ORF BOOKLET

CV BOOKLET

AFGG2018

MANAGING DISRUPTIVE TRANSITIONS

IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS & IDIOMS 12 – 21 JANUARY, NEW DELHI

WADHAWAN GROUP

PRAESTANTIA pe r s c ie n t ia m

Published by Observer Research Foundation 2018 © All Rights Reserved The information contained is this booklet is confidential. It is intended for the personal use of the Forum participants. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited. No part of this publication may be reproduced, altered, printed, copied or transmited in any form—physical or digital—without prior permission in writing from Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

AFGG2018

PA R T I C I PA N T B I O G R A P H I E S

ADELLE MALKA NAZARIAN date of birth: email:

28 May adelle.nazarian@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Adelle Nazarian is a national security and politics reporter for Breitbart News with a specific focus on Iran, China, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. She covered the 2016 presidential elections extensively and has appeared on international news networks discussing her work. During the elections, she was embedded with Vice President Mike Pence and covered him, leading up to his and President Donald Trump’s historic victory on November 8, 2016. She previously worked with Fox News Channel in New York City. After Fox, Adelle served as the North America program director of the Henry Jackson Society; a London, England-based think tank. Adelle speaks English, Persian, French and Mandarin Chinese.

I’ve always held a strong interest in international affairs, world cultures, and people. One of my areas of focus has been women’s rights and seeing their empowerment throughout various parts of the world where it is absent or lacking, and fostering a stronger sense of understanding among everyday people. A first generation American-Iranian, I was born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey. I lived in China briefly while studying Mandarin and to help me better understand the culture there. I lived in Los Angeles, California for eight years before moving to Washington, D.C. at the start of 2017. I enjoy learning, writing, painting, traveling and singing. I also enjoy international cuisines.

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ALVIN MUNYASIA date of birth: email:

01 October alvinetofler@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Alvin has been passionate about development projects working on programmes since 2006, with a focus on community development, human rights abuses, poverty, and the impacts of poor governance and conflict at the community level that has seen him link the issues to National and Continental levels. In the same vein, he has gained experience working in twenty-four countries across Africa; collaborating with African NGOs and networks.

I am an unparalleled individual, whose outlook on life is of total optimism. Throughout my 30 years, I have become friends with people from all walks of life. I feel very determined, hard-working, versatile person ready to lead a social change. Various factors have caused me feel this way. “Never stop pursuing knowledge and education. These are things that no one can take from you regardless of what life throws at you.� My grandfather, a former paramount chief during the colonial era in Kenya, offered this insightful piece of wisdom to me. He continually stressed to me that the attainment of knowledge and education are always worthwhile undertakings. For this reason I find myself unfulfilled unless some part of my days are spent actively seeking to further my current understanding of a given subject or endeavouring to learn a new one.

He is currently head of programmes at Emerging Leaders Foundation, where his core responsibilities include programme management and development, coordinating research efforts in 5 county governments in Kenya aimed at producing a Barometer report on active youth participation.

He provides strategic leadership in implementing projects on youth economic empowerment, developing strategies for capacity building; spearheading the design of mentorship and leadership development; managing strategic partnerships, leading fundraising initiatives and providing technical guidance to 6 graduate staff that are implementing the 3 projects in Kenya.

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ANA CRISTINA MOLINA date of birth: email:

08 August acristina_molina@hotmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Ana Cristina is an economist in the Trade Policy Review (TPR) Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her main assignments include leading studies on the regulations contained in on regional trade agreements (RTAs), advising Government officials on related WTO rules, and conducting technical assistance activities in house and abroad. She also authors/co-authors countries’ TPR reports and routinely leads discussions with senior government officials regarding the outcomes and implications of these assessments. Prior to joining the WTO, she worked for the World Bank based in Washington, D.C. and Dakar, Senegal and for UNCTAD in Geneva. A native from Ecuador, Ms. Molina holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and speaks Spanish, English and French.

I grew up in Quito where I attended a French school, which exposed me to an international environment and other cultures from an early age. This experience sparked and fuelled my curiosity for and interest in global affairs and the “world out there”. After high school, I moved to Switzerland to pursue a degree in Economics, eventually earning a Ph.D. with a focus on international trade. I love discovering new places and immersing in different cultures. And it is of course one of the best ways to deepen my understanding of trade and development – to witness first-hand the needs, the progress and the successes of economies. I have been very fortunate to have visited some 60 countries. And I hope to discover many more with my family, and share this passion with my two-year old boy, who has already crawled and walked on four different continents.

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ANASTASIA DAGAEVA date of birth: email:

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30 May adagaeva@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

As a columnist Anastasia contributes to Forbes Russia and Harvard Business Review Russia, she is Carnegie Moscow Center’s author. Anastasia focuses on topics related to aviation and space, exploring the subject through economics, politics and society. Before that, she worked as a journalist with Vedomosti Daily Newspaper (Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal joint project) for six years. Since 2007 Anastasia visits all major international airshows — in France, Great Britain, China, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland and Russia. Anastasia provides commentary on aviation and space for the media and gives lectures (one of the most recent “How Asia transforms into the World’s most flying region”).

Another important topic is private aviation, Anastasia is the organizer of AvaiClub private pilots events in Moscow and London, inviting outstanding pilots to share their experience.

Anastasia is a flight school student herself, on her way to the private pilot license.

A man conquered the skies more than a hundred years ago — he flew “through the power of his mind, no the strength of his muscles”, as the Russian scientist Nikolay Zhukovsky wrote. What can be better than a freedom of travel? Aviation enthusiasts are always saying that there are no borders in the skies. There are many on the surface unfortunately.

Complicated relations between countries, terrorism activity are limiting the unique possibility of travel, exploration — fading the attractiveness of the globetrotting. People will never forget 9/11, Malaysian aircraft over Ukraine (17 July 2014), Russian airplane over Sinai (31 October 2015). More than 4,000 people died. I think it is important to understand and inspect the negative political influence on aviation to find ways to minimize it. A lot of people involved: in 2016 airlines of the World transported 3.6 billions of passengers. The forecasts predict that this figure will grow.

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ANTON TSVETOV date of birth: email:

06 April anton.tsvetov@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Anton Tsvetov is an Expert and foreign affairs advisor to the Chairman at the Centre for Strategic Research (CSR), a Moscow-based think-tank charged with designing Russia’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2018-2024. Prior to that, Anton pursued a career at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), where he worked on several projects dealing with Russia’s relations with China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and India. Later on, he oversaw RIAC’s activities in promoting research outcome to stakeholders in the government, businesses, media and the general public. In his research capacity, Anton’s interests are in international relations and great power politics in Southeast Asia, Russia’s policies in Asia and Vietnamese politics and political economy. He writes on these issues in academic journals and media publications.

My fascination with the East was never random. I grew up in Southeast Asia and though nothing made me feel more European, it fuelled my respect to this part of the world and my ambition to make sense of it. While trying to do so in university and in my research, I found out that there is only so much we can actually know. Still, understanding others can save us a lot of trouble, that is why I chose international relations research and building bridges across borders as my life business. It may not be the most lucrative, but it sure isn’t boring. Plus the hotels can sometimes be nice, too.

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AROUB MAJALI date of birth: email:

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09 February azmajali@rhc.jo

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Aroub is a Policy Analyst at the Office of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, at the Royal Hashemite Court. Her key tasks include reporting and preparing analytical papers on key regional developments, providing consultations on key policies as well as preparing assessments and recommendations on a number of international files while also assessing potential impacts on Jordan. Additionally, she prepares, reviews and updates meeting materials for senior advisors. Aroub received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Dublin City University (DCU, Ireland) and a Master’s Degree in Arab and Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Beirut (AUB, Lebanon).

Being the daughter of a diplomat meant that I spent my life moving from one country to the next, every few years.

Despite the challenges felt at the time, the experience has very much instilled in me a love for travel and discovering new cultures and perspectives. This has also helped me trust in the power of dialogue and interaction as a key tool to bring about understanding and build bridges. While I am now based in Jordan, I continuously make sure that I plan trips abroad to feed my sense of adventure and continue discovering new things. Opportunities like the extended invitation to participate in the Asian Forum on Global Governance moreover provide me with a chance to contribute to this global dialogue but also allow me to gain new understandings.

