Kim Turner

Project Leader, Cities of Migration

Kim Turner joined the Maytree Foundation to design and implement the Cities of Migration Project in 2008. Prior to joining Maytree, She led the national Nonprofit Library Commons project at Imagine Canada (formerly the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy), developing information sharing networks and tools to support capacity building in Canada’s community sector. Ms. Turner’s background includes working with Francophone and First Nations communities in Ontario’s adult literacy sector, as well as thesaurus construction and related professional experience in academic, government and public libraries. She has a Master of Arts and a Master of Information Science from The University of Toronto.

Kim Turner

Project Leader, Cities of Migration

Kim Turner joined the Maytree Foundation to design and implement the Cities of Migration Project in 2008. Prior to joining Maytree, She led the national Nonprofit Library Commons project at Imagine Canada (formerly the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy), developing information sharing networks and tools to support capacity building in Canada’s community sector. Ms. Turner’s background includes working with Francophone and First Nations communities in Ontario’s adult literacy sector, as well as thesaurus construction and related professional experience in academic, government and public libraries. She has a Master of Arts and a Master of Information Science from The University of Toronto.

Lakshmi Puri

Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women

Ms. Lakshmi Puri joined UN Women in 2011 as a member of the Executive Leadership team. She heads the Bureau for Intergovernmental Support, United Nations Coordination, and Strategic Partnerships. Ms. Puri steered UN Women’s engagement in major intergovernmental processes, such as the Rio+20 conference, COP 17 and 18, and the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She also led efforts to build and strengthen strategic partnerships, particularly with civil society and women’s organizations, and oversaw the adoption and implementation of UN system-wide accountability and coherence mechanisms for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Prior to joining UN Women, Ms. Puri served in the United Nations in various capacities, including in the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, where she coordinated preparations for the fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries. She also headed the largest division of UNCTAD, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and served as UNCTAD’s Acting Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Puri joined the United Nations after a distinguished 28-year career with the Indian Foreign Service, where she held the rank of Permanent Secretary of the Government of India. Throughout her career, Ms. Puri has promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment in the context of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. Ms. Puri is married and has two daughters.

Lakshmi Puri

Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women

Ms. Lakshmi Puri joined UN Women in 2011 as a member of the Executive Leadership team. She heads the Bureau for Intergovernmental Support, United Nations Coordination, and Strategic Partnerships. Ms. Puri steered UN Women’s engagement in major intergovernmental processes, such as the Rio+20 conference, COP 17 and 18, and the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She also led efforts to build and strengthen strategic partnerships, particularly with civil society and women’s organizations, and oversaw the adoption and implementation of UN system-wide accountability and coherence mechanisms for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Prior to joining UN Women, Ms. Puri served in the United Nations in various capacities, including in the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, where she coordinated preparations for the fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries. She also headed the largest division of UNCTAD, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and served as UNCTAD’s Acting Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Puri joined the United Nations after a distinguished 28-year career with the Indian Foreign Service, where she held the rank of Permanent Secretary of the Government of India. Throughout her career, Ms. Puri has promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment in the context of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. Ms. Puri is married and has two daughters.

Luciano Rezende

Mayor of Vitoria

Luciano Rezende is graduated in Medicine at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), he is also graduated in Sports Medicine (at a Post Graduated Level) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Mr. Rezende has a vast experience working abroad. For instance, he worked at the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, as the volunteer doctor team member of the Anti-Doping Committee.  Mr. Rezende was elected Vitoria City Council and he has acted actively in favor of the community from 1995 to 2008. During this period, he was also chosen to be the Secretary of Health and Education of Vitoria thanks to his political approach towards the local people. In 2009, he was invited to be Secretary of State of Espirito Santo for Sports, a position at which he acted until 2010. He was elected state representative in 2010. Already in 2012, Mr. Rezende was elected mayor of Vitoria, where he is having the opportunity to implement the first steps of the Shared Government Program. At the beginning of this year, he was also elected the 2º Vice-President for International Relations of the National Front of Mayors (FNP).

Luciano Rezende

Mayor of Vitoria

Luciano Rezende is graduated in Medicine at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), he is also graduated in Sports Medicine (at a Post Graduated Level) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Mr. Rezende has a vast experience working abroad. For instance, he worked at the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, as the volunteer doctor team member of the Anti-Doping Committee.  Mr. Rezende was elected Vitoria City Council and he has acted actively in favor of the community from 1995 to 2008. During this period, he was also chosen to be the Secretary of Health and Education of Vitoria thanks to his political approach towards the local people. In 2009, he was invited to be Secretary of State of Espirito Santo for Sports, a position at which he acted until 2010. He was elected state representative in 2010. Already in 2012, Mr. Rezende was elected mayor of Vitoria, where he is having the opportunity to implement the first steps of the Shared Government Program. At the beginning of this year, he was also elected the 2º Vice-President for International Relations of the National Front of Mayors (FNP).

Maite Fandos I Payà

Barcelone deputy mayor / President of UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CISDPDH)

Born in Barcelona on 14^th April 1963, she is married and has one child.

She is currently Deputy Mayor for Quality of Life, Equality and Sport, and responsible for the following areas: Social Services, Equality, Sports, Family, Children, Leisure, Immigration, Women, Civil Rights, Elderly, and Youth.

She is also Councillor for the District of Gràcia, Barcelona. 

Since 1987 she has worked in the political municipality of Barcelona. She was Municipal Councillor and Councillor of the CiU Municipal group since 2007.  

Throughout her career, she has had various responsibilities in the Department of Wellbeing within the Generalitat de Catalunya (1990-2000) and has also, for a term (2000-2003) been Executive Director of the Catalan Women’s Institute. 

Maite Fandos I Payà

Barcelone deputy mayor / President of UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CISDPDH)

Born in Barcelona on 14^th April 1963, she is married and has one child.

She is currently Deputy Mayor for Quality of Life, Equality and Sport, and responsible for the following areas: Social Services, Equality, Sports, Family, Children, Leisure, Immigration, Women, Civil Rights, Elderly, and Youth.

She is also Councillor for the District of Gràcia, Barcelona. 

Since 1987 she has worked in the political municipality of Barcelona. She was Municipal Councillor and Councillor of the CiU Municipal group since 2007.  

Throughout her career, she has had various responsibilities in the Department of Wellbeing within the Generalitat de Catalunya (1990-2000) and has also, for a term (2000-2003) been Executive Director of the Catalan Women’s Institute. 

Marc Trouyet

Head of Department for Democratic Governance / Development and Global Public Goods Directorate / Directorate General for Global Affairs, Development and Partnerships / French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Diplomat for more than 12 years, he is in charge of the French ODA pertaining to democratic governance issues since September 2012. He leads a team of about thirty officials, active in four areas: human rights, rule of law and post-crisis intervention; state reform and local governance; financial governance; migration and development.

Before that, he assumed several positions within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the French Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN inRome, he dealt with humanitarian issues along with the World Food Program (WFP), with poor farmers agricultural projects funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and with the institutional reform of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). He previously was in charge of sustainable development issues (desertification, water and sanitation, human settlements) at the UN division of the French MFA. He also assumed political responsibilities as Deputy Head ofMissionat the French Embassy toAustralia.

Before being a diplomat, Marc Trouyet worked for 5 years in an important French local government, the Paris City Council, assuming various positions. He previously led some urban researches within theFrenchUniversity.

He is a Science-Po Graduate and a former student of the ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration). He has a master-degree in town planning.

Marc Trouyet

Head of Department for Democratic Governance / Development and Global Public Goods Directorate / Directorate General for Global Affairs, Development and Partnerships / French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Diplomat for more than 12 years, he is in charge of the French ODA pertaining to democratic governance issues since September 2012. He leads a team of about thirty officials, active in four areas: human rights, rule of law and post-crisis intervention; state reform and local governance; financial governance; migration and development.

Before that, he assumed several positions within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the French Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN inRome, he dealt with humanitarian issues along with the World Food Program (WFP), with poor farmers agricultural projects funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and with the institutional reform of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). He previously was in charge of sustainable development issues (desertification, water and sanitation, human settlements) at the UN division of the French MFA. He also assumed political responsibilities as Deputy Head ofMissionat the French Embassy toAustralia.

Before being a diplomat, Marc Trouyet worked for 5 years in an important French local government, the Paris City Council, assuming various positions. He previously led some urban researches within theFrenchUniversity.

He is a Science-Po Graduate and a former student of the ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration). He has a master-degree in town planning.

Marco Vinicio Guasticchi

Perugia province president / President of the UCLG Working Group on the Middle East.

Marco Vinicio Guasticchi was elected President of the Province of Perugia in 2009, he is also President of the National Coordination of Local Authorities for Peace and Human Rights and Head of the UCLG Working Group on the Middle East.

Born in 1962, he has two degrees in Political Science and Communication Science.

