One Young World Academy: Official Development Assistance

Born in London, he has earned a special reputation as a television news anchor who has interviewed world leaders in politics, science, and culture. They include Nobel Peace Prize laureates Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan, Muhammad Yunus, and Aung Sang Suu Kyi. He has also spoken to Bill Gates, Christine Lagarde, Winnie Mandela, Elton John, Jane Goodall, Winnie Mandela, and Madame Peng Liyuan. He was a main anchor on China Central Television and a guest presenter on BBC World News.

Mr. Chau leads the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), an independent non-governmental organization that builds trust between the world’s two leading economies through educational exchanges, cultural programs, and digital content creation.

Co-founded by Bono, it is a movement of millions of people fighting for economic opportunities and healthy lives.

He sits on the European Council on Foreign Relations Council and is a founding executive board member of the Africa Europe Foundation.

Previously, he was a non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he authored a collection of essays entitled ‘Why Europe Needs Africa.’ He worked on successful campaigns to reduce child mortality and crack down on grand corruption and tax evasion.

In 2012, he was named one of the ninety-nine top foreign policy leaders under 33. He holds a PhD in social geography from the Queen’s University of Belfast.

Joanne serves in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia and is based in the foundation’s London office. 

She’s been with the foundation since January 2006, where she spent the first several years planning and executing learning and advocacy trips for the Co-chairs and CEO. 

After moving to London in 2013, she now manages some of the foundation’s largest advocacy grants and relationships, leads events and activities for major global gatherings, responsible for partnerships with Catholic faith actors and institutions, and building relationships with the philanthropic sector in the UK.  Joanne received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from UCLA.

Laurence Janta-Lipinski is a Senior Program Officer in the Gates Foundation’s measurement and insight team. He is responsible for tracking global trends and issues the Foundation is focused on and providing insights on topics of interest across the organisation. He has been with the Foundation for two years, having previously run a political research consultancy after spending nearly a decade as a political pollster with UK-based research firm YouGov.

Career diplomat, policy advisor, and scholar with over 15 years of experience advising governments at the highest level. Provides policy analysis and strategy development with a demonstrated track record in science and technology policy, and global governance – specifically in the areas of the digital economy, climate policy, and global health. Served in a variety of key roles within the Government of France on European affairs, political strategy, and policy-planning. Effective and entrepreneurial executive manager of complex and highly-technical projects across silos. Has written and published extensively on politics, diplomacy, and science & technology policy.

Etsehiwot Kebret is a Development Finance Advisor who focuses on African Debt, Special Drawing Rights, and broader global financial architecture reform. Her writing can be found in the Diplomat, CSIS Africa, China Dialogue, Africa Business, and more. Prior to DR, Etsehiwot had diverse experience in humanitarian and development issues, working in both multilateral organizations and international non-governmental organizations. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.

Cerni is an Andorran politician who founded the Concòrdia political party and has been leader of the opposition in the General Council since 2023. Before venturing into politics, Escalé volunteered for the  Red Cross in Dominica with the indigenous Carib people. He worked for six years at the World Bank, restructuring debt in Argentina and supervising the fund in the 2014 Ebola crisis. After returning to Andorra, he became General Secretary of the Escaldes–Engordany parish. In July 2022, Escalé left his municipal office to found the political party Concord. His party took over 21% of the vote and five seats, second behind the 16 seats and 32% of the governing Democrats for Andorra

Social Entrepreneur, Neonatologist and Pediatrician fighting malnutrition and its devastating consequences in children and women, across 4 countries. Have successfully saved more than 550,000 malnourished children from preventable blindness through my work at Every Infant Matters. Striving tirelessly to ensure ubiquitous access to healthcare for all by health systems strengthening and ensuring last mile delivery of healthcare services. Winner of the Gates Foundation’s Global Goals’Goalkeepers Award in the  progress of SDG’s category, recognised as one of the United Nations’ and Niti Aayog’s Top 75 Women Transforming India.  One Young World Ambassador and Delegate Speaker at Hague 2018. Also a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Honouree and a twice over TEDx Speaker

Laura Chinchilla is a political scientist with a master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. She was the first woman to be elected president of Costa Rica (2010-2014). 

Previously, she served as minister of public security (1996-1998), congresswoman (2002-2006), minister of justice (2006-2008), and vice president (2006-2008). Mrs. Chinchilla has worked as a consultant with various international organizations, such as: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Michael Møller is a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and in his last post served as Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva and Secretary-General of the Conference of Disarmament, and has over 40 years of experience as an international civil servant.

He served as the Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation from 2008 to 2011. He is now member of the Board of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation, Senior Adviser to Macro Advisory Partners, Distinguished Fellow at the Geneva Graduate Institute in Geneva, Member of the Executive Board of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Member of the Board of One Young World, Honorary President of Art for the World, Honorary Chairman of Greycells and member of the Advisory Boards of a number of other Foundations.