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BALAZS SARVARI date of birth: email:

15 December balazs.sarvari@uni-corvinus.hu

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Balázs is the Rector of Saint Ignatius Jesuit College and an Assistant Lecturer at Corvinus University of Budapest. Beside these roles he is the Head of International Affairs at Corvinus School of Economics and the Deputy Chief Editor of the quarterly journal Köz-Gazdaság. Previously he was Junior Research Fellow at the Institute of World Economics in Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Among his highlighted papers there is the book on the Political Economics of Globalization and the article The Political Economics of The New Silk Road. His major fields of research are: political economics of globalization, Chinese economic development and cultural heritage. Balázs also gained experience in several other industries.

I take part in numerous different activities. I feel home at academic environment, journalism, PR communication, management, theatre and sport-related activities. If it is not a must to choose one than my top preference is to keep the mosaic of all these. In foreign countries, beside the official visits, if I may I prefer to stay at art hostels or couch surfing to keep contacted with locals and regular daily challenges. Live life as it is instead of creating a comfortable bubble – this is a main driving force. I am an idealist and curious every morning about what kind of experiences are waiting for me. I wish to translate all moments to be ready to improve everybody’s ability for happiness. If I need to recharge my batteries I walk in nature, go to theatre, listen to jazz or play sports.

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BHUVAN BAGGA date of birth: email:

12 December bhuvanbagga@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Bhuvan is a New Delhi-based South Asia correspondent with international newswire Agence France-Presse. He has travelled extensively across the region over the last decade as a journalist; writing on everyday politics, policy shifts, elections, diplomacy and breaking news stories. Bhuvan also took time off journalism to work as a backroom consultant with India’s ruling party, the BJP, for the 2013-14 national election campaign.

Even before a road trip ends, my mind already starts thinking and planning about the next one. Road travel, especially on a motorbike, has fascinated me since I was a teenager. I have covered tens of thousands of kilometers on bike since I got my driving licence more than a decade ago. There is a child-like excitement every time I begin a trip. I come from a family of India’s post-partition refugees, so there is an inheritance of loss, struggle and enterprise that provides my narratives added emotional depth. Quite vocal; I’d rather be a person who speaks and regrets than not speak at all. It was perhaps this attitude that got me my first break as a journalist at the young age of 19. I hope to travel more not only in this intriguing country but across the world, and bring back some great stories with me.

He also volunteered with NGO Parivartan during its nationwide campaign that led to enactment of the landmark Right to Information Act. He wrote a weekly column for the Mail Today newspaper (Mail Online India), writing mostly on politics, policy and the new media. Bhuvan studied Mandarin and East Asian studies with a focus on China at Delhi University.

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BIGGY NGUYEN date of birth: email:

22 December nguyebic@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Biggy joined Swiss Re in January 2014. Her responsibilities include inter alia public private partnerships with development and humanitarian actors globally that advocates for the topics resilience, climate adaptation and disaster risk financing. Prior to this, Biggy was at UBS in Switzerland for five years. Biggy’s roles centered on developing risk assessment and management processes while building relationships with this discerning client segment. During her career she participated in select leadership development programs at UBS and Swiss Re. In addition to her expertise on risk and regulatory issues, Biggy she speaks German, Vietnamese, English, and French fluently, and has a working knowledge of Mandarin and Korean.

Biggy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the School of Management and Law (ZHaW), Winterthur. She has also received the degree Executive Master in Public Administration with Specialization in Intersectorial Management from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin.

My entire life I have fought hard to blend into my environment, to be like the other kids, the fellow students or colleagues. Only in the past two years have I started to embrace the fact: I am a misfit in whatever surrounding I find myself and that is probably a trait I will always carry with me. Even when conducting psychological tests, the results end up in the category “it is not possible” or “it does not make sense”. Close friends call me a crazy chicken because I try to fit as much into a year as possible, my body is not always grateful for the intense days I put myself through. I tend towards extremes, either too passionate or too passive.

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CHRISTOPHER ELMS date of birth: email:

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15 September ElmsC@state.gov

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Christopher Elms is the Economic Growth Unit Chief at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. He previously worked in Washington, DC as the Special Assistant for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and, prior to that, as a Bangladesh Desk Officer at the Department of State. Overseas he has served as the Information Officer in Colombo, Sri Lanka and a Vice Consul in Guadalajara, Mexico. Before joining the U.S. Department of State, Chris worked for Citi on Wall Street.

He has Bachelors and Masters of Arts degrees in Economics from the University of Southern California, studied for a year at the London School of Economics, and went to Regis High School in New York City.

Although I don’t remember it, my Dad claims that when he asked me in university what job I wanted, I said I wanted to change jobs and countries every couple of years. I love the travel of being a Foreign Service Officer and ‎personally travel for ruins, restaurants, and college [American] football games. At work, I enjoy working on opportunities where U.S. foreign policy - particularly economic policy - can develop both countries.

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CLARISSA RIOS ROJAS date of birth: email:

30 November clarissajaz@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Clarissa works as an evaluator at the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) from the Ministry of Environment of Peru where she develops initiatives that promote citizens engagement and especially female participation during OEFA’s environmental monitoring activities. In addition, she is also the founder and director at Ekpapalek (www.ekpapalek.com), an organization that focuses on offering free programs for professional development to Latin-American students from vulnerable communities. Prior to this, she studied Biology at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, Biomedicine at Karolinska Institutet University in Sweden and did her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Queensland in Australia. She has also participated as a UNESCO delegate during the week for Education in sustainable development and global citizenship (Canada), as an emerging leader at the Atlantic Dialogues (Morocco) and as a UN Women Champion for Change (worldwide).

I am from Peru but I also like to say that I am a global citizen. I enjoy experiencing life in different countries so I have lived in South America, Europe, and Oceania during the past ten years. My life took a new turn when in 2006 I went to Finland as an exchange student, I went there for a year but stayed two years working in a research laboratory. In 2011, I decided to do another big jump and moved to Australia (where I started to fall in love with hot weather) and did my Ph.D. During all this time I learned about the impact that science can have in international development if taken as a basis for policy making, therefore now I am working at the interface of science and international politics.

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DARYA BELKINA date of birth: email:

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12 February daryabelkina@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

In 2017, Darya started working as a specialist of alternative medicine – to heal people’s health with fixing the dislocated atlas, first cervical vertebra of the spine (C1). Darya is Sales Representative of the Belgian Carpet Tiles Producer modulyss® since 2015. Ms Belkina has been a Facebook blogger for new film releases: American, Russian, European and Kazakhstani films. Since 2014, Darya is film producer for promotion of most successfully commercial Kazakh films and art-house films to worldwide film festivals such as APSA, Moscow International Film Festival and many others. She is a founder and CEO of Association of Development and Promotion of Kazakh films. Darya is scriptwriter and film director.

She filmed and produced a short documentary with the title “Man in my life”, 6 minutes, 2014, which received at the Encounters International Film and Animation Festival (Bristol, UK), the following: “British Council 20:20 Hitchcock Award”.

I am my mother’s daughter, I am Asian, even though I am half Ukrainian, half Kazakh and look like a European girl.

Just as my biography seems chaotic, yet still, I know what I want. I am poetry writer both in English and Russian. Currently, I am writing two books: education abroad and film production. I have a character of a dancer and everything I am doing as business or hobby is a dance indeed. Three words that define my personality: passionate, meticulous and joyful. Without those traits, it would be impossible to imagine who I am. All of my beginnings of businesses are startups. I am restless when it comes to research and doing new things. I am a mother myself. This defines me, but I am also a specialist in all endeavors I undertake.

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DIANE DOUCERAIN date of birth: email:

28 September dianedoucerain@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Diane is currently working at the French Embassy in Washington DC, where she covers US policy towards the Asia-Pacific as well as climate and environmental issues. Prior to this, she served in Paris as desk officer for the Korean Peninsula and then for Middle East issues addressed in the UNSC. Diane studied political science at the Paris Institute for Political Studies and Mandarin Chinese at the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilization in Paris and at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.

Having grown up in the “Chinese area� of an already multicultural district in Paris, I got an early exposure to Asia. I rapidly embarked on the Mandarin Chinese learning journey. It absorbed and fascinated my mind for years. The experience culminated with a reality checking experience in a French law firm in China where I was on a team advising French companies on their investments in Shanghai. I later on opened myself with delight to the Korean peninsula, studied the language for a couple of years, got to go there several times. Beyond that, I am a passionate about the question of balance between work and personal life, as well as the relationship between physical exercise and work productivity. I do my best to integrate sport into the weekly schedule, dream of running a marathon and to headstand without the help of a wall.