Journalist and director of the on-line publication “Libertando News”, he is author of “Onorevoli… Personaggi della Prima e della Seconda Repubblica a confronto” (1994) (Honourables…Comparison of celebrities from the First and Second Republic), and of the novels: "Historia de Lea" , 1999 (History of Lea); "Tripoli", 2003; "Gavrilo: una vida, un destino” (Gavrilo: a life and destiny) all published by Edimond. He created two cultural associations: "Libertando", that he presides, and, "Atheneum", of which he is an honorary President.

He holds a management role in an important credit banking institution and is a union leader.

From 1999 to 2004 he was President of the Municipal Council of Perugia. From 2004 to 2009 he was Councillor for Budget and Heritage of Perugia. Since 2009 he has been regional manager for economic issues of the Democratic party. On the 20 November 2009, he was elected President of UPI (Union of Italian Provinces), Umbria.

Marco Vinicio Guasticchi

Perugia province president / President of the UCLG Working Group on the Middle East.

Marco Vinicio Guasticchi was elected President of the Province of Perugia in 2009, he is also President of the National Coordination of Local Authorities for Peace and Human Rights and Head of the UCLG Working Group on the Middle East.

Born in 1962, he has two degrees in Political Science and Communication Science.

Journalist and director of the on-line publication “Libertando News”, he is author of “Onorevoli… Personaggi della Prima e della Seconda Repubblica a confronto” (1994) (Honourables…Comparison of celebrities from the First and Second Republic), and of the novels: "Historia de Lea" , 1999 (History of Lea); "Tripoli", 2003; "Gavrilo: una vida, un destino” (Gavrilo: a life and destiny) all published by Edimond. He created two cultural associations: "Libertando", that he presides, and, "Atheneum", of which he is an honorary President.

He holds a management role in an important credit banking institution and is a union leader.

From 1999 to 2004 he was President of the Municipal Council of Perugia. From 2004 to 2009 he was Councillor for Budget and Heritage of Perugia. Since 2009 he has been regional manager for economic issues of the Democratic party. On the 20 November 2009, he was elected President of UPI (Union of Italian Provinces), Umbria.

Margareta Wahlström

Ms. Wahlström was appointed as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction in November 2008.

Margareta Wahlström has over 30 years of extensive national and international experience in humanitarian relief operations in disaster and conflict areas, and in institution-building to strengthen national capacity for disaster preparedness, response and for risk reduction.

In November 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced her appointment as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. Ms. Wahlström is based in Geneva and heads UNISDR, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Ms. Wahlström has an academic background in economic history, political science, social anthropology, archaeology and philosophy of science. She speaks English, Swedish, French and Spanish. She is from Sweden. 

Margareta Wahlström

Ms. Wahlström was appointed as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction in November 2008.

Margareta Wahlström has over 30 years of extensive national and international experience in humanitarian relief operations in disaster and conflict areas, and in institution-building to strengthen national capacity for disaster preparedness, response and for risk reduction.

In November 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced her appointment as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. Ms. Wahlström is based in Geneva and heads UNISDR, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Ms. Wahlström has an academic background in economic history, political science, social anthropology, archaeology and philosophy of science. She speaks English, Swedish, French and Spanish. She is from Sweden. 

Marianne Prodhomme

Adjointe au Maire, Angers, France / Vice-Présidente de la Commission Culture de CGLU

Marianne Prodhomme est élue écologiste de la Ville d'Angers. Elle a successivement été conseillère municipale (2001 - 2008), puis adjointe au Maire d'Angers. En tant que déléguée à la Culture, elle pilote un projet intitulé « Charte culture et solidarité », en étroite collaboration avec 33 associations du secteur social et 20 organismes culturels. Elle a également co-piloté l'élaboration de l'Agenda 21 des Cultures, en lien avec des citoyens, des structures culturelles, les services de la Ville d'Angers et d'autres acteurs locaux. Elle assure, en parallèle de son mandat d'élue, une activité de consultante psychologue du travail dans la SCOP qu'elle a créée.

Marianne Prodhomme

Adjointe au Maire, Angers, France / Vice-Présidente de la Commission Culture de CGLU

Marianne Prodhomme est élue écologiste de la Ville d'Angers. Elle a successivement été conseillère municipale (2001 - 2008), puis adjointe au Maire d'Angers. En tant que déléguée à la Culture, elle pilote un projet intitulé « Charte culture et solidarité », en étroite collaboration avec 33 associations du secteur social et 20 organismes culturels. Elle a également co-piloté l'élaboration de l'Agenda 21 des Cultures, en lien avec des citoyens, des structures culturelles, les services de la Ville d'Angers et d'autres acteurs locaux. Elle assure, en parallèle de son mandat d'élue, une activité de consultante psychologue du travail dans la SCOP qu'elle a créée.

Marielle Dubbeling

Director of the RUAF Foundation-International network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security

Marielle Dubbeling (MSc.) is the Director of the RUAF Foundation-International network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security (wwww.ruaf.org).

Marielle has long experience in policy advice and training on urban and peri-urban agriculture. Marielle currently coordinates the RUAF involvement in the UN Habitat programme on "Integrating urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry in city climate change programmes" as well as the RUAF involvement in an European Union funded programme on short food chains, multifunctional agriculture and resource recovery in city-regions.  

In the past years, she served as the global coordinator of the RUAF From Seed to Table Programme (2009-2011) promoting sustainable short value chain development in and financing for urban agriculture in 17 cities around the world and was the policy adviser in the RUAF Cities Farming for the Future Programme that supported 20 cities around the world in developing municipal programmes and policies on urban agriculture and food security. Before joining RUAF she worked with the UN HABITAT Urban Management Programme in Latin America, where she supported the development of municipal programmes on urban agriculture and food security in cities in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba.

Marielle published several articles, working papers and books on urban agriculture, amongst which "Cities, poverty and food: multi-stakeholder policy and planning in urban agriculture (2010): http://www.ruaf.org/node/2387"; and "Urban agriculture and climate change adaptation: Ensuring food security through adaptation" as published in  "Resilient cities: cities and adaptation to climate change-Proceedings of the global forum 2010. ICLEI and Springer". 

Marielle Dubbeling

Director of the RUAF Foundation-International network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security

Marielle Dubbeling (MSc.) is the Director of the RUAF Foundation-International network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security (wwww.ruaf.org).

Marielle has long experience in policy advice and training on urban and peri-urban agriculture. Marielle currently coordinates the RUAF involvement in the UN Habitat programme on "Integrating urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry in city climate change programmes" as well as the RUAF involvement in an European Union funded programme on short food chains, multifunctional agriculture and resource recovery in city-regions.  

In the past years, she served as the global coordinator of the RUAF From Seed to Table Programme (2009-2011) promoting sustainable short value chain development in and financing for urban agriculture in 17 cities around the world and was the policy adviser in the RUAF Cities Farming for the Future Programme that supported 20 cities around the world in developing municipal programmes and policies on urban agriculture and food security. Before joining RUAF she worked with the UN HABITAT Urban Management Programme in Latin America, where she supported the development of municipal programmes on urban agriculture and food security in cities in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba.

Marielle published several articles, working papers and books on urban agriculture, amongst which "Cities, poverty and food: multi-stakeholder policy and planning in urban agriculture (2010): http://www.ruaf.org/node/2387"; and "Urban agriculture and climate change adaptation: Ensuring food security through adaptation" as published in  "Resilient cities: cities and adaptation to climate change-Proceedings of the global forum 2010. ICLEI and Springer". 

Martin Stucki

Planificateur et conseiller en gestion de la mobilité urbaine au Transitec Ingénieurs-Conseils

Ingénieur civil dipl. ETH, Martin Stucki travaille en tant que planificateur et conseiller en gestion de la mobilité urbaine au sein du bureau d’études Transitec Ingénieurs-Conseils, dont il dirige les activités internationales.

Chargé de cours à l’Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, il s’intéresse notamment à la coordination et à l’intégration du développement de la ville et de la mobilité urbaine dans le contexte des pays émergents et en développement.

Depuis 2005, il développe une grande partie de ses activités dans les pays méditerranéens et d’Afrique subsaharienne, au service de ministères, de collectivités locales, d’autorités organisatrices, d’agences d’exécution, d’opérateurs privés ou de bailleurs de fonds internationaux.

Expert en planification des transports et en gestion des circulations, ses activités l’ont conduit à s’engager sur des questions d’organisation et de gouvernance des systèmes de mobilité, ainsi que sur le renforcement des capacités.

Il dirige actuellement la préparation d’une note stratégique sur la mobilité et l’accessibilité dans les agglomérations urbaines d’Afrique, pour le compte du programme SSATP (Africa Transport Policy Program, www.ssatp.org).

Martin Stucki

Planificateur et conseiller en gestion de la mobilité urbaine au Transitec Ingénieurs-Conseils

Ingénieur civil dipl. ETH, Martin Stucki travaille en tant que planificateur et conseiller en gestion de la mobilité urbaine au sein du bureau d’études Transitec Ingénieurs-Conseils, dont il dirige les activités internationales.

