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EMPOWERING LEADERS | SHAPING FUTURES | BUILDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

YOUTH FORUM ON UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL GOALS 2026

The Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 brings together young leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the globe for four transformative days in Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷.

Join this premier international platform designed to empower youth through dialogue, diplomacy, and SDG-aligned action.

  • Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷
  • April 27–30, 2026
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EVENT HAPPENING IN

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

This is your opportunity to lead, learn, and drive meaningful change aligned with the UN Global Goals.

  • 150 Participant Seats Available

Why Attend YFGG 2026?

A transformative platform where dialogue meets action. Connect with youth leaders, UN advocates, and global experts while building networks that drive sustainable change.

Global
Recognition

Earn international certification from CGAD

Expert
Engagement

Access workshops on SDGs, leadership, and peacebuilding

Cultural
Immersion

Explore Istanbul, bridging continents and cultures

Lifelong
Networks

Build meaningful connections with changemakers worldwide

Forum Objectives

YFGG 2026 is designed to create lasting impact through focused objectives that empower youth and drive global change.

Strengthen Youth Participation

Amplify youth voices in global dialogue on SDGs

Inspire SDG Action

Foster youth-driven solutions for sustainable development

Bridge Cultures

Create cross-cultural understanding and collaboration

Drive Peace & Development

Build leadership for resilient, sustainable futures

Elevate Civic Engagement

Strengthen skills for policy advocacy and community impact

Celebrate Global Cooperation

Unite youth from diverse backgrounds for collective action

Registration Categories.

Choose the category that fits your journey and join us in Istanbul for this impactful global gathering.

Fully Funded

$13.99

For exceptional delegates granted full sponsorship without financial burden.

  • Airfare Support
  • Accommodation
  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
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Partially Funded

$13.99

Subsidized participation with essential benefits and networking access.

  • Full Forum Registration
  • Selected Meals During Event
  • Forum Materials
  • All Session Access
  • Official Certificate (CGAD)
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Note: Accommodation support may be provided
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Forum Access Pass

$349

$199

Direct access to core discussions  without accommodation.

  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
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Self-Funded

$899

$499

Premium experience with full access, accommodation, and enhanced comfort.

  • Accommodation
  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
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Scholarship Seats

Fully Funded Seats
0
Partially Funded Seats
0

Self Sponsored Seats

Self-Funded Seats
0
Forum Access Pass Seats
0
  • Important: Application fees are non-refundable. Payment does not guarantee selection. International airfare NOT included in any category.

Who Can Apply?

Open to

  • Open to individuals aged 15 years and above.
  • All nationalities.
  • No specific academic background required.
  • Students, professionals, activists, entrepreneurs, researchers.

We're Looking For

  • Passion for SDGs and sustainable development.
  • Leadership potential and commitment to change.
  • Interest in peacebuilding and global cooperation.
  • English proficiency recommended for meaningful participation.

Meet the Speakers of YFGG 2026

Ambassador Dimitrios Rallis

Deputy Secretary General, BSEC | EU & Multilateral Diplomat | 40+ Years of International Relations

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice

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

Ambassador M. Amanul Haq

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Türkiye | Career Diplomat, Bangladesh Foreign Service | Guest of Honour, YFGG 2026

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

Dr. Aviles

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

Assoc. Prof. Merve Bayram

Head of Nutrition & Dietetics, İstanbul Gelisim University | AI in Nutrition Science | Sustainable Dietary Patterns

Claire Louise

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

Assoc. Prof. Burcu Zeybek

Faculty of Communication, Istanbul University | Communication Governance & Digital Transformation

Nazmelis Zengin

Director of Corporate Communications, Turkish Space Agency | Space, Defense & Emerging Technologies | Strategic Communications

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……

View All

Application Process

Follow these simple steps to join YFGG 2026 in Istanbul.

Choose
Your Category

Select Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Forum Access, or Self-Funded

Complete
Application

Fill out the online application form with your details

Pay
Application Fee

$13.99 for funded categories, $199/$499 for access/self-funded

Submit
Application

Review and submit your complete application

Get
Confirmed

If selected, receive confirmation and preparation materials

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 is more than an event — it’s your gateway to global leadership, meaningful connections, and real-world impact on the SDGs.

Participant Spots
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Transformative Days
0
Incredible Opportunity
0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about YFGG 2026.

What is YFGG?

An international youth forum in Istanbul focused on the SDGs, peacebuilding, and global development open to individuals aged 15 and above from all nationalities.

Yes, with 35 Fully Funded seats plus 35 Partially Funded, Self-Funded, and Forum Access options.

Forum registration, accommodation, meals, materials, a city tour, activities, transportation, a certificate, and airfare support are included.

Yes. Travel expenses are included in the package. 

Fully Funded & Partially Funded: $13.99 | Forum Access: $199 | Self-Funded: $499. Fees are non-refundable and don’t guarantee selection.

