Libya
Hajer Sharief is a human rights advocate and the co-founder of “Together We Build It”
Hajer Sharief promotes the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts in Libya. The UN Secretary-General selected her to serve as a member of the Advisory Group of Experts for the Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security mandated by UNSCR 2250. Hajer is also, one of the twelve UN Women Champions on Women, Peace, Security and Human Rights.
Arizza’s multi-faith background as the daughter of a Catholic father and a Muslim mother inspired her to use education as a tool to promote peace and tolerance.
Bjørn Ihler is an internationally renowned expert in countering and preventing radicalisation and violent extremism (C/PVE) through the design of healthier communities online and offline. In 2016, Bjørn co-founded the Khalifa-Ihler Institute which works to promote peace, human rights, and thriving communities. Through his work, Bjørn has worked with and advised local organisations, national governments, […]
Fatima Zaman is an activist of British Bengali heritage, specialising in women, peace and security. Having witnessed the London 7/7 Bombings, Fatima has dedicated her life to activism toward building peace, and security and overcoming extreme violence in conflict. Having served as an official to the UK Government, her work involved advising Government ministers and […]
Ilwad Elman is a young female leader at the forefront of the Somali peace process and a global authority on ending conflict and preventing violent extremism. After the assassination of her father, prominent Somali peace activist Ilwad and her family became refugees, eventually finding asylum in Canada. Aged 19, she felt the responsibility to leave […]
Jonah Obajeun is a renowned activist from Nigeria committed to strengthening the social fabric of his community and working against the spread of violent extremism. After losing a business associate to a communal clash in 2008, Jonah started his journey to become an activist for peace, security and tolerance. Indeed, this painful experience triggered his […]
Mimoun Berrissoun is a social scientist, community organizer and peace advocate working at the intersection of prevention, equal rights and youth empowerment. In 2012, Mimoun founded 180 Grad Wende, a voluntary civil society initiative based in Germany. Tackling social inequality and the lack of awareness of the necessity of prevention among disadvantaged, radicalized youth in Europe, […]
Ndugwa Hassan is a Ugandan youth activist who co-founded the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum (UMYDF) after surviving the July 2010 Al-Shabaab bombings in Kampala. Hassan is the Executive Director of the UMYDF and his work focuses on strengthening youth and religious leaders’ capacities in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism. Ndunga […]
Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi is an aeronautical engineer who lost interest in aircraft at a certain point in his career. Looking for a greater purpose in life, he found his passion for social activism and development. Pursuing this dream, he founded the Pakistan Youth Alliance, Khudi, HIVE and Dil Say Pakistan over the years, to […]
Zaid Al Rayes is a Syrian refugee and entrepreneur living in Dubai. Zaid experienced the realities of violent extremism and conflict in his country and grasped the challenges facing young refugees in accessing the job market. He has developed a business model to address these challenges and has succeeded in creating more than 500 jobs for […]