Chargé de cours à l’Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, il s’intéresse notamment à la coordination et à l’intégration du développement de la ville et de la mobilité urbaine dans le contexte des pays émergents et en développement.

Depuis 2005, il développe une grande partie de ses activités dans les pays méditerranéens et d’Afrique subsaharienne, au service de ministères, de collectivités locales, d’autorités organisatrices, d’agences d’exécution, d’opérateurs privés ou de bailleurs de fonds internationaux.

Expert en planification des transports et en gestion des circulations, ses activités l’ont conduit à s’engager sur des questions d’organisation et de gouvernance des systèmes de mobilité, ainsi que sur le renforcement des capacités.

Il dirige actuellement la préparation d’une note stratégique sur la mobilité et l’accessibilité dans les agglomérations urbaines d’Afrique, pour le compte du programme SSATP (Africa Transport Policy Program, www.ssatp.org).

Mehmet Duman

UCLG-MEWA Secretary General

Mehmet DUMAN was born in Bergama near Izmir, Turkey in 1955. 

He earned his license degree from the English Language Department of Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey. He followed post-university courses at the International Institute for Educational Planning and Administration of UNESCO in Paris, France and held a master degree in politics and social sciences from Gazi University. 

Mr. DUMAN worked in various posts at the Ministry of Agriculture-Forestry and Village Affairs and the Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, before joining the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality as Director of Foreign Affairs. He occupied several managerial posts in the largest local government in Turkey. He also worked as the Secretary General of the Adapazarı Metropolitan Municipality. He has then joined Prime Ministry in Ankara as Senior Advisor and also held several positions in a number of government agencies. 

In 2010, he was elected as the Secretary General of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia section (UCLG-MEWA). During the UCLG-MEWA Congress held on 10 April 2013 in Tehran, Iran, he was re-elected to this post. 

Mr. DUMAN holds various representative roles in a number of international and national institutions. 

He is married with two children.

Mehmet Duman

UCLG-MEWA Secretary General

Mehmet DUMAN was born in Bergama near Izmir, Turkey in 1955. 

He earned his license degree from the English Language Department of Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey. He followed post-university courses at the International Institute for Educational Planning and Administration of UNESCO in Paris, France and held a master degree in politics and social sciences from Gazi University. 

Mr. DUMAN worked in various posts at the Ministry of Agriculture-Forestry and Village Affairs and the Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, before joining the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality as Director of Foreign Affairs. He occupied several managerial posts in the largest local government in Turkey. He also worked as the Secretary General of the Adapazarı Metropolitan Municipality. He has then joined Prime Ministry in Ankara as Senior Advisor and also held several positions in a number of government agencies. 

In 2010, he was elected as the Secretary General of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia section (UCLG-MEWA). During the UCLG-MEWA Congress held on 10 April 2013 in Tehran, Iran, he was re-elected to this post. 

Mr. DUMAN holds various representative roles in a number of international and national institutions. 

He is married with two children.

Michael Dixon

General Manager, Smarter Cities, IBM 

As the General Manager for IBM's global smarter cities business, Michael Dixon leads IBM's vision, strategy and operations for teams active in cities around the world which are focused on a core element of IBM's long term strategy. The integration of transport, health, public safety, energy, utilities, social services, education and urban management are at the heart of numerous initiatives. 

Prior to a brief period as the Managing Partner for IBM's consulting and systems integration business (GBS) in Central / Eastern Europe in 2011, Michael was the Vice President of Public Sector for GBS in the growth markets, leading teams focused on supporting client initiatives in Government, Healthcare Payers and Providers and Education across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Central / Eastern Europe and Latin America. Client success in numerous projects resulted from IBM providing strategic advice, business change and process transformation to improve services and deliver cost efficiencies. 

During an IBM career spanning 27 years, Michael has held a series of sales, management and executive positions associated with the public sector across increasingly broad geographies.  His depth of industry experience has seen him range from working with policy makers and senior executives in public sector organizations through to presenting to Government leaders at APEC summits; and from advising Public Sector CEOs on strategy development and project implementation through to partnering with private companies to deliver associated services. Michael spent several years based in Tokyo and was a Brookings Congressional Fellow, based in Washington, DC. 

Before joining IBM Michael completed a BBSc at La Trobe University, an MSc at the University of Melbourne and a PhD at the University of Alberta. 

Michael is an Australian and spends his time in Melbourne, New York and all parts of the world

Michael Dixon

General Manager, Smarter Cities, IBM 

As the General Manager for IBM's global smarter cities business, Michael Dixon leads IBM's vision, strategy and operations for teams active in cities around the world which are focused on a core element of IBM's long term strategy. The integration of transport, health, public safety, energy, utilities, social services, education and urban management are at the heart of numerous initiatives. 

Prior to a brief period as the Managing Partner for IBM's consulting and systems integration business (GBS) in Central / Eastern Europe in 2011, Michael was the Vice President of Public Sector for GBS in the growth markets, leading teams focused on supporting client initiatives in Government, Healthcare Payers and Providers and Education across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Central / Eastern Europe and Latin America. Client success in numerous projects resulted from IBM providing strategic advice, business change and process transformation to improve services and deliver cost efficiencies. 

During an IBM career spanning 27 years, Michael has held a series of sales, management and executive positions associated with the public sector across increasingly broad geographies.  His depth of industry experience has seen him range from working with policy makers and senior executives in public sector organizations through to presenting to Government leaders at APEC summits; and from advising Public Sector CEOs on strategy development and project implementation through to partnering with private companies to deliver associated services. Michael spent several years based in Tokyo and was a Brookings Congressional Fellow, based in Washington, DC. 

Before joining IBM Michael completed a BBSc at La Trobe University, an MSc at the University of Melbourne and a PhD at the University of Alberta. 

Michael is an Australian and spends his time in Melbourne, New York and all parts of the world

Michel Vauzelle

President of the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur Region / Co-president of the Mediterranean Committee of UCLG

Michel Vauzelle is an active lobbyist for the opening of the Mediterranean so that Europe can share a common community with a common fate: a Europe more anchored in the South, a France more active in the Mediterranean. He has carried this ambition with the Regions of the Mediterranean of which he was President for five years.

Former MP, Deputy, Vice President of the French Foreign Affairs Committee at the Assemblée Nationale, Michel Vauzelle has been President of the Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur region since 1998. In this framework, he conducts an active policy of decentralised cooperation with all Mediterranean countries. The French President confided him in January 2013 with a mission on the Mediterranean. He has recently been elected Vice President of the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly and Co-president of the Mediterranean Committee of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Sustainable Development Committee of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) under the Union for the Mediterranean. 

Michel Vauzelle

President of the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur Region / Co-president of the Mediterranean Committee of UCLG

Michel Vauzelle is an active lobbyist for the opening of the Mediterranean so that Europe can share a common community with a common fate: a Europe more anchored in the South, a France more active in the Mediterranean. He has carried this ambition with the Regions of the Mediterranean of which he was President for five years.

Former MP, Deputy, Vice President of the French Foreign Affairs Committee at the Assemblée Nationale, Michel Vauzelle has been President of the Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur region since 1998. In this framework, he conducts an active policy of decentralised cooperation with all Mediterranean countries. The French President confided him in January 2013 with a mission on the Mediterranean. He has recently been elected Vice President of the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly and Co-president of the Mediterranean Committee of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Sustainable Development Committee of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) under the Union for the Mediterranean. 

Miguel Lifschitz

National Senator, Former Mayor of Rosario 

Roberto Miguel Lifschitz (born September 13, 1955 in Rosario), is the former mayor of the city of Rosario, province of Santa Fe, Argentina. He obtained his degree at the Engineering Faculty of the National University of Rosario in 1979, and worked in the private sector until 1989, when he became Director-General of the Public Housing Service (Director General del Servicio Público de la Vivienda) of the city of Rosario, under the socialist administration of Héctor Cavallero. He continued working in various public offices, as Municipal Secretary-General (Secretario General de la Municipalidad), Public Services' Secretary (Secretario de Servicios Públicos) and General Cabinet Coordinator for the Municipality of Rosario (Coordinador General de Gabinete de la Municipalidad de Rosario), between June and December 2003, under the administration of Hermes Binner. Lifschitz ran for Mayor of Rosario and was elected in the provincial elections of 7 September 2003 for the period 2003–2007.  He won his reelection for the period 2007–2011,  in 2011 he was succeeded by Mónica Fein

Miguel Lifschitz

National Senator, Former Mayor of Rosario 

Roberto Miguel Lifschitz (born September 13, 1955 in Rosario), is the former mayor of the city of Rosario, province of Santa Fe, Argentina. He obtained his degree at the Engineering Faculty of the National University of Rosario in 1979, and worked in the private sector until 1989, when he became Director-General of the Public Housing Service (Director General del Servicio Público de la Vivienda) of the city of Rosario, under the socialist administration of Héctor Cavallero. He continued working in various public offices, as Municipal Secretary-General (Secretario General de la Municipalidad), Public Services' Secretary (Secretario de Servicios Públicos) and General Cabinet Coordinator for the Municipality of Rosario (Coordinador General de Gabinete de la Municipalidad de Rosario), between June and December 2003, under the administration of Hermes Binner. Lifschitz ran for Mayor of Rosario and was elected in the provincial elections of 7 September 2003 for the period 2003–2007.  He won his reelection for the period 2007–2011,  in 2011 he was succeeded by Mónica Fein

Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman

Mayor of Singapore (Southeast District)

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman was born in Singapore in 1965. Dr Maliki graduated with his Bachelor and Masters degrees from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He obtained his doctorate in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 and became an Assistant Professor at the NUS Department of Social Work and Psychology that year. Dr Maliki was elected as one of the Members of Parliament for the East Coast Group Representation Constituency in the 2011 Singapore General Elections. He was re-appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, and was concurrently appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence. Dr Maliki was also appointed the Mayor for the Southeast District of Singapore by the People’s Association.

Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman

Mayor of Singapore (Southeast District)

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman was born in Singapore in 1965. Dr Maliki graduated with his Bachelor and Masters degrees from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He obtained his doctorate in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 and became an Assistant Professor at the NUS Department of Social Work and Psychology that year. Dr Maliki was elected as one of the Members of Parliament for the East Coast Group Representation Constituency in the 2011 Singapore General Elections. He was re-appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, and was concurrently appointed as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence. Dr Maliki was also appointed the Mayor for the Southeast District of Singapore by the People’s Association.

Mohamed Boudra

President of the Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate Region (Morocco) / President of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG

Trained as a medical radiologist, Mohamed Boudra occupied different positions in hospitals for over 20 years, among others, as Head of the radiology department at the Al Hoceima Hospital in Morocco from 1995 to 2007.

Member of the Municipal Council of Al Hoceima since 1997, Mohamed Boudra acted as president of the council from 2003 to 2009.  Since 2009, he is also President of the Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate Region in the north of Morocco.

Actively involved with local governments in Morocco and at international level, Mr Boudra was member of the Board of the National Association of Local Governments of Morocco, member of COPPEM (Standing Committee for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities), and is a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) that he co-presided from 2010 to 2012.

In April 2013, Mr Boudra was elected as first president of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG that gathers local and regional elected officials from Mediterranean riparian countries. 

Mohamed Boudra

President of the Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate Region (Morocco) / President of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG

Trained as a medical radiologist, Mohamed Boudra occupied different positions in hospitals for over 20 years, among others, as Head of the radiology department at the Al Hoceima Hospital in Morocco from 1995 to 2007.

Member of the Municipal Council of Al Hoceima since 1997, Mohamed Boudra acted as president of the council from 2003 to 2009.  Since 2009, he is also President of the Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate Region in the north of Morocco.

Actively involved with local governments in Morocco and at international level, Mr Boudra was member of the Board of the National Association of Local Governments of Morocco, member of COPPEM (Standing Committee for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities), and is a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) that he co-presided from 2010 to 2012.

In April 2013, Mr Boudra was elected as first president of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG that gathers local and regional elected officials from Mediterranean riparian countries. 

Mohamed Sajid

Mayor of Casablanca, Morocco

From 1961 to 1963, he studied at “Lycée Lyautey” a school in Casablanca.

In 1971, he was graduated from Business National College in Lille (France).

He is a businessman and a politician. He started his political career in 1993 as a Deputy of  Taroudant,  a city situated in the Souss Valley in the southern part of Morocco; representing the Constitutional Union Party.

He has been the Chairman of the City Council of Casablanca since 2003.

Mohammed SAJID was elected as a Mayor of the city of Casablanca in June 2003 and re-elected for a second term 2009-2015.

He is a landowner; he has developed projects in Tit Mellil through Social Housing Operations. Since then, he chaired several industrial companies, namely "Mazafil Textile Company."

Vice President and recently elected as the Treasurer of the International Association of Francophone Mayors.

Vice President of the National Association of Moroccan Elected Members. 

Mohamed Sajid

Mayor of Casablanca, Morocco

From 1961 to 1963, he studied at “Lycée Lyautey” a school in Casablanca.

In 1971, he was graduated from Business National College in Lille (France).

He is a businessman and a politician. He started his political career in 1993 as a Deputy of  Taroudant,  a city situated in the Souss Valley in the southern part of Morocco; representing the Constitutional Union Party.

He has been the Chairman of the City Council of Casablanca since 2003.

Mohammed SAJID was elected as a Mayor of the city of Casablanca in June 2003 and re-elected for a second term 2009-2015.

He is a landowner; he has developed projects in Tit Mellil through Social Housing Operations. Since then, he chaired several industrial companies, namely "Mazafil Textile Company."

Vice President and recently elected as the Treasurer of the International Association of Francophone Mayors.

Vice President of the National Association of Moroccan Elected Members. 

Mohamed Sefiani

Mayor of the City of Chefchaouen 

Mayor of the City of Chefchaouen since July 2009 (no political affiliation)

Obtained a Master in Engineering (Electro-mechanics) at the National School of Mineral Industry (ENIM, Rabat, 1990).

Mohamed Sefiani started his career as an engineer consultant in Rabat (1990-1991) and later joined the RDE in Tetouan. There, he was working as a Drinkable Water and Electricity Works Manager in the Inter-City Government Control of Water and Electricity Provider at the Wilaya of Tetouan (1990-2001). Later, Mr Sefiani became a Missions Director (2002-2010).

At present, Mohamed Sefiani holds the following positions:

President of the Fortified Cities Network of the Region Tangier-Tetouan

Vice-President of the Mediterranean Network for Biodiversity (MediverCities)

General Secretary of Moroccan Eco-towns Association (AMEV)

General Secretary of Strategic Cities Network of the Region Tangier- Tetouan

President of the Associations Network of Fight against Illiteracy of the Province of Chefchaouen

Mohamed Sefiani

Mayor of the City of Chefchaouen 

Mayor of the City of Chefchaouen since July 2009 (no political affiliation)

Obtained a Master in Engineering (Electro-mechanics) at the National School of Mineral Industry (ENIM, Rabat, 1990).

Mohamed Sefiani started his career as an engineer consultant in Rabat (1990-1991) and later joined the RDE in Tetouan. There, he was working as a Drinkable Water and Electricity Works Manager in the Inter-City Government Control of Water and Electricity Provider at the Wilaya of Tetouan (1990-2001). Later, Mr Sefiani became a Missions Director (2002-2010).

At present, Mohamed Sefiani holds the following positions:

President of the Fortified Cities Network of the Region Tangier-Tetouan

Vice-President of the Mediterranean Network for Biodiversity (MediverCities)

General Secretary of Moroccan Eco-towns Association (AMEV)

General Secretary of Strategic Cities Network of the Region Tangier- Tetouan

President of the Associations Network of Fight against Illiteracy of the Province of Chefchaouen

Mohand Laenser

Moroccan minister of the interior

Mohand Laenser est le Ministre de l’Intérieur du Royaume du Maroc depuis janvier 2012. Il est nommé Ministre de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural de 2002 à 2007. Il a été Ministre des PTT de 1981 à 1982 puis Directeur de l’Office National des PTT de 1984 à 1992. Il est militant du Mouvement Populaire depuis 1975 et membre du Conseil national du Parti depuis 1987, Membre du Bureau Politique depuis 1983 et député parlementaire depuis 1993. Il est Président de commune de 1983 à 2003 et Président de la région de Fès-Boulmane de 1997 à 2003. Il représente le Maroc lors de divers Congrès et Conférences internationales dans différents domaines.

Mohand Laenser

Moroccan minister of the interior

Mohand Laenser est le Ministre de l’Intérieur du Royaume du Maroc depuis janvier 2012. Il est nommé Ministre de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural de 2002 à 2007. Il a été Ministre des PTT de 1981 à 1982 puis Directeur de l’Office National des PTT de 1984 à 1992. Il est militant du Mouvement Populaire depuis 1975 et membre du Conseil national du Parti depuis 1987, Membre du Bureau Politique depuis 1983 et député parlementaire depuis 1993. Il est Président de commune de 1983 à 2003 et Président de la région de Fès-Boulmane de 1997 à 2003. Il représente le Maroc lors de divers Congrès et Conférences internationales dans différents domaines.

Monica Fein

Mayor of Rosario, Argentina

De profesión bioquímica, fue dos veces secretaria de Salud Pública, junto a Hermes Binner y Miguel Lifschitz. En ese rol gestionó el área de mayor impacto social del municipio: el 30% del presupuesto de la ciudad y 4.500 profesionales y trabajadores del sector. Impulsó, creó y dejó su sello personal en experiencias pioneras y reconocidas a nivel nacional e internacional, entre ellas el Laboratorio de Especialidades Medicinales (LEM), el Instituto del Alimento, el Centro de Especialidades Médicas Ambulatorias (Cemar) y la Sala de Trasplantes de Médula Ósea del Hospital de Niños.