Anyone aged 15 years and above from all nationalities and educational backgrounds may apply. Passion and commitment to the SDGs matter most.

YFGG is an independent forum inspired by UN SDGs. Not an official UN event, but follows UN-style frameworks.

Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷 | April 27–30, 2026 | In-person forum

25 Fully Funded | 35 Partially Funded | 40 Self-Funded | 50 Forum Access Pass

Yes. We provide a confirmation letter, an invitation letter (if required), and a visa support letter addressed to the relevant embassy or consulate to assist with the visa application process. Please note that the final decision regarding visa issuance rests solely with the respective embassy or consulate.

Yes. All participants receive official Certificate of Participation from CGAD.

Applications For Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 Under This Category Has Been Closed.You can still apply in the Forum Access and Self-Funded categories.

Ambassador Dimitrios Rallis

Deputy Secretary General, BSEC | EU & Multilateral Diplomat | 40+ Years of International Relations

Ambassador Dimitrios Rallis serves as Deputy Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) in Istanbul. With over 40 years of diplomatic experience, he has represented Greece in Berlin, New York (UN), Damascus, Moscow, Brussels (EU), Nicosia, and Berlin as Ambassador.

He played a central role in EU legislation covering economic integration, transport, energy, trade, and culture, and served as Chairman of the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper I) and Director General for European Affairs of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He was instrumental in transforming the Black Sea Economic Cooperation into a formal regional economic organization.

Ambassador Rallis is fluent in English, French, and German, and holds distinguished honours including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix (Greece) and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit from both Cyprus and Germany.

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.

Ambassador M. Amanul Haq

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Türkiye | Career Diplomat, Bangladesh Foreign Service | Guest of Honour, YFGG 2026

H.E. Mr. M. Amanul Haq is a career diplomat of the Bangladesh Foreign Service and currently serves as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Türkiye in Ankara, a position he assumed on 2 January 2023.

Belonging to the 18th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign Affairs cadre), he joined the service in 1999. Prior to this posting, he served as Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh from 2020 to February 2023.

His earlier assignments include Consul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York, and a significant stint at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he rose to the position of Acting Director General of the Cabinet and Advisor to the Secretary General.

He holds Honours and Master’s degrees in International Relations from the University of Dhaka and a diploma in International Relations from École nationale d’administration in France.

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.

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.

Assoc. Prof. Merve Bayram

Head of Nutrition & Dietetics, İstanbul Gelisim University | AI in Nutrition Science | Sustainable Dietary Patterns

Assoc. Prof. Merve Bayram serves as Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at İstanbul Gelisim University (IGU), where she leads academic development, research strategy, and international engagement at the intersection of nutrition and health sciences.

Her research focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence into nutrition science, with a particular emphasis on AI-assisted dietary assessment, sustainable dietary patterns, and the environmental implications of food consumption. Adopting an interdisciplinary and data-driven approach, she bridges nutritional epidemiology, behavioral science, and digital health methodologies to address emerging challenges in food systems and public health.

Dr. Bayram has established a strong international research profile, with peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Her work advances AI-based approaches for evaluating and optimizing dietary behaviors, while incorporating environmental sustainability indicators — including carbon, water, and energy footprints. In recognition of her academic excellence, her doctoral research article received the First Prize from the Pınar Institute in 2025.

In addition to her research, Dr. Bayram is actively engaged in academic publishing. She serves as Assistant Editor of the IGU Journal of Health Sciences and holds advisory board positions in several international scientific journals.

Her work is closely aligned with global sustainability priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to efforts toward sustainable dietary transitions and the responsible application of artificial intelligence in health sciences. Beyond her academic roles, she is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and capacity building — supporting the next generation of researchers in AI-driven nutrition science.

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.

Assoc. Prof. Burcu Zeybek

Faculty of Communication, Istanbul University | Communication Governance & Digital Transformation | Master of Ceremonies, YFGG 2026

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Zeybek is a distinguished academic from the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul University and a leading expert in communication governance and digital transformation.

Her extensive research focuses on how local governments design resilient communication strategies to manage health, climate, and disaster-related crises while effectively countering misinformation.

Dr. Zeybek is dedicated to translating academic findings into practical policy guidelines, specifically aiming to enhance municipal transparency and ensure the participation of vulnerable groups.

As the Master of Ceremonies for YFGG 2026, she brings her deep expertise in urban governance and strategic communication to lead the forum’s high-level diplomatic dialogues.

Nazmelis Zengin

Director of Corporate Communications, Turkish Space Agency | Space, Defense & Emerging Technologies | Strategic Communications

Nazmelis Zengin is the Director of Corporate Communications at the Turkish Space Agency, with a background in media and strategic communications. She previously worked as a technology and economy journalist in leading national outlets.

She studied at Istanbul University and pursued further education in International Relations at the Lebanese American University. She is currently continuing her master’s degree in Political Communication at Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University.

Zengin writes on space, defense, and emerging technologies, focusing on Türkiye’s space vision and global technology trends.

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.