Dear ADEL Alumni and AD Community,
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025! As we step into this new year, we are excited to share the latest updates and inspiring accomplishments from our ever-evolving ADEL alumni community.
With 2024 marking a milestone in the evolution of the ADEL program, featuring both the successful conclusion of its 11th edition and the introduction of a new leadership team, the momentum continues into 2025. Our alumni remain at the forefront of change across the Atlantic through impactful projects, insightful publications, and meaningful collaborations.
Stay tuned for highlights from recent alumni initiatives and updates from the field. Here's to another year of collective impact and shared purpose!
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ADEL Alumni Contributions & Publications
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Opinions
As part of our commitment to amplifying the perspectives of emerging leaders across the Atlantic, we are proud to highlight two recent opinion pieces published by our ADEL alumni for the Policy Center for the New South. From the future of international leadership to the cultural power of diasporas, our alumni continue to demonstrate thought leadership on key global matters.
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In her piece “L’Afrique a un rôle clé dans le choix du prochain Secrétaire général de l’ONU”, Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos (ADEL 2013) explores the strategic and symbolic importance of Africa’s role in shaping the future of the United Nations. As the international community begins to look ahead to the succession of the current Secretary-General, Gabriela makes a compelling case for a more inclusive and transparent selection process. She also highlights the importance of gender equity in international governance by advocating for a female Secretary-General, framing it as a necessary evolution in global leadership. Her piece is both a call to agency for African nations and a reflection on how multilateral institutions must evolve to remain legitimate and effective.
Read Gabriela’s piece here.
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Florencio Venté’s piece (ADEL 2024), “Cultural Ambassadors: The Role of Diasporas in Promoting Cultural Diplomacy and Development”, turns our attention to the transformative potential of diaspora communities. Drawing from both academic research and his own lived experience, Florencio illustrates how diasporas serve as powerful agents of soft power, acting as bridges between cultures and catalyzing development in their countries of origin. He emphasizes the unique position of diasporas to foster inclusive narratives, challenge stereotypes, and promote cross-border collaboration through cultural diplomacy. His article encourages policymakers and institutions to better recognize and integrate diaspora contributions into broader development strategies.
Read Florencio’s piece here.
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Podcasts
At a time when global power dynamics are shifting and calls for more inclusive international cooperation are growing louder, our ADEL alumni are actively contributing to the conversation. In a series of recent podcast episodes hosted by the Policy Center for the New South, they reflect on the strategic importance of Latin America and Africa, the untapped potential of South-South cooperation, and the need to empower young voices in shaping the global agenda.
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Latin American Unity and Atlantic Regionalism in a Shifting Global Landscape
Marianna Albuquerque and Strahinja Matejic (ADELs 2022) explore the enduring challenges to Latin American regional integration and the implications for Atlantic cooperation. The episode unpacks how historical political divides and economic fragmentation have limited the region’s strategic cohesion, despite deep geographic and cultural ties. The speakers examine how greater unity could unlock enhanced trade, security, and diplomatic influence across the Atlantic.
Listen to the full episode here.
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LatAm & Africa: The Untapped Powerhouses of the Global South
Santiago Theoduloz (ADEL 2022) delves into the historical ties and economic potential shared by Latin America and Africa. Despite these connections, cooperation between the two regions remains limited. The podcast discusses how Latin American countries have traditionally prioritized relations with Europe and the U.S., while Africa's strategic initiatives and economic growth present new opportunities for South-South collaboration.
Listen to the full episode here.
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The Brazilian Perspective on Emerging Leaders
Eduarda Zoghbi (ADEL 2024) highlights the growing influence of the Global South and advocates for the inclusion of younger voices in global discussions. She explores how young leaders are challenging existing power dynamics and promoting inclusive, collaborative solutions to global challenges. The conversation underscores the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in shaping the future.
Listen to the full episode here.
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In this section, we highlight the remarkable achievements of our ADEL community over the past quarter. From new milestones and recognitions to bold initiatives and collaborations, our alumni continue to lead, inspire, and make waves across the Atlantic. Dive in to see how ADELs are turning ideas into impact!
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Leadership Appointments & New Roles
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Joseph Hammond (ADEL 2018) was elected Co-Chair of the African Union's Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism (iDove) – North America and Europe Regional Group. He was the first American to be selected for this program nearly a decade ago and continues to play a leading role in fostering dialogue and collaboration across faiths and regions.
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Thiago Soares (ADEL 2023) has joined the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva as a Resource Mobilisation Officer, after over three years with the United Nations World Food Programme.
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Iskander Erzini Vernoit (ADEL 2019) has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Climate Action Network (CAN), a leading global coalition of over 1,900 environmental NGOs driving collective and sustainable action to fight the climate crisis and to achieve social justice.
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Pedro Vormittag (ADEL 2023) has been appointed Chief International Affairs Coordinator for the City of Rio de Janeiro. In this cabinet-level position under Mayor Eduardo Paes, Pedro will be responsible for strengthening the city’s international partnerships and advancing its global engagement strategy.
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Younes Zangiabadi (ADEL 2024) has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy, a non-partisan international affairs think tank operating in both Canada and the United States. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable peace through diplomacy, dialogue, and constructive engagement.