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DUDUZILE NYIRONGO date of birth: email:

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04 December alvinetofler@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Dudu is a chartered accountant, a business leader, a theologian and also a political and human rights activist. She is currently the head of Finance at Uni Products, a Zimbabwean food product manufacturer where her leadership role has been recognised nationally. She is also the co-founder and active trustee of Citizens Zimbabwe, a civic organisation promoting civic participation in social, economic and political affairs.

I am a very sociable person who has a networking gift. My networking success comes from one belief; I do not only extract value from networks, I add value. I hate poverty and my passion is to see the financial development of my country and Africa as a whole. I would like to invest in society because I believe that while profit is important for business, it is not the only goal of a business. Apart from shareholders, companies should consider the interest of other stakeholders and the environment.

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EMMA SCOTT date of birth: email:

14 December acristina_molina@hotmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Emma joined the OECD Anti-Corruption Division as a legal analyst in February 2016. Emma conducts regular monitoring of countries’ implementation of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and also works with governments and anti-corruption authorities in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance anti-corruption efforts. Prior to joining the OECD, Emma worked in criminal law policy for the Ministry of Justice in New Zealand, and was part of New Zealand’s delegation to the OECD Working Group on Bribery and the Financial Action Task Force. Emma has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Otago University. Emma is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

I’m from a small town in the South Island of New Zealand.

There are no sheep in the town itself, but a lot on surrounding farms. My favourite things are eating, sleeping, and drinking wine. I do a lot of all three. I have poor coordination and drop things often – so should not be invited to participate in ball sports. I like films about gangsters. I’ve lived in Paris the past 18 months – my key takeaways are that it has good cheese and great dogs. I listen to music most waking hours. I don’t like dancing and hate mornings.

I like running. I love clean sheets. I drink too much coffee and eat too much salt. I’m almost always late, but love massage chairs, so go to airports early.

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FELIX CONDRY date of birth: email:

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09 February felixcondry@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Felix is a diplomat working in the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He is currently preparing for a posting to Iraq, having spent the last few years in London leading a team shaping the UK’s response to rapidly evolving international challenges in the field of cyber security. Prior to this he spent two years in Pyongyang. His purpose there was to represent UK and European Union views to the regime – landing difficult messages whilst trying to build dialogue – and also to secure support for NGO activities targeting the welfare of the most vulnerable sections of DPRK society. An earlier role saw him working in Afghanistan. Before becoming a diplomat Felix studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Oxford, and worked for a short while in UN-administered refugee camps in Lebanon

I love a good argument – British style. It’s not quite clear what we are debating; it’s not obvious that we disagree; and ideally the outcome is a little uncertain. Much like cricket (though rugby is more my sport.) This infuriating approach is, of course, well-suited to a career in international relations – much more so than teaching and farming, which I tried with less success before joining the Foreign Office.

Nevertheless I cannot resist a new subject or side-project that draws me beyond the confines of government circles: soon I will begin a course on blockchain technology; elsewhere I am looking for ways to build a biogas company with friends. When we meet at the AFGG I hope we find a few things to disagree about – but let’s not make it too obvious.

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FREDERIC SCHWANDT date of birth: email:

02 December fredericschwandt@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Frédéric Schwandt works at the Iran Task Force in the European External Action Service, which is the diplomatic service of the European Union. His role is to develop EU-Iran cooperation in a number of policy areas, following the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Prior to this, Mr Schwandt worked on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, which covers the EU’s relations with countries on its Eastern and Southern borders. Mr Schwandt has also worked on wider Middle East issues, as well as trade policy.

He studied international relations at the College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium), the University of Montreal and the Free University of Brussels.

Where I come from, going a few dozen kilometres in either direction, you will inevitably cross a border and enter another country. Growing up in Luxembourg, you need to speak at least three languages to get by (but four are better). The cuisine is French, and the portions are German (the best of both worlds!). Other than being a fervent proponent of European integration – culinary and otherwise – I truly enjoy a good debate about international politics.

My favourite pastimes include teaching on foreign policy matters and negotiation techniques, and roaming about the Flandrian hills on my road bike.

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FRIDTJOF DUNKEL date of birth: email:

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03 March Fridtjof.Dunkel@diplo.de

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

To take adequate account of the importance of Asia, the German Federal Foreign Office founded a Directorate General for Asia in March 2017. Within this DG, I am working in the China Division as Desk officer for the EU- and Economic Relations with China. Hence I am looking at the German-Chinese Economic relations from a foreign policy perspective.

Additionally I am coordinating the German position regarding China in the relevant EU council working group which includes close coordination with other federal ministries as well as EU member states on a wide range of issues. Previously I attended the German Diplomatic Academy and earlier worked at GIZ, a German development organization.

Before turning towards Asia professionally, I studied Hispanic Studies and Geography in Bremen, as well as Globalisation and Latin American Development in London.

Growing up in the very north of Germany, just a short drive from the Danish border, it was a youth organization called “CISV International” that broadened my personal horizon from local to global. Participating in various international programs allowed me to meet people from numerus countries and finally motivated me to volunteer in a rural Guatemalan orphanage from 2008-2010. Having studied Latin America both in the UK and in Chile you might start to wonder how this fits into the AFGG. Trust me – it was a surprise for me as well, when the Foreign Office assigned me to the China division. However, working on Asia in general and China in particular has proven to be extremely interesting! Outside the office I try to put on my running shoes whenever possible and enjoy the fact that Berlin is a surprisingly green place!

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GS NAVEEN KUMAR date of birth: email:

23 April gsnkumar@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

G S Naveen Kumar is Special Secretary, Information Technology & Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, India. He is responsible as the Managing Director of U.P. Electronics Corporation Ltd. He took the incentive to motivate the use of e-tender process in various departments. He also took steps to provide proper training among departments for the same.

Along with this he ensured the proper implementation and establishment of various components under Digital India program such as electronic delivery of services, digital payment etc in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to this, he was MD, Shreetron India Ltd as well as State Coordinator-Centre for e-Governance.

During his tenure as Special Secretary –IT & Electronics, he was involved in the implementations of various ambitious initiatives such as IT City – Lucknow, IT UPVAN, Electronic Manufacturing Clusters, e-Setu.

Being in public domain for around 14 years, I find myself engaged in various community welfare programmes. I had been a part of Plantation Drive of 50 million saplings which got entry in Guinness World Record. Also, I played major role in Disaster Management during floods of Eastern UP, and drought in Bundelkhand region. Creating a sustainable living environment is something which I also crave for. Living in the most populous state of India and amidst reports of depleting ground water resource, I launched Jal Bachao Abhiyan in Allahabad to protect each and every drop of around 3000 water bodies and recharge depleting ground water.

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HINA PANDEY date of birth: email:

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08 March pandeyhina@hotmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Hina Pandey is a research scholar working on nuclear related issues. She is currently working as an Associate Fellow with Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), her present project titled, “Iran’s Nuclear Programme: From Proliferation Crisis to Non-Proliferation Promise” attempts to analyse various facets of the landmark P5+1 & Iranian Nuclear Deal from the nonproliferation perspective. She holds an M.Phil from the American Studies Division. Hina has a research experience of six years in think-tanks and has published her articles/commentaries in various journals and online platforms. She has also presented her views abroad in workshops/conferences organised by IISS-INENS, Carnegie- Tsinghua, the Stimson Centre, Wilson Centre and University of RomaTre etc. Her research interests include nuclear security issues, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear energy politics and the US-India relations

Always seeking opportunities to diversify my interest area and keep myself engaged in creative ventures - while in college co-founded the theatre society that enabled a lot of learning towards socially relevant issues. The experience further sensitised me in taking up internship and part time work opportunities in research and advocacy organisationsfocusing on social issues, along with my BA and MA degree, in the subsequent years. A Master’s degree in IR directed me toward furthering my studies. While pursuing my MPhil at JNU- I joined Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) a think-tank- to gain insights on policy oriented research.

Since then there has been no looking back; however, I am seeking to break out of my research silos and looking forward to “learn” and “un-learn”. When not researching- I love to spend time with my rescued dog, connect with people and sometimes scribble on my drawing pad.

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IRINA POMINOVA date of birth: email:

10 May ipominova@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Irina is Deputy Head of the Department for Fuel and Energy Sector at Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation. After graduating from Moscow State University (MSU) with PhD in Economics she began her career in energy in a small consulting firm. After a while, Irina began to work at Russian Energy Agency (REA) focusing on strategic development of world energy. Finally, she joined Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation. In 2014 Irina spent several months in Brussels being a secondee from Russia at the Secretariat of the Energy Charter. In parallel, Irina delivers lectures in Economics at Moscow State University and Higher School of Economics.

