EMPOWERMENT Project

At the age of 20, Luca achieved something he had been working towards since elementary school. He began his career as a football commentator at Sky Sport Austria, thus reaching his interim professional goal.

Prior to joining Sky Sport Austria, Luca had already reached many journalistic milestones. For more than two and a half years, he had designed and hosted the weekly sports program of the online radio station “Radio Waltl,” written articles for “Die Woche” and “SturmNetz,” taken part in the media summer academy “Energy for Life,” and completed three internships at ORF (two of them at the Styrian regional studio, one at the ORF Center in Vienna).

Luca is also the author of the book Daheimkicker, which he co-authored with Philipp Maschl.

At the beginning of 2022, Luca started his own business as a journalist and presenter, offering mainly event moderation. In parallel, he has been completing the part-time sports journalism course of the “Paris Lodron University Salzburg” at the Olympiazentrum Rif. In addition, he writes regularly on inclusion and accessibility in his own column of the street newspaper “Megaphon”.

With his journey, Luca consciously aims to contribute both directly and indirectly to making the world a more inclusive place, where people with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without disabilities.

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.

Layla Barakeh is a humanitarian worker and disaster-management specialist based in Syria. She specializes in mental health and psychosocial support and livelihood training. Layla is the Director of  Humanitarian Community Life (HCL), a capacity-building initiative for humanitarian settings in Syria and Yemen.

Aigerim Seitenova is a human rights professional from Kazakhstan with more than five years of experience in the civil society sector of Kazakhstan with a particular focus on human rights and peace education, youth and feminist activism.

Aigerim Seitenova is a nuclear disarmament activist and a third-generation survivor of Soviet nuclear testing. Aigerim’s interests are centred across intersecting areas such as human rights, disarmament and nuclear colonialism, WPS (women, peace and security) and YPS (youth, peace and security), critical approaches to international law, and peace activism, cross-culture education, decolonial feminism and civil society advocacy. Aigerim is one of the founding members of the newly established initiative Steppe Organization for Peace (STOP): Qazaq Youth Initiative for Nuclear Justice.  Aigerim is an alumna of the UK Govt Chevening Scholarship and holds an LL.M in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex and an MA in European Studies from the EU Global Campus Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratization in the Caucasus.

Weirong Li, a global citizen with Hungarian, Chinese, and American influences, is the founder and CEO of Raw Culture, a social impact media company that promotes human rights through diversity initiatives. She is a Global Communications Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Moderator, and Facilitator with a focus on cross-cultural communication, diversity equity and inclusion, and global citizenship education. Weirong is a TEDx speaker and serves as a UN Geneva Representative at World Information Transfer, advocating for environmental literacy and health. Weirong’s work aims to foster positive societal impact by cultivating global citizenship skills to promote a more loving, collaborative, and peaceful world through the power of diversity and storytelling.

Rania Ali is an award winning journalist, public speaker, and human rights defender from Syria. Having made her first award-winning documentary with the Guardian in 2017, she works as a campaigner highlighting to governments the importance of protecting human rights defenders worldwide. She is an advocate for human rights generally and refugee and women’s rights specifically, engaged in that pursuit for the past five years. She has dedicated herself to speaking on many international platforms for said issues.

Rania Ali has a degree in international relations thus expanding her expertise in areas related to post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation.

At the age of 13, Ishaan Shah co-founded Stolen Dreams, and more recently, the Youth for Freedom Collective, two international youth-led collectives working with stakeholders to counter modern slavery and human trafficking through education, advocacy, and policy. Today, Ishaan is 20-years-old and was the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations’ Youth Delegate to the UN’s 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), is the first Youth Focal Point for the Review and Implementation of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a UN Women National Gender Youth Advocate, UNESCO SDG4 Youth Network Representative, the UN MGCY’s Migration Youth and Children’s Platform (MYCP) Trafficking in Persons Specialist, and a Youth Representative on the UN Network on Migration’s Civil Society Action Committee. He is also the youngest member of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, sitting on the Supply Chains Working Group. Through this work, Ishaan is promoting meaningful youth participation, partnership and co-leadership in decision-making processes at all levels.

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). A nomad at heart his work is internationally on display.

Joy Sunday is a passionate anti-human trafficking advocate from Nigeria with a background in Experiential Marketing and Communications. Driven by her passion for social justice, she transitioned into the anti-human trafficking space. Currently, Joy holds the vital role of Movement Building and Communications Coordinator for Footprint to Freedom. She is also one of the major driving forces behind the development of the African Survivor Coalition—a network dedicated to empowering, uniting, and amplifying the voices of survivor leaders across all 54 African Nations.

