The ADEL 2025 Call for Applications closed with over 1,900 Applications from 125 countries — a testament to the expanding reach of our community and the continued global interest in the program. We are grateful to all alumni who helped amplify the call for applications and recommended inspiring candidates from their networks, further enriching this year's pool.

The selection process for the 2025 cohort is now underway. We look forward to announcing the selected participants in September and welcoming a new group of emerging leaders into the ADEL community.

In his insightful opinion piece “The Role of Sport in Youth Empowerment and Social Inclusion in Africa,” ADEL 2023 alumnus Othman Mezouar highlights sport’s power to drive education, health, gender equality, and social cohesion. Drawing on firsthand experience with sport-for-development programs in countries like Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Senegal, he calls for sustained investment in sport as a tool for youth leadership, community unity, and lasting social change.

Read Othman’s piece here.

In his Earth Day reflection “Honouring the Soil as Earth’s Silent Lifeline on Earth Day,” ADEL 2017 alumnus Michael Terungwa David reminds us of the vital yet often overlooked role of soil in sustaining life. Supporting 95% of our food, filtering water, and storing carbon, soil faces growing threats from erosion, pollution, and unsustainable farming. Echoing the Earth Day theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” Michael calls for renewed focus on soil restoration through awareness, agroecology, and policy engagement.

Read Michael’s piece here.

In her recent contribution, “Bridging the Knowledge Gap: How Strong Knowledge Management Systems Can Drive Impact in the Global South,” ADEL 2018 alumna Isabela Carvalho examines how robust knowledge ecosystems foster collaboration and systemic impact across the Global South. Drawing on examples from Durian Nigeria and MapBiomas, she argues that effective knowledge management enhances efficiency, reduces duplication, and enables scalable solutions.

Read Isabela’s piece here.

In her thought-provoking piece “South to South: A Return on Identity,” ADEL 2024 alumna Danielle Alakija reflects on the Global South’s rising power in reshaping narratives and reclaiming agency on the world stage. Beyond economic growth—like the creative economy nearing $1 trillion—she highlights the deeper value of cultural ownership and narrative sovereignty. No longer a supporting character, the Global South is authoring its own story and redefining global influence.

Read Danielle’s piece here.

Eszter Karácsony (ADEL 2024) explores Europe’s evolving role in the global order in this compelling episode. From shifting geopolitical alliances to the growing influence of think tanks on EU policymaking, she offers an insider’s view on how the continent is navigating uncertainty, redefining its strategic priorities, and shaping its voice in a multipolar world.

Listen to the full episode here.

Florencio Venté (ADEL 2024) shares his inspiring journey from grassroots activism at age 12 to global advocacy for displaced youth. As Co-director of the Migration Youth and Children Platform and founder of Glocals, he discusses youth leadership, peacebuilding, and connecting migrant and local communities through dialogue. A powerful story of resilience and impact.

Listen to the full episode here.

Young Voices, Echoes of Change: A podcast series featuring fresh perspectives from a new generation of global thinkers and changemakers.

Max Bouchet (ADEL 2019), former Director for City and State Diplomacy at the Truman Center for National Policy, has joined the Meridian International Center as Director of Subnational Diplomacy. In this new role, he will lead the Subnational Diplomacy Initiative, which aims to strengthen international cooperation by connecting local governments, businesses, academia, and diplomats.

Jana Nelson (ADEL 2017), former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Defense, has joined the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change as Senior Director for Latin America. In this new role, she will lead the Institute’s growing regional engagement, advising political leaders, regional institutions, and development partners to support effective governance and policy delivery.

Honors & Distinctions

Florencio Venté (ADEL 2024) was named among the Top 40 Under 40 by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Class of 2025, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to advocacy and civic engagement. This honor reflects over 15 years of Florencio’s impactful work across local, regional, and international platforms, driven by a deep dedication to equity, inclusion, and collective progress.

Christina Caouette (ADEL 2022), Marissa Fortune (ADEL 2023), and Alexander Parsalidis (ADEL 2024) have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a prestigious recognition presented by the Chancellery of Honours and administered through the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada. Nominated by the Young Diplomats of Canada, this honor celebrates their exceptional leadership, civic engagement, and service to their communities.

Speaking Roles

Hiba Rizk (ADEL 2015) was among the distinguished speakers at the 10th African Energy Efficiency Meetings, held in Casablanca. Under the theme “The Role of Made in Africa in Promoting a Low-Carbon Economy,” the event convened over 200 stakeholders from Morocco’s green ecosystem to explore the continent’s energy transition. The discussions focused on innovation, industrial strategy, green financing, and the role of local industries and SMEs in accelerating Africa’s energy transition.

Eniola Mafe-Abaga (ADEL 2016) spoke on the “AI-ing Our Way to No Poverty” panel at GITEX Africa, where she stressed the need to design AI solutions that serve communities with the least data and the most pressing needs. The conversation focused on how AI can help governments better identify underserved areas and implement solutions tailored to low-data environments. By highlighting projects such as Fika Map and WaterNet, the discussion demonstrated how AI can drive inclusive development through smarter infrastructure planning and more effective public sector decision-making.

Hamza Rkha Chaham (ADEL 2018) spoke at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, highlighting the transformative potential of innovation and technology in driving job creation across Africa, particularly in the agricultural sector, which remains central to the continent’s economy. Emphasizing the urgency for Africa to become a green power, he called for accelerated support to African tech champions capable of scaling fast and driving self-sufficiency.

Youth Empowerment & Mentorship

Book Release

Wadia Ait Hamza (ADEL 2012) has just released his book: How Can I Serve? Navigating Leadership and Building Communities. Drawing from over 20 years of experience working with leaders in more than 150 countries, Wadia reflects on the lessons, challenges, and values that have shaped his journey. Written during a period of reflection after his time at the World Economic Forum, the book introduces “The Constellation Effect,” a leadership approach rooted in service and interconnection.

Order here.