In my professional and everyday life I am inspired by Einstein’s quote: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”. I believe in the second way and I’m looking for unusual and fascinating things around me. If I’m hesitating I listen to my heart and sometimes find myself in the middle of a desert or a jungle but I’m always back under the grey sky of Moscow where I was born. Curious but cautious, rational but passionate I belong to Russian nation – integral but multifaceted.

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ISDORE OGECHI date of birth: email:

24

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21 May isdorgech@yahoo.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Isdore is a Research Assistant in National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, and a project Manager in Women and Children Development Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization based in Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria. Before his recent role as a research assistant in cassava breeding, he has successfully implemented various projects in the area of health, economic and social development in Imo and Abia states of south Eastern Nigeria. All projects have been delivered within required financial and budgetary specifications.

His own work and professional development is constantly re-evaluated to ensure that his training needs are identified and addressed, to enable him maintain the highest standard and quality of services delivered to both his employer, general public especially the rural farmers’ clientele. In this regard, he has a Master of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding and has presented two academic papers in international conferences held in Nigeria.

I am a team player, and being involved in youth development and economic empowerment issues, my goal has always been to build up skills and management experience necessary for higher leadership responsibilities. I would prefer to listen than talk but would definitely start a discussion on pertinent issues in Politics and governance, but you can bank on positive contributions when issues in Agriculture, Environment, Sports and Entertainment are called upon.

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JAIVEER SHERGILL date of birth: email:

28 June jaiveer@shergilloffice.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Jaiveer is an eminent practicing lawyer in the Supreme Court of India, the youngest spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, and served as the Young India Head for the International Bar Association. As part of his political profile, Jaiveer represents his party’s view at various media forums and international platforms like Institute of National Security studies, Tel Aviv, NATO headquarters, Brussels on security issues.

On June 28, 1983, curfew was imposed in the otherwise progressive State of Punjab in India due to terrorism. I was born later that day. My interest in flying (I hold a Private Pilot License) leads me to dream. The dream of strengthening the governance standards in my Nation coupled with increased civil society participation. As a youth leader it’s always my endeavour to learn, without being held hostage to the clutches of history, from models of governance of different Nations.

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JASON C. M. DAVIS date of birth: email:

26

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16 September jdavis5206@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Jason is a Major in the United States Army and currently an Olmsted Scholar living and studying in São Paulo, Brazil. He is currently pursuing a Masters in International Relations at the Institute of International Relations at the University of São Paulo. His thesis focuses on the use of counterinsurgency strategies as a method for increasing security and prosperity in areas of civil unrest. As an Olmsted Scholar, he is learning about the culture, history, people and languages of Brazil and Central and South America. Previously, Jason served in special operations and conventional United States Army units throughout the world to include Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq. Jason studied International Relations and Civil Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Constantly on the go, I am always in another part of the world trying to make new connections, friends and learn.

I am never where I am supposed to be and always try to chart an unknown path that ends in some far-off destination. Easy going and open, in conversations, I tend to do most of the listening and can (and do) make friends with just about anyone. I have a deep passion for all things history and enjoy finding connections between disparate groups of individuals that have unknown common interests.

A self-ascribed foodie, I find myself at a restaurant most nights of the week and usually searching for that deal gourmet. If my heart is American, my soul is Brazilian – everything about the people and culture, the challenges and beauty of the complex make-up of Brazil keeps me yearning for more insight!

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JAVID AHMAD date of birth: email:

05 January jahmad@atlanticcouncil.org

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Javid Ahmad is a fellow with the Atlantic Council and a non-resident fellow at West Point’s Modern War Institute, where he focuses on South Asia. He also works with the US government on the region. He previously worked with a global risk management firm and managed a 15-member team of intelligence analysts and provided analytical assessments to government clients. He also served as a senior adviser to Afghanistan’s minister of finance, focusing on anti-money-laundering and countering financial terrorism issues.

In my formative years, I had a vague dream of “doing something” while living in one of the world’s hotspots as an Afghan refugee. But it was after a terrifying ambulance ride in Afghanistan that I became committed to the scholarly study of Afghanistan security and development issues. I remember my uncle, severely injured in a Taliban attack, weakly reciting his original Pashto poetry to us in an ambulance just to lighten the mood. The episode cemented my desire to better understand the challenges that affected my life and those around me. I continue to follow this desire, only to be frequently reminded that Afghanistan has become a Shakespearean tragedy. And, so to put myself at ease, I watch American football (NFL), listen to Andrea Bocelli, eat chips, drink coffee, and pretend to be an optimist.

Previously, he worked for the Pentagon’s Afghanistan-Pakistan Hands and the US Naval Postgraduate School. He also worked as a program coordinator for Asia for the German Marshall Fund in Washington, NATO HQ in Brussels, and Voice of America in Washington. Javid’s writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, New York Times, Foreign Policy, the National Interest, and CNN. He has a BA from Beloit College and an MA from Yale University.

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JENNIFER DEGENER date of birth: email:

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19 August jennifer.degener@googlemail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Jennifer is the deputy section chief of the Foreign Area Specialist Section at the German Operational Command. She analyses sociocultural, historical and political aspects for all theatres of operations to which the Bundeswehr is deployed.

Her thematic focus is on Sub-Saharan Africa. Her primary role is to advice the commander as well as the staff of the German Operational Command on all intercultural aspects which may influence German missions. Prior to this, Jennifer worked for a private company in Berlin which trains civil servants. Jennifer studied International Relations at King’s College London as well as Political Science and East Asian Studies at the Ruhr-Universität-Bochum. She spent one year at the Nihon University in Tokyo, supported by a scholarship of the German Academic Exchange Service.

I grew up in a Westphalian small town. When I was little there were mainly two holiday destinations that my parents would take me to. The Alps in winter and the Baltic Sea in summer. This caused a considerable travel backlog on my part. Ever since I started university I try to make up for that.

Studying in Japan was then like a gateway to the world to me. At first I used the opportunity to discover Asia and expanded from there. Now, my aim is to have been to at least as many countries as I am years old. So far, the number of countries is in the lead. My time in Japan also made me realise, that I want to work in an international environment.

Thus, I chose to do my M.A. in the UK and was in the end able to turn my passion for culture and politics into my profession.

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JOSHUA MORRIS date of birth: email:

27 October joshua.morris@parliament.vic.gov.au

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Joshua is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing Western Victoria. In his role he represents the interests of the people of Western Victoria, advocating for them in the Victorian Parliament and also participates in debates scrutinising legislation to ensure the best possible outcomes for all Victorians. Joshua is a teacher by training, having taught in many schools across Western Victoria and also in the United Arab Emirates. He is passionate about achieving the best future possible for students by providing them with the best possible education. This passion led Joshua to run for in his local council election, successfully being elected as a Councillor for the City of Ballarat in 2012, and subsequently being elected as Mayor in 2013. Following this Joshua was elected to the Victorian Parliament in November 2014.

My hometown is a place named Ballarat, and during the mid-19th century it was not only a gold rush town but it is also where the only civil uprising to have ever occurred in Australia transpired.

This civil uprising, known as the Eureka Stockade, occurred when gold miners took up arms against the government due to inequitable laws and harsh policing of their work.

For me the Eureka Stockade was about the right to have a say in who it is that governs your community and fighting against high, opportunistic taxation. It was about self-determination and fighting for the right to free enterprise — free from undue interference from the government.

And this is what inspires me as a law maker; I favour the rights of the individual over excessive intrusion by governments because it is through the empowerment of the individual to determine their own future that we encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and advancement of our society.

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JULIA HÖFFMANN date of birth: email:

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14 March Julia.hoeffmann@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Julia is Executive Officer at the Office of the Executive Director of UNICEF in New York, supporting the Deputy Executive Director for Management. Her primary role is to prepare and follow-up on decisions and activities concerning UNICEF’s management group with a specific focus on human resources and oversight matters. Since February 2017, Julia has been working on assignments in the field of child protection in the Programme Division of UNICEF’s New York Headquarters as well as its country offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco. Prior to UNICEF, Julia worked with the United Nations Office for REDD+ Coordination in Indonesia and with UNOPS in South Africa and Denmark. Julia studied Contemporary India at the University of Oxford, International Politics at Aberystwyth University, European Politics at Sciences Po Strasbourg, and recently completed a Diploma in Forced Displacement and Human Rights.

