About Us
WHO WE ARE?
The Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower the youth by bringing them together to tackle different challenges in the world, especially in fragile States.
YCDP is a platform developed for youth to participate in dialogues on peacebuilding and peacekeeping across the globe.
YCDP is a platform developed for youth to participate in dialogues on peacebuilding and peacekeeping across the globe.
WHAT WE DO?
Facilitate a dialogue for youths to discuss and exchange their views and support each other to reshape the future of their homeland. The Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace is a pragmatic organization that seeks to build a brighter future for the youth. The center will help empower young people to overcome obstacles and promote peace and understanding in our society.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
The Center will engage in dialogue and discussion on key problems and challenges through diverse channels and means of communication, including training and mentoring, organizing events, conducting research, publishing in print and online, broadcasting, as well as social media, and other outreach activities.
Meet Our Team
Board Members
Yama Sukhanyar
Founder
Yama Sukhanyar is the Executive Director of the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP), an organization he founded in 2023. Yama is a passionate advocate for peace and strongly believes in the power of dialogue to bridge divides and foster understanding among young people. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Yama has been a driving force in the realm of international relations for many years. Yama has a background rooted in diplomatic service, serving as an A&T Attaché with the Permanent Mission of the I.R of Afghanistan to the UN office in Geneva from 2012 to 2021. During this time, his dedication to multilateral diplomacy and human rights advocacy began to flourish. Mr. Sukhanyar has a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy from the esteemed Geneva School of Diplomacy, which has further enriched his expertise. His focus areas include Multilateral Diplomacy, Human Rights, and Regional Security policy.
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Gilles-Emmanuel
Jacquet
Mr. Gilles-Emmanuel Jacquet is the vice-president of the Geneva International Peace Research Institute. He holds a master’s degree in political science and a Master degree in European studies, both obtained at the University of Geneva.
Mr. Jacquet worked as an intern at the UNHCR and was employed by the French Ministry of Justice, as well as the French embassy in Moldova and the Alliance Française of Chişinău.
Mr. Jacquet works as a lecturer for various private universities in Geneva and also worked as a university lecturer in Kabul in 2012-2013.
Show more +Mr. Jacquet worked as an intern at the UNHCR and was employed by the French Ministry of Justice, as well as the French embassy in Moldova and the Alliance Française of Chişinău.
Mr. Jacquet works as a lecturer for various private universities in Geneva and also worked as a university lecturer in Kabul in 2012-2013.
Ambassador M.Ashraf Haidari
M. Ashraf Haidari served as the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Sri Lanka and was concurrently the Director-General of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) from 2018 to 2022. He was the Director-General of Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan from 2015 to 2018, during which he consistently promoted the development of youth leadership and meritocracy to underpin recruitment processes against nepotism. Before this role, he served as Afghanistan’s Deputy Chief of Mission to India, following his term as Afghanistan’s Deputy Assistant National Security Advisor. Currently, Ambassador Haidari is a Senior Fellow at the World in 2050, Diplomatic Courier, and has taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Notably, he is the recipient of several awards, including the 2021 Roots of Peace Global Citizen Award for his work in humanitarian diplomacy, promoting peace and prosperity through youth and women’s empowerment in conflict-affected countries from Afghanistan to Vietnam.
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Dr. Hedayatullah
Stanekzai
Dr. Hedayatullah STANEKZAI is a senior adviser to The Medical Management and Research Courses Afghanistan (MMRCA). Dr. STANEKZAI have led projects, including developing service provision in primary, secondary, and tertiary care projects.
DR. STANEKZAI contributed to effective implementation of some vertical health projects and programs (including child survival interventions at community level; Malaria and lashmaniosis control programs; tuberculosis control program; hospital management programs and health emergencies in refugee camps).
Show more +DR. STANEKZAI contributed to effective implementation of some vertical health projects and programs (including child survival interventions at community level; Malaria and lashmaniosis control programs; tuberculosis control program; hospital management programs and health emergencies in refugee camps).
Manezha S. Afshar
Manezha S. Afshar is an accomplished finance and development professional with over eight
years of experience spanning the banking, humanitarian, and social enterprise sectors. She
currently serves as Community Integration Program Manager at the International Rescue
Committee (IRC), where she oversees multi-program budgets, builds cross-sector partnerships,
and leads a diverse team to strengthen community engagement and service delivery.
Previously, Manezha held senior leadership roles in Afghanistan’s banking sector, she also
contributed as a High Council Member of the Agricultural Development Fund, shaping strategic
investment and credit policy.
A multilingual global thinker, Manezha holds dual MBAs in Global, Social, and Sustainable
Enterprise from Colorado State University and Islamic Banking and Finance from the
International Islamic University Malaysia. She is passionate about inclusive finance, sustainable
development, and empowering diverse communities.
