ICVA Speakers Bureau

Africa

Mr. Omar Jama

Organization: Zamzam Foundation

Job title : Executive Director

Topics: Food security and hunger, Climate and environment action, Nutrition, Education, Health, WASH, Early recovery, PSEAH, Children's rights, Gender, Inclusion of persons with disabilities, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Humanitarian financing, Conflict, peace and security, Humanitarian access, Cash, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Omar Jama has diverse experience working in firms and nonprofit organizations involved in humanitarian and development assistance initiatives. He is adaptable to changing environments, has strong communication, interpersonal and analytical skills, with many years experience in administrative and senior management. Educated in Somalia and Malaysia, he continues to learn in complex environments, heading a workforce of over 500 workers and volunteers working to deliver successful programs for the most marginalized communities in Somalia.

Mr. Elmehdi Wakina

Organization: Association Malienne pour la Survie au Sahel

Job title: Director

Topics: Education, Children's rights, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Humanitarian financing, Protection of civilians, Conflict, peace and security, Humanitarian access, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Language: French

Bio: Elmehdi has served as a secondary education teacher and has been the Director of AMSS Programs since 2002. He is the President of the platform of national NGOs active in humanitarian work in Mali. Over the years, he has actively participated in various national and international training courses and consultations focusing on development and humanitarian efforts. He was part of the Istanbul world summit in 2016 and served as the initiator of the first national forum on the localization of humanitarian aid in Mali in 2022. He was honored as an Officer of the National Order of Mali in September 2022 and has been a member of the Country Humanitarian Team since 2018, representing national NGOs. Elmehdi also contributes as a member of the INSO advisory board and serves as a CCHN facilitator, specializing in leadership in the supervision of emergency technical teams.

Ms. Mariam Touri

Organization: Save the Children International

Job title: Regional Humanitarian Advocacy Adviser (Education in Emergencies and Child protection in conflicts)

Topics: Education, Children's rights, Humanitarian access

Languages: English and French

Bio: Mariam holds a master's degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of SOAS in London, along with a degree in Private Law. With 6 years of experience in communication, program, and advocacy, including 4 years in management roles within complex humanitarian contexts in Central and West Africa, Mariam brings substantial expertise to her work. Previously, she served as the head of advocacy and communications for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Mali for 3 and a half years. Currently, Mariam is a regional advisor in humanitarian advocacy at Save the Children, focusing on education in emergencies and the protection of children in conflicts across countries such as the DRC, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. Additionally, Mariam holds a Bioforce certification in the design and management of humanitarian projects.

Mr. Paul Kithima

Organization: Bondeko Refugee Livelihoods Centre

Job title: Executive Director

Topics: Food security and hunger, Climate and environment action, Education, Shelter and NFIs, WASH, Early recovery, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Protection of civilians, Conflict, peace and security, Humanitarian access, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English and French

Bio: Paul served as an Outreach Officer for Refunite in 2013 - 2014, connecting hundreds of refugees each week to the family tracing services. From 2016 to 2017, he played a key role in implementing the "International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence," engaging with thousands of Uganda Battle Group troops before their deployment in Somalia for peacekeeping. Paul participated as a panelist at the UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs in Geneva in June 2022 and as a speaker at the HC dialogue on protection challenges in December 2022. In June 2023, during the 2nd informal GRF meeting, he presented a statement on behalf of the reference group advocating for advancing localization in displacement and statelessness responses.

Asia and the Pacific

Ms. Naiyana Thanawattho

Organization: Asylum Access Thailand (AAT)

Job title: Executive Director

Topics: Children's rights and Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions)

Languages: English and Thai

Bio: Naiyana joined AAT in 2019, an organization that offers legal aid, refugee engagement, and policy advocacy. She co-founded the Myanmar Response Network (MRN) and served as the Coordinator for the Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons (CRSP) from 2020-2022. In addition to her work advocating for refugee recognition and contributing to the development of screening guidelines, Naiyana has over 12 years of experience in child protection with organizations such as UNICEF, UNHCR, and Save the Children. She holds a master's degree in Women's Studies from Thammasat University in Bangkok.

Mr. Azmat Khan

Organization: Foundation for Rural Development

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Topics: Food security and hunger, Climate and environment action, Shelter and NFIs, Early recovery, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Protection of civilians, Conflict, peace and security, Camp coordination and camp management, Humanitarian access, CASH, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English, Urdu, Pushto, Hindi

Bio: Azmat has 17 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sector. His expertise lies in program design, implementation, and oversight, focusing on forced displacement, natural disasters, and climate change adaptation in humanitarian response and recovery efforts. He has played a pioneering role in integrating climate change adaptation measures into humanitarian operations. Specializing in food security, climate change, and fostering peaceful co-existence in fragile contexts, Azmat provides valuable insights into program implications and contribute to constructive reviews. Additionally, he was the first representative from the global South to participate in the IASC normative guidance formulation body (OPAG), advocating for Localization, the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus, and enhancing access in challenging situations.