Paul Polman works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality. As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), Paul demonstrated that business can profit through purpose, marrying a long-term, multi-stakeholder model with excellent financial performance. During Paul’s tenure, shareholders saw their returns increase by 290% while the company consistently ranked 1st in the world for sustainability.

Today Paul works across a range of organisations to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. This includes his work to drive systems change with Systemiq and bold new industry coalitions, including in fashion and food. He leads the UN Global Compact, is an Ambassador for the Race to Zero, and works to develop our next generation of leaders, through the Oxford University Saïd Business School, INSEAD, One Young World and others.  Paul actively campaigns on a range of human rights issues, including promoting disability inclusion through the Valuable 500 and the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, which he set up with his wife Kim. More on www.paulpolman.com.

With over 16 years of experience spanning the public, private, and development sectors, Maimuna Maibe is a seasoned executive shaping and executing Africa's policy and advocacy strategy at Global Citizen. In her role, she aligns global advocacy efforts with the priorities of African nations, focusing on government relations in key markets and cultivating strategic partnerships with foundations and multilateral organisations.

Mr. Daeshik Jo is a Secretary-General of the KCOC(Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation). KCOC is a network of over 140 Korean NGOs engaged in humanitarian assistance and development cooperation at international level. Before he joined civil society, he was a career diplomat. He served as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada and Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). With a profound interest in poverty and development in developing countries, he has extensive experience in both the public sector and CSO. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from USC (University of South Carolina, USA) and his B.A. in Sociology from Korea University. He is married with two sons. The ROK Government awarded him an Order of Service Merit twice, in 2008 and 2013.

Vivian is a Namgerian (Namibian-Nigerian) professional with over 10 years of experience in international development focusing primarily on performance management, strategy delivery and human capital development. Most recently she was a Change Advisory Specialist at the Global Fund in Geneva Switzerland where she led the development, implementation and monitoring of the 6 year People and Organization strategy for over 1000 employees managing over 3 billion dollars per year.

Giorgi Tumasyan is a passionate advocate for Georgia's path toward European Union membership, leveraging Official Development Assistance (ODA) as a catalyst for transformative change. As a former Georgia's Youth Representative to the United Nations, a Young European Ambassador from Georgia of the EU's Neighbourhood and Enlargement, and a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, he has actively worked to advance Georgia's EU integration. Leading initiatives like the SDGs Caucasus, Giorgi strategically directs ODA to drive impactful projects that strengthen governance, boost sustainable development, and align Georgia with EU standards. His efforts demonstrate how ODA serves not merely as financial support but as a vital instrument for accelerating Georgia's journey towards a stronger, more integrated European future.

Shudufhadzo 'Shudu' Musida is an Author and Mental Health Champion, whose journey is rooted in a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, shaped by her childhood experiences and an unwavering desire to uplift her community. Crowned as Miss South Africa in 2020, she transformed her title into a platform for meaningful change, dedicating her advocacy to mental health and sustainable development. Shudu's journey is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power of education. This belief was the bedrock of her academic pursuits, culminating in a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Pretoria, followed by an Honours degree in International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand. As the first Regional Champion for Eastern and Southern Africa with UNFPA, Shudu has become a force for sexual reproductive health rights and mental health. Her impactful work extends to the written word, with two authored books on mental health earning her well-deserved recognition.

Fara Ndiaye is a problem-solver dedicated to improving lives across Africa. As co-founder of Speak Up Africa, she tackles critical issues in public health, sanitation, and gender equality. With 15 years in the field, Fara excels at uniting diverse groups—from local communities to government officials—to create lasting change. Her work on malaria prevention in Senegal demonstrated her talent for crafting impactful campaigns and forging key partnerships. Fara's experience spans grassroots NGOs to international organizations like the IOM, giving her a unique perspective on development challenges. She holds degrees from McGill University and the Graduate Institute of Geneva, blending academic knowledge with practical skills. Known for her persistence and collaborative spirit, Fara is committed to finding workable solutions to Africa's most pressing issues. Her approach: bring people together, listen to communities, and take decisive action.

Hassan is a senior executive, advisor and author on global affairs, with a track record of building and leading teams, organizations and large-scale initiatives, working in complex stakeholder environments. He is a co-founder of Global Nation, a think/do-tank aimed at improving global cooperation. Global Nation advises the world’s leading institutions working on tackling humanity’s greatest challenges, including the Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, WHO, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Wellcome Trust, and national governments. It also receives grant funding to pursue thought leadership and coalition-building for a fairer international system

Farhana Shahnaz is a development practitioner with an academic background in Economics, Development Studies, and International Relations. She currently works as a Content Manager for the World Food Programme, supporting the development,  preparation, execution, and dissemination of campaigns for target audiences. In particular, Farhana has contributed towards resource mobilisation efforts, helping to bridge the funding shortfall for the general food assistance for the Rohingya refugees. In her previous role with the UNDP, Farhana worked as a Communications Officer for a project focusing on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and fostering inclusivity and peace.

