We are delighted to introduce the new cohort of the 13th edition of the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders (ADEL) Program! Bringing together 44 young leaders from 28 nationalities, this year's cohort reflects a rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They will gather in Rabat from December 6-10, 2026, for an enriching experience of dialogue, learning, and collaboration, before joining the Atlantic Dialogues Conference from December 10-12.

We look forward to welcoming these inspiring changemakers into our growing ADEL community!

Through publications and podcast conversations, ADEL alumni share their expertise and perspectives on key policy issues and global developments. Discover their latest contributions below.

Joana Ama Osei-Tutu (2017) questions whether South-South cooperation truly challenges existing power hierarchies in her opinion piece “Whose Knowledge? Whose Power?” Drawing on African peace and security initiatives, she highlights the importance of recognizing local expertise, particularly the contributions of women peacebuilders, and calls for a shift from inclusion toward meaningful influence in shaping policies and solutions.

Read Joana’s piece here.

Exploring the role of the Global South in shaping a more equitable energy transition, Marianna Albuquerque (2022) examines the challenges of climate justice in “Climate Justice at UNGA 81: Can the Global South Reshape the Just Transition?” She argues that climate action must extend beyond emissions reduction to include accessible climate finance, technological development, economic opportunities, and a stronger voice for developing countries in global climate governance.

Read Marianna’s piece here.

Through her contribution “From Solidarity to Capability: Rethinking South-South Cooperation for Africa’s Economic Transformation”, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo (2024) considers how South-South partnerships can support Africa’s economic transformation. Drawing on examples from pharmaceutical manufacturing and renewable energy, she emphasizes the need to move beyond knowledge and technology transfers toward building lasting capabilities within local institutions, businesses, and workforces.

Read Marie-Noelle’s piece here.

Looking beyond election results, Chaimae Bourjij (2019) analyzes how Morocco’s electoral framework shapes parliamentary representation and political fragmentation in “Fragmentation by Design? Reading Morocco’s 2026 Election Beyond the Results.” She considers the implications for political pluralism, coalition-building, and democratic accountability, highlighting the importance of electoral transparency and clearer political commitments.

Read Chaimae’s piece here.

Luladay Berhanu Mengistie and Guillaume Gérout Suominen | How to Negotiate an Industrial Policy Under AfCFTA: Architecture, Coherence, and the Governance Challenge.

Luladay Berhanu Mengistie (2025) and Guillaume Gérout Suominen examine the challenges of negotiating an industrial policy protocol under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They map existing continental frameworks and identify key considerations for ensuring policy coherence, effective governance, and stronger regional industrial development.

Read the policy paper here.

Mehran Haghirian (ADEL 2025) discussed the global economic consequences of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, extending beyond oil and gas to international trade, fertilizer supplies, and food security. The episode highlights the vulnerabilities of African and other developing economies and considers how regional cooperation can strengthen resilience to future shocks.

Listen to the episode here. 

Around the world, ADEL alumni continue to publish, contribute to international discussions, take on new roles, earn recognition, and strengthen connections within the community.

Marie-Noelle Nwokolo (2024) was invited to contribute to the launch of Afrobarometer’s 2026 African Insights flagship report. Bringing together leading experts and practitioners, the event explored the report’s findings on Africa’s evolving role in a changing global order, highlighting the importance of African perspectives and evidence-based policymaking in shaping the continent’s future.

Diego Marroquín Bitar (2024) participated in “Bridging Nations” at Georgetown University, joining leading experts to discuss the future of U.S.–Mexico economic cooperation. The discussion explored the evolution of North American trade relations, from NAFTA to the USMCA, Mexico’s role in the U.S. economy, and the prospects for one of the region’s most significant economic partnerships.

Chinasa T. Okolo (2025) published a policy brief titled “Examining Policy Barriers for AI Startup Growth in Africa,” exploring the regulatory and policy challenges affecting the development of AI startups across the continent. Drawing on data from 224 AI startups across nearly two dozen African countries, her research provides recommendations to strengthen Africa’s AI innovation ecosystem and support the growth of emerging technology ventures.

Read the policy brief.

Aliyyah Ahad (2025) participated as a speaker at the 12th European Blockchain Convention in Barcelona, where she discussed Bermuda’s ambition to become the world’s first onchain national economy. Her intervention highlighted the role of public policy, regulatory innovation, and local engagement in advancing digital finance and blockchain adoption, offering insights into Bermuda’s evolving digital economy.

Benjamin Brake (2012) was appointed Managing Director of DOT Europe, a platform representing leading internet companies and contributing to Europe’s tech policy landscape.

Jessa Coleman (2019) has been appointed Vice President of Investments at FASTPACE, a financing platform specializing in C-PACE financing for commercial real estate projects.

Vassilis Koutsoumpas (2025) has joined OpenAI as Head of Strategy & Operations. In this position, he will contribute to advancing strategic partnerships with governments, institutions, and businesses worldwide, supporting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and its potential to deliver broad and lasting benefits. 

Alejandra Durán de Huerta de Lille (2025) has joined UPS as Public Affairs Manager for Latin America, bringing her experience in government relations and public policy to the global logistics company. In her new role, she will contribute to advancing UPS’s public affairs initiatives and strengthening engagement with key stakeholders across the region.

The IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development, founded by Iskander Erzini Vernoit (2019), has been selected as one of five global winners of the Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC) Accelerator, standing out among 65 applicants worldwide. Based in Morocco, the think tank focuses on climate policy, sustainable development, and climate finance.

Bitania Lulu Berhanu (2023) was honored with the Youth Impact Award at the 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), in recognition of her contributions to youth development and empowerment. The award, accepted on her behalf by her team at Y-ACT Youth In Action, celebrates her continued commitment to advancing youth engagement.

Sidi-Mohamed Dhaker (2017) has been selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa 2026-2027 cohort. Through this program, he will engage with fellow leaders from across Africa and beyond, exchanging insights and experiences while bringing perspectives from Mauritania on public policy, economic development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Alexander Parsalidis (ADEL 2024) was included in The Peak’s 2026 Emerging Leaders list in the Government category. The selection recognizes Canadians working across government, business, and civil society, with Alexander featured for his work in public service and trade policy.

Community Connections

From Mexico City and New York to London, Brussels, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Beijing, ADEL alumni continue to meet and reconnect, building friendships and professional relationships across borders and cohorts. Whether through professional gatherings or informal meetups, these encounters reflect the strength of a community that extends well beyond the program itself.

If you’re travelling, attending an event, or looking to connect with fellow alumni in a particular place or field, reach out to the ADEL team. We’d be happy to facilitate introductions!