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Who We Are

Building Bridges. Shaping Futures.

The Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) is where world leaders, changemakers, and youth unite to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. We don’t just talk about change—we create it through meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and bold action.

From bustling conference rooms to grassroots communities, we’re fostering conversations that matter and turning them into solutions that last.

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What Drives Us

Global Diplomacy

Facilitating dialogue among nations and institutions to foster cooperation.

Human Rights

Advocating dignity, equality, and justice worldwide.

Peace & Resolution

Transforming conflict into understanding through mediation.

Sustainable Development

Accelerating progress on global SDGs.

Our Impact in Action

Global Forums

High-level diplomatic and policy discussions.

Leadership Programs

Training in diplomacy and negotiation.

Policy Research

Insights influencing real-world decisions.

Cross-Cultural Missions

Building peace through exchange programs.

CGAD Global Advisory

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice

Chair of Public International Law, Queen Mary University | Environmental Law Expert

Prof. Dr. Arda Ozturkcan

Vice Rector, İstanbul Gelisim University | AI, Health & Sustainability | Quality & Accreditation Expert

Peggy Taillon

Senior Leader in Healthcare, Business & Non-Profit | Founder, HERA Mission of Canada             

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

International Researcher & Policy Analyst | SDGs, Diplomacy & Youth Development                            

Dr. Mian Waqar Badshah

Global Strategist | Corporate Governance & International Finance | Middle East, Türkiye & South Asia

Allyson Reneau (USA)

International Space Consultant & Policy Advisor | Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025 | Space Diplomacy & Women’s Empowerment

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Dr. Aviles

Founder & CEO, AELSTONE | EU Climate Pact Ambassador | Sustainability, AI & Strategic Foresight Leader

Claire Louise

Peacebuilding Practitioner | Counsellor & Therapist | Arts, Psychology & Intercultural Dialogue                                           

Peggy Taillon

Event Chair - Youth Forum on UN Global Goals.
Istanbul, Türkiye | April 27-30, 2026.

Peggy Taillon is a courag……

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

Co-Chair, Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026

Dr. Afsana Mammadli is an interna……

Allyson Reneau (USA)

International Speaker – YFGG 2026 | Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025

Allyson Reneau is an internatio……

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

Speaker – YFGG 2026 | President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Irina Tsukerman is a U.S.-based national se……

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GYIS 2026 · PORTO 🇵🇹

Your Moment Starts in Porto.

CGAD 2026 brings the boldest young minds to Porto, Portugal this September. One city, one mission — lead, connect, and shape the future with changemakers from across the globe.

Your Voice. Your Impact. Our Future.

Join CGAD as an Ambassador, Volunteer, or Speaker.

Apply Now

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice

President – YFGG 2026 | Keynote Speaker

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice is a globally renowned scholar of public international law and currently holds the Chair of Public International Law at the Department of Law at Queen Mary University of London. She will serve as President of the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 and deliver the Keynote Address, bringing decades of academic excellence and global legal expertise to the forum.

Professor Fitzmaurice is a Full Member of the prestigious Institute of International Law, an elite body of leading international jurists established in 1873 and recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peaceful dispute resolution and the advancement of international law. Membership in the Institute is granted solely on the basis of exceptional scholarly achievement and global contribution.

A leading authority on international environmental law, treaty law, and indigenous peoples’ rights, Professor Fitzmaurice has contributed extensively to shaping global legal discourse on environmental governance. In 2025, at the session of the Institute of International Law in Rabat, she served as Co-Rapporteur for the landmark resolution on the Status and Functions of Conferences of Parties to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, reflecting her influence in global environmental law and multilateral diplomacy.

In recognition of her outstanding academic contributions, she was awarded the Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Neuchâtel in 2021. She has also delivered lectures at the world-renowned The Hague Academy of International Law, where leading scholars educate a select global audience of diplomats, legal practitioners, and emerging international law experts.

Professor Fitzmaurice also contributes to United Nations capacity-building initiatives through the UN International Law Fellowship Programme, teaching international environmental law to legal professionals from developing countries. She further serves as the Nippon Foundation Professor of Marine Environmental Protection at the International Maritime Law Institute.