Luca Bucken is the Founding Partner at Beyond.Representation, a boutique talent management and advisory firm serving community leaders, organizations, and businesses committed to building a better future. A policy advisor and partnership strategist with leadership experience across policy and practice in health, security, and climate across four continents, he has advised community-centered non-profit organizations, start-ups, and policy thought leaders, amongst others in Afghanistan, Libya, Kenya, Philippines, Rwanda, and Somalia, on programming and growth strategies to shape local impact and high-level policy agendas. Luca’s leadership for inclusive and sustainable peace has been recognized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, UN Climate Change, the World Economic Forum, and others.

Sarah Sladen is the former Agency Youth Coordinator overseeing the advancement of USAID’s Policy for Youth in Development and its goals to increase young people’s access to and participation in the services, practices, and policies that impact their lives.

Ms. Sladen has more than 15 years of technical experience in international youth development, including promoting youth economic opportunities; coalition building and advocacy; and peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She joins USAID after serving as a Technical Advisor for Youth Engagement and, before that, as Director of the Youth Economic Opportunities Network at Making Cents International. Ms. Sladen previously led the growth and management of the Alliance for International Youth Development at InterAction, where she coordinated community advocacy for the inclusion and prioritization of youth issues in U.S. foreign assistance.

Mamuch Bey is a rising social impact leader with over two years of experience running social impact activities especially among refugee youth in East Africa. As the Project Lead for TEDI Africa, he empowers marginalized communities through education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

As an award-winning writer, public speaker, and mentor, Bey advocates for refugee youth representation on global platforms. He has engaged in key discussions and represented TEDI Africa at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Global Education Summit, One Young World Official Development Assistance Course, African Youth Action Network (AYAN) Refugee Youth Summit and more. Through these forums, he has championed inclusive policies and contributed to key reforms in frameworks designed to support refugee youth-led solutions.

"In my time advocating for refugees, I have never come so close to talking about international aid like I did with One Young World's Official Development Assistance Course."

Mary Yvonne Ododah is a distinguished Development Specialist, Peacebuilder, and published author with over a decade of experience in project management, research, and resource mobilization. She is deeply committed to sustainable development, leveraging technology to empower underprivileged communities across Africa.

Mary-Yvonne currently leads Nuru Trust Network, an organization founded in Kenya to build resilience and create opportunities for marginalized communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Under her leadership, Nuru Trust Network is dedicated to bridging the digital divide, improving access to quality education, and fostering economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth.

"I believe ODA has the potential to catalyse transformative change. By strengthening the foundations of ODA, ensuring it aligns with local, regional and continental frameworks, we can build a future defined by equity, resilience and shared prosperity."

Dr. Babatunde Enoch Adewumi (MB; BS, MPH Ilorin) is the visionary founder of Quinta Health, a leading public health organization dedicated to transforming healthcare access, particularly in the areas of breast and cervical cancer screening. With a medical degree and master’s in public health from the University of Ilorin, and being GMC-registered, Dr. Adewumi brings a wealth of expertise and passion to his mission of saving lives through early detection and prevention.

Through his innovative mobile clinics, Dr. Adewumi has reached underserved communities, screening 8,675 women, treating 787 for cervical dysplasia, and providing five hundred women with life-saving HPV vaccinations. His work in Gombe State stands as a testament to his commitment, where Quinta Health has screened over 20,000 women and established screening centres in all local government areas, in partnership with the Amen Foundation and the state government.

"Through the ODA Academy Series, I have gained a profound understanding of how Official Development Assistance can transform lives when rooted in community-driven solutions."

Isaac is a British student studying the social sciences in Brussels, Belgium with a passion for global governance, development, and diplomacy. He has an array of experience in various professional and voluntary roles, where he has honed a diverse skill set and demonstrated a commitment to driving positive change. Isaac has experience delivering youth projects and initiatives at local, national, and international levels, with a strong track record of making change in mental health, youth engagement, global development, and climate change.

"To really have this kind of concrete examples, the case studies have been really interesting and helpful.”

Growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sheina Pribadi is a social entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and global leader committed to addressing environmental and societal challenges. As the founder of The ACE Project, she pioneers eco-friendly building materials from industrial and agricultural waste, empowering communities to rebuild sustainably. She also leads efforts to combat childhood stunting in Indonesia through the 999 Stunting Club and The YUM Project, advancing nutrition and sustainable farming. A Haas Spieker Program scholar at UC Berkeley, she explores innovative solutions that drive social impact. Her work has earned global recognition, including the Global RISE Winner 2023, World Youth Invention and Innovation Award Gold Medalist, and Habitat for Humanity Youth Solutions Micro-Grant Finalist.

"The ODA Academy Series was more than a learning experience, it was a call to action."