Armenia | Azerbaijan | Bangladesh | Brazil | Cameroon | Ecuador | Ethiopia | Georgia | India | Kenya | Mongolia | Nicaragua | Nigeria | North Macedonia | Philippines | Republic of Moldova | South Africa | Tunisia | Ukraine | Venezuela | Vietnam
Vardan Partamyan has a diverse background in project management and democracy work. As a Senior Program Manager at NDI Armenia, Vardan oversees all political party-related programs, coordinates public opinion research, and fosters opportunities for Armenia’s youth and women. Prior to NDI Armenia, Vardan served as the Head of Projects at the Armenia Fund, where he led the coordination of projects, communication, and negotiations with donors. He holds a Master's Degree in English Language and Psychology. Committed to continuous learning, Vardan has participated in numerous professional development events. In an alternate reality, Vardan is an author of science fiction and satirical novels.
Ziya Guliyev is a human rights lawyer and the founder of the Law Society of Azerbaijan, an independent think tank committed to advancing human rights in the country. With a master's degree in international human rights law from the University of Essex, he possesses extensive expertise in the field. Previously, he served on the boards of organizations such as the CIVICUS Alliance and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. A member of the European Society of International Law since 2023, his research focuses on human rights and transitional justice. Notably, he has spoken at Global Summits of the Open Government Partnership since 2016, which have been held in Tbilisi, Ottawa, and Tallinn.
Mr. Md. Showkat Hossain is a Serving judge in Bangladesh with 15 years of trial experience in civil and criminal courts. Currently, he is an Additional District Judge, the second most senior post in Bangladesh's hierarchy of trial court judges. Despite a declining democracy in Bangladesh, he has been trying to ensure that citizens of his territorial jurisdiction are not subjected to any arbitrary persecution. After his LL. B and LL.M from Bangladesh, he received the UK government’s Chevening scholarship and studied Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Edinburgh, UK. He is an adjunct faculty of the Police Staff College, Bangladesh, and the Independent University of Bangladesh.
Flávia Pellegrino is the executive director of Pacto pela Democracia, a coalition that coordinates the efforts of social actors across the ideological spectrum to strengthen civil society’s capacity to defend and strengthen democracy in Brazil. Over the past decade Flávia has built and coordinated networks within Brazilian civil society dedicated to defending democracy and human rights. Flávia holds a degree in journalism and a master's degree in Political Science. Prior to her work in civil society organizations, Flávia worked as a journalist in Brazil and France, coordinated projects in the education sector, and taught politics at a popular prep school in São Paulo.
Kahbila Mbuton is a Lawyer and Human Rights Officer at the West Africa Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR-WARO), where she works on a human rights-based approach to migration. Born and raised in Bamenda, Cameroon, Kahbila holds an MSt. International Human Rights Law (University of Oxford) and an LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (University of Pretoria). She served in human rights roles at OHCHR Uganda and the African Union Mission in Somalia. Kahbila is a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow. Passionate about human rights and democracy (equality/non-discrimination and rule of law/accountability), she aspires to contribute towards human rights-based responses that sustainably address development challenges.
Patricio Lloret, a seasoned public administration leader, has held key roles such as Undersecretary General of Anti-Corruption Public Policy and Undersecretary of Open Government. Specializing in governance innovation and stakeholder engagement, he globally influences as an advisory board member for the Open Data Charter. A Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Master's from University College London and an MBA from INCAE Business School, he's also a fellow of Georgetown University's Innovation & Leadership in Government Program. Passionate about inclusive governance, he champions democracy and development locally and globally.
Mr. Girma Admasu, a dedicated professional with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Addis Ababa University, is the visionary behind "Positive Action for Development." Through innovative strategies, the organization has addressed critical issues like democracy, human rights, and governance, impacting communities with over 120 successful projects. Mr. Girma's academic journey includes a Master's Degree in Rural Development and ongoing Ph.D. studies in Rural Capacity Development and Development Leadership. With over 15 years of experience in development, human rights, and advocacy, he excels in leadership, project management, and social accountability.
Khatia Dekanoidze has been a member of the Parliament of Georgia since 2020, representing the democratic Opposition of Georgia and advocating for the country's European aspirations. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, she graduated from State University with a degree in International Law and Relations. Dekanoidze served as the Minister of Education of Georgia in 2012 and as the Chief of the National Police of Ukraine from 2015 to 2016. Between 2004 and 2012, she held various positions in the Georgian reformer government, contributing significantly to the reforms of the Georgian Police and Public Sector. As the Chief of Police in Ukraine, she had the honor of launching a massive police reform and creating modern police forces.