1997. Secretaria de Salud Pública en la intendencia de Hermes Binner. Pone en marcha la Sala de Trasplantes de Médula Ósea del Vilela y el Centro de especialidades Médicas Ambulatorias Cemar.

2001. Es electa concejala y se desempeña hasta 2003 como presidenta de la Comisión de Salud.

2003. Por segunda vez es secretaria de Salud Pública, en la intendencia de Miguel Lifschitz. Su labor recibe el reconocimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).

2007. Es electa diputada nacional por el Frente Progresista Cívico y Social. Desarrolla activa labor parlamentaria en temáticas de Acción Social y Salud Pública, Normas Tributarias y Previsionales; Población y Desarrollo Humano y Tercera edad. Integra el Acuerdo por la Seguridad Democrática, junto a organismos de Derechos Humanos.

Intendenta electa de Rosario desde diciembre de 2011 y hasta diciembre de 2015.

Con su propuesta de gobierno para Rosario le dará continuidad y amplitud a los profundos cambios que se vienen produciendo en la ciudad desde hace 20 años.

Monica Fein

Mayor of Rosario, Argentina

De profesión bioquímica, fue dos veces secretaria de Salud Pública, junto a Hermes Binner y Miguel Lifschitz. En ese rol gestionó el área de mayor impacto social del municipio: el 30% del presupuesto de la ciudad y 4.500 profesionales y trabajadores del sector. Impulsó, creó y dejó su sello personal en experiencias pioneras y reconocidas a nivel nacional e internacional, entre ellas el Laboratorio de Especialidades Medicinales (LEM), el Instituto del Alimento, el Centro de Especialidades Médicas Ambulatorias (Cemar) y la Sala de Trasplantes de Médula Ósea del Hospital de Niños.

1997. Secretaria de Salud Pública en la intendencia de Hermes Binner. Pone en marcha la Sala de Trasplantes de Médula Ósea del Vilela y el Centro de especialidades Médicas Ambulatorias Cemar.

2001. Es electa concejala y se desempeña hasta 2003 como presidenta de la Comisión de Salud.

2003. Por segunda vez es secretaria de Salud Pública, en la intendencia de Miguel Lifschitz. Su labor recibe el reconocimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).

2007. Es electa diputada nacional por el Frente Progresista Cívico y Social. Desarrolla activa labor parlamentaria en temáticas de Acción Social y Salud Pública, Normas Tributarias y Previsionales; Población y Desarrollo Humano y Tercera edad. Integra el Acuerdo por la Seguridad Democrática, junto a organismos de Derechos Humanos.

Intendenta electa de Rosario desde diciembre de 2011 y hasta diciembre de 2015.

Con su propuesta de gobierno para Rosario le dará continuidad y amplitud a los profundos cambios que se vienen produciendo en la ciudad desde hace 20 años.

Muchadeyi Masunda

Mayor of Harare, Zimbabwe - Co-President of UCLG

Muchadeyi Masunda was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on 28 January 1952. He obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honors) Degree from the University of Zimbabwe in December 1973.

Attorney-at-Law, Commercial and Sport Arbitrator, he presented a paper on Arbitration in Africa at the UN Headquarters in New York in 1998, he is a Fellow and Accredited Tutor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and he currently serves on the international panel of arbitrators for the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Former Chief Executive of Associated Newspaper of Zimbabwe Limited, former chairman or director of a number of corporate, educational, charitable or sporting organizations, he is currently chairman of 12 companies or organizations.

Muchadeyi Masunda has been the Mayor of Harare since 1 July 2008.

In January 2010, he was appointed a member of the United Nations Advisory Council on Local Authorities (UNACLA). In March 2010, he was elected Vice-president for the Southern Africa Region of the United Cities and Local Government Africa (UCLGA).

Muchadeyi Masunda

Mayor of Harare, Zimbabwe - Co-President of UCLG

Muchadeyi Masunda was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on 28 January 1952. He obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honors) Degree from the University of Zimbabwe in December 1973.

Attorney-at-Law, Commercial and Sport Arbitrator, he presented a paper on Arbitration in Africa at the UN Headquarters in New York in 1998, he is a Fellow and Accredited Tutor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and he currently serves on the international panel of arbitrators for the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Former Chief Executive of Associated Newspaper of Zimbabwe Limited, former chairman or director of a number of corporate, educational, charitable or sporting organizations, he is currently chairman of 12 companies or organizations.

Muchadeyi Masunda has been the Mayor of Harare since 1 July 2008.

In January 2010, he was appointed a member of the United Nations Advisory Council on Local Authorities (UNACLA). In March 2010, he was elected Vice-president for the Southern Africa Region of the United Cities and Local Government Africa (UCLGA).

Mustafa Bozbey

Mayor of Nilüfer 

Born in 1962 in Özlüce neighbourhood of Nilüfer, Bursa City, Mr. Bozbey has a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering Department of Anatolia University. In 1986 he began his professional life as a civil engineer. In 1989 he set up Bozbey Construction Industry and Trade Company. He implemented many housing projects in Nilüfer and Mudanya districts. He became the third mayor of Nilüfer in the elections of April 1999.He became the first mayor win the elections for third term. Mr. Bozbey enabled the contemporary urbanization vision of Nilüfer, a newly constructed district.

Mustafa Bozbey

Mayor of Nilüfer 

Born in 1962 in Özlüce neighbourhood of Nilüfer, Bursa City, Mr. Bozbey has a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering Department of Anatolia University. In 1986 he began his professional life as a civil engineer. In 1989 he set up Bozbey Construction Industry and Trade Company. He implemented many housing projects in Nilüfer and Mudanya districts. He became the third mayor of Nilüfer in the elections of April 1999.He became the first mayor win the elections for third term. Mr. Bozbey enabled the contemporary urbanization vision of Nilüfer, a newly constructed district.

Nader Ghazal

President of the Urban Community of Al Fayhaa / Mayor of Tripoli 

Trained as engineer, Nader Ghazal is President of the Urban Community of Al Fayhaa and Mayor of Tripoli in Lebanon since 2010.

Actively involved with local governments in Lebanon and at international level, Mr Ghazal is member of the Lebanon Mayors Committee which aims to develop municipal action by discussing with the governmental and international authorities.

In April 2013, Mr Ghazal was elected as vice-president of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG that gathers local and regional elected officials from Mediterranean riparian countries.

Nader Ghazal

President of the Urban Community of Al Fayhaa / Mayor of Tripoli 

Trained as engineer, Nader Ghazal is President of the Urban Community of Al Fayhaa and Mayor of Tripoli in Lebanon since 2010.

Actively involved with local governments in Lebanon and at international level, Mr Ghazal is member of the Lebanon Mayors Committee which aims to develop municipal action by discussing with the governmental and international authorities.

In April 2013, Mr Ghazal was elected as vice-president of the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG that gathers local and regional elected officials from Mediterranean riparian countries.

Nádia Campeão

Deputy Mayor of the City of São Paulo

Nádia Campeão

Deputy Mayor of the City of São Paulo

Neila Akrimi

Former researcher, lecturer lawyer and Diplomat

Doctoral Degree in European Development law, extensive experience in the fields of public administration reform and  project and contract management. Former researcher, lecturer lawyer and Diplomat, Neila Akrimi has occupied for several years a position of program director for Francophone Africa at VNG international the Hague,  she has been recently appointed to the position of director general of VNGi-Centre for Innovative Local Governance in Tunis . Her knowledge of the MENA region and expertise in field of democratic transition, local governance and gender equity has been an asset to develop programs and contribute to the capacity development of several partners in the region.

Neila Akrimi

Former researcher, lecturer lawyer and Diplomat

Doctoral Degree in European Development law, extensive experience in the fields of public administration reform and  project and contract management. Former researcher, lecturer lawyer and Diplomat, Neila Akrimi has occupied for several years a position of program director for Francophone Africa at VNG international the Hague,  she has been recently appointed to the position of director general of VNGi-Centre for Innovative Local Governance in Tunis . Her knowledge of the MENA region and expertise in field of democratic transition, local governance and gender equity has been an asset to develop programs and contribute to the capacity development of several partners in the region.

Nelson Saule Jr

Lawyer specialized in urban law and human rights

General Coordinator of Polis, Institute of Studies, Training and Consulting on Social Policies dealing with, among other topics, the right to the city, urban development and urban reform. He has participated in the drafting of the Statute of the City and the World Charter of the Right to the City. He is advisor of the National Council of Cities, in which he contributes to the implementation of policies for urban development, housing and security of tenure in informal settlements. He holds a PhD in Law from the Catholic University of São Paulo, where he is professor of the PhD program on urban law and coordinator of the clinic's legal services. He is the President of the Brazilian Institute of Urban Law and author of several publications and studies on urban law and the right to the city.

