Samer Khwaiss is a creative director and brand strategist with more than two decades of international experience leading branding, communication, and design initiatives for global organizations and major consumer brands. Over the course of his career he has worked with leading agencies including M&C Saatchi, Lowe, and JWT, and has led projects for multinational clients such as HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Unilever, LG, Samsung, and Dubai Economy. Known for combining strategic insight with strong creative direction, he has managed large multidisciplinary teams and developed brand platforms and campaigns across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Dr. Khaldoun Al-Nabwani is a Syrian-French philosopher and academic. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Paris-Sorbonne (Paris I) and is a Professor of Political Philosophy and International Relations. A specialist in Middle Eastern societies and Arabic culture, Nabwani is a public intellectual and political analyst. He is a frequent guest on international TV news networks, where he provides expert commentary on geopolitical shifts and cultural identity. His work bridges academic theory with real-world political analysis, focusing on the evolution of modern Arab thought and the complexities of international diplomacy.

Cumai advises organisations on AI and digital transformation, helping leadership teams turn emerging technologies into practical operating capability, governed workflows, and measurable value. With deep data science and AI experience, combined with the mindset of a tech innovator, he brings hands-on insight across responsible AI, operating model design, public sector transformation, enterprise environments, and founder-led innovation.

Nadia Muradi is a strategic communications and program development leader with more than two decades of experience working across international organizations, creative agencies, and humanitarian initiatives. Her work focuses on narrative development, cultural storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration, particularly in projects addressing identity, reconciliation, and community engagement. Nadia has led communications and branding initiatives for global corporations, government entities, and nonprofit organizations, and brings extensive experience in program design, partnership development, and public engagement.

Tatiana Kotlyarenko is an international expert and speaker on violence against women and girls and human trafficking. She currently serves as a member of the G20 IF20 Human Trafficking Working Group. She was the Advisor on Anti-Trafficking Issues at OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights from 2016-2023. She worked on the 2nd edition of the National Referral Mechanisms - Joining Efforts to Protect the Rights of Trafficked Persons: A Practical Handbook and Addressing Emerging Human Trafficking Trends and Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as providing technical support and capacity building to combat trafficking in human beings to OSCE participating states. In response to the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, which especially impacts women and children, Tatiana conducted rapid assessment missions and provided recommendations to countries on how to prevent and address trafficking of Ukrainian women and children.  In addition, Tatiana works on issues related to sexual violence in conflict. She has been the recipient of the Last Girl Awards in 2022, NYC Bar 2026  Huntington Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award,  and is a member of BMW Responsible Leaders.

Zaid G. Hatoum is a legal scholar and human rights advocate specializing in refugee protection and humanitarian law. He serves as a Visiting Clinical Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School and directs the Global Screenings and Casework Program at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), where he provides legal representation to individuals seeking international humanitarian protection. Previously, he worked as an immigration and removal defense attorney at HIAS Pennsylvania and with the International Organization for Migration in Damascus, assisting refugee cases for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. His work focuses on advancing legal protections for displaced communities and survivors of persecution.

Alex Kahel is an entrepreneur and wellness advocate focused on innovation at the intersection of health, productivity, and technology. He is the founder of BrainTea and OrganicBoost, companies dedicated to developing natural solutions that support cognitive performance, mental clarity, and stress reduction.In addition to his work in the health sector, he has built ventures across branding, technology, and digital development, including Energy Brand Design and Circle Creative Solutions. Kahel is also involved in international charitable initiatives and brings a multidisciplinary perspective spanning entrepreneurship, neuroscience, and social impact.

Issam Rafea is an internationally recognized oud virtuoso, composer, and conductor whose work spans contemporary composition, orchestral music, and traditional Arabic performance. He previously served as Chair of the Arabic Music Department at the High Institute of Music in Damascus and principal conductor of the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music. Rafea has performed and collaborated with artists and ensembles across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and received the Best Composer Award at the Dubai International Film Festival for his work on the film September Rain. His work bridges traditional Arabic music with contemporary global performance.