Who We Are - Global NGO Executive Committee

ABOUT US

The Global NGO Executive Committee is comprised of eighteen representatives elected by organizations officially associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC).

The Executive Committee was founded to promote a closer working relationship between the United Nations and the NGOs associated with UNDGC. GNEC acts as a liaison between the NGO/CSO community and UN, and help them make more effective use of their affiliation with the UNDGC.

In partnership with the UNDGC, the Executive Committee organizes the Communication Workshops, Town Hall Meetings, Briefings and the annual UN Civil Society Conference (formerly known as the UN DPI NGO Conference), at the UN Headquarters or abroad. These events aim to facilitate collaboration among NGOs, empowers civil society, and increases public understanding of the United Nations’ critical efforts on issues of economic and social development, climate justice, human rights, the rule of law, peace-building, and other SDGs. This event is an important opportunity for NGOs/CSOs from all around the world to network and promote the efforts of their organizations.

The Executive Committee also provides civil society with abundant opportunities to become more knowledgeable about the UN and the NGO/CSO sector through its popular Communications Workshops and other activities throughout the year.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS

Mr. Uwem Robert OTU, International President
African Youth Movement
Mr. Uwem Robert OTU is of Nigerian nationality. He holds an International Diploma in Environmental Pollution Control from the Institute of Science, Research and Technology in Tunisia and a Diploma in Water Information Management from UNESCO-IHE University in Delft, Netherlands. He has a Master’s degree in Industrial Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. He is the founding President of African Youth Movement and currently serves as a Senior Advisor/Trustee. He is active on United Nations issues having addressed the United Nations twice at the 58th Annual UNDPINGO Conference in New York and at the 65th Annual UNDPINGO Conference in New York in 2014. He has also spoken at the Civil Society Townhall with the President of the General Assembly in 2021 and 2023. He is the pioneer Speaker of the Students’ Union Government, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Ms. Ediola Pashollari, New York President
World Assembly of Youth (WAY)
Ms. Ediola Pashollari is of Albanian nationality and currently resides in New York, USA. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration (UK), a Masters of Arts in Political Science (UK), a Masters in Entreprenology (USA), and also a Bachelor’s Degree in LLB (UK). She is presently the interim President of the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC), the Secretary General of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), the Director of the World Youth Institute (WYI), and many more. She has organized various programmes and activities on youth issues at international, regional and local level. She also has delivered a variety of keynote addresses, papers, presentations, and speeches globally on various youth related issues. She has also contributed to the drafting of numerous youth strategies at regional and international level. She believes in empowering youth and with that passion she was greatly involved in writing books and booklets to help young people be aware of the dangers of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS Pandemic, unemployment, etc.

Mr. Dileepkumar Thankappan, International Vice President
World Yoga Community
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan is residing in New York, USA and is the Founder, Global Chairman, and CEO of the World Yoga Community. Additionally, Guruji is the Secretary of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN, the Vice President of the UNSRC Salus Well-Being Network at the UN, Chair of the NGO Committee of Yoga at the UN, and the Main NGO Representative of the World Yoga Community to the United Nations. Guruji is a Trustee of the All Faiths Seminary International, New Light temple, and an advisor for many international organizations. Guruji is a Hindu Monk, an ordained Interfaith Minister, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Humanitarian, Spiritual Guru, Artist, Dancer, Bhajan Singer, Musician, Martial Artist, Traditional Healer, Global Culture of Peace Activist, and much more! Guruji is an honorable guest speaker, religious leader, musician, singer, and event organizer at the United Nations, New York City and Borough Halls in New York City, international conferences, and judges in global yogasana competitions and festivals. Guruji received numerous titles and awards for his humanitarian activities including yoga, the global culture of peace, and Interfaith harmony.

Dr. Constance Sobon Sensor, New York Vice President
League of Women Voters of the United States
Dr. Connie Sobon Sensor, PhD, RN, is of American nationality. Dr. Sensor holds a PhD from Seton Hall University and is a recently retired as a Professor from Rutgers University. She is the main representative for the League of Women Voters of the United States at the United Nations (LWVUS). Dr. Sensor has presented and published widely on the power of nursing and her role at the UN in advancing population health based on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Global Citizenship Education and the Climate Crisis. She was a planning partner for several UN NGO Conferences and on behalf of the LWVUS, she organized and facilitated their webinars and parallel events for CSW in collaboration with the UN Department of Global Communications. She served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is the past-President of the Northeast Chapter of the Transcultural Nursing Society and was a national Public Policy Advisor for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and past Secretary for Region 3 of the New Jersey State Nurses Association.