Nelson Saule Jr

Lawyer specialized in urban law and human rights

General Coordinator of Polis, Institute of Studies, Training and Consulting on Social Policies dealing with, among other topics, the right to the city, urban development and urban reform. He has participated in the drafting of the Statute of the City and the World Charter of the Right to the City. He is advisor of the National Council of Cities, in which he contributes to the implementation of policies for urban development, housing and security of tenure in informal settlements. He holds a PhD in Law from the Catholic University of São Paulo, where he is professor of the PhD program on urban law and coordinator of the clinic's legal services. He is the President of the Brazilian Institute of Urban Law and author of several publications and studies on urban law and the right to the city.

Ngoné Thioune

Adjointe au Maire Chargée de la Culture, Saint-Louis du Sénégal

Enseignante professeur d‘anglais.
Maire adjointe de la culture, ex conseillere economique et sociale, Ville de Saint Louis-de-Sénégal.
Officier d etat civil de 2007 a 2009 deux mandats d elue municipale.
Presidente comite pilotage 140 ans de st louis senegal.
Mariéé

Ngoné Thioune

Adjointe au Maire Chargée de la Culture, Saint-Louis du Sénégal

Enseignante professeur d‘anglais.
Maire adjointe de la culture, ex conseillere economique et sociale, Ville de Saint Louis-de-Sénégal.
Officier d etat civil de 2007 a 2009 deux mandats d elue municipale.
Presidente comite pilotage 140 ans de st louis senegal.
Mariéé

Omar Azziman

Conseiller de S.M. le Roi du Maroc. Président de la Commission. Consultative de la Régionalisation du Maroc

Nommé en 2011 Conseiller de S.M. le Roi, M. Azziman exerce, depuis 1972, comme professeur à la Faculté de Droit de Rabat. Il avait occupé de 1993 à 1995 le poste de ministre délégué auprès du Premier ministre chargé des droits de l'Homme, avant d'être nommé ministre de la Justice (1997-2002). Il a ensuite été nommé, en décembre 2002, président du Conseil consultatif des droits de l'Homme (CCDH).

Responsable de la Chaire Unesco pour l'enseignement, la formation et la recherche en matière des droits de l'Homme à l'Université Mohammed V depuis 1996, M. Azziman est membre de l'Académie du Royaume du Maroc depuis 1996. En novembre 2004, M. Azziman a été nommé par S.M. le Roi ambassadeur du Maroc au Royaume d'Espagne. Ayant également occupé le poste de président délégué de la Fondation Hassan II des Marocains résidant à l'étranger, le professeur Azziman avait été nommé en janvier 2010 président de la Commission consultative de la régionalisation.

Omar Azziman

Conseiller de S.M. le Roi du Maroc. Président de la Commission. Consultative de la Régionalisation du Maroc

Nommé en 2011 Conseiller de S.M. le Roi, M. Azziman exerce, depuis 1972, comme professeur à la Faculté de Droit de Rabat. Il avait occupé de 1993 à 1995 le poste de ministre délégué auprès du Premier ministre chargé des droits de l'Homme, avant d'être nommé ministre de la Justice (1997-2002). Il a ensuite été nommé, en décembre 2002, président du Conseil consultatif des droits de l'Homme (CCDH).

Responsable de la Chaire Unesco pour l'enseignement, la formation et la recherche en matière des droits de l'Homme à l'Université Mohammed V depuis 1996, M. Azziman est membre de l'Académie du Royaume du Maroc depuis 1996. En novembre 2004, M. Azziman a été nommé par S.M. le Roi ambassadeur du Maroc au Royaume d'Espagne. Ayant également occupé le poste de président délégué de la Fondation Hassan II des Marocains résidant à l'étranger, le professeur Azziman avait été nommé en janvier 2010 président de la Commission consultative de la régionalisation.

Parks Tau

Mayor of Johannesburg

Parks Tau, Mayor for the City of Johannesburg, was born and raised in Orlando West, Soweto. At the youthful age of 25, he was appointed the chairperson of the Urban Development Committee of the then Southern Local Metropolitan Council (SLMC), where he was responsible for the planning function.

He was appointed a member of the mayoral committee following the first democratic local government elections in 2000. He was entrusted with a wide range of portfolios – development planning, transportation and environment.

In 2004, he was given the responsibility of the City's finance and economic development portfolios. As the head of Johannesburg's finances, reflecting Johannesburg's continuing success in delivering services to communities and creating a climate for economic growth and development.

Parks Tau

Mayor of Johannesburg

Parks Tau, Mayor for the City of Johannesburg, was born and raised in Orlando West, Soweto. At the youthful age of 25, he was appointed the chairperson of the Urban Development Committee of the then Southern Local Metropolitan Council (SLMC), where he was responsible for the planning function.

He was appointed a member of the mayoral committee following the first democratic local government elections in 2000. He was entrusted with a wide range of portfolios – development planning, transportation and environment.

In 2004, he was given the responsibility of the City's finance and economic development portfolios. As the head of Johannesburg's finances, reflecting Johannesburg's continuing success in delivering services to communities and creating a climate for economic growth and development.

Pat Horn

International Co-ordinator of StreetNet International

Feminist trade unionist, International Co-ordinator of StreetNet International, an international federation formed to protect and promote the rights of street vendors, to promote the voice and bargaining power of street vendors throughout the world.  Since international launch of StreetNet in November 2002, there are 49 affiliated organisations from 41 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe, representing over 500 000 paid-up members.

Pat Horn

International Co-ordinator of StreetNet International

Feminist trade unionist, International Co-ordinator of StreetNet International, an international federation formed to protect and promote the rights of street vendors, to promote the voice and bargaining power of street vendors throughout the world.  Since international launch of StreetNet in November 2002, there are 49 affiliated organisations from 41 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe, representing over 500 000 paid-up members.

Patricia de Lille

Mayor of Cape Town

The people of Cape Town have given us the resounding mandate to deliver on the promise of building the opportunity city of the future.

We will build on the solid foundation laid by the previous two administrations under my predecessors, Helen Zille and Dan Plato, by fulfilling our mission of being a government of excellence and innovation, a government with a vision of a greater city.

That vision is to address poverty through economic growth and jobs, because only through a strategy of sustained poverty reduction through economic development will we ensure that we give every resident the means for a better life and create a truly inclusive city.

I am determined that all of us in this new administration will work tirelessly, day and night, to live up to this vote of confidence to ensure that we do justice to the hopes, dreams and aspiration of all the citizens of our great city.

It will be difficult work but I have faith that we will achieve what we set out to do and more.

Patricia de Lille

Mayor of Cape Town

The people of Cape Town have given us the resounding mandate to deliver on the promise of building the opportunity city of the future.

We will build on the solid foundation laid by the previous two administrations under my predecessors, Helen Zille and Dan Plato, by fulfilling our mission of being a government of excellence and innovation, a government with a vision of a greater city.

That vision is to address poverty through economic growth and jobs, because only through a strategy of sustained poverty reduction through economic development will we ensure that we give every resident the means for a better life and create a truly inclusive city.

I am determined that all of us in this new administration will work tirelessly, day and night, to live up to this vote of confidence to ensure that we do justice to the hopes, dreams and aspiration of all the citizens of our great city.

It will be difficult work but I have faith that we will achieve what we set out to do and more.

Patrick Braouezec

Président de la Communauté d’Agglomération Plaine Commune / Vice-président de la Commission Inclusion Sociale et Démocratie Participative de CGLU

Patrick Braouezec instituteur de profession est un élu de la ville de Saint-Denis depuis 1983. Maire Adjoint puis Maire de la ville de Saint-Denis jusqu’en 2001, il a également était Député de 1993 à 2012.

Depuis 2005, il est Président de la Communauté d’Agglomération Plaine Commune, première intercommunalité d’Ile de France de 9 communes et 408 000 habitants, au Nord de Paris.

Il est membre du bureau exécutif  de Paris Métropole depuis 2008 et en a assumé la présidence de décembre 2011 à décembre 2012.Aujourd’hui, il est premier Vice-présidente du syndicat mixte.

Engagé dans les réseaux internationaux depuis les années 90, il a été membre du Comité des Régions à Bruxelles de 1994 à 1997. Il est membre du Bureau Exécutif de CGLU (Cités et Gouvernements Locaux Unis) depuis la création de l’organisation, en 2004. Il est actuellement Vice-président de la Commission Inclusion Sociale et démocratie Participative de CGLU. Il a participé avec un réseau de collectivités européennes dont la ville de Barcelone à l’adoption, en 2000, à Saint-Denis de la Charte européenne des droits de l’Homme dans la ville.

Patrick Braouezec

Président de la Communauté d’Agglomération Plaine Commune / Vice-président de la Commission Inclusion Sociale et Démocratie Participative de CGLU

Patrick Braouezec instituteur de profession est un élu de la ville de Saint-Denis depuis 1983. Maire Adjoint puis Maire de la ville de Saint-Denis jusqu’en 2001, il a également était Député de 1993 à 2012.

