Meet our keynote speakers
opening Speakers:
Founder & President, Ariel Foundation International, Switzerland: Ariel King
As the Founder and President of Ariel Foundation International (www.arielfoundation.org ), a non-profit organization founded in 2002, holding special consultative ECOSOC Status with the United Nations (2016) and NGO Status at the European Parliament (2015). Registered in the USA, France, Switzerland, and Ghana. Dr. King has made a significant impact on the lives of youth across 30+ countries. With a focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service, AFI has impacted approximately 150,000 young individuals. Notably, AFI made history by accrediting children and youth as official Delegates to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Through her foundation, Dr. King has promoted partnerships, peace, and prosperity through entrepreneurship and education.
Minister & Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO and other international economic organizations and current Chair of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): Mr. Boris Richard
Minister Boris RICHARD
Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO and other international economic organizations and current Chair of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
A career diplomat, he joined the Swiss Foreign Service in 2001 and held various positions in Berne and abroad.
He graduated in political science and journalism and holds a certificate in international economics of the Graduate Institute of Geneva.
meet our panelists
Geneva panelists
Senior Water-Peace Programme Manager, Lead for the Geneva Water Hub’s “Building Peace through Water” work: Natasha Carmi
Esther Pozo Vera holds an LLM in EU law from the College of Europe and bachelor degrees in law and political sciences from the University of Murcia. Ms. Pozo Vera is the head of the unit for asylum in DG Home Affairs. She was recently involved with the adoption of the EU’s migration pact. She has been working for the European Commision since 2008 and she previously led the unit for Schengen governance.
Policy and Law Programme Manager: Basilio Ghisletta
Stella Ronner-Grubačić is the Deputy Managing Director for Values and Multilateral Relations at the EU External Action Service. She received a bachelor's degree in European studies from the Universiteit van Amsterdam. She later went on to complete graduate courses at the Clingendael Institute for International Relations and Ecole Nationale d'administration. Before working for the EEAS, Ms. Ronner-Grubačić worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands and served as an ambassador to Croatia, Romania, the republic of Moldova, and Greece. She is currently working on advancing gender equality and non-discrimination and how it relates to the EU’s foreign and security policy.
Project Manager Policy and Law & Building Peace Programmes for the Geneva Water hub: Erik Schnetzler
Captain Kurt Engelen, a Belgian navy officer, boasts a multifaceted background in military, industry, and academia. Holding master's degrees in applied linguistics and international politics, along with certificates from Cambridge University and M.I.T., he has completed prestigious courses at the European Security and Defence College. With notable roles including staff officer at NATO and head of the EU section at the Belgian Defence Staff Strategy Department, he currently serves as Defence Counsellor to the Belgian PSC Ambassador. Engelen also teaches at the Riga Graduate School of Law and the Royal Military Academy, focusing on international politics and security. Recognized for his achievements, he holds esteemed titles such as Commander in the Order of the Crown and Officer in the Order of Leopold.
panelists
Founder and President of the International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland (IID): Pablo Demierre
Pablo Demierre is Founder and President of the International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland(IID). A political scientist specializing in international relations, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lausanne and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Geneva, where his research focused on European and international affairs. He also did part of his Masters in the UK, at the University of Essex, focusing on humanitarian affairs and conflict resolution. Pablo Demierre has worked at the United Nations for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, as well as at the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe in Lausanne, where he also co-edited the publication: “Smart at any cost? Challenges of digitalisation in the age of Covid-19” (2022).
Community Lead, CEO Action Group On Nature Pillar, World Economic Forum: Pavitra Raja
Pavitra Raja leads the CEOs for Nature initiative at the World Economic Forum, championing corporate sustainability. With a background in law, international relations, and strategic communications, she has shaped key programs and partnerships at the United Nations and World Economic Forum. Pavitra is also a lawyer, certified impact coach, board member, and recognized speaker. Pavitra is Australian-Indian, speaks 5 languages and holds a Juris Doctorate and a B.A. from top global institutions.
Co-Founder, Gallifrey Foundation & SHE Changes Climate: Antoinette Vermilye
Antoinette is passionate about the complex interrelationships of the ocean, plastics, gender, and overfishing on social injustice, human health and the environment. She seek either coalitions to find action-oriented solutions that will have far reaching impacts downstream or to take action on identified gaps where little or no attention is being paid.