My first introduction to Asia was when I landed in India in 2004, where I planned to stay for one year to volunteer and ‘broaden my horizon’. I was swept up by the multitude of sensations and impressions and stayed for two. As you can see from the above, I later studied contemporary India and am now so excited to visit the most fascinating subcontinent yet again. These two years in India were the beginning of a life outside my native Germany that has been full of adventures. I love discovering new parts of the world, and parts of myself. And I love my work. I am passionate about development, politics, sociology, international relations, governance, human rights, and of course, especially children’s rights, so please excuse if I cannot stop talking about them.

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KAREN ATTIAH date of birth: email:

12 August karen.attiah@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Karen is the Global Opinions Editor and writer in the Opinions section of the Washington Post. In her role, she is responsible for helping to oversee written op-ed and video coverage of timely and important international issues. She also frequently writes on international and domestic affairs, and contributes video op-eds to The Post’s Opinion section.

As the daughter of Ghanaian and Nigerian immigrants, she has a special interest in Africa. Prior to joining the Washington Post in 2014, she was a freelance reporter for the Associated Press while based in Willemstad, Curacao, covering stories ranging from crime rings in the Caribbean to elections in newly autonomous Curacao. Karen holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and was a Fulbright scholar to Ghana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

When I was a child, I was torn between becoming either a marine biologist, an astronaut, or a philosopher. I grew up in a small suburb of Dallas, Texas, the oldest of three siblings. Writing, traveling and journalism have allowed me to explore worlds other than my own, and it is hard me imagine doing anything else. (Actually, I wouldn’t mind being a musician!) My father is from Ghana, and my mother is from Nigeria, which informs my deep interest in the African continent and its history and peoples. My quirky interests: When I am not working or writing, I have a fondness for painting, jewellery-making, martial arts (specifically Muay Thai, the national kickboxing sport of Thailand) and Japanese anime. I can speak a decent bit of Spanish, and I’m always working on gaining French. I am a lifelong sushi enthusiast and dream of going to Japan one day.

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LAN-NA GROSSE date of birth: email:

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05 April lanna.grosse@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Lan-Na is a German freelance journalist and filmmaker, mainly working in Berlin and the federal state Brandenburg for ZDF – a German-language TV station and one of the largest public-service broadcasters in Europe. As an author, editorial journalist and reporter she covers social and political topics for news magazines, especially for ZDF’s morning news programme. Furthermore, she makes documentaries and focuses her work on the broad issue of ‘Flight and Migration’. For this she was nominated for the 2017 ‘Grimme Preis’, one of the most renowned TV awards in Germany, in the category ‘Journalistic Achievement’. Prior to this, she was educated at the German School of Journalism and the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich and spent half a year in Taipei learning Mandarin. Lan-Na studied Political Science, Sinology, Psychology and Journalism.

If there is something like a ‘perfect match’ between job and personality, I am probably the lucky one who has found it: I am a super curious (some people would say nosy) person and, guess what, I even get paid for asking questions.

What a privilege! Sometimes this could be annoying for my environment, especially when I’m lining up at a checkout counter or sitting in a train – I’m always looking for a story.

The countries here in Europe are always worth a trip – despite all the political troubles we have in the European Union – but my special interest is, however, the Asian region. Perhaps it’s also because I grew up with a Mom who is originally from Hong Kong – the most talented person I know in learning languages. The pity is: I’m not. That’s why I’m still studying Mandarin the hard way. And trust me: there is no bigger challenge than trying to learn Chinese.

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LAURA MEYER date of birth: email:

04 May meyer.laurac@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Laura recently joined Softbank Robotics as a Sr. Business Development Manager where she is charged with helping their clients – comprised of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies - execute their humanoid robot strategies. Previously, she led partnerships for a chatbot startup, helping companies design and implement ways to automate customer service via social media platforms. Prior to this, Laura was an IBM client executive to Apple, managing sales of software and services (including IBM Watson). Laura received her M.B.A. in Finance from CUNY’s Baruch College in New York City, while also working for Colgate-Palmolive and Brooklyn Bridge Ventures. She is a founding member of Dreamers and Doers, a digital network for women.

I am out to prove that great things, besides really good BBQ & casseroles, can come from flyover states. I fiercely defend my hometown of St. Louis (Go Cards!) while simultaneously love big city dwelling. Ever-feeding my wanderlust, I’ve found ways to immerse myself in other cultures – from studying languages (and Dim Sum) in Hong Kong to conducting grant research for a microlending institution in Chilé and teaching English in China. I love to live life outside of my comfort zone, whether it is paragliding in Argentina, running a sprint triathlon in Lake Tahoe, hiking in Patagonia, or surfing in Portugal. At the heart of all my adventures is a need to learn from and connect with people from all walks of life.

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LEA KASPAR date of birth: email:

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10 February lea@gp-digital.org

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Lea is the Executive Director of Global Partners Digital (GPD), a UK-based social purpose company working to develop a digital environment underpinned by human rights. As Executive Director, she oversees the development and implementation of GPD’s vision, ensuring the continued relevance of its policy agenda and organisational strategy in the evolving geopolitical landscape. At GPD, Lea leads the organisation’s pioneering work on facilitating multistakeholder dialogue in internet-related public policy discussions and is currently working on implementing GPD’s cyber capacity-building programme. Lea speaks frequently in public forums and represents GPD on a number of boards and initiatives, including the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, the UK Multistakeholder Group on Internet Governance, the UN CSTD Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation, and the Internet Governance Forum MAG. She has recently joined the European Council on Foreign Relations. Lea holds an MSc in Global Governance and Ethics from University College London and an MA in Comparative Literature and Hispanic Studies from the University of Zagreb.

I was only eleven when my dreams of becoming the next Leonardo da Vinci were brutally crushed – along with my efforts to build a flying device for my guinea pig with only a shoe box and a helium balloon. I have since turned to other noble pursuits, but have yet to fully recover.

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MADHURA JOSHI date of birth: email:

23 August madhura.u.joshi@gmai.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Madhura Joshi is Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Research. Her research interests include energy policy and governance; geopolitics of energy (particularly in the oil and gas, and nuclear sectors); regional energy cooperation; and co-benefits-based participatory approaches in climate, energy, and development policy-making. Prior to joining CPR, she was Associate Fellow, and Area Convenor of the Centre for Research on Energy Security at The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi. She has led several multidisciplinary projects which examined issues pertaining to India’s energy security, sectoral energy governance, sustainable energy transitions, energy risks across fuel cycles, public perceptions on energy, amongst others. She was an International Visitor’s Leadership Fellow of the US State Department in 2015, and a Replenishing Democracy Fellow in 2006. She has a graduate degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics, UK and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Before the age of 10, I had already stayed in 3 very different cities. While I spent the next 12 years in a multicultural area in Mumbai; over the years, the list of cities and places I call home has increased. I later found out that there is a term for those of my ilk, the “third culture kids.” Every few weeks I get restless and itch to travel, explore, and assimilate histories, politics, cultures, and cuisines of the different places I visit. I love discovering stories whether through books, chats, discussion, movies, or podcasts. Perhaps, one of the reasons why I love the fieldwork part of my research, the best – every visit gives me a new perspective on the challenges of sustainable development. Over the years to help communicate better, I have picked up 5 languages, understand 3 more, and can generally mime my way through everything else!

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MAKSYM YEMELIANOV date of birth: email:

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24 December m.yemelianov@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Maksym is Counsellor at the Office of Foreign Minister of Ukraine. He is primarily responsible for Europe, EU integration of Ukraine and issues of international security. Prior to that, he was Head of the Office of the First Deputy Foreign Minister being actively involved in drafting a new law on diplomatic service of Ukraine. In 2011-2015 Maksym worked at the Ukrainian Embassy in London as political officer and personal assistant to Ambassador. He received his Master’s degree in international relations from the leading Ukrainian university - the Kyiv National University. While working in Great Britain Maksym also obtained a diploma for graduates in economics of the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is Alumnus of George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies.

Since my school years, I was interested in politics and saw myself as a top government official. In the course of time, I also developed a strong interest in geopolitics and economics. I believe that even as natural borders keep on wiping off to give place to a deeper economic interconnectivity and technological innovations, geographic location is still a key determinant of states behavior in the international arena. As for my personal preferences, I hardly find something more fascinating than to discover new places and meet people of different backgrounds and cultures.