Mr. Qamar Iqbal

Organisation: Pak Mission Society

Job title: Head of Localisation & Partnerships

Country: Pakistan

Topics: Localisation; Humanitarian financing; Humanitarian access; Humanitarian development and peace nexus; Climate and environment action; Children's rights;

Languages: English, Urdu

Bio: Qamar is a development professional with 22 years of diverse experience working with international and national NGOs in Pakistan. A strategist, analyst, and policy influencer, Qamar is dedicated to advancing the localisation agenda and is currently convening the NEAR Network and Charter4Change in Pakistan.

Latin America

Ms. Karla Maria Reyes

Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Job title: Women's Protection and Empowerment Manager

Topics: Food security and hunger, Children's rights, Gender, Inclusion of persons with disabilities

Languages: English and Spanish

Bio: Karla is a lawyer and human rights researcher with dual master's degrees in Political Studies and Gender Studies. She has provided support to Civil Society Organizations in project management and development. Currently, Karla serves as the Women's Protection and Empowerment Manager at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and represents IRC in the Gender-Based Violence Subsector, which is co-led with UNPFA.

Mr. Armando Samayoa

Organization: Telecom Sans Frontieres

Job title: Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean

Topics: Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Humanitarian access, Humanitarian coordination

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Bio: With a background in International Relations, Armando has diverse professional experience spanning academia as an exchanges coordinator, the governmental sector focusing on rural development, and active involvement in founding a local Humanitarian NGO in Mexico. Seeking specialization in Humanitarian Action, he pursued the NOHA Joint European Master's degree in International Humanitarian Action. At TSF, he has engaged in project management, representation activities, and participated in numerous Emergency Responses, including crises like El Salvador Floods (2011), Mexico Floods (2013), Niger Food Insecurity Crisis (2013), Guatemala Food Insecurity Crises (2015-2018), Haiti Hurricane (2016), Ecuador Earthquake (2017), The Caribbean Hurricanes (2017), Bahamas Hurricane (2019), Storms in Honduras (2020), Haiti Earthquake (2021), and the mixed migration crisis in Mexico since 2017. Currently serving as TSF's representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Armando is dedicated to humanitarian efforts across the region.

Ms. Cristina Garcia Brito

Organization: HIAS

Job title: Regional Senior Vice President LAC Programs

Topics: Gender, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Humanitarian financing, Protection of civilians, Humanitarian access, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Bio: Cristina has two decades of experience in humanitarian response and development across America, Africa, and Asia. She is a seasoned professional specializing in project management and leadership roles. Her expertise encompasses areas such as protection, human rights, gender, governance, and peacebuilding, with a primary focus on refugee and displacement contexts. Throughout her career, she has collaborated effectively with International NGOs, donors, consultancy firms, and UN Agencies at a managerial level, overseeing project/strategy implementation end-to-end. This involves tasks like cluster coordination, interagency cooperation, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and representation. She holds a Master's Degree in Human Rights with a specialization in International Refugee Law, a Diploma in Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation, and a Degree in Business Administration and Management. Cristina possesses strong communication skills, interpersonal capabilities, and a deep understanding of intricate development and humanitarian issues.

Ms. Evelyn Buenano

Organization: Save the Children

Job title: Advocacy and Comms Director

Topics: Children's rights, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Bio: Evelyn brings extensive experience in advocating for children's rights and influencing key decision-makers at both national and international levels. Her work has involved engagements with bodies like the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and various governmental entities in Peru, Bolivia, Panama, and Spain. She has served in prominent roles within public institutions including the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, Evelyn has held senior positions in renowned organizations within the United Nations System (UNDP, UNICEF, UNV, ROC, World Bank), the European Union, and other international institutions such as the Red Cross, EveryChild, and Plan International. Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Gender and Equality Policies from the University of Valencia, Spain, a Master's in Human Development from FLACSO, Argentina, a Master's in International Cooperation from the University of Salamanca, Spain, alongside a Master's Degree in Social Policy and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from San Marcos University in Peru.

MENA

Mr Abdulrhman Almuhilan

Organization: Direct Aid Organization

Job title: Chairman of the Board

Topics: Food security and hunger, Nutrition, Education, Health, WASH, Humanitarian financing, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Dr. Almuhilan is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Direct Aid Organziation. He held the position of Kuwaiti Minister of Health between 1994 to 1996. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of The Educational Holding Group. Additionally, he was the President of The Gulf University for Science and Technology from 2006 until 2009 and the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Iyas Company for Academic and Technical Education. He was listed among the "Top 100 Executives" for the year 2007 by Arabian Business magazine.