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Taranum Orya
Taranum Orya holds a robust academic foundation in Political Science and Public Administration, complemented by a master’s degree in International Development with a concentration in Forced Migration, Refugees, and Belonging from Clark University. As a member of a research team in the USA focused on Afghan immigrants, Taranum actively contributes to scholarly work aimed at improving the lives of displaced communities, ensuring their stories and challenges are recognized and addressed. Through these endeavors, Taranum exemplifies the power of empathy, knowledge, and action in driving meaningful change for those who have been forced to leave their homeland.
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Firoz Alizada
Mr. Firoz Alizada works for the Secretariat of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva. He provides technical support to the States Parties in their efforts to fulfill the Convention’s obligations.
He holds a bachelor’s in social and Political Science and an executive master’s in Development Policy and Practices from the Geneva Graduate Institute. He was awarded with Service-Above-Self by the Rotary.
Show more +He holds a bachelor’s in social and Political Science and an executive master’s in Development Policy and Practices from the Geneva Graduate Institute. He was awarded with Service-Above-Self by the Rotary.
Mohammad Ashraf Zaki
Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Zaki is a member of the International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) which is a Standing Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting created by ECOSOC in 1983 and coordinated by UNCTAD.
Mr. Zaki has served as a diplomat in Switzerland,Turkey and he has experience of working with Finance ministry, Trade ministry and Central bank of Afghanistan.
Mr. Zaki holds a Master’s degree in International Trade from International University in Geneva. His areas of expertise include international relationship, conflict resolution and peace building.
Show more +Mr. Zaki has served as a diplomat in Switzerland,Turkey and he has experience of working with Finance ministry, Trade ministry and Central bank of Afghanistan.
Mr. Zaki holds a Master’s degree in International Trade from International University in Geneva. His areas of expertise include international relationship, conflict resolution and peace building.
Global Advisory Council
Maria San Miguel Vidal
Maria San Miguel is a Spanish student at the Geneva Graduate Institute, pursuing a master’s degree in international and development studies with a specialization in human rights and humanitarianism.
She has worked at the UK parliament, NGOs like the Borgen Project and WFUNA and is currently working as a Young Expert for the Girls Human Rights Hub.
Show more +She has worked at the UK parliament, NGOs like the Borgen Project and WFUNA and is currently working as a Young Expert for the Girls Human Rights Hub.
Jeena Earthiva
Jeena Earthiva is an artist turned wellbeing-tech entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, trainer, creative director and music composer. She specialises in music and multi-sensory experiences to boost mental fitness & wellbeing. She is the founder of Conscious Music Code – a music based tool to train your mindset.
She is involved in multiple projects for youth engagement and unlocking human potential in modern, creative ways. She advocates ‘sustainable human behaviour’ and ‘humanistic mindset’ as the key to effect real, positive changes in the world.
Show more +She is involved in multiple projects for youth engagement and unlocking human potential in modern, creative ways. She advocates ‘sustainable human behaviour’ and ‘humanistic mindset’ as the key to effect real, positive changes in the world.
Hassib Sediqi
Mr. Hassib Sediqi is an international security specialist with experience in strategic leadership, crisis management and risk analysis. Having served as a senior officer within national security institutions in Afghanistan for more than a decade, and currently active as a lecturer and independent consultant in France, he brings a unique combination of field-level operational methodology and academic insight to the study of contemporary security challenges affecting private and public actors alike.
He holds a Master’s degree from the Paris School of International Affairs (Sciences Po Paris). His work contributes to fostering dialogue across cultures, strengthening analytical capacities, and supporting informed and ethical decision-making within economic and institutional environments. He teaches at various academic institutions and is engaged in initiatives aimed at empowering young leaders, improving strategic literacy, and promoting peace through knowledge, conversation and mutual understanding.
Show more +He holds a Master’s degree from the Paris School of International Affairs (Sciences Po Paris). His work contributes to fostering dialogue across cultures, strengthening analytical capacities, and supporting informed and ethical decision-making within economic and institutional environments. He teaches at various academic institutions and is engaged in initiatives aimed at empowering young leaders, improving strategic literacy, and promoting peace through knowledge, conversation and mutual understanding.
Anthony Dedouche
Mr. Anthnoy Dedouche is a Lawyer at the Madrid Bar Association and trained in political science at the Sorbonne University he graduated with a master’s degree in international relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy in 2014. Then, he provided support between 2014 and 2020 to various actors of multilateralism, in particular a permanent mission to the United Nations, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
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Dr. Rakib Al Hasan
Dr. Rakib Al Hasan is a Bangladeshi physician, author, activist and geopolitical analyst with over a decade of experience in diplomacy, policy advising and youth leadership. He earned his MBBS from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka and co-founded the Centre for Partnership Initiative (CPI), serving as Executive Director. He has worked with multiple international youth and rights organizations in ambassadorial roles.