Learning foreign languages is my great passion as well. It is indeed a wonderful skill and I cannot but fully agree that the more languages you know the more of a person you are. Being a big fan of fine arts, I love visiting international art galleries and get an inspiration from world-renowned artists. Finally yet importantly is of course my keenness on sports and music.

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MARIA YAMASAKI date of birth: email:

24 April maria.yamasaki@mofa.go.jp

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Maria Yamasaki is Deputy Director at the Southwest Asia Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering bilateral relationship between Japan and Southwest Asian countries.

She is primarily in charge of some of the important issues committed at the highest level between India and Japan, such as the Civil Nuclear Agreement and India-Japan-U.S. Trilateral Meeting. Prior to this, she was Second Secretary of the Permanent Delegation of Japan to UNESCO where she enjoyed friendship with many friends and colleagues from all over the world. Maria studied Law at Tokyo University and got her master’s degree in France at Aix-Marseille University majoring Humanitarian Actions and Laws.

Communicating with people from different cultural background has always been my greatest pleasure. In youth, I travelled a lot in Europe and Asia where I had enriching experience that opened my eye. I was motivated to become diplomat so that one day I can represent my country in such encounters. I am a mother of a four-year-old boy that I gave birth to in France. While pursuing my professional career, I am also committed to be a dedicated mother.

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MICHAEL SINGH date of birth: email:

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29 November singh@michaelsingh.de

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Michael is a German qualified lawyer, based in London as in-house counsel in the Global Governance Function of Deutsche Bank AG. He focuses on setting the governance framework for DB Group globally, to facilitate cross-unit application and to assess the respective implementation. In a previous role with a law firm, he advised German clients on corporate law related aspects of their investment in India.

He studied in law and political science at Goethe University, Frankfurt (Germany) and specialised as LL.M. Internal Business & Economic Law at the University of New South Wales, Sydney (Australia) and Columbia University, New York (USA).

Despite my last name, unfortunately I don’t speak any Indian language, because my parents immigrated from Poland and India and thought, raising me in Germany, it was more important to ensure that I speak proper German than their native languages. Besides speaking proper German, they also believed that investing time in sport would also be an essential asset. Which is why, already from young age, I spent hours of training as professional latin ballroom dancer, and my greatest achievement was to come in 12th at the World Championship in Moscow. I then focused on my studies and moved to Australia, where I met my wife. She was born in France to Italian parents, grew up in Morocco and Switzerland and ended up in London for her career. I followed her to the UK, and now we have our own language mix of French, German and English and well, who knows which language we might teach our children.

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MICHAL ROMANOWSKI date of birth: email:

03 July m.romanowski@yahoo.pl

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Michał Romanowski joined the Warsaw office of The German Marshall Fund of the United States in 2011, where he works as a Eurasia expert and program officer. His foreign and security research interests include Russia, Central Asia, the modern Silk Road, as well as the Caspian region. He also explores integration processes within Eurasia with a particular focus on the Eurasian Economic Union.

Romanowski has testified before the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Russian, U.S., and Chinese 21st century Silk Road strategies. He is a 2017 U.S. Department of State leadership program fellow and a board member at the Centre for International Initiatives. His analytical writings and commentaries have appeared in academic journals and media outlets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Educated in sociology, economics, and international affairs at the University of Warsaw, he speaks fluent English and Russian, in addition to his native Polish.

I find writing a personal introduction to be a more painful process than a long-distance running which I practice.

Also drafting a personal introduction note is not as fun as cooking and eating good food, hiking in the mountains, or sleeping in a yurt in Central Asia at an altitude of 3000 meters. Further, a personal introduction cannot even be compared to spending time in nature seeking an internal harmony. And finally, it is decisively less appealing than being close to the people you love. So we should all unite against personal introductions and answer a simple question: do we let personal introductions triumph or we approach the topic with a bit of humor?

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OLIVER SMITH date of birth: email:

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13 February Olivier.smith@ec.europa.eu

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Olivier is speechwriter to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. He writes speeches for all major international events, ranging from the annual State of the Union address to speeches for the G7, G20, United Nations, European Council meetings, European Parliament sessions and official visits around Europe and the world.

Prior to this, Olivier was chief speechwriter for the European Commissioner for Climate and Energy, working notably on COP21 where the Paris Climate Agreement was signed.

Olivier started his career working at Deloitte & Touche and has also worked in public affairs and policy in London and in Brussels. He studied International History and Politics at the University of Sheffield and holds a Master’s degree in Political Communication.

Not mentioned in the biography above are the long summer stints working in factories, clumsily serving stale sandwiches at the BBC and being official fish tank cleaner for a less than charming CEO. Following unconfirmed rumours on the *alleged* fate of the goldfish, I found myself with plenty of time on my hands to watch the West Wing and be inspired by the glamour and style of Josh and the other speechwriters. While the truth may be more graft than glitz, working for the European Union has opened up my eyes to new people, cultures and ideas – all of which I hope to add to in India. As a London born Franco-Brit now living in Brussels with my Bulgarian family, I too know what it feels like to be a fish out of water…

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PHILIPP GÉRONNE date of birth: email:

07 January 15hz@gmx.de

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Philipp is Section Head at the Headquarters of the Joint Medical Service of the German Armed Forces responsible for the coordination of concept development and future development of the Joint Medical Service. He is also Deputy Head of the division for concept development and international cooperation. Philipp is a graduate of the 11th Joint National General/Admiral Staff Officer Course (a biennial post-graduate course focusing on international politics and military leadership). Prior to this he worked as anesthesiologist in military hospitals, as section head in military human resource management and deputy head of a military regional clinic. Philipp is a professional soldier, currently in the rank of lieutenant colonel and served in several missions abroad.

He studied medicine at the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz (Germany) and is a doctoral candidate at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany).

People often tell me that I have a good poker face. This natural characteristic often helps me in my profession but makes first impressions on other people sometimes misleading. I have a dry sense of humor and fit in perfectly in some German stereotypes e.g. like being direct and loving organization and structure. I believe in values like integrity, authenticity and mutual respect. In a debate, I like to listen to all opinions first then analyzing them carefully and then joining the discussion. In my leisure time, I like to literally leave solid ground. I often spend hours in my glider relaxing and seeing the world from another perspective.

Beside that I support the German and European Baseball Federation as a volunteer (most of the time as tournament director for youth tournaments). I also try to visit my family and friends who are scattered all over Germany and Europe as often as possible.

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RAJEEV MANTRI date of birth: email:

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23 April rajeev.mantri@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Rajeev Mantri is executive director at Navam Capital, a venture capital firm making seed and early-stage investments in the energy, technology and healthcare sectors in India. Prior to founding Navam Capital, Rajeev worked as a venture capitalist at New York-based Lux Capital, focusing on investments in energy, water and nanomaterials. Rajeev is a frequent columnist on politics, technology, venture capital and entrepreneurship, and has written for Mint, The Wall Street Journal, The Indian Express, The New York Times, MIT Technology Review, Roubini Global Economics and others. Some of his writings for Mint, have made a substantial impact and spurred public debate on topics including Indian identity, political economy and economic liberalization. In August 2010, Rajeev co-founded biotechnology startup Vyome Biosciences, serving as president of the venture through its formative years. Rajeev graduated from Northwestern University with a BS degree in materials science and engineering, and earned an MBA from Columbia University.

I was born and brought up in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and unfortunately the rich socio-cultural milieau of the city did not have make much of an impact on me. I took the path of capitalists and got interested in working at the intersection of technology and finance, finding a job at a New York venture capital firm upon graduation. I returned to India in 2008, and started building an India-centric venture firm seeking to commercialize science-driven innovation. I had already been a published columnist while in college, and also took to writing (as well as tweeting) on a variety of topics concerning technology, innovation and modern India. I continue to invest in high-technology companies besides opining on all things under the sun, often to the chagrin of friends and followers.

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RASMA KASKINA date of birth: email:

21 September rasma.kaskina@ep.europa.eu

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Rasma works in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, in the secretariat of the parliamentary Committee on International Trade. She advises parliamentarians on ongoing EU trade and investment negotiations, especially with some countries of the ASEAN, as well as on other trade matters. Having worked for 10 years in the European Parliament, Rasma started there in 2007 as a Member of Parliament’s Legal Service. She worked on legislation in the field of food law and agriculture in particular. She has also represented Parliament in cases before the EU Court of Justice. Before joining the European Parliament she worked in Latvian national administration. Lawyer by academic background, her main study and professional interest has always been European Union law and policy, currently with emphasis on international trade.