At YFGG 2026, Professor Fitzmaurice will provide visionary leadership as President of the Forum, guiding global youth, policymakers, and emerging leaders in discussions on international law, environmental governance, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her presence reflects the forum’s commitment to high-level academic leadership and meaningful global dialogue on sustainable development and international cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Arda Ozturkcan

Vice Rector, İstanbul Gelisim University | AI, Health & Sustainability Researcher | Quality & Accreditation Expert

Prof. Dr. Arda Ozturkcan is Vice Rector for Quality, Accreditation, and Internationalization at İstanbul Gelisim University (IGU), leading the institution’s strategic transformation in academic excellence, global engagement, and sustainability.

With a PhD in Organic Chemistry, he has developed a distinguished interdisciplinary profile at the intersection of chemistry, health sciences, artificial intelligence, and food systems. His research focuses on AI integration in health and food systems, sustainable nutrition, functional foods, and biochemical and pharmaceutical processes.

He has served as principal investigator in numerous nationally and internationally funded projects, including EU-COST Actions and TÜBİTAK programmes, and serves on the editorial boards of leading scientific journals.

An internationally accredited expert in quality assurance, Prof. Ozturkcan holds ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and ISO 14001/45001 certifications, and serves as external evaluator for accreditation bodies including AQAS, YOKAK, and TSE.

He contributes to global sustainability and policy discourse through institutional leadership and participation in platforms such as COP30, with continued engagement in upcoming global initiatives.

Peggy Taillon

Event Chair - Youth Forum on UN Global Goals.
Istanbul, Türkiye | April 27-30, 2026.

Peggy Taillon is a courageous and influential leader recognized for her unwavering commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice. Her work is grounded in the belief that when people move in unison with shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.

Throughout her distinguished career, Peggy has held senior leadership roles across complex organizations in healthcare, business, and the non-profit sector. She has advised governments on modernizing services for marginalized communities and is widely respected for her ability to address systemic challenges and drive transformative solutions.

Her leadership legacy includes spearheading nationally recognized initiatives, including the Charter Challenge to Save the Long Form Census, leading Mental Health Reform in Ontario, and supporting harm reduction efforts through the establishment of Supervised Injection Sites in Ottawa.

In 2008, Peggy founded the HERA Mission of Canada, supporting women-led development projects that empower widows and children in Western Kenya. Her contributions have been acknowledged through numerous honors recognizing her impact in community development and social change.

Peggy currently serves on several national and international boards advancing social impact, innovation, and equity. She is also President of M&C Consulting, a global strategy and communications firm.

Peggy Taillon serves as the Forum Chair of the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals, bringing visionary leadership, global perspective, and a deep commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress.

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

Co-Chair, Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026

Dr. Afsana Mammadli is an international researcher, policy analyst, and youth development strategist with over 20 years of experience across academia, diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. As Co-Chair of YFGG 2026, she brings extensive expertise in facilitating international workshops, diplomatic simulations, and policy dialogues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She has led global youth initiatives including high-level multilateral simulations and intercultural leadership platforms, promoting sustainable development, regional cooperation, and intergenerational dialogue. With more than 90 analytical publications influencing policy discourse across the MENA region and Europe, her work bridges research and action.

At YFGG 2026, she will guide youth leaders in advancing SDG-driven solutions, climate dialogue linked to COP-31, and global partnership building.

Dr. Mian Waqar Badshah

Global Strategist | Corporate Governance & International Finance | Middle East, Türkiye & South Asia

Dr. Mian Waqar Badshah is an influential keynote speaker, global strategist, and thought leader at the intersection of Corporate Governance, International Finance, and strategic investment. With a dynamic career spanning academia, international partnerships, and large-scale development initiatives, he brings a rare blend of intellectual depth and real-world execution to the global stage.

Renowned for his compelling insights, Dr. Badshah addresses critical challenges shaping today’s economic and financial landscape—from ethical finance and risk governance to emerging market opportunities and sustainable investment models. His work bridges policy, academia, and industry, offering practical solutions that resonate with decision-makers, investors, and institutions alike.

Beyond research and advisory roles, Dr. Badshah has been actively engaged in cross-border collaborations across the Middle East, Türkiye, and South Asia, contributing to transformative projects in infrastructure, energy, and economic development. His leadership reflects a forward-thinking vision focused on innovation, resilience, and long-term impact.