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Academic Excellence & Recognitions
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Teresa Danso-Danquah (ADEL 2019) graduated from Harvard Business School as a proud Dean’s Award recipient. She now serves as Investment Director at Cambridge Associates, where she focuses on diverse and emerging VC managers.
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Landry Signé (ADEL 2013) received the Faculty MVP/Outstanding Faculty Award from Thunderbird School of Global Management. This marks his 4th MVP award since 2020 and 16th overall recognition for teaching excellence across institutions including Stanford University and the American Political Science Association. The award honors educators who exemplify leadership, inspire students, and contribute to shaping a better world.
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Eric Asmar (ADEL 2019) participated as a panelist in the 17th edition of "Parlons Développement", an initiative of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Policy Center for the New South, held at ENCG Tangier, on the theme: "Social and Green Entrepreneurship in Morocco: A Viable Alternative for Sustainable Development." Engaging with students, youth, and experts, he highlighted how innovation and purpose-driven business models can drive sustainable transformation and empower the next generation of changemakers in Morocco.
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Lamia Bazir (ADEL 2014) was invited by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom and the British Embassy to deliver remarks at Winston House, Wilton Park, on the themes of girls’ education and women’s political inclusion. She emphasized the transformative impact of education on girls’ leadership and civic participation, highlighting how each additional year of schooling enhances future earnings and breaks poverty cycles—ultimately positioning educated girls as powerful agents of change.
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Sibahle Magadla (ADEL 2024) joined as a panelist in the high-level conference “Boosting Employment and Combatting Irregular Migration: Findings and Evidence-Based Solutions from Counterfactual Impact Evaluations in Africa,” hosted in Brussels by the European Union, EUTF, and the Center for Evaluation and Development (C4ED). The event focused on presenting policy-relevant insights to address two of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
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Publications & Media Feature
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Foster Awintiti Akugri (ADEL 2019) published a thought-provoking article titled “Selective Sanctions and the Hypocrisy of North-South Relations: The Rwanda Precedent” in the Canada-Africa Policy Newsletter of the Canadian Centre for African Affairs and Policy Research. The piece critically examines global power asymmetries through the lens of recent international responses to political developments in Rwanda.
Read the full article here.
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Fay Cowper (ADEL 2024) was featured in Forbes Middle East, where she reflected on the dual nature of the AI revolution—highlighting its promise as well as its risks. She argued that, much like the dawn of the internet, AI can unlock transformative opportunities, but without inclusive leadership and representation, it may deepen inequalities. Fay emphasized the need for diverse role models and targeted investment to ensure AI works for gender equity.
Read the full article here.
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Power in Connection: Opportunities Sparked by the ADEL Network
One of the greatest strengths of the ADEL program lies in the enduring connections it creates across geographies, sectors, and generations. This quarter, several alumni have turned those connections into tangible opportunities—stepping onto global stages, engaging in collaborative projects, and amplifying their leadership through partnerships born within the ADEL and Atlantic Dialogues community.
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Hanae Bezad (ADEL 2019) was featured in a powerful podcast conversation with Uduak Amimo, the ADEL program’s long-time media training and communications expert. In Season 2, Episode 9 of the series, Hanae opens up about multiculturalism, patriarchy, and resilience in her personal and professional journey.
Watch the full episode here.
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Oumaima El Idrissi (ADEL 2023) was invited as a panelist by Amref Health Africa for the session “From Africa to the World – A Conversation on the Next Generation of Leaders”, during the opening ceremony celebrating a decade of African intellectual leadership. This opportunity arose from a connection made during the ADEL program with Bitania Lulu Berhanu (ADEL 2023), Director of Y-ACT Youth in Action.
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Nusrat Farooq (ADEL 2023) delivered a high-level presentation at the UN Office of Counterterrorism (UN-OCT) Conference on Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Along Africa’s Atlantic Coast, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Morocco. Her intervention focused on the evolving risks posed by AI, generative AI, and agentic AI in the maritime space, and the role of regional collaboration in countering these threats.
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This year’s Asian Forum on Global Governance (AFGG) once again highlighted the global presence and influence of the ADEL network. Camila Crescimbeni (2023) and Christina Caouette (2022) were selected by the Policy Center for the New South as part of the highly competitive Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2025.
They were accompanied by fellow ADEL and Raisina alumni Santiago Theoduloz (2022) and Danielle Alakija (2024), whose continued engagement reflects the strength of cross-program collaboration.
Also present was Ritika Passi (2019), ADEL alumna and former Associate Fellow at ORF, one of the Forum’s founding institutions. Together, their participation underscores the deepening ties between the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, and the growing role of ADEL voices in shaping global governance conversations.
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Join the Conversation:
Our private Facebook group is a dedicated space for ADEL alumni to share updates, opportunities, and ideas. If you haven’t joined yet, reach out to Fadila Filali to get connected.
Follow Us on X (Twitter):
Stay informed about the latest news, alumni highlights, and program updates by following our page on X.
Reconnect on WhatsApp:
Each ADEL cohort has its own alumni WhatsApp group to keep the spirit of connection alive. Contact Fadila Filali to be added to yours and stay in touch with your fellow changemakers.
Let’s continue to connect, empower, and inspire—through meaningful engagement and global collaboration!
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Policy Center for the New South
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