Dr. Brian Muzás, Treasurer
School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University
Rev. Brian Keenan Muzás, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, where he also serves as the Director of the Center for United Nations and Global Governance Studies. His research focuses on international security, human security, and ethics. Since 2012, he has been an active participant in the US-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition (UPIC), advocating passionately for engaging the mind, heart, and spirit in interreligious dialogue and global understanding. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School at the University of Texas at Austin, supported by a Harrington Doctoral Fellowship. He was ordained as a Catholic Priest in 2003, following the completion of his master's degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Systematic Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. He also holds an M.S. in Aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology, supported by a National Science Foundation Fellowship, and a B.S.E. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University as a McDonnell Douglas Scholar.

Dr. Sandra Timmermann, Secretary
International Federation on Ageing
Dr. Sandra Timmermann, is a UN Representative for the International Federation on Ageing. She received a BA from the University of Colorado and MA and EdD degrees from Columbia University. An active member of the NGO Committee on Aging/NY, she is chairing the intergenerational task force and serves as CoA’s program co-chair. Dr. Timmermann has held senior positions in the field of aging for over 35 years and is nationally recognized for her work in aging, retirement, and business. For nearly 20 years, she was a Vice President at MetLife and the Founder and Director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute, a research and education center of excellence. Prior to that, she held senior positions at the American Society on Aging and AARP. She is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, was awarded the 2019 Leadership Award from the American Society on Aging. Her numerous volunteer leadership roles have included serving as Chair of the Board of the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Business Forum on Aging, and on the Boards of the American Society on Aging, Generations United, the American Foundation for the Blind, and others.

DIRECTORS

Ms. Olasubomi Iginla Aina, Director
Lightup Foundation
Ms. Olasubomi Iginla Aina is of Nigerian nationality and currently resides in London, United Kingdom. She holds a Masters in Law (LLM), Brighton University, UK; Generative Leadership, Oxford University; BSc. Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She is the Executive Director of the Lightup Foundation, a charity that has broken a world record with the “Bag of Hope” project used to project the UN Rights of the Child, targeting 30 countries. She was appointed as Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on the nomination of the UK Prime Minister. Appointed as Diaspora Ambassador for Nigeria and National Assembly Ambassador to the UK by the Nigerian government in 2019 and Minister of Youth for the State of African Diaspora (SOAD) – the African Diaspora being the 6th region of the African Union (AU). She has organised various programmes and activities and presented at several UN events.

Mr. Dassé Diarra, Director
Olof Palme Peace Foundation International
Mr. Dasse Diarra is residing in New York, USA. He is working on his Doctoral Dissertation Project focusing on Interreligious conflict resolution at the HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership in New York. Mr. Diarra has been involved with Olof Palme Peace Foundation International since 2015, which made him get involved with the United Nations Civil Society activities since then. He has served as OPPFI-UN's Main Representative, helping his foundation go through the UN protocols. He has chaired several of his foundation's impacting activities in the US and overseas. In 2020, he was appointed vice chair of his Foundation in addition to his primary role as UN Main Representative.

Dr. Aysegul Dukrakoglu, Director
Ataturk Society of America (ASA)
Dr. Aysegul Durakoglu, is a Turkish-American pianist who currently resides in New York, USA. She received a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School, and a Ph.D. at New York University. Dr. Durakoglu has performed widely throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, Canada, and Turkey. Currently, she is a full-time Professor at the Music and Technology Program of the Stevens Institute of Technology. Aysegul’s passion for the world’s music made her to establish a Chamber Music Society, Musica Mundana with the purpose of bringing together the music of different cultures. As an active performer and scholar, Dr. Durakoglu has presented numerous lecture-recitals on the music of Turkish, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Sephardic musical cultures, and recently has published an anthology on the music and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Through the Ataturk Society of America (ASA), she has organized numerous activities including fund raising events by promoting world peace and development of culture and education of young generations that align with the sustainable goals of the United Nations.

Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, Director
National Social Action Commission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Dr. J. Nadine Gracia earned a Bachelor of Arts in French with honors from Stanford University, a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a Commissioner on the National Social Action Commission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and serves as Co-Chair of the Delta Days at the United Nations Subcommittee. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Dr. Gracia is a national health equity and public health leader with extensive leadership experience in federal government, the nonprofit sector, professional associations, and academia. She is passionate about service and leadership development, she is active in many civic and professional organizations.

Ms. Shennon Sequeira, Director
MUN Impact
Ms. Shennon Sequeira is of Portuguese nationality and currently resides in Birmingham, United Kingdom. She holds a LLB Law with Criminology from the University of Leicester and is currently pursuing her LLM Master's in Legal Practice. She presently serves as the Youth Representative on the Board of Directors at MUN Impact where she has helped to build the 100k Deeds programme that led to various events and activities creating pathways for the young people to voice out their issues and concerns at the United Nations. Ms. Sequeira is an active member of the youth community and hopes to echo the importance of youth engagement, empowerment and leadership within the society and the legal system. She has been recognised in the Top 20 Young Women in Sustainable Development, among others.

Mr. Richard Jordan, Director
International Council for Caring Communities
Mr. Richard Jordan has been the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) representative at the UN for many years. Mr. Jordan’s specialty is digital education and the no-cost courses that are offered throughout the UN system on a variety of topics for sustainable development and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Development. Richard Jordan has spent over 44 years on a daily basis either in person or online at UN meetings. Mr. Jordan has served on important Boards of arts organizations in NYC as well as having served as a Trustee of religious organizations in NYC, nationally and globally. One of his legacies is as one of the five co-founding editors of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, the journal of record at all environment and development negotiations worldwide. A 3-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Mr. Jordan also holds 30 certificates from the US Institute of Peace’s Gandhi-King Academy on peace building negotiation and reconciliation.

Mr. Joseph DeMeyer, Director
Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues
Mr. Joseph DeMeyer holds a 25-year tenure as UN NGO Representative of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues with executive roles in the NGO Committees on Mental Health and on Education, Learning and Literacy; and in the Psychology Coalition at the UN (PCUN). He co-organized presentations at UN Commissions and Civil Society Conferences collaborating with UN Agencies and Missions; and submitted oral and written statements at High Level Political Forums. The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the disconnect between the Civil Society Organisations and United Nations agencies that has emphasised the need to value diversity, education, mental health and especially contributions by younger generation, as pillars of resilient civil society. Through various events and activities he has promoted Global Citizenship.

Ms. Dayana Blanco Galo, Director
The City College of New York
Ms. Dayana J. Blanco Galo is currently an undergraduate student at CUNY City College, where she is pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Management and International Studies. As the first in her family to attend college, she deeply values education as a transformative force for growth and social change. Dayana brings a fresh perspective on current global issues, complemented by her active volunteer work within her community, where she focuses on promoting and empowering youth through education. Her dedication to these causes underscores her commitment to amplifying all voices and advocating for youth representation in global affairs. Dayana excels as an effective team player, contributes towards achieving the UN's global goals, expanding global partnerships, and fostering consensus through cultural competence. She is passionate about leveraging her skills and experiences to create a positive impact on a global scale, ensuring that the voices of all, especially the youth, are heard and represented.

Adriane Berg, Director
International Federation on Ageing
Ms. Adriane Berg holds a BA from Brooklyn College, a JD from New York University School of Law, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honour society and Kappa Delta Pi, the education honour society. She is the UN Representative from the International Federation on Ageing and member of the NGO Committee on Aging, the co-founder of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and former Executive Director of the Kitalys Institute for the Delay and Prevention of Age-related Diseases. She collaborated with the World Tourism Network and created the Age-Friendly Travel Certification Program, driving initiatives catering to mature travellers ‘unique needs. Adriane is a veteran radio and TV personality on WABC, CNNfn, and now award-winning podcasts: Generation Bold: The Fountain of Truth About Aging, The Ageless Traveler, and GNEC’s podcast, On The Ground. Moreover, through her online course Speak Out Communication, Adriane empowers older adults to confidently navigate healthcare, family dynamics, work environments, and community interactions.

