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Global Policy Leadership

Connecting Emerging Leaders to the World’s Most Urgent Challenges.

We produce policy research, convene global forums, and equip the next generation of changemakers to act on climate, governance, education, and sustainable development.

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Institutional Brief

2022-2026

Since 2022, HISA has built international platforms where policy dialogue, youth leadership, and strategic collaboration intersect through research, convenings, fellowships, and global certification programs.

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  • Innovation
  • Global Collaboration
  • Social Impact
  • Education for All
  • Sustainability
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Global Collaboration
  • Social Impact
  • Education for All
  • Sustainability
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Global Collaboration
  • Social Impact
  • Education for All
  • Sustainability
  • Leadership

Upcoming Convenings

Upcoming Forums

Explore upcoming international forums, certifications, and leadership programs bringing together emerging leaders, policymakers, and institutions from around the world.

Geneva, Switzerland

  • February 10 – 13, 2027
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Future Diplomats Forum 2027

Future Diplomats Forum 2027 brings young leaders from around the world to Geneva, Switzerland, for four transformative days of diplomacy, leadership, and global dialogue. Delegates will engage in keynote sessions, interactive workshops, diplomatic simulations, institutional visits, and meaningful networking with international professionals. With 250 scholarship seats available, FDF 2027 offers a unique opportunity to build diplomatic skills, exchange ideas, and connect with a global community of future leaders.

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Paris, France

  • October 15 – 18, 2026
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Global Youth Festival 2026

Paris has always been a city of ideas – and in October 2026, it becomes the stage for the world’s youth to shape the future. The Global Youth Festival 2026 is HISA’s most ambitious programme to date: four transformative days of leadership, cross-cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic capitals. If you are ready to speak up, connect globally, and drive real change – Paris is waiting.

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Global Impact

Impact, by the numbers

Since 2022, HISA has built one of the most globally distributed convening networks for emerging policy leaders.

international convenings hosted across 12 countries on 5 continents

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delegates convened

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awarded in travel scholarships to early-career delegates

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policy briefs and consultations published

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Global Footprint

Where We Have Been

2023

Morocco flag Casablanca

South-South cooperation and civic leadership gathering.

2024

Spain flag Madrid

Youth diplomacy, cultural exchange, and public policy labs.

2024

Hungary flag Budapest

Policy fellowship convening and institutional dialogue.

2024

South Africa flag Cape Town

Climate resilience and inclusive growth forum.

2025

Thailand flag Bangkok

Regional collaboration for sustainable development.

2025

United States flag Washington DC

Governance, public leadership, and multilateral strategy.

2025

United Kingdom flag Oxford

Academic leadership institute and research exchange.

2024

Italy flag Milan

Policy innovation and education futures dialogue.

2025

Turkey flag Istanbul

Cross-regional diplomacy and civic engagement forum.

2026

Australia flag Sydney

Youth leadership and sustainability roundtable.

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Inside HISA

Moments From Global Convenings

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Voices Of HISA

HISA Speakers

Diplomats, policymakers, academics and changemakers who have shared the stage with our delegates, from Budapest and Istanbul to Sydney and Washington.

Washington
Future Diplomats Forum

Michael Kugelman

Director, South Asia Institute, Wilson Center
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Budapest
International Volunteer Forum

Liliana Grexa

Ambassador at the Hungarian Parliament
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Sydney
HISA Youth Dialogue

Nakshathra Suresh

Co-founder of eiris
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Istanbul
International Volunteer Forum

Prof. Uğur Yasin Asal

Associate Professor & Head of Political Science and International Relations, Istanbul Commerce University
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Milan

Global Youth Convention

Paola Maria Sayegh

International Affairs and Diplomacy Specialist
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Oxfordshire

HISA Youth Fellowship

Mhuran Saro Binti Sariki

Human Capital & HR Strategy Expert
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Sydney

HISA Youth Dialogue

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi

Founder of Sapphire Group

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Budapest

International Volunteer Forum

Doris Moravec

Volunteer Coordinator, youngCaritas, Vienna
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Istanbul

International Volunteer Forum

Joel Moriasi

Content Creator
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Milan

Global Youth Convention

Annachiara Sarto

Founder & Director of Protection4kids
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Delegate Perspectives

Experiences From the HISA Network

More than 2,265 delegates have passed through HISA convenings since 2022, from 150+ nationalities. Their work continues across ministries, multilateral institutions, classrooms, and civil society organizations on every continent we have reached.

Destin MANARIYO

Founder/CEO of IGIS

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Amal Tatay

Business Analytics & Marketing Student

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Roumaissa Khadidja MOSBAH

Creative English Teacher | TEFL-Certified | Curriculum Developer

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Rauf Hasanzade

Student at International Maarif Schools Of Bucharest

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Remus Sabadas

International Relations PhD Student

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Lord Justice Okanta Kumi

Multidisciplinary Project Manager

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Kofi Gyau-Kyereh

Youth Diplomat

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Suvethasree P U

ASU Learning Enterprise

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Gabriela Williams

International Relations Concentration

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Jaeda McDonald

Future Diplomats Forum Delegate

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Kateryna Ostrovska

MD, Lean Green Belt

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in HISA convenings?

