Leadership & Executive Committee
WFUNA’s leadership structure is outlined in our constitution and includes the roles of President, Vice-President, Secretary-General, Treasurer and Executive Committee Members.
President
President
Katalin Bogyay
Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay is a Hungarian diplomat, author, lecturer, broadcaster, and public speaker with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, human rights, intercultural dialogue, and women’s empowerment.
She currently serves as President of the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO and President of the United Nations Association of Hungary. She is also the Founding President of Women4Diplomacy International, an initiative dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership and representation in diplomacy and international affairs.
Ambassador Bogyay previously served as Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations in New York and as Permanent Delegate of Hungary to UNESCO in Paris. She was unanimously elected President of the 36th session of the UNESCO General Conference and later served as Chair of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during its 75th session. In this capacity, she led the Committee’s work on social, humanitarian, cultural, and human rights issues.
Before entering diplomatic service, Ambassador Bogyay worked as an international television broadcaster, cultural producer, author, and critic. Her professional career has consistently focused on building dialogue across cultures, promoting international cooperation, and advancing the participation of women in public and diplomatic life.
Ambassador Bogyay holds degrees from Corvinus University of Budapest and the University of Westminster. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the World Academy of Art and Science. She has received numerous Hungarian and international honors in recognition of her contributions to cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, women’s leadership, and global citizenship.
Secretary-General
Secretary-General
Aziel Philippos Goulandris
Aziel Philippos Goulandris has served as Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations since October 2023, following more than a decade of service with the Organization. During his career at WFUNA, he has held the positions of Education Officer, Director of the Geneva Office, and Deputy Secretary-General. Across these roles, he has contributed to expanding WFUNA’s international reach, strengthening its educational and training programs, and supporting the development of its global network.
Mr. Goulandris has extensive experience in global citizenship education, youth engagement, and institutional cooperation with international stakeholders. As Education Officer, he helped deliver training programs at the United Nations in Geneva for students and young professionals and contributed to WFUNA’s engagement with United Nations diplomatic processes, including by moderating briefings with candidates for election to the United Nations Security Council.
As Secretary-General, he has led a period of deep institutional renewal and consolidation, strengthening WFUNA’s organizational foundations while expanding its educational activities and institutional partnerships. These developments have included a record number educational programs, establishment of new global initiatives with organizations including WHO and FAO.
Before joining WFUNA, Mr. Goulandris served as a human rights and humanitarian affairs expert at the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations in Geneva. He also worked as a legal adviser and as a legal officer with the French Navy and Coast Guard. His commitment to civil society began through extensive student leadership during his university years, laying the foundation for his long-standing engagement in international cooperation, public advocacy, and civic participation.
Mr. Goulandris holds master’s degrees in geopolitics and international relations from King’s College London and the University of Bordeaux, as well as a bachelor’s degree in law. He is fluent in Greek, French, English, and Spanish.
Treasurer
Treasurer
Ramaz Aptsiauri
Ramaz Aptsiauri is a cofounder of the United Nations Association of Georgia and has served in several executive positions within the organization since 1995. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board, overseeing institutional strategy, partnerships, and organizational development.
Mr. Aptsiauri brings extensive leadership experience within the World Federation of United Nations Associations. He served as WFUNA Treasurer from 2003 to 2009, as a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Finance Committee from 2009 to 2012, and as Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee from 2018 to 2022. He has served again as WFUNA Treasurer since 2022.
Over more than three decades, Mr. Aptsiauri has contributed to the strengthening of civil society in Georgia. He has developed strong relationships with national and international nongovernmental organizations, government institutions, political and academic communities, research and policy institutions, media organizations, and other key stakeholders.
He is the author of several publications, including the first Georgian language guide to the United Nations for students. In 2003, he received the World Tolerance Award from the Friends of the United Nations in New York City.
Mr. Aptsiauri holds a master’s degree in international relations from Tbilisi State University, with a minor in social psychology.
Vice Presidents
Vice President
Farah Salim Eck
Farah serves as Managing Director of Programs and Policies at the United Nations Association of the United States of America, where she oversees national programs, support for local chapters, communications strategy, and member engagement.
She brings more than seven years of experience as a UNA-USA volunteer, having served as President and a Board member of the UNA-Chicago Chapter, as well as a member of the UNA-USA National Council representing the Great Lakes Region. Since joining the UNA-USA staff in 2020, she has helped strengthen pathways for young people to become involved in the organization and has expanded opportunities for members and supporters to develop into active advocates for the United Nations.