He is a prolific writer and speaker, known for books, opinion pieces and global forums. His contributions have been featured in international media and he has received awards recognizing his leadership and youth empowerment efforts.
Show more +He is a prolific writer and speaker, known for books, opinion pieces and global forums. His contributions have been featured in international media and he has received awards recognizing his leadership and youth empowerment efforts.
Junlong Wang
Junlong Wang is Founder of the Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy (BCEA), a youth-led initiative that equips emerging leaders to develop “Global Intelligence (GQ)” and serve as citizen diplomats through dialogue, exchange, and storytelling. Under his leadership, BCEA has convened five Global Intelligence Summits bringing together 300 participants from 27 countries, launched chapters in Beijing, Geneva, and Los Angeles, and engaged more than 3,000 young people worldwide. Currently, Junlong is producing an op-documentary, Quiet Diplomats, to highlight the power of human connection in promoting understanding and bridging divides among polarized communities.
Previously, he also worked with the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations and the United States Heartland China Association, supporting programs that promote dialogue and exchange between the two countries. In addition, he is active in global youth leadership initiatives advancing public diplomacy and international cooperation. He is a member of the Rising Professionals Committee of the Public Diplomacy Council of America, a One Young World Ambassador, and an Enlight China Fellow at the Watson Institute.
Show more +Previously, he also worked with the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations and the United States Heartland China Association, supporting programs that promote dialogue and exchange between the two countries. In addition, he is active in global youth leadership initiatives advancing public diplomacy and international cooperation. He is a member of the Rising Professionals Committee of the Public Diplomacy Council of America, a One Young World Ambassador, and an Enlight China Fellow at the Watson Institute.
Mohammad Shehadat
Mohammad Shehadat is a Syrian youth advocate, peacebuilder, and education activist working across Switzerland and the MENA region. He is the founder of the Youth for Peace Initiative, and leads projects promoting Global Citizenship Education, youth leadership, and peace education for displaced communities. Mohammad works to amplify refugee and youth voices in international policy spaces. He is a member of the UNESCO Youth for Peace Programme and the SDG4 Youth & Student Network, and has worked with International Organisations and institutions including the Kofi Annan Foundation, LWF, CARE, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
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Dr. Ma’in Alshamayleh
Dr. Ma’in Alshamayleh is a senior governance and institutional reform expert with more than 25 years of public sector experience in Jordan. He served for 15 years at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and 10 years at the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, contributing to government reform, institutional modernization, and parliamentary development. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Relations and Security Studies and is a certified EFQM Assessor.
Dr. Alshamayleh specializes in governance, institutional excellence, Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), Women, Peace and Security (WPS), international security, and climate security. He played a key role in shaping the Amman Declaration on YPS and serves as Founder and Chair of the MENA Coalition on Youth, Peace & Security. He is also a university lecturer, trainer, and advisor, delivering strategic programs across the MENA region in governance, risk management, foresight, and youth empowerment.
Show more +Dr. Alshamayleh specializes in governance, institutional excellence, Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), Women, Peace and Security (WPS), international security, and climate security. He played a key role in shaping the Amman Declaration on YPS and serves as Founder and Chair of the MENA Coalition on Youth, Peace & Security. He is also a university lecturer, trainer, and advisor, delivering strategic programs across the MENA region in governance, risk management, foresight, and youth empowerment.
Global Fellows
Muska KarimiHuman Rights Lead
Ms. Muska finished her undergraduate studies in 2004, followed by a bachelor’s in International Comparative Politics and International Public Law at the American University Central Asia (2005-2010) on scholarship. She earned an LL.M. in Democratic Governance and Rule of Law from Ohio Northern university in 2011. Recently, she completed Master programs at the International Anti-Corruption Academy (2019-2022) and the Geneva Center for Security Policy.
Her dedication covers gender integration, women’s empowerment, human rights law, humanitarian work, and human security.
Show more +Her dedication covers gender integration, women’s empowerment, human rights law, humanitarian work, and human security.
Raihana SattariStrategic Partnership Lead
She is passionate about building meaningful partnerships and believes in the power of collaboration, dialogue, and youth engagement to create positive change. Based in Doha, Qatar, she works with institutions, organizations, and youth initiatives to strengthen international cooperation and expand opportunities for young people through educational, leadership, and cross-cultural programs.
Raihana is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University at Qatar. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has been actively involved in research, leadership, and community engagement. Her areas of interest include youth development, strategic partnerships, education, and fostering collaborations that create lasting impact across communities.
Show more +Raihana is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University at Qatar. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has been actively involved in research, leadership, and community engagement. Her areas of interest include youth development, strategic partnerships, education, and fostering collaborations that create lasting impact across communities.
Our Partners
