Member
- - MENA Director
- Director IPI - MENA
- Director of IPI 's MENA
- Director of the International Peace Institute, Middle East & North Africa
- in 2015 As Director of Its Middle East and North
- MENA Senior Director
- Senior Director of IPI MENA
Nejib Friji, Director of the International Peace Institute, Middle East & North Africa (IPI-MENA) office, cautioned students roleplaying as delegates from the UN, to bear in mind that "no cause deserves a single drop of blood," when debating policy issues.Mr. Friji delivered opening remarks to the Bahrain Universities Model United Nations (BUMUN) 2016 Conference on
Last week in Tunisia, President Beji Caid Essebsi received Nejib Friji, Director of IPI's MENA office. The president reiterated his nation's commitment to peace and pledged support to IPI's effort in this regard. Mr. Friji delivered President Essebsi a message from IPI President Terje Rød Larsen calling for an international stand against violent extremism.
Nejib Friji joined IPI in 2015 as Director of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Office in Manama, Bahrain. In a career with the United Nations spanning 25 years, Mr. Friji began at…
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Job Titles:
- Senior Officer for the Executive Office
Nadia Al-Said joined IPI in 2016 and currently serves as Senior Officer for the Executive Office. Her responsibilities involve working with the President, Vice President, program directors, and…
Job Titles:
- Senior Adviser
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Naureen Chowdhury Fink is a Senior Adviser at the International Peace Institute. She is currently the Executive Director of The Soufan Center, and was previously Senior Policy Adviser on…
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator
- Program Coordinator for Peace
Olivia Fielding is the Program Coordinator for Peace, Climate and Sustainable Development at the International Peace Institute. She is based in New York, where she works full time on…
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Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities / Retired Partner of Counsel, White & Case LLP
Job Titles:
- Senior Political Analyst, Observer of the International Organization of La Francophonie to the UN
Patrick Tsai works in the Finance and Administration department as IPI's Accountant. Patrick moved from Hong Kong to New York City in 2009. He has interned at the NY Aquarium and Museum of…
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Job Titles:
- Senior Fellow and Head of Women, Peace, and Security
Phoebe Donnelly is a Senior Fellow and Head of Women, Peace, and Security. Phoebe is also a Women and Public Policy Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and a Visiting Fellow at Feinstein…
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Job Titles:
- Independent Consultant
- Non - Resident Adviser
Ralph Mamiya is currently an independent consultant and is the former team leader of the Protection of Civilians Team in the United Nations Department Peacekeeping Operations and…
Job Titles:
- Chairman of IPI 's Board of Directors
Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé is a non-resident fellow at IPI. A Ph.D. from the Department of Political Science at McGill University, Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé is Associate Professor in the…
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Stephen Schlesinger
Fellow at the Century Foundation, Former Director of the New School's World Policy Institute
Lisa Shields
Vice President of Global Communications at the Council on Foreign Relations
H.E. Christian Wenaweser
Permanent Representative of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the UN
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Member of St. Antony 's College, Oxford University
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Planning and Budget Officer
Taimi Strehlow develops and monitors budgets and coordinates various activities for IPI's thematic, regional, and training programs. Before joining IPI, Taimi managed a modern dance company,…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Master of University College, Oxford
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
- Finance
Xiomara Ocampo joined IPI in April of 2017 and works in the Finance and Administration Department. As the Finance and Administrative Coordinator, Xiomara is directly involved in the daily…
Job Titles:
- Director of the Adaptation Programme at the United Nations Framework Convention
- Non - Resident Senior Adviser
Youssef Nassef is the Director of the Adaptation Programme at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He has led the adaptation workstreams under the United Nations…
Zeid Ra - CEO, President
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein is IPI's President and Chief Executive Officer. Previously, Zeid served as the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2014 to 2018 after a long career as a Jordanian…
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Finance and Administration
Zelia G. Herrera joined IPI in 1994. As Senior Director of Finance and Administration, she is charged with the daily operations of the office as well as managing Human Resources. In IPI's…