A captivating and insightful speaker, he is known for delivering thought-provoking presentations that inspire action and foster meaningful dialogue. Through his engagements at international conferences and high-level forums, Dr. Badshah continues to influence conversations on global finance, governance, and sustainable growth.

Allyson Reneau (USA)

International Speaker – YFGG 2026 | Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025

Allyson Reneau is an international space consultant, award-winning scholar, and global policy advisor from the United States who will speak at YFGG 2026. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Harvard University, where she was nominated as Harvard’s Emerging Leader of the Year 2025.

Her award-winning Harvard thesis on U.S. space policy was published as a book and became a #1 new release on Amazon, contributing to discussions surrounding NASA’s return-to-the-Moon strategy. She also attended the NASA-sponsored International Space University and has completed internships at NASA Headquarters, the FAA Commercial Spaceflight Office, and the U.S. Naval War College.

At YFGG 2026, Allyson will share insights on innovation, space diplomacy, education, and women’s empowerment—highlighting the role of youth leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

Speaker – YFGG 2026 | President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Irina Tsukerman is a U.S.-based national security and human rights lawyer, geopolitical analyst, and President of Scarab Rising, Inc., a strategic advisory firm specializing in media strategy, security analysis, and global risk assessment. Representing the United States of America, she will serve as an international speaker at the Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals (YFGG) 2026.

With a professional background spanning U.S. national security law, information warfare, and international policy, Ms. Tsukerman brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges legal expertise with practical geopolitical insight. Through her advisory work and international media contributions, she addresses great power competition, human rights advocacy, reputational security, and emerging global threats.

As a speaker at YFGG 2026, she will contribute to discussions aligned with:

  • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals


The intersection of global security, diplomacy, and sustainable development

Her participation underscores the importance of equipping youth leaders with a deeper understanding of international law, governance frameworks, and information ecosystems in an era of complex geopolitical shifts.

Through her engagement with global platforms and youth-centered initiatives, Ms. Tsukerman supports cross-cultural dialogue, responsible leadership, and the strengthening of institutions necessary for long-term peace and sustainable development. Her presence at YFGG 2026 will enrich the Forum’s global perspective and reinforce its mission to connect emerging leaders with experienced international policy voices.

Dr. Aviles

Founder & CEO, AELSTONE | Strategic Foresight & Climate Leader

Dr. Aviles, is a globally recognized thought leader in sustainability, strategic foresight (20yrs track record), applied finance, and innovation policy. As Founder & CEO of AELSTONE, she leads global partnerships focused on SDG17, finance, and technological transformation. Her advisory scope spans institutions, firms, and sovereign ecosystems, including as Evaluator for European Commission projects, EU Climate Pact Ambassador since 2021, she has been consistently acknowledged; as a top 50 Influential Female Executives in Business 2026, Top Global Advisor, and as a leading voice at major global fora including COPs 27, 28, 29, HAPS, AI for Good, SET Tech Festival, etc. Her influential thought pieces—such as “AI as a Core Enabler” and interviews with Return of Investment, Zero one hundred,Empire Magazine, The Female Factor, and Enlit Europe—showcase her ability to bridge AI, sustainability, and energy for economic value.

Claire Louise

Counsellor | Peacebuilding Practitioner | Psychology & Arts

Claire Louise is a counsellor and peacebuilding practitioner from Northern Ireland, working at the intersection of psychology, the arts, and intercultural dialogue. With over a decade of experience, she has delivered workshops and performances across Europe and the Caucasus, using creative practice to support connection and understanding across diverse communities.

Her academic background is in psychology and therapeutic counselling, with research exploring the relationship between lived experience in polarised communities and wider media narratives, as well as the emotional impact on young people who advocate for peace within divided societies. This work informs her interest in how identity, perception, and emotional processes influence conflict at both individual and societal levels.

Claire-Louise has represented Northern Ireland internationally through her work with Beyond Skin and the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), including participation in global forums in The Hague. Alongside this, she works as an online counsellor, supporting individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. Her work has also been recognised through awards in the arts and for her contributions to community and volunteer engagement.

She is particularly interested in the role of psychological stabilisation within peace negotiations, and in developing approaches that integrate mental health, creativity, and dialogue to support sustainable peace.