Depuis 2005, il est Président de la Communauté d’Agglomération Plaine Commune, première intercommunalité d’Ile de France de 9 communes et 408 000 habitants, au Nord de Paris.

Il est membre du bureau exécutif  de Paris Métropole depuis 2008 et en a assumé la présidence de décembre 2011 à décembre 2012.Aujourd’hui, il est premier Vice-présidente du syndicat mixte.

Engagé dans les réseaux internationaux depuis les années 90, il a été membre du Comité des Régions à Bruxelles de 1994 à 1997. Il est membre du Bureau Exécutif de CGLU (Cités et Gouvernements Locaux Unis) depuis la création de l’organisation, en 2004. Il est actuellement Vice-président de la Commission Inclusion Sociale et démocratie Participative de CGLU. Il a participé avec un réseau de collectivités européennes dont la ville de Barcelone à l’adoption, en 2000, à Saint-Denis de la Charte européenne des droits de l’Homme dans la ville.

Patrick Jarry

Mayor of Nanterre / President of the UCLG Committee on Peripheral Cities

He was elected Mayor of Nanterre on 14^th October 2004 and re-elected in 2008. He was also General Councillor of the Hauts de Seine Region and President of the Greater Mont Valérien (Nanterre, Suresnes and Rueil Malmaison).

Engineer from the Ponts et Chaussées National Higher Education Establishment. Elected MP in 1989, he became President of the University neighbourhood and worked on citizen participation in the city.

As city contracts were created in 1994, the municipality gave Patrick Jarry responsibility over preparing an agreement with the State, followed by the General Council and the Region.

He was member of the Bureau of the Association of Francophone Mayors of Cities and Suburbs including Paris Metropolitan area. 

This role reinforced his commitment to the essential role of peripheral cities in metropolitan construction.

He has been president on the UCLG Committee of Peripheral Cities since 2010 and coordinates the network of the Forum of Peripheral Local Authorities (FALP).

Patrick Jarry

Mayor of Nanterre / President of the UCLG Committee on Peripheral Cities

He was elected Mayor of Nanterre on 14^th October 2004 and re-elected in 2008. He was also General Councillor of the Hauts de Seine Region and President of the Greater Mont Valérien (Nanterre, Suresnes and Rueil Malmaison).

Engineer from the Ponts et Chaussées National Higher Education Establishment. Elected MP in 1989, he became President of the University neighbourhood and worked on citizen participation in the city.

As city contracts were created in 1994, the municipality gave Patrick Jarry responsibility over preparing an agreement with the State, followed by the General Council and the Region.

He was member of the Bureau of the Association of Francophone Mayors of Cities and Suburbs including Paris Metropolitan area. 

This role reinforced his commitment to the essential role of peripheral cities in metropolitan construction.

He has been president on the UCLG Committee of Peripheral Cities since 2010 and coordinates the network of the Forum of Peripheral Local Authorities (FALP).

Paul Carrasco

Prefect of the Province of Azuay / President of the United Regions Organization-Global Forum of Regional Associations (ORU-FOGAR)

Paul Carrasco Carpio, is the Prefect of the Provincial Government of Azuay (Terms 2005-2009 and 2009-2014) in Ecuador, and President of the United Regions Organization-Global Forum of Regional Associations. His representation of intermediate governments as key actors for the development of territories has also occurred as Secretary General of the Latin American Organization of Intermediate Governments (OLAGI), organization that he presided from 2008 to 2011, he is member of the Expert Advisory Committee of the United Nations Center for Regional Development for Latin America and the Caribbean, he has been a panelist in several high-level international meetings in countries of America, Europe, Africa and Asia. He has also stressed his participation in the Task Force Group in alliance with UCLG and the ORU / FOGAR, in relation to the Development of Agenda Post -2015 at the UN and "the role of local and regional governments in the new Development Agenda Post-2015".

He is Chairman of the Executive Bureau for the Productive Promotion Corporation INVEC Productive Investment, President of the Azuay’s People's Parliament (2007-2012), Chairman of the Executive Board of the South Central Regional Electricity Enterprise (2005-2011), Member of the Commission for Territorial Organization for the Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador (2008), Institutional delegate of the National Consortium of Provincial Councils of Ecuador for CORPECUADOR and for the National Competitiveness Council (2006-2007), Chairman Executive Board of Hydroelectric Generation Company Paute / Hidropaute (2005-2007), President of the management Council “Waters of Paute’s Basin”(2005-2007), and Provincial Councilor of Azuay (2002-2004).

Born in 1971, he studied his Masters in Public Policy Management and he is an Agricultural Engineer.

Some of his publications are: Ecuador: The Road Towards a Radical Democracy (2013), A Five-Year Plan 2010-2014 (2010), The Development Model We Want for Azuay (2010); Azuay Proposes: Departments, the Proposal for Decentralization of the State. The Contribution of Azuay to the Constituent Assembly.  A Multidisciplinary technical Proposal (2007). A New Way of Making Government, Systematization of the Alternative Management of the Provincial Government (2005).

Paul Carrasco

Prefect of the Province of Azuay / President of the United Regions Organization-Global Forum of Regional Associations (ORU-FOGAR)

Paul Carrasco Carpio, is the Prefect of the Provincial Government of Azuay (Terms 2005-2009 and 2009-2014) in Ecuador, and President of the United Regions Organization-Global Forum of Regional Associations. His representation of intermediate governments as key actors for the development of territories has also occurred as Secretary General of the Latin American Organization of Intermediate Governments (OLAGI), organization that he presided from 2008 to 2011, he is member of the Expert Advisory Committee of the United Nations Center for Regional Development for Latin America and the Caribbean, he has been a panelist in several high-level international meetings in countries of America, Europe, Africa and Asia. He has also stressed his participation in the Task Force Group in alliance with UCLG and the ORU / FOGAR, in relation to the Development of Agenda Post -2015 at the UN and "the role of local and regional governments in the new Development Agenda Post-2015".

He is Chairman of the Executive Bureau for the Productive Promotion Corporation INVEC Productive Investment, President of the Azuay’s People's Parliament (2007-2012), Chairman of the Executive Board of the South Central Regional Electricity Enterprise (2005-2011), Member of the Commission for Territorial Organization for the Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador (2008), Institutional delegate of the National Consortium of Provincial Councils of Ecuador for CORPECUADOR and for the National Competitiveness Council (2006-2007), Chairman Executive Board of Hydroelectric Generation Company Paute / Hidropaute (2005-2007), President of the management Council “Waters of Paute’s Basin”(2005-2007), and Provincial Councilor of Azuay (2002-2004).

Born in 1971, he studied his Masters in Public Policy Management and he is an Agricultural Engineer.

Some of his publications are: Ecuador: The Road Towards a Radical Democracy (2013), A Five-Year Plan 2010-2014 (2010), The Development Model We Want for Azuay (2010); Azuay Proposes: Departments, the Proposal for Decentralization of the State. The Contribution of Azuay to the Constituent Assembly.  A Multidisciplinary technical Proposal (2007). A New Way of Making Government, Systematization of the Alternative Management of the Provincial Government (2005).

Paul Smoke

Professor, New York University, United States of America

Paul Smoke is Professor of Public Finance and Planning and Director of International Programs at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He works on public sector reform, decentralization and urban development in developing and transition countries. He previously taught at MIT and worked with the Harvard Institute for International Development. Smoke has written, edited or co-edited several books and published many articles on decentralization and local government.  He has worked extensively with many development partners and organizations, including the World Bank, UNCDF, UNDP, USAID, several European development agencies, and a number of other UN agencies and international financial institutions. He served as technical co-coordinator for UCLG’s GOLD II report, Local Government Finances: The Challenges of the 21^st Century.

Paul Smoke

Professor, New York University, United States of America

Paul Smoke is Professor of Public Finance and Planning and Director of International Programs at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He works on public sector reform, decentralization and urban development in developing and transition countries. He previously taught at MIT and worked with the Harvard Institute for International Development. Smoke has written, edited or co-edited several books and published many articles on decentralization and local government.  He has worked extensively with many development partners and organizations, including the World Bank, UNCDF, UNDP, USAID, several European development agencies, and a number of other UN agencies and international financial institutions. He served as technical co-coordinator for UCLG’s GOLD II report, Local Government Finances: The Challenges of the 21^st Century.

Paula Ravanelli Losada

Special Advisor, Secretariat for Institutional Relations, Presidency of the Republic, Brazil

Paula Ravanelli Losada is a lawyer, graduated in Legal Science from the University of São Paulo (USP), specialist in public policy by the Foundation School of Government and a Masters in Public Law from the Law Faculty of the University of Brasilia (UnB), in the nation’s capital.

She is City Attorney of the City of Cubatao, in the State of Sao Paulo. She held various positions in the municipal government, including Attorney Heritage Estate in Sao Jose dos Campos, Secretary of Justice and Human Rights in Cacapava, Chief Legal Advisor of Cubatao and Housing Secretariat of São Paulo.