Joy collaborates closely with individuals who have lived-experience to develop programs, initiatives, and resources aimed at enhancing survivor capacity and ensuring their voices resonate powerfully. She takes immense pride in her knack for bringing ideas to life, executing initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the human trafficking landscape.

Beyond her professional commitments, Joy expresses her creativity through playing the guitar, using music as her voice to touch lives and convey inspiring messages that resonates with people.

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 was presented at COP28. Nour is especially interested in nuclear energy, climate nexus. In that regard, she joined a panel discussion on “Bridging Climate Divides” at the United Nations in Vienna as part of World Youth Skills Day 2023.

Kendall Alaimo is an international activist, a clinical educator, a professionally trained artist, and a survivor of child trafficking and re-exploitation. What survived is her voice and she is using it around the world to innovate clinical care for complex trauma survivors. Kendall is an expert in child sexual abuse prevention and versed in medical modalities for complex trauma recovery.She has spoken both domestically and internationally in her mission to educate, support and provide hope to populations affected by the fallout of all types of trauma through her Trauma Talk. During her address at the 2021 United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Combating Trafficking in Persons she stated, “Lets come together, let’s work together and let’s bring these survivors home.” As an Artist, she is known for using her iconic Red Seats. Her artwork and activism has recently been featured on CNN International. Kendall is the founder of The University Alliance on Human Trafficking.

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.

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.

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.

Zoi Sakelliadou works as a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer in UNODC’s Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section. She is responsible for developing knowledge and innovation for the Section. With a career spanning over 15 years, Zoi has worked in the field, provided legal and policy advice and serviced intergovernmental processes. She has worked for the European Union in Brussels and served with the OSCE and UNHCR in post-conflict settings in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. She has also worked for the Greek Council for Refugees. She holds a Master of Arts in European Union Law, a Bachelor of Arts in International and European Studies, as well as post-graduate diplomas in Childhood Studies, Islamic Studies, and has studied Law. Originally from Greece, she speaks Greek, English, Italian, French, Serbo-Croatian, and has basic knowledge of Spanish and Russian.

Kirsty Rancier is the youth focal point for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and has in-depth experience engaging youth in educational and electoral contexts. As an Associate Programme Management Officer, she works to mainstream youth activities within UNODC and advocates for the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals in inter-agency spaces. Kirsty holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University (Canada) as well as a Bachelor of Management from the University of British Columbia (Canada).

Ian manages the GI-TOC Resilience Fund, a multi-donor initiative which supports civil society individuals and organizations working to counter the damaging effects of organized crime around the world. He is based in Vienna, where he leads GI-TOC engagement with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the wider diplomatic and civil society community in Vienna.  Ian is currently the Chair of the NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.  Before joining GI-TOC, Ian spent five years at the UK’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna, where he led UK engagement with the UNODC and represented the UK in several prominent UN negotiations on organised crime and related issues.

Mag.^a Katharina Stourzh, MA leads Parliamentary Cooperation within the EU and International section of the Austrian Parliament. This entails contact, networking and exchange of information with other parliaments and partner organizations for the purpose of establishing parliamentary cooperation; development, planning and implementation of cooperation with other parliaments, ongoing project management as well as follow-up and evaluation. Stourzh and her department serve as the contact point of the interparliamentary EU-Information Exchange (IPEX) and provide coordination of international parliamentary administrative exchange in addition to the preparation of information for the Austrian Parliament.

Karin Dobler-Kreibich is the Director of Bundesrealgymnasium Wien 19 which is an SDG Ambassador School and part of UNESCO School Network. For the Austrian Ministry of Education, she also serves as the Chair of the Expert Commission for Geography and as Appraiser for School Books in the category of geography.

As Head Teacher, Karin Dobler-Kreibich ensured that high standards in all aspects of school life were maintained by closely monitoring operations. She maintained accountability for developing and implementing curriculum strategy and updates while managing overall operation of all school events, day-to-day human resources issues, and school premises.

Organisational leadership, educational-institution development, and team collaboration are among her areas of expertise.

Ruchira Gupta is an Emmy winning journalist and founder of the anti sex trafficking NGO Apne Aap that helps women and girls exit systems of prostitution. I Kick and I Fly is her debut fiction novel.

She has been given the French Ordre National du Mérite, Clinton Global Citizen Award, and the UN NGO CSW Woman of Distinction among other honors for her contribution to the establishment of the UN Trafficking Fund for Survivors, the passage of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act and her grassroots activism with Apne Aap. She has co-written a book with Gloria Steinem, As if Women Matter, and edited two anthologies, River of Flesh and Renu’s letters to Birju Babu. She holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from Smith College. Ruchira has worked for the United Nations in Nepal, Thailand, Kosovo, Iran, and USA. She teaches occasionally as a visiting professor at New York University.