Farah has extensive professional experience in fundraising, organizational capacity building, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. Before assuming her current position at the United Nations Foundation, she led the global Membership Division of Lions Clubs International, one of the world’s largest volunteer service organizations. She previously served as Director of Alumni and Volunteer Relations at the Young African Leadership Initiative Regional Leadership Center East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
Born to a Pakistani father and an American mother, Farah has lived and worked in 32 countries. Her international experience has shaped her commitment to cross-cultural engagement, inclusive leadership, and global citizenship. She is the coauthor of the children’s cookbook and nutritional guide *Freddy, Fork It Over!* and is currently writing a children’s book inspired by Kenyan oral traditions.
Farah holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Bradley University, a master’s degree in communication and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois Springfield, and a master’s degree in international relations and conflict resolution from American Public University.
Vice President
Jay Jethwa
Jay is a medical research scientist (UK and Australia) as well as being admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court (Vic) and High Court of Australia. He has founded, or holds directorships of several healthcare companies in Australia and overseas.
Jay is the Australian UNA representative to WFUNA, and has been involved in the UN System since 1997. He was first elected to the Executive Board of WFUNA in 2009, having also served as its Vice-Chair previously. He was elected WFUNA Vice-President in 2022.
Jay’s principle interest lies the interplay between international relations and multilateralism, and how this can promote dialogue and collaboration among countries to forge more peaceful and prosperous future for all. He is actively involved in the development of collaborations between the United Nations System and university affiliations globally, particularly as it relates to Sustainable Development Goals.
Jay is appointed to the Advisory Board of the Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific, which represents more than 290 universities globally. He is appointed Senior Reviewer/Referee at the JLU University School of Law’s Journal on Contemporary Research. and is also admitted a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jay travels extensively promoting and advocating the core values of the United Nations. He has founded a charitable organisation, and actively participates in numerous other charitable initiatives.
Vice President
Helena Laukko
Helena Laukko is the Executive Director of the UN Association of Finland. She has fifteen years of experience in development cooperation work, including fieldwork in Uganda, and served as Executive Director of the International Solidarity Foundation.
Vice President
Ibrahim Bakari Mwenda
Ibrahim Bakari serves as Executive Director of the United Nations Association of Tanzania, a position he has held since 2023. He brings more than 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, international development, and institutional partnerships.
Mr. Bakari has worked with United Nations programs, the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, international development consultancies, and private sector partners on projects implemented across Tanzania. His work has involved cooperation with national ministries, regional and district authorities, diplomatic missions, development agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Before becoming Executive Director, Mr. Bakari served as a member of the Board of the United Nations Association of Tanzania from 2011 to 2020. In this capacity, he contributed to the Association’s efforts to strengthen public understanding of the United Nations and promote engagement with its principles, programs, and global objectives.
From 2017 to 2023, Mr. Bakari worked in public relations at the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, where his responsibilities included stakeholder engagement, communications, social media management, and event coordination. His previous experience also includes managing stakeholder relations for Translantic Development Corporate, coordinating an evaluation mission for the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and leading national stakeholder engagement for International Development Consultancy Ltd.
In 2016, Mr. Bakari was selected by the Cabinet Office of Japan to participate in the Next Generation Global Leaders Program. Through the program, he undertook leadership and management training in Japan, India, Singapore, and Sri Lanka and received recognition as its Most Valuable Participant. He has also participated in international forums and training programs concerning human rights, sustainable development, gender equality, African development, and the post-2015 development agenda.
Mr. Bakari holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Dodoma and a postgraduate diploma in the management of foreign relations from the Centre for Foreign Relations in Dar es Salaam. He is fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Arabic.
Vice President
Moohi Shaheen
Moohi Shaheen is a Pakistan-based civil society leader and immigration professional with extensive experience in organizational governance, client management, and international recruitment. He has served as President of the United Nations Association of Pakistan since 2017, providing leadership to the Executive Committee and overseeing the Association’s strategic direction, governance, fundraising, and external representation.
He is also Director and Partner at Mepco UK Limited in London, where he manages visa and immigration services, overseas recruitment, business development, and client relationships across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His work with UNAP includes supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening partnerships with NGOs, corporate actors, and the Government of Pakistan, and helping restructure the Association into chapters for smoother regional operations
Vice President
Vala Karen Viðarsdóttir
Vala Karen Viðarsdóttir serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Iceland, where she has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and diplomatic skill. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in international relations, combining academic expertise with creativity, sound judgment, and an ability to address complex challenges effectively.
Over the past five years, Ms. Viðarsdóttir has played a central role in strengthening the visibility and influence of UNA-Iceland. Under her leadership, the Association has become a recognized partner of government institutions, an increasingly prominent voice in the national media, and an important source of expertise on international affairs, United Nations issues, and development cooperation.
Ms. Viðarsdóttir is a collaborative and results-oriented leader with strong communication and organizational skills. Her approachable and engaging manner enables her to build constructive relationships across sectors and perspectives while maintaining a clear focus on institutional objectives and principled leadership.
As a nominee for service within WFUNA, she brings a strong combination of