Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim is best known for having served as the sixth President of Mauritius. With a PhD in organic chemistry, this academic made history as the country's first female president. She has been recognised internationally for her contributions to science, receiving accolades such as the UNESCO Award for Women in Science, Laureate for the National Economic and Social Council, the Order of the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques’ by the Government of France. She was on the Forbes List for the 100 ‘Most Powerful Women in the World’ and 1st among the Top 100 Women in Africa Forbes List on multiple occasions. Having received numerous fellowships and honorary doctorates and being passionate about giving back to society, she is a true example of having broken the glass ceiling.
Winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest award for Indian nationals living overseas, Amit Lath is one of the most recognisable names in the business community in Europe. Based in Poland he is renowned for his visionary leadership and transformative impact as CEO of Sharda Group, a conglomerate that has business interests ranging from textiles to food. His entrepreneurial acumen has propelled Sharda Group to the forefront of the European textile sector, earning prestigious accolades such as Forbes Diamond. He has since 2018 has been a part of the I.I.M.U.N. family and is the wind behind many international concourses of the organisation. A firm believer in furthering everything Indian, he is a champion of everything youth. His extensive international engagements and strategic initiatives, including his role in cultural and economic collaborations between India and Europe, make him a living bridge between communities and a great role model for the coming generation of leaders to follow.
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga served as Prime Minister and then two terms as President of Sri Lanka, becoming the first woman to do so. Having graduated in law, she pursued Political Science from Sciences Po and then did her PhD in development economics. She is best known for her significant contributions to economic reforms and her efforts to resolve the country's long-standing civil war with the LTTE. Regularly featured by Forbes magazine in its "100 Most Powerful Women'', her political career spans over five decades. Awarded The National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest civil and Military honor by the French Government, her tenure was always focused on providing youth opportunities. We are humbled and honored to have this international stateswoman join our International Advisory Board.
Former Minister of Finance and Minister for Foreign Affairs, he is best known as the 4th Prime Minister of Montenegro. A man who started his career ground up and without lineage is reflective of our belief that young people without surnames and influence can bring about the impact they desire. His policies and politics were reflective of the progressive outlook that he harbours with an emphasis on building an interconnected, peaceful world order. To that end, even after his time in politics, he chooses to work for international developmental aid and cooperation, underscoring his belief in one world. We are delighted to have people who have been living examples of our vision join us as a part of the International Advisory Board.
If you have read English fiction literature, there is no chance you do not already know who Jeffrey Howard Archer is. Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare is a prominent English novelist and member of the House of Lords since 1992. Born in London on April 15, 1940, he achieved early fame as an author with novels like "Kane and Abel," which sold millions of copies worldwide. His works have sold a record 275 million copies across 114 countries and translated into 47+ languages! Whilst his political career included a stint as a Member of Parliament and later as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party. He has also ventured into playwriting and charity work, notably founding Simple Truth to aid Kurdish refugees. A man who understands children and teenagers better than most, we are delighted to have him join our International Advisory Board.
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition, and Leader of the Labour Party, he is best known as two times Prime Minister of Australia. Currently serving as Ambassador of Australia to the United States of America, Kevin Rudd is a great example that one can continue to serve a nation in ways more than one. A diplomat par excellence and former chief of staff, he is known for his diplomatic acumen and advocacy for Indigenous rights. An expert authority on all things China, he has a doctorate from the University of Oxford and has authored numerous books and published many papers. However, his profound love for children is notably visible in his endeavors as he authored children’s books even while in office! It is a matter of distinct honour to be able to welcome such a strong voice in global politics.
Born in Chennai and now a two-time Member of Parliament, Priyanca Radhakrishnan is a trailblazing figure in New Zealand politics. She is celebrated as the first person of Indian origin to serve as a Minister in the country, holding portfolios of Youth, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities. Someone who truly understands the youth, not just having governed but being part of a generation that represents the future, she has been a strong voice for marginalised groups such as survivors of domestic violence and migrant workers. Having lived and worked in different nations, her global take on all things Indian is what we are excited to learn more about. Winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest award for Indian nationals living overseas, her contribution to New Zealand is what has rightfully earned her the title of ‘The Honourable.’
Rangina Hamidi, an Afghan-American writer, educator, and activist, gained international recognition as Afghanistan's first female Minister of Education, advocating fiercely for women's rights amid the challenging political status quo. Her dedication to empowering Afghan women through initiatives like Kandahar Treasure and roles in civil society and academia underscores her commitment to social change and gender equality and puts her double major in gender studies and religious studies to good use. Despite facing adversity, including the Taliban's resurgence, Hamidi's resilience and leadership continue to inspire global efforts towards inclusive education and women's empowerment in Afghanistan and beyond. Women like her are testimony to the fact that one can create what they believe in despite the circumstances.
An Ecuadorian by birth, our next International Advisory Board member went on to serve as the first female President of Ecuador in 1997. She started her journey as a lawyer and educator, entering politics in 1986 as a councilwoman. Later, at a national level, she held various appointments in the Ministry of Education and Culture, heading the National Council of Development and serving as minister of education, culture, and sports. In 1996, she became vice president of the administration before serving as president. After leaving elected office, Arteaga worked for various educational and development organisations, continuing to do her bit towards impacting and empowering young people. She has also served as secretary-general of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, and she received the Decoration of Rio Branco for meritorious service to Brazil. We are honoured to have her on board!
