A PROJECT OF
Through her scientific study, artistic work, and academic training in public policy, Nour Barakeh strives to understand society from different viewpoints and to communicate complex topics. She is a talented content and communications consultant and an accomplished playwright aiming at post-conflict peacebuilding.
Nour Barakeh is also an Agents of Change Youth Fellow at Wilson Center, a joint fellowship from the Environmental Change and Security Program and the Middle East Program, whereby, her developed project will be presented at COP28. Nour is especially interested in nuclear energy, climate nexus. In that regard, she has recently spoken on a panel discussion on “Bridging Climate Divides” at the United Nations in Vienna as part of World Youth Skills Day 2023.
Her M.A. in Public Administration from Central European University emphasized the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) and environmental policies to combat climate change. She previously studied at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus and graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Damascus University.
As a sought-after speaker on the SDGs, refugee, and migration issues, she has spoken on numerous high-profile panels, such as, Beyond Borders Scotland 2023, UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2022, UNHCR Austria, 2020, International Peace Institute (IPI) 2021, European Forum Alpbach 2018 alongside former UN SG Ban Ki-moon and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer.
Nour Barakeh has experience ranging from research and strategy to social work and journalism. She aims at supporting the establishment of sustainable educational projects focused on empowering people through raising awareness, and counselling governments, NGOs and corporations on polices with a specific focus on the Sustainable Developments Goals. As a Global Citizen, she believes in proactively pursuing the necessary goal of peace.
Through her scientific study, artistic work, and academic training in public policy, Nour Barakeh strives to understand society from different viewpoints and to communicate complex topics. She is a talented content and communications consultant and an accomplished playwright aiming at post-conflict peacebuilding.
Nour Barakeh is also an Agents of Change Youth Fellow at Wilson Center, a joint fellowship from the Environmental Change and Security Program and the Middle East Program, whereby, her developed project will be presented at COP28. Nour is especially interested in nuclear energy, climate nexus. In that regard, she has recently spoken on a panel discussion on “Bridging Climate Divides” at the United Nations in Vienna as part of World Youth Skills Day 2023.
Heather consults corporations, governmental groups, educational institutions and other entities on virtual learning, digital transformation, leadership development, employee engagement, change management, strategy, and globalization. With expertise in promoting emotional wellbeing on organizational levels, Heather consults on burnout prevention and mitigation and is often asked to speak on business-related topics.
Public outreach is emphasized, whether keynoting at global events, moderating high-level diplomatic panels, guiding technical-expert interactive workshops, or hosting televised broadcasts. Heather’s Manhattan-based television interview series has won national awards. Three broadcasts she hosted and produced on human trafficking began airing in the US in Q2 2023.
Heather is the founder and Executive Director of SDG2030.me and the Director of Development for the International Forum for Understanding.
Ethan Hill is a 12-year-old award winning philanthropist from Birmingham, Alabama. He is the founder of Ethan’s Heart-Bags4Blessings which is a nonprofit organization that services the immediate needs of the unhoused homeless population. He started this work at the age of 6. In 2022, he created a fully customized trailer which serves as the first of its kind Free Mobile Store and Educational Unit. It allows those experiencing homelessness to shop for supplies free of charge. He is an avid junior golfer who plays competitively on the high school varsity team at the prestigious Altamont School PGAjr., and as a First Tee Ambassador.
At 21, David Onilude is a Nigerian Digital Literacy Advocate, Frontend Developer, internationally acclaimed Social Entrepreneur, Ambassador for TheirWorld, Ashoka Young Changemaker, Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 Honoree, and Founder of Tech Now Global. He is a young changemaker empowering and improving the lives of children in underserved communities in Nigeria through technology. His work ensures that young people in rural communities have the digital skills, resources, and support to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
Davida Padi is a Social Media Strategies and Pre-Law Student based in the New York Metropolitan Area and Washington, DC. Her portfolio includes social media campaigns incorporating versatile design styles, vibrant colors, and cultural references that inspire and inform others. While Davida specializes in social media and mental health, her passion lies in public policy and digital storytelling. She is Ever so passionate about using her creativity to communicate with others. She has worked with, but not limited to, Pinterest, MTV, Rare Beauty, and the White House while concurrently earning her undergraduate degrees in Social Media Strategies in the University of Scranton. She is looking to continue utilizing her skillset to bring mental health resources globally while demonstrating that creativity is involved in every aspect of life.
Nyombi Morris is a Ugandan environmental activist who is known for promoting and advocating for climate justice and gender equality. Morris’ activism began when he asked world leaders and polluters to adapt to climate change based on the devastating rains and floods in Uganda. Morris initially gained notice for his youth and his ability to speak out. He is CEO of the non-profit organization he founded (Earth Volunteers), ambassador for the UNOCHA, and CNN’s “Environmentalist of Tomorrow”.