Ms. Ghida Anani

Organization: ABAAD - Resource Center for Gender Equality

Job title: Founder & Director

Topics: Children's rights, Conflict, peace and security, Humanitarian coordination, Localization

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Ghida is the Founder & Director of ABAAD – Resource Centre for Gender Equality, a prominent Civil Society Organization (CSO) championing gender equality in the region. She is dedicated to establishing a sustainable protection system against gender-based violence, engaging with diverse stakeholders including men, parliamentarians, ministries, and religious leaders. Ghida's impactful advocacy work includes leading public opinion campaigns such as #Undress522, which successfully led to the repeal of Article 522, known as the 'rape-marriage' law, from the Lebanese Penal Code after a groundbreaking parliamentary vote. This campaign earned her the prestigious "UN SDG Action Award" in 2019 for its global impact. An expert in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection, Ghida has authored numerous studies, articles, training materials, and educational resources focusing on GBV and Child Sexual Abuse in Lebanon and the MENA region. She also contributes her expertise by teaching at the Faculty of Public Health at the Lebanese University. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Ghida was acknowledged by the World Bank in 2018 as one of the "10 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Making a Difference" in the MENA region. Additionally, she was selected by the UN Solutions Summit in 2019 as one of the "10 extraordinary solution makers worldwide" advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Mustafa Talha Keskin

Organization: Foundation for Human Rights and Freeedoms and Humanitarian Relief, IHH

Job title: International Relations Coordinator

Topics: Food security and hunger, Shelter and NFIs, Early recovery, Forced migration (refugees, IDPs, migrants, & durable solutions), Humanitarian financing, Conflict, peace and security, Humanitarian access, Cash, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Mustafa began his humanitarian journey as a volunteer in 2012, transitioning to a seasoned professional by 2015. As the International Relations Coordinator at the Humanitarian Relief Foundation in Istanbul, he spearheads international funding, partnerships, and coordination efforts, forging successful collaborations over the past three years. With a background in mechanical engineering from Turkey and a Master's degree in Advanced Studies on Humanitarian Action from Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Mustafa is proficient in Turkish, English, Arabic, and is currently learning French. Having conducted numerous humanitarian missions to conflict and disaster zones worldwide, he brings expertise in project management, monitoring & evaluation, grant management, and international partnerships. Mustafa aims to leverage his operational experience and academic background to contribute to humanitarian policy, advocacy, and research endeavors.

Mr. Jameel Abdo Ali

Organization: Tamdeen Youth Foundation

Job title: Executive Director

Topics: Climate and environment action, Shelter and NFIs, WASH, PSEAH, Humanitarian financing, Camp coordination and camp management, Humanitarian access, CASH, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Jameel has more than 22 years of experience in program and project management in the humanitarian and non-humanitarian fields, 15 in management positions. He holds a Master’s in Project Management and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Jameel possesses over seven years of leadership experience in humanitarian operations, emergency response management, economic recovery, peacebuilding, and local development. His in-depth understanding of the humanitarian and social landscape equips him to address the needs of conflict-affected populations and groups in Yemen. As the CEO of the Tamdeen Youth Foundation leading the localization efforts in Yemen, Jameel collaborates closely with organizations like ICVA, RSH, NEAR, and various national and global platforms. He also holds positions on the NEAR Leadership Council and the Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG).

Ms. Aisha Thawab

Organization: Abs Development Organisation for Women and Children

Job title: Chairwoman

Topics: Food security and hunger, Climate and environment action, Nutrition, Education, Health, WASH, Early recovery, Children's rights, Humanitarian financing, Protection of civilians, Conflict, peace and security, Camp coordination and camp management, CASH, Humanitarian coordination, Humanitarian, development and peace Nexus, Localization

Languages: English and Arabic

Bio: Dr. Aisha is the Founder and President of the Abs Development Organization for Women & Child. She holds a medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Sana’a, and a Master’s in Community Medicine from the Ministry of Health in Yemen, as well as the Arab Board in Public Health. As the first female doctor in Hajjah governorate, she has addressed persistent and emerging epidemiological and demographic challenges, promoted general health coverage, and strengthened emergency risk management for sustainable development. From 1992 to 1995, Dr. Aisha volunteered to teach and train illiterate women in Abs district. Her long-term journey has continued, during which she has designed and managed over 320 projects, benefiting more than 7 million individuals, with a focus on empowering women economically. Her initiatives have reached over 70% women and children, and she has been an advocate for women’s rights, serving more than seven million people from Yemen and contributing to protecting more than 1,200 women and girls from violence. With 28 years of experience in humanitarian and development work, her efforts have been particularly focused on the protection of women and minorities.

The ICVA Speakers Bureau

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Africa

Asia and the Pacific

Latin America

MENA

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