Hamsa Vijayaraghavan completed her law degree from Symbiosis Law School and her Masters from the University of Rouen, France, on an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. She is a 2023 Chevening Gurukul Fellow and a 2024 Salzburg Global Fellow. She has previously worked in the UK, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) field office in India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development of the Government of India, and UNICEF. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Migration and Asylum Project, India’s first and only center for the study of forced migration, where her work is centered around advocating for a cohesive movement towards safe migration in the region.
Gikui W. Gichuhi, an Assistant Director Of Public Prosecutions in Kenya, holds a Master's in Animal Law from Lewis and Clark College, USA, and a Master's in International Business Law from the University of Hull, UK. She has expertise in homicide-related prosecutions and environmental law and is committed to justice, victim support, and environmental advocacy. She has been recognized for her contributions to policy development on alternative dispute resolution, children, the criminal justice system, and wildlife trafficking. Gighuhi has spoken at several conferences, including Interpol World 2019 and the Africa Prosecutors Association Conference 2023.
Sam Murunga is the editorial lead for Africa at BBC Monitoring, overseeing a team of 30 experts who provide essential insights into geopolitics, security, and the media. Murunga has a professional interest in how global power competition shapes African diplomacy and national politics and has extensively researched and highlighted the evolution of disinformation in Africa and the malign actors behind it. He is a student of leadership, a change champion, an editor, a writer, a strategist, and a sustainability advocate with a wealth of experience in African media and geopolitics. Murunga strives to contribute to positive change anchored by the mutual values of democracy, good governance, and sustainable development.
Dagvyn Enkhtsetseg is a program manager at Open Society Forum Mongolia, a policy-oriented NGO. She is a governance expert with almost two decades of experience focusing on policy reforms related to democracy building, mainly specializing in electoral and political party regulations. Ms. Enkhtsetseg is a regular speaker at domestic and international conferences on political financing in Mongolia and contributes policy advice to the government of Mongolia on laws and policies on democratic processes. She also serves as the coordinator for the Fair Elections network, a coalition of election monitoring groups that routinely monitors elections in Mongolia and participates in regional efforts.
Mr. Felix Maradiaga is a Nicaraguan human rights advocate widely recognized as one of his country’s leading voices for democracy. He founded the Fundación Para la Libertad, an organization focused on developing democratic education and research programs that the Ortega regime declared illegal in 2022. In 2018, during widespread protests against the Ortega regime, he survived two assassination attempts and faced numerous criminal charges and smear campaigns. In 2021, after announcing plans for a presidential campaign, he was arrested and sentenced to 13 years in prison. In February 2023, he and 221 other political prisoners were stripped of their citizenship by the Nicaraguan government and expelled to the United States.
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima is a Senior Program Officer at the Ford Foundation. He leads programming to advance inclusive societies, with an emphasis on youth and disability inclusion, gender, and protecting the civic space. For two decades, Dabesaki's work has involved approaches centered on minority voices and the design of bespoke initiatives. He led the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, a donor collaborative to support youth civic engagement in Nigeria. In response to threats to democracy in West Africa, he is leading the design of a regional democracy fund. He was also recently project lead for Ford's polarization initiative covering Asia, the U.S., Africa, and Latin America.
Obiamaka Nwachi is a Chief Magistrate with the Enugu State Judiciary of Nigeria and has over a decade of experience in justice dispensation and dispute resolution. She has judiciously presided over countless cases ranging from civil disputes to criminal matters. Her analytical and legal drafting skills have been pivotal to the excellent execution of her judicial duties. She is notable for her impartiality and integrity in pursuing positive change. Her empathy towards victims of injustice remains her greatest inspiration for upholding equality, fairness, and the rule of law. Outside the courtroom, Obiamaka volunteers for causes focused on women's empowerment and engages in her personal development.
Biljana Spasovska, Executive Director of the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), brings over a decade of expertise in promoting civil society and democratic values in her region and beyond. With a Master's in Interdisciplinary Eastern European Studies from the University of Bologna and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Globalization and Democracy, Biljana leads BCSDN's efforts to amplify civil society's role in policy and boost civic engagement for a more democratic Balkans. She co-chairs the global CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness, is a member of the Global Standard for CSO Accountability, and is an honorary member of the European Economic and Social Committee.
Kristina Conti is a people’s lawyer in the Philippines. She is currently the secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers chapter in the National Capital Region. She has 10 years of experience as a litigator and 20 years as an activist, working in grassroots organizations. Core to her work is combatting impunity through strategic human rights litigation. She is registered as assistant to counsel at the International Criminal Court in anticipation of trial on the Philippines’ “war on drugs.” Through cases and advocacy, she has been grounded in situations of political persecution, law enforcement and prison reform, peace processes, and international humanitarian law.
