Inspiring Peacemakers Series
The Inspiring Peacemakers Series is a flagship initiative of the Peacebuilding Initiative, designed to connect students with the real-world complexities of peacebuilding through candid, thought-provoking dialogues with inspiring peace professionals.
In collaboration with the Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, this series is strengthened by a five-year partnership that will bring invaluable expertise, ideas, and networks to support students. This partnership is aligned with the establishment of the Nagulendran Chair in Peace Mediation—the first of its kind in Switzerland—held by Professor Achim Wennmann at the Geneva Graduate Institute, creating a deeper foundation for peace mediation insights and engagement throughout the series.
The Fab, the Geneva Graduate Institute’s innovation lab, serves as the creative hub for these discussions. As a safe space that fosters collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, The Fab provides students with a unique opportunity to design, curate, and host conversations with experts across fields such as AI, digital transformation, migration, gender, climate change, trade, and economic development, exploring how these topics intersect with peacebuilding.
By bringing together leading-edge insights and personal narratives from the field, the Inspiring Peacemakers Series aims to shape the perspectives of a new generation of peacebuilders. It offers students the chance to engage deeply with experts, gain mentorship, and explore innovative approaches to fostering peace. Through these experiences, participants are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and connections to make meaningful contributions to global peace and security in the years ahead.
Our Partners
Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance
The Inspiring Peacemakers Series is made possible with the generous support and guidance of the Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, a Swiss-based private philanthropic fund founded by Singaporeans Dorothy and John Nagulendran to promote a more peaceful world.
The Inspiring Peacemakers Series is held at La Fabrique de la paix, or “The Fab”, in Maison de la Paix of the Geneva Graduate Institute. The Fab is a creative and safe space that promotes and showcases collaborative solutions for the world of today and tomorrow.
La Fabrique de la paix
past sessions
Where and how do we start our journey as a young peacemaker in our violent world today?
A conversation with Natasha Latiff (Strategic Advocacy for Human Rights, Founder, Co-Exec, & Legal Director) and Ahmed Abdullahi (Interpeace, Country Representative in Somalia). Moderated by Shruti Satish, President of the Peacebuilding Initiative.
Loneliness, Mental Health and Negotiating with the devil
A conversation with Julian Thomas Hottinger (FDFA, Retd. Senior Mediator) as he shares his personal experiences and reflections on navigating the human aspects as a peacemaker with Shruti Satish, President of the Peacebuilding Initiative.
How can trade and innovation foster sustainable Peace?
A conversation on the connection between trade and peace with Sean Doherty (World Economic Forum, Head of International Trade & Investment), Kérshia Cavele (World Trade Organization, Project Coordinator for the Trade for Peace Program), and Ambassador Nina Tornberg to the World Trade Organization. Moderated by Milzat Salime, Vice President of the Peacebuilding Initiative.
Is 2025 the end for a nonprofit & social impact career?
In a turbulent world, what kind of mindset do we need to navigate a career in an increasingly fragmented and divisive international environment? Is it still possible to thrive and make a difference in the nonprofit and social impact sector? A conversation with Sarah Noble (Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, Head of Global Engagement) and Tania Tam (Geneva Graduate Institute, Faculty Lead & USAID, Former Office of Transition Initiatives), who will share about their experiences and personal journey in the nonprofit world. Moderated by Olivia Bornyi, Co-President of the Peacebuilding Initiative.
Showing Up for a peaceful world: “What kind of leadership do we need for the Future?”
A conversation with Corinne Momal-Vanian (Kofi Annan Foundation, Executive Director). Opening Remarks by Ambassador Henri Monceau (Permanent Observer of l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie). Moderated by Olivia Bornyi, Co-President of the Peacebuilding Initiative.
Mediating in a multipolar world: Lessons from the Black Sea Grain Initiative
A conversation with David Harland (Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Executive Director). Opening Remarks by Gunnar Berkemeier (Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN in Geneva, Minister-Counsellor). Moderated by Pilar Alejandra Paradiso, Director of Communications of the Peacebuilding Initiative.