Geraldina is an activist and advocate for women’s human rights. In Ecuador, she represents the ALDEA Foundation and the National Network of Shelters for Women Living with Violence and their Children. She is one of the people in charge of the civil society femicide register. She is an independent consultant specialising in research, social action, and local and national advocacy for a life free of violence for women, children and adolescents. Geraldina has a degree in Migration and Development from FLACSO Ecuador and a degree in Social Communication.
Malaika Oringo is the Founder and CEO of Footprint to Freedom, a survivor-led organization. She is also the Founder of Footprint to Climate and the African Survivor Coalition. A talented advocate, she speaks up against human trafficking, stands up for victims’ rights and works to strengthen survivor inclusion and engagement. Malaika has spoken on various stages throughout Europe and at the United Nations in New York. Raised in Uganda in harsh conditions and exploited in the Netherlands, she has devoted her life to fighting against human trafficking. Malaika believes that since survivors are the most significant stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking, they should sit at decision-making tables from the community level to the national level and the international level.
Originally from Somalia, Suad has also lived in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, and Austria. She speaks six languages: Somali, Arabic, German, English, Hindi and Urdu.
She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Karachi. She works as a Social Medical Consultant (including psychological counseling) at DiakonieÖsterreich and as an Assistant Consultant at the Austrian Red Cross. She also works at the Medical University of Vienna as a researcher. Suad is a certified counselor regarding female genital mutilation (FGM) issues and is active in related community outreach. SDG 3 is especially important to Suad. She aims to spread awareness about refugee and migration issues, to improve the healthcare and pharmaceutical systems in developing countries, and to empower women.
Michael Spiekermann is a Fridays For Future Austria activist, as well as Austria’s Climate Youth Delegate on COP26 via CliMates Austria. As he describes himself, he is a ‘student, occasionally keynote speaker, impatiently waiting for government to pass a strong climate law’. Michael has put in practice his love for climate policies in various key institutions and organisations, such as Klimabündnis Österreich, Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie and Agora Energiewende. As a Fridays for Future activist, he gives interviews on radio and TV, is part of press conferences, engages with journalists, and writes numerous press releases on FFF campaigns and climate policy reforms. In 2021, he was the UNFCCC youth delegate at COP26 in Glasgow as part of the Austrian delegation, and the next year he mentored the two new youth delegates at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Through her scientific study, artistic work, and academic training in public policy, Nour Barakeh strives to understand society from different viewpoints and to communicate complex topics. Her M.A. in Public Administration from Central European University emphasized the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) and environmental policies to mitigate climate change. Developing migration policies and combating human trafficking are also in scope.
With experience ranging from dance and theater to social work and journalism, she aims to support the establishment of sustainable educational projects focused on empowering people through raising awareness, and to counsel governments, NGOs and corporations on policies with a specific focus on the Sustainable Developments Goals. As a Global Citizen, she believes in proactively pursuing the necessary goal of peace.
She previously studied at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus and graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Damascus University. As a sought-after speaker on the SDGs, refugee, and migration issues, she has spoken on numerous high-profile panels highlighting young, female voices such as at European Forum Alpbach alongside former UN SG Ban Ki-moon and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer as well as at a UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development among others. Nour Barakeh is also an Agents of Change Youth Fellow at Wilson Center.
Laurent Ziegler (MA) is the author of the print publication »Die Erinnerung an meine Kindheit«, an autobiographical analysis of traumatic experiences of childhood trafficking and ritual abuse, captured in paintings, drawings, text, and photography. In his artistic work, Laurent also focuses on installation and performative work. He studied Political Science at the University of Vienna and completed educational programs in contemporary dance and film. Laurent collaborates with artists in Europe and Japan and in 2009 initiated an arts-in-education program for photography in Sri Lanka (One World Foundation). For several years, he led courses on perception and memory at the NDU New Design University in Austria. His work is internationally represented in group and solo exhibitions. Laurent is a current member of Künstlerhaus Wien and Bildrecht LLC.
Tarek Ziarkash is a dedicated law student at the esteemed University of Vienna, driven by a profound passion for justice and legal advocacy. As part of his academic journey, Tarek Ziarkash embarked on an enriching experience through the Erasmus program, where he studied law at Istanbul University. This invaluable opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in a diverse legal system and further develop his understanding of international law. Building on his international background, Tarek Ziarkash has gained practical experience through work abroad, engaging in legal research across different jurisdictions. Additionally, his commitment to social causes is evident through his voluntary work with esteemed associations such as the European Law Student Association and different aid organisations. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set and a global perspective, Tarek Ziarkash is eager to contribute to the pursuit of justice and positive change on an international stage.