Victor Spinu is a dedicated Member of Parliament in Moldova, serving on the Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance. He plays an important role in shaping economic policies and driving the nation’s digital transformation. His work focuses on enhancing transparency and efficiency within government operations through digital solutions. Victor is committed to advancing Moldova’s integration into the European Union, promoting sustainable development, and improving governance through innovative and inclusive policymaking. In his leisure time, he enjoys gardening, taking long walks, and other activities that provide him with a sense of peace and a deep connection to Moldova's natural beauty.
Lawrence Khoza has been an anti-apartheid activist and leading participant in South Africa's democratic formation. He has held senior positions in public and private sectors, including at PwC, in local and national government, and in South Africa's Parliament. He has served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC: Regional Cabinet Minister) for Development Planning and Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg, Africa’s most commercially developed City. Lawrence holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Oxford University. He is a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar. He writes for national publications and enjoys listening to jazz and classical music.
Saida Ounissi is a professional with almost a decade of experience in government, public policies, and political leadership. As a former Minister of Employment and Vocational Training in the Tunisian government, she led comprehensive reforms and shaped national strategies. Her expertise spans social policies, education, economic policies, and entrepreneurship programs. She is currently a public policies consultant with a focus on democratic transitions and social and economic reforms. She has received numerous awards, including the 2015 Democracy Award of the Year from the National Democratic Initiative, the 2018 Politician of the Year from One Young World, and the 2019 Top 100 Future Leaders from Apolitical.
Iaroslav Liubchenko* is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience spearheading impactful projects. At the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, he is responsible for establishing integrity within the security, defense, and public authorities while adhering to best practices and international standards set by the OECD, EU, and NATO. His responsibilities include developing frameworks for whistleblowers, promoting transparency, and safeguarding individuals who expose wrongdoing. Additionally, he conducts anti-corruption assessments and mitigates corruption risks. He serves as the National Coordinator for Ukraine's collaboration with NATO in the field of integrity building.
Serhii Orlov* is a seasoned Digital Transformation Executive with over a decade of experience in government technologies and various industries. As Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, he led significant digital reforms, including digitizing over 30 justice services over the past three years. His notable contributions include automating the registration processes for private entrepreneurs and LLCs, with seven out of ten private entrepreneurs in Ukraine now utilizing this online service. Additionally, Mr. Orlov has coordinated the integration with the Register of Damage for Ukraine to help citizens who suffered from the war. He also leads the development of a system to forecast reoffending risks.
Svitlana Yarova* has been a member of the Vinnytsia city council for the past nine years, serving the last four as the head of the Budget and Social-Economic Development Committee. Prior to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, she led projects to create an innovative technology park called "Crystal" and managed industrial parks in Vinnytsia. Before that, she established an innovative and inclusive youth center named "Kvadrat" by renovating an old building. Over the past year, Yarova has been working on developing the system architecture for managing grants and international technical support in the municipality to systematize processes and enhance transparency.
Olena Yena has dedicated twenty years of her career to working with parties, CSOs, and government, helping them be more responsive to citizens' needs. She currently oversees political parties, parliamentary, and gender-focused programs at NDI Ukraine. Her programs aim to strengthen parties, promote gender equality, enhance women's political participation, and combat gender stereotypes and discrimination. From 2005 to 2010, Olena managed NDI’s Executive Development Program, which exposed a wide range of Ukrainian civil servants to best practices of public administration and policy-making in EU member states. Before joining the NDI team, she worked in both the public and private sectors.
* This Fellow is jointly participating in CDDRL’s Strengthening Ukrainian Democracy and Development Program.
Héctor Andrés Fuentes, born in Cagua, Venezuela, in 1990, is a lawyer, human rights advocate, and agent of social change in Venezuela, dedicated to bottom-up national transformation. He serves as the executive director of EstadoLab, a think-and-do tank focused on state fragility and the reconstruction of democratic governance. Fuentes obtained his law degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in 2013, and he holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Oxford University (2018) and a Master's degree in Global Affairs from Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University (2020). He has been both a Chevening Scholar and a Schwarzman Scholar.
Thao Dinh, a pro-democracy leader and PhD student in Political Science, has been at the forefront of advocating for democratic reforms in Vietnam for nine years. A medical graduate, she later earned a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Fulbright Vietnam, amplifying her impact in promoting open civic space. Thao collaborates with global organizations to expose human rights violations and leads initiatives promoting the democratization process in Vietnam. Her journey as a mother inspires her commitment to creating inclusive, equitable environments. Looking forward, she aims to drive significant democratic transitions that empower future generations.
FSI researchers consider international development from a variety of angles. They analyze ideas such as how public action and good governance are cornerstones of economic prosperity in Mexico and how investments in high school education will improve China’s economy.