HISA convenings are open to students, early-career professionals, researchers, and practitioners from any country. Most programs are designed for those between the ages of 18 and 35 with a demonstrated interest in policy, governance, or international affairs.

Applications are submitted online through the individual event page. Each convening has its own eligibility criteria, application deadline, and selection process. Shortlisted applicants are notified by email.

Yes. HISA awards travel scholarships to early-career delegates who demonstrate merit and financial need. Since 2022, we have distributed over $565,000 in scholarship support across our convenings. Scholarship availability varies by program.

The HISA Global Certification Program offers internationally recognized credentials in policy analysis, sustainable development, and global governance. The program is designed for working professionals and reviewed by an international advisory panel.

Yes. Selected participants receive an official invitation letter and supporting documentation to assist with the visa application process. HISA does not guarantee visa approval, as this remains at the discretion of the relevant embassy or consulate.

HISA runs an affiliate program open to alumni, partners, and advocates. Affiliates earn a 10% commission on every successful referral. Payouts are made via PayPal, Wise, or direct bank transfer.

HISA hosts convenings across the world. Past locations include Sydney, Istanbul, Milan, Oxford, Washington D.C., Bangkok, Cape Town, Budapest, Madrid, Casablanca, and Cairo. Upcoming event locations are listed on the events page.

HISA is supported through a combination of participant registration fees, institutional partnerships, foundation grants, and scholarship sponsorships. We do not accept funding that compromises the independence of our research or convenings.

Yes. HISA works with academic institutions, government ministries, multilateral agencies, foundations, and civil society organizations. Partnership opportunities include co-hosting convenings, contributing to publications, and sponsoring delegate scholarships. Visit our partner page for more information.

You can follow HISA on its official channels or subscribe to the newsletter through the website. All upcoming convenings are listed on the events page as soon as applications open.

Global Leadership Pipeline

Join the Next Generation Shaping Global Policy

Explore HISA programs, contribute to policy dialogue, or partner with a growing international platform for youth leadership and strategic alliance.

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Michael Kugelman

Future Diplomats Forum · Washington

Michael Kugelman

Director, South Asia Institute, Wilson Center

An American foreign policy author and expert specializing in South Asia. He is the director of the South Asia Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Liliana Grexa

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER FORUM · BUDAPEST

Liliana Grexa

Ambassador at the Hungarian Parliament

Liliana Grexa is a representative of the State Self-Government of Ukrainians in Hungary since November 2019, elected from the Ukrainian Culture Association in Hungary (MUKE). She serves as Chair of the Commission on Youth, Media and Information Technology and is a member of the Finance Commission. Previously, she was Chair of the Budapest Self-Government of Ukrainians in Hungary for five years and continues to serve as Chair of the Local Self-Government of Ukrainians in Erzsébetváros.

Nakshathra Suresh

HISA YOUTH DIALOGUE · SYDNEY

Nakshathra Suresh

Co-founder of eiris

Nakshathra Suresh is a cyber criminologist, entrepreneur, academic and international speaker based in Sydney, Australia. She is currently the only criminologist in Australia actively advocating for artificial intelligence and emerging technology safety, bringing a unique social science perspective to digital safety challenges.

As the co-founder of eiris, a technology consultancy, Nakshathra helps emerging startups, businesses and organisations deploy technology safely using safety-by-design principles. Through eiris, she works with companies to help them understand the human impact of technology integration, which encompasses ethical, psychological, social, and criminal outcomes.

Nakshathra currently serves as the Oceania Youth Ambassador for the Internet Society, advocating for an open, secure, and trustworthy internet through championing cybersecurity and safety principles.

Nakshathra regularly teaches with the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), having created and led the university’s first criminology-backed cybersecurity course (CRIM3040). This groundbreaking course introduces students to cybersecurity through criminological, legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks, producing a new generation of interdisciplinary cyber criminologists.

Known for her unique, hands-on approach to presentations, she has delivered addresses at various conferences, podcasts, webinars and professional forums across the world. Her presentations have reached diverse audiences including law enforcement professionals, public servants, academics, startup founders, industry professionals, and students.

Nakshathra’s leadership has been widely recognised, most recently as one of the 2026 Young Women to Watch in International Affairs. She has also been a finalist for numerous prestigious awards, including the 2024 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards ‘Emerging Leader in Tech’, the 2024 Australian South Asian Centre’s Stellar South Asian Women Awards ‘Global Shaper’, the 2024 Female Factor’s ‘A Voice for a New Era of Leaders’, and the 2025 South Asian Women in Business Awards ‘Tech and Innovation’.

Professor Ugur Yasin Asal

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER FORUM · ISTANBUL

Prof. Uğur Yasin Asal

Associate Professor & Head of Political Science and International Relations, Istanbul Commerce University

Uğur Yasin Asal is an academic and political scientist specializing in international relations, global political economy, and security studies. He serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul Commerce University, where he teaches and conducts research on global governance, strategy, and conflict resolution.