Latvian by passport and European at heart I grew up by the Baltic sea, surrounded by pine forests, white sand beaches and lots of fresh air, went to study law in Paris and am now living in the concrete (and sometimes also green) landscape of Brussels. A pocket-sized metropolis, Brussels, offers me the privilege to be able to walk to work, making it 6 km daily, which I greatly appreciate. I speak Latvian, English, French, Spanish, Russian and German and my long standing ambition has been to learn Japanese. I am still from the generation born in the ex-Soviet Union and keep childhood memories of that time, so this experience has given me a strong belief in the openness of the world.

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SALMA YOUSEF date of birth: email:

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25 April salma.yousef@icloud.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Since 2016, Salma has been working for the Crown Prosecution Service; the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales. In 2013, she was selected by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to join the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo (the EU’s biggest ever mission abroad).

For the past two years Salma has been working in the International Division of the Crown Prosecution Service. During this time she has managed the portfolios in the Caribbean, Latin America, east Africa and the Middle East. She is currently the portfolio lead for South Asia. Her role involves designing capacity building projects and strategies in county as well as contributing to policy documents and briefings, working closely with local and UK government partners to ensure effectively delivery against core objectives. She has recently been offered her first judicial appointment.

Given her strong interest in human rights, Salma is an Ambassador for ‘Remembering Srebrenica’, Remembering Srebrenica is a UK charitable initiative dedicated to commemorating and honouring the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, through arranging visits and events to encourage people to learn from the genocide and victims’ lives; and increase public awareness to reject hatred and build good community relations. She has recently been selected by the Office of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to deliver training on hate crime to prosecutors and judges as well as civil society in various countries in Europe.

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SHI CHEN date of birth: email:

15 October chenshi@cfau.edu.cn

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

CHEN Shi is an assistant professor in the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management, China Foreign Affairs University. Chen Shi got his bachelor’s degree majored in diplomacy from Renmin University of China.

He then spent several years in UK to continue his postgraduate study. After receiving Master’s degree in International Relations (East Asia) and PhD in politics in Durham University, Chen Shi started his academic career in Beijing as an assistant professor in China Foreign Affairs University.

His research interests include China-Japan relations, trust in international relations, protection of Chinese overseas interests, and politics of Pacific Asia.

I have kept my interest in international relations since my childhood. With the cultural background in Asia and the academic training I received in both China and UK, I would like to view the certain issues in Pacific-Asia from different perspectives. I do believe that the local International Relations Theories could not match the growing importance of this region. Therefore, it would be beneficial for Asian scholars and researchers to build communication networks in exchange of ideas. I enjoy talking with different people, hence, every forum and conference would be more than the discussions on certain topics but a place we share information and knowledge.

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SIDDHARTH PATEL date of birth: email:

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02 October Siddharth.Patel@ril.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Siddharth is the Chief of Staff to the Executive Director at Reliance Industries Ltd., where his primary role is to represent the Petrochemical division and support the team with daily operations and strategic planning initiatives. Prior to joining Reliance he worked as Managing Director in his family-owned business Ecopower, where he introduced several ground-breaking (energy saving) technologies into India alongside networking with some of the leading minds in sustainable energy development. He has an MBA in Strategy & Leadership from the Indian School of Business and was conferred the Young Leader Award, which is given to the top 1% of candidates demonstrating potential to effect change in the business world.

My friends describe me as tenacious, visionary and oftentimes, daring. This isn’t unfounded: I left an age-old Indian education system for a newly-founded IB curriculum in Bangalore, was Resident Hall Director for the most unruly dormitory at university and left a cushy job in my family business to work as Chief of Staff for the largest conglomerate in India. I rarely fall short of my friends’ judgment.

My career vision is born from two seemingly irreconcilable desires: my need to positively impact my community and my passion to build and sell profitable businesses. On a professional front, I am particularly proud of my efforts to electrify villages using solar wind solutions. On a personal front, my closest call me a born salesman; when I was not negotiating to sell my family-run business, I was hustling to sell household knick-knacks (think 100 year old grandfather clocks) online, alongside confidently making $ bets with my family on subjects I often know little about!

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STEFANIE BAUER date of birth: email:

16 June stefanie.bauer.de@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Stefanie Bauer is Associate Partner at Intellecap, an advisory firm working on business solutions to global development challenges, where she is currently setting up a Human Centric Design Practice. Prior to that, she led the organization’s business expansion efforts into East Africa. Previously, she had different roles within German development agency GIZ as private sector development expert and adviser to the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development in both India and Germany. She earned a Master’s Degree in Development Management from London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied African Studies.

I am an anthropologist by education, a strategy consultant by profession, and a traveller by passion. For the past 15 years, I have been working in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Throughout my professional life, I had the chance to work with corporates, governments, startups and innovators to develop solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges. To share my experience with future young leaders, I am teaching entrepreneurship and development at University of Bayreuth, Germany, as a visiting faculty. I like to go unknown paths and push my own boundaries, whether in my job or personal life.

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T. HELENE YSTANES FØYN date of birth: email:

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15 December helenefoeyn@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Helene is Head of Programmes at Norwegian People’s Aid, Humanitarian Disarmament Department.

She is based in Oslo, but works with programmes in 23 countries around the world. Norwegian People’s Aid is an NGO that works to protect civilians from explosive weapons, and to clear productive land of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Helene’s portfolio covers programmatic and governance issues, such as finance, administration, HR, logistics and donor relations. Prior to joining Norwegian People’s Aid, Helene worked at the Danish Ministry of Finance, inter alia as Private Secretary to the Minister. She has also worked in private consultancy and academia. Helene studied International Relations at the University of Cambridge as well as Economics at the University of Copenhagen.

If there is a red thread in my life, it is curiosity. Professionally, this means that I am a happy generalist. Throughout my professional career I have so far worked with issues ranging from climate change to landmines, state owned enterprises and urban development. Personally, I also love learning new things: Dancing and sailing, eating and cooking, playing games and reading novels, hiking and skiing. At the age of 16, I left my home in Norway to spend two years at the United World College of the Atlantic. Since then I have taught English in Ecuador, studied the agricultural sector of Uganda, researched the energy policies of China and India, pursued an MPhil in England and travelled the world whilst working, visiting friends, and simply sampling life’s offerings. Finally, you should know that I think while I speak, I work hard but am lazy in my spare time, and I admire experts.

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TARA VARMA date of birth: email:

03 November varma.tara@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Tara has been working at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) since January 2015, where she coordinates the activities of the Paris office. Before joining the Paris office, Tara worked for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Shanghai consulate (2012-2014) where she helped promote cooperation in humanities and social sciences between French and Chinese universities. Previously, she worked at a private consultancy firm in Paris, specializing in strategic and defence matters. She graduated from Sciences Po Lille and SOAS in London in International Relations, with a focus on Asian Politics and Indian and Chinese foreign policies. English and French are her mother tongues.

She also speaks Hindi and Spanish.

When my five-year-old-self landed in New Delhi in the mid1990s, I remember feeling at a loss because I wasn’t able to communciate with anybody apart from my parents and my classmates at the French International School. I didn’t know at the time that I would spend the next five years in India, so when I moved back to France at the age of 10, I had spent half my life between Asia and Europe. By the force of circumstances and my family environment, English and Hindi quickly became accessible and indispensable.

This upbringing has spoilt me to the extent that I now regularly feel the itch to discover a different country and culture every couple of years. I was lucky enough in the course of my studies to travel and move to Peru, India, the UK and China and look forward to seeing where the winds of the future carry me along.

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VARUN SIVARAM date of birth: email:

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22 January vsiv@alumni.stanford.edu

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Varun Sivaram is the Philip D. Reed fellow for science and technology at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service—where he teaches “Clean Energy Innovation”—a non-resident fellow at the Columbia University Center for Global Energy Policy, and a member of the advisory boards for the Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Taming the Sun: Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet (MIT University Press, March 2018). He’s previously served as an energy advisor to the mayor of Los Angeles and governor of New York, as well as worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company.

He holds a PhD in condensed matter physics from St. John’s College, Oxford University, and did his undergraduate studies at Stanford University. He lives in Washington, DC.

Hi everyone, I’m so excited to meet you! When I’m not at work, I spend my time cycling, playing golf, and watching the NBA (I will likely be up most nights of the Forum trying to catch Warriors games). I’m a tech geek and my heroes are Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Dick Feynman. By the end of this Forum, I plan to incept use of the word “hella,” which a select few of us from the San Francisco Bay Area use liberally but which is so useful and versatile that we can’t believe others don’t use it. Also, I really love hot tubs and pizza (I’m told that there’s something called “butter chicken pizza” that you can only get in India. We will soon find out.)