Since 2003 she is assigned to the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil, where she currently serves as Special Advisor to the Subsecretariat of Federal Affairs of the Secretariat of Institutional Relations of the Presidency. In this role, she participated in the development of Public Consortia Law and its regulations, the creation of the Federal Articulation Committee (CAF) and several initiatives for the improvement of intergovernmental relations between the federal government and the municipalities.

Paula Ravanelli Losada

Special Advisor, Secretariat for Institutional Relations, Presidency of the Republic, Brazil

Paula Ravanelli Losada is a lawyer, graduated in Legal Science from the University of São Paulo (USP), specialist in public policy by the Foundation School of Government and a Masters in Public Law from the Law Faculty of the University of Brasilia (UnB), in the nation’s capital.

She is City Attorney of the City of Cubatao, in the State of Sao Paulo. She held various positions in the municipal government, including Attorney Heritage Estate in Sao Jose dos Campos, Secretary of Justice and Human Rights in Cacapava, Chief Legal Advisor of Cubatao and Housing Secretariat of São Paulo.

Since 2003 she is assigned to the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil, where she currently serves as Special Advisor to the Subsecretariat of Federal Affairs of the Secretariat of Institutional Relations of the Presidency. In this role, she participated in the development of Public Consortia Law and its regulations, the creation of the Federal Articulation Committee (CAF) and several initiatives for the improvement of intergovernmental relations between the federal government and the municipalities.

Peter Rehwinkel

Chair of  the VNG Committee on European and International Affairs

Peter Rehwinkel holds a Doctoral Degree in Constitutional Law and has been Member of Parliament and of the Senate for the Dutch Labour party. In 2004 he became Mayor of Naarden. In that capacity he was political representative of the reconstruction programme of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in Sri Lanka after the Tsunami. In 2009 he took on the position of  Mayor of Groningen, the 7th city of the Netherlands. Since that moment, Mr. Rehwinkel chairs the VNG Committee on European and International Affairs. In 2013, he was part of the UCLG fact-finding mission that visited municipalities in the neighbouring countries of Syria. The UCLG Executive Bureau mandated Mr. Rehwinkel in June 2013 to assess the feasibility of setting up a UCLG centre for disaster preparedness and response. 

Peter Rehwinkel

Chair of  the VNG Committee on European and International Affairs

Peter Rehwinkel holds a Doctoral Degree in Constitutional Law and has been Member of Parliament and of the Senate for the Dutch Labour party. In 2004 he became Mayor of Naarden. In that capacity he was political representative of the reconstruction programme of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in Sri Lanka after the Tsunami. In 2009 he took on the position of  Mayor of Groningen, the 7th city of the Netherlands. Since that moment, Mr. Rehwinkel chairs the VNG Committee on European and International Affairs. In 2013, he was part of the UCLG fact-finding mission that visited municipalities in the neighbouring countries of Syria. The UCLG Executive Bureau mandated Mr. Rehwinkel in June 2013 to assess the feasibility of setting up a UCLG centre for disaster preparedness and response. 

Philippe Cichowlaz

Deputy General Director in charge of International Relations and European Affairs, PACA

Philippe Cichowlaz

Deputy General Director in charge of International Relations and European Affairs, PACA

Pierre Bauby

Professor of Political Science, Paris 8 University

Researcher and Professor of Political Sciences at Paris 8 University. He is expert on public services and public policies. In addition, he is member of the Intergroup Public Services of European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee as well as other European networks. His most recent works focus on the Europeanization of Public Services and the challenges of regulating public services.

He is the author of various publications: GOLD III Report, Chapter Europe on “Basic local public services and Governance”, CGLU, 2013; “Providing Europe with high quality public services on the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon, CESI, 2012; “The Europeanization of the Public Services”, Presses de SciencePo, Paris, 2011; “Public service, public services” La Documentation Française, Paris, 2011; “Mapping of the Public Services in the European Union and the 27 Members States”, Brussels, 2010.

Pierre Bauby

Professor of Political Science, Paris 8 University

Researcher and Professor of Political Sciences at Paris 8 University. He is expert on public services and public policies. In addition, he is member of the Intergroup Public Services of European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee as well as other European networks. His most recent works focus on the Europeanization of Public Services and the challenges of regulating public services.

He is the author of various publications: GOLD III Report, Chapter Europe on “Basic local public services and Governance”, CGLU, 2013; “Providing Europe with high quality public services on the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon, CESI, 2012; “The Europeanization of the Public Services”, Presses de SciencePo, Paris, 2011; “Public service, public services” La Documentation Française, Paris, 2011; “Mapping of the Public Services in the European Union and the 27 Members States”, Brussels, 2010.

Platonov Vladimir Mikhailovich

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma

December 24, 1954 in Moscow, Russian.
From 1972 to 1975 he worked at an engineering plant them. Khrunichev electrician.
In 1983 he graduated from the Faculty of Law of Peoples' Friendship University of. Patrice Lumumba, the specialty "Jurisprudence".
From 1983 to 1989 he worked in the district prosecutor's offices in Moscow, investigated the cases of very serious crimes. From 1989 to 1991 - Deputy Attorney Moskvoretsky district.
. In 1991 moved to private law practice, specializing in social issues - worked as executive director of the company "Aktum.
. 12 December 1993 was elected to the Moscow City Duma.
. In July 1994, was elected chairman of the Moscow City Duma.
. Since January 1996 member of the Federation Council's position.
. 14 December 1997 was elected to the Moscow City Duma of the second convocation.
. January 14, 1998 was re-elected chairman of the Moscow City Duma.
. 10 June 1998 was elected deputy chairman of the Federation Council of Russia.
. He was awarded the Medal of Honor (1998).
. Married
. Wife Helen. Daughter Xenia (1980), son Ilya (1983).

Platonov Vladimir Mikhailovich

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma

December 24, 1954 in Moscow, Russian.
From 1972 to 1975 he worked at an engineering plant them. Khrunichev electrician.
In 1983 he graduated from the Faculty of Law of Peoples' Friendship University of. Patrice Lumumba, the specialty "Jurisprudence".
From 1983 to 1989 he worked in the district prosecutor's offices in Moscow, investigated the cases of very serious crimes. From 1989 to 1991 - Deputy Attorney Moskvoretsky district.
. In 1991 moved to private law practice, specializing in social issues - worked as executive director of the company "Aktum.
. 12 December 1993 was elected to the Moscow City Duma.
. In July 1994, was elected chairman of the Moscow City Duma.
. Since January 1996 member of the Federation Council's position.
. 14 December 1997 was elected to the Moscow City Duma of the second convocation.
. January 14, 1998 was re-elected chairman of the Moscow City Duma.
. 10 June 1998 was elected deputy chairman of the Federation Council of Russia.
. He was awarded the Medal of Honor (1998).
. Married
. Wife Helen. Daughter Xenia (1980), son Ilya (1983).

Rassikh Sagitov

Secretary General of UCLG Eurasia

Graduated from Nijni Novgorod Linguistic  University in 1984 French, English and Arabic language studies.

Held international activities in many countries of the World.

Beginning from 1991 – Department of international relations of Kazan City Municipality, Councilor to Mayor of Kazan on international affairs.

In 2004 is elected Secretary General of UCLG – Eurasia.

Speaks Tatar, Russian, French, English, Arabic, Turkish.

Rassikh Sagitov

Secretary General of UCLG Eurasia

Graduated from Nijni Novgorod Linguistic  University in 1984 French, English and Arabic language studies.

Held international activities in many countries of the World.

Beginning from 1991 – Department of international relations of Kazan City Municipality, Councilor to Mayor of Kazan on international affairs.

In 2004 is elected Secretary General of UCLG – Eurasia.

Speaks Tatar, Russian, French, English, Arabic, Turkish.

Ratna Omidvar

President of Maytree, a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. 

Under her leadership, the foundation has gained international recognition for its expertise in developing, testing, and implementing programs and policy solutions related to immigration, integration and diversity in the workplace, in the boardroom and in public office.

Ratna is the chair of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and the co-chair of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, a joint project of Maytree of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. She also serves as a director of the Canadian Club of Toronto, the Environics Institute and Connect Legal.

In 2006, Ratna was appointed to the Order of Ontario. In 2010, Canada's national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, profiled her as its Nation Builder of the Decade for Citizenship. In 2011, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her advocacy on behalf of immigrants and for her devotion to reducing inequality.

Ratna Omidvar

President of Maytree, a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. 

Under her leadership, the foundation has gained international recognition for its expertise in developing, testing, and implementing programs and policy solutions related to immigration, integration and diversity in the workplace, in the boardroom and in public office.

Ratna is the chair of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and the co-chair of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, a joint project of Maytree of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. She also serves as a director of the Canadian Club of Toronto, the Environics Institute and Connect Legal.

In 2006, Ratna was appointed to the Order of Ontario. In 2010, Canada's national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, profiled her as its Nation Builder of the Decade for Citizenship. In 2011, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her advocacy on behalf of immigrants and for her devotion to reducing inequality.