Ms. Farah Salim Eck, Director
United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA)
Ms. Farah Salim Eck is Managing Director at the UN Association of the USA (UNA-USA). She catalyzes partnerships, programs and policies that bolster everyday UN champions across the United States in communities, on campuses, and within Congress. Farah has seen the impact of the UN firsthand- as a companion when her mom delivered polio drops on behalf of the WHO in Pakistan, a cheerleader for human rights who saw lives change for Afghan refugees when they received tents from the UNHCR and a champion for education who experienced the joy on children's faces in the slums of Nairobi when they received UNICEF backpacks filled with school supplies. Starting as a UNICEF USA volunteer, elected as President of the UNA-USA Chicago Chapter, or now in her current role as staff at UNA-USA, Farah has passionately supported the UN's values and principles in personal and professional roles.

HRH Prince Adnan El-Hashemite, Director
Seton Hall University
HRH Adnan is the Dean of RASIT and Executive Director for Global Initiatives at Holy Family University. As a philanthropist, HRH has been a driving force behind equity in education and ethical social developments. Upholding the timeless mission of his grandfathers, HRH elects not to publicize his humanitarian contributions; however, to his credit, HRH mobilized private equities and home offices to grow urban redevelopment in underprivileged-unfinanceable sectors; as a result thousands of educational scholarships were granted to young girls and boys from underprivileged communities and thousands of humanitarian relief packages were delivered to children and mothers in distressed areas. HRH employed cultures, languages, and arts to promote peace, social development, and influence international bodies including UNESCO to name Culture as The Foundation for Global Peace. HRH has introduced RASIT Research to incentivize CSR used for education, youth development, and academic programmes which has been adopted by various governments and international agencies.

Dr Piyush Gupta, Director
Cancer Aid Society India
Dr. Gupta with Graduation in Science & Law, PG in Management, Social Sciences followed by PhD and trainings in IT, Palliative Care, Cancer Control and received several Fellowships and Scholarships. At 22, he founded Cancer Aid Society an ISO 9001 NGO in 1987 to control Tobacco, Cancer, NCDs integrated with Palliative Care which uniquely stands Globally. He serves as Secretary of National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine. As CEO Representative at United Nation’s ECOSOC, DGC & World Health Organization’s GCM NCD, he has represented India in at various UN Meetings on Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases along with other International events. Announced International Award for Leadership in Palliative Care and Tobacco Control. Declared December 8th as NCD Awareness Day since 2013. He authored over 100 Copyright Documents including 25 Booklets on different Cancers, was Speaker in over 40 National & International Conferences and Workshops, organized over 60 trainings and conferences and delivered hundreds of Awareness Lectures within the Community. Dr. Gupta received several awards for himself and the organisation including “Jewel of India” among others.

ADVISORY BOARD

H. E. Ambassador Henry Mac Donald
P.R. Suriname Mission to UN; Retired Chairman

Mr. Akhtar Badshah
Author; Senior Lecturer, U of Wash; Senior Director,
Global Community Affairs, Microsoft; Retired

Mr. Daniel Bena
PepsiCo, Retired; NGO Thought Leader

Dr. Rose Cardarelli

Ed.D., CEO, Education for All Coalition

Ms. Maria-Luisa Chavez
UN Chief, NGO Relations; Retired

Mr. Lance Gould
CEO, Brooklyn Story Lab; Former Executive Editor, Huffington Post

Dr. Kevin Merges

Principal, Rutgers Preparatory School

H. E. Ambassador Simona Miculescu
P.R. Mission of Romania, UNESCO

Mr. Bill Miller
CEO/Moderator of Global Connections Television

Hon. Jenny Rivera
Jurist, NY Appellate Court

Mr. Troy Wolfe
UN Foundation, Rep. for UNA USA

** The Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) has a 19-member Board. By GNEC by-laws, each member of the Board must be a representative of one of the UNDGC affiliated NGOs/CSOs.

ABOUT US

The Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) was founded in 1962 to promote a closer working relationship between the United Nations and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) affiliated with it. GNEC acts as a liaison between the NGO community and the UN's Department of Global Communications (UNDGC). GNEC provides strategic guidance to help NGOs become more effective partners of the UN.

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ADVISORY BOARD

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