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VEERLE NOUWENS date of birth: email:

13 December veerle.nouwens@outlook.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Veerle is a Research Analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, where she focuses on geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific, maritime security and ASEAN integration. Prior to RUSI, she worked in the Political Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Singapore, where she engaged with local and regional stakeholders on EU-Singapore bilateral relations and Europe’s role in Southeast Asia. She holds an MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies from the University of Oxford, an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Leiden University, a BA in International Relations from Macquarie University, and has attended semesters at Peking University and Tsinghua University. She is fluent in Dutch and English, and speaks Mandarin at intermediate level.

My relocation to London took place at a curious time. As a European citizen, I was moving to the country that had just decided to leave the same institution that I had represented to the outside world. Doing so was a natural decision for me – while I’m proud of my Dutch heritage, I’ve been fortunate enough to call 12 countries (mostly in Asia) my home. I embrace change and love a good challenge, and at the moment there’s no greater one than assessing how the foreign policies of the UK and EU will evolve in the Asia-Pacific. It’s a task that I happily take on; particularly a time when the economic and political importance of Asia is accelerating and Europeans understand the region’s importance. The cherry on top is that I get to come full-circle and contribute to discussions on this in New Delhi, the city that I can call my very first home

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WENCHENG WU date of birth: email:

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09 April wuwencheng@cfau.edu.cn

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Wencheng is an associate Professor at China Foreign Affairs University, and a managing editor of Foreign Affairs Review, a leading peer-review IR journal in China. Besides that, he is a member of Editorial Board of Quarterly Journal of International Politics published by Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University. Wencheng also works as Deputy Secretary-General of China National Association for Journals of International Studies, a NGO aiming to serve the academic IR journals in China. His major research fields are International Organizations, Diplomacy, and International Relations Theories. He got his Ph.D degree from China Foreign Affairs University in 2013. Prior to this, Wencheng stayed a year at University of Virginia as a Fulbright Scholar, studying Theories of International Relations. Wencheng studied World History at Capital Normal University at Beijing for several years.

When I was a kid, there were few books to read, and I didn’t know the telephone, the computer, and the McDonald’s, however, my little daughter now are happy to attend classes from LEGO Education Center, and her favorite cartoon hero is “ Krtek” created by Zdeněk Miler. With the help of the Chinese Open-door Policy, I personally benefit from such a globalized world; So, I’d like to meet different people, learning from different cultures. Although I am very proud of Chinese food, and probably a good chef myself, I am very pleasant to taste delicious foods from other civilizations. It seems to me we should strike a balance between firmly defending own beliefs and positions and following good advice readily from others.

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XIAOJUE (ALIX) CHEN date of birth: email:

12 January alix.chen@evonik.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Alix Chen is a Business Director of Evonik Industries Group in charge of a product line “Membrane, Fibers and Specialties” in Asia-Pacific region. She has been working in the Chinese bio-energy and environment protection industry since 2012 after she gained her MBA degree from China Europe International Business School. Prior to this, as francophone, she worked as assistant in French Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and then project manager in a French consulting company.

I grew up in a small water town in the south of China and have been living in Shanghai for more than 15 years, the city has never stopped surprising me with its rapid changes and fascinating involvement. I am very grateful that I benefit from the reform and opening of China and have chances to see the world and welcome the world. It is always exciting to know people from other countries, to explore different cultures and to taste special local food. Food and sport are my biggest passion. I also like to read about psychology, especially social psychology. It is very interesting to understand how people’s feeling, actions, thoughts are influenced by the presence of others.

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YALDA HAKIM date of birth: email:

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26 June Yalda.Hakim@bbc.co.uk

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Yalda Hakim is an award-winning anchor and foreign correspondent for BBC World News in London. Alongside presenting BBC’s flagship news programme, ‘Impact with Yalda Hakim’, she delivers hard-hitting insights from the field through her documentaries. She is an accomplished interviewer, and her conversations with Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan, and Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia both created global headlines. Her documentary investigations have shed light on the trafficking of migrants in Yemen, government failure to respond in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and unsafe work practices in Bangladesh - among several other hidden crises. Yalda travelled to Mosul undercover during its occupation and has reported extensively on the Islamic State, later briefing top military officials with her first-hand expertise. Prior to joining BBC World News, Yalda presented SBS Dateline in Australia. She was born in Afghanistan and moved to Australia when her family fled the Soviet invasion in the late 1980s.

I’m deeply acquainted with Asia and its strife. I was born into it - my family fled the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan when I was six-months old. More importantly, however, I have documented it, returning to Kabul for the first time in 2008 to film a documentary. I have reported on wars in Mosul, and human rights abuses in Yemen. I have certainly shown the world parts of the horror that the continent hosts - but I have also been witness to the great hopes and accomplishments of a rising Asia. A frequent traveller to South Asia (I speak Hindi, Urdu, Dari, some Pashto and Farsi!), I am intimately connected to the culture and vibrancy of the region, and look forward to engaging in constructive discussions about how Asia can navigate the transitions that lie ahead.

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YUN-CHAN WU date of birth: email:

06 February ycwu03@mofa.gov.tw

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Yun-Chan is desk officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of ROC (Taiwan) covering ASEAN Affairs and the policy planning, most notably the New Southbound Policy launched by the administration of President Tsai Ing-Wen. Prior to this, Yun-Chan was awarded a Fulbright scholarship in 2010 and spent 5 years at the New School for Social Research in New York, where he completed his MA degree and PhD candidateship in modern political theory. Yun-Chan also studied International Relations at the National Taiwan University.

My fondness for philosophy and history led me to the pursuit of truth and knowledge, the path of which is nevertheless obscure and uncertain. The outbreak of the “Occupy Wall Street� movement put into doubt my belief in democracy and pushed me into the study of corruption, the theme I picked up for my dissertation. Having defended my proposal, I left New York for a post in the foreign ministry of Taiwan. The break from academia gave me the chance to engage with the people across Asia-Pacific and drove me to learn different languages, among them French and Japanese.

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ZEINA JALLAD date of birth: email:

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30 January zeinajallad@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Zeina Jallad is a Palestinian lawyer and lecturer-in-law, currently pursuing her doctorate of the Science of Law (J.S.D) at Columbia Law School. Zeina’s broader research areas include the intersection between international law, human rights law, Islamic Law, social studies, gender justice and criminal law.

Her research areas include: Access to justice, public interest lawyering and strategic litigation, empowering disenfranchised communities and marginalized populations, gender equality and women empowerment, human rights, international law and critical legal thought. Her latest publications include Zeina Jallad, The Power of the Body: Analyzing the Logic of Law and Social Change in the Arab Spring, 6 COLUM. J. RACE & L. 139 (2016); Zeina Jallad, Palestinian Women and Security: A Legal Analysis, 2012.

After completing my Masters in Law (LL.M) at Columbia University, I joined the Faculty of Law and Public Administration at Birzeit University in Palestine as one of the first women lecturers-in-law, and served as a member of the National Legislative Committee advising the Palestinian Legislative Council on amending the Child Law, Personal Status Law and Criminal Law. In 2009 I was appointed by the European Union as a legal expert to manage the biggest donors-funded component to develop the Palestinian Bar Association. With the support of the Open Society Foundations, I rejoined Columbia University in 2012 as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, where I was affiliated with the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law. In Spring of 2013, I co-taught a course titled ‘Occupation: Law, Politics, Morality’. I am also a member of the New York City Bar and have served as the Secretary of the Committee on Middle East and North Africa.

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ZINEB MOUHYI date of birth: email:

06 August zineb.mouhyi@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Zineb is the Policy Development Officer at WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education), at the Qatar Foundation in Doha. She mainly works on education development policy research and on bringing different education stakeholders together to bring forth collaborations in education. Prior to this, Zineb was working in the private sector in medium business restructuration and consulting when she decided to do a career change and pursue her passion for international development and education by doing a Masters of International Affairs at Columbia University, New York.

Being born in Morocco, a country stalled by stark inequalities, I have always strived to have a positive impact on my community. I have thus developed a strong passion for development and in particular education, which I see as the great equalizer. My passion for development and curiosity about people led me to work, study and volunteer in 8 different countries in the past 10 years. If you want to talk big ideas for how to bring change, educate people, and change people’s views, please come to talk to me.

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