He completed his PhD in Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul University, focusing on power balance theory in the modern international system, particularly through the example of the G20. His academic work includes several books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles covering topics such as international security, regional conflicts, and global political economy.

Beyond academia, Asal has contributed to international policy discussions and global events, including work connected with the G20 Antalya Leaders’ Summit 2015 and T20 Buenos Aires 2018, and has delivered lectures at universities, think tanks, and civil society forums. He frequently appears in media and public discussions as an expert on international politics, security, and geopolitical developments.

Through his research, teaching, and public engagement, Prof. Asal contributes to advancing understanding of global governance, international security, and the evolving dynamics of the international political system.

Ms. Paola Maria Sayegh

GLOBAL YOUTH CONVENTION · MILAN

Paola Maria Sayegh

International Affairs and Diplomacy Specialist

Paola Maria Sayegh is an International Affairs and Diplomacy Specialist with experience spanning Europe and the Middle East, working at the intersection of strategic communication, policy, and intercultural dialogue. With a background in international law and humanitarian operations, she has collaborated with think-tanks, cultural institutions, and international organizations to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean partnerships and promote youth engagement in global governance. Multilingual and culturally adaptive, Paola focuses on building bridges across sectors and societies, empowering young leaders to navigate global challenges with intelligence, creativity, and a diplomatic mindset.

Mhuran Saro Binti Sariki

HISA YOUTH FELLOWSHIP · OXFORDSHIRE

Mhuran Saro Binti Sariki

Human Capital & HR Strategy Expert

Having begun her career in 1992 with the Ministry of Human Resources, Mahuran has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management, and has a wide knowledge and experience in human capital strategy & development as well as industrial relation management.

In her current capacity, Mahuran works closely with stakeholders from federal and state governments/agencies, industry players, employer federations, labour unions and international agencies in conducting research study on human capital requirement, including demand and supply talent/skills.

She was a panel member of Industrial Court and Perkeso Appellate Court. She is a member of NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women (NIEW) and Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM).

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi

HISA YOUTH DIALOGUE · SYDNEY

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi

Founder of Sapphire Group

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi is the CEO and Founder of Sapphire Group, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities, underrepresented youth, and single parents through employability, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing initiatives. Her work spans the UK, Africa, and beyond, focusing on breaking systemic barriers, promoting equity, and driving social change.

In addition to her role at Sapphire, she serves as a Project Manager for NHS England (Lewisham, Bexley & Greenwich Hospitals) and is an MRes Law and Social Research student at Birkbeck College, where she is also pursuing a PhD in Politics.

Ms. Doris Moravec
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER FORUM · BUDAPEST

Doris Moravec

Volunteer Coordinator, youngCaritas, Vienna

Doris Moravec believes that life’s detours are actually guiding us towards our true path. In line with this philosophy, she worked in tourism, hospitality, and event management for around ten years before moving into the Social NGO Sector during the Refugee Movements to Europe in 2015/16. As the Head of the Volunteer Department at one of Austria’s largest Social NGOs she oversaw around 450 Volunteers and 25 Volunteer Coordinators. She also worked directly with Young Adults after Leaving Care.

Doris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s in Social Work. She is passionate about the work with and for disadvantaged Young People, and designing Projects and Workshops to their benefit. In 2023 she co-founded an association dedicated to Advocacy Work for Youth & Young Adults in Poverty in Austria (www.umbruchstelle.at).

Joel Moriasi

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER FORUM · ISTANBUL

Joel Moriasi

Content Creator

Joel Moriasi is a Kenyan content creator, media personality, and cultural commentator known for promoting cross-cultural dialogue between Africa and Turkey. A graduate of Marmara University, where he studied Mass Media, Moriasi gained recognition through his Turkish-language YouTube channel “Türkiye’de Bir Afrikalı” (An African in Turkey).

Through his engaging videos and public appearances, he shares insights on cultural exchange, language, and everyday life in Turkey from an African perspective. He is also known for his participation in the popular intercultural media project 3 Yabancı 1 Türk, where creators from different countries explore culture, travel, and social topics in Turkey.

Through digital media and storytelling, Moriasi continues to build bridges between cultures and inspire dialogue across diverse global audiences.

Annachiara Sarto

GLOBAL YOUTH CONVENTION · MILAN

Annachiara Sarto

Founder & Director of Protection4kids

Annachiara Sarto graduated with honors in European and International Law from The Hague University, specializing in Human Rights and International Criminal Law. She earned a Master’s degree in Transnational Crime and Justice from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Since 2019, she has been the Director of Protection4Kids, leading 16 humanitarian missions in international emergency contexts.

In 2021, she became a consultant for the Child Protection Team at the Department of Peace Operations, United Nations Secretariat in New York. In March 2023, she was elected a member of the Global Coalition Against Sexual Abuse, organized by Panorama Global in Miami.

She is a Visiting Training Lecturer at the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) in Vicenza and at the Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School of India. In 2024, she served as Child Protection Officer for Save the Children Italy, working on the “Emergency Protection Intervention for Refugee and Migrant Children and Women” project, funded by UNICEF. Her videos sharing her work have reached over 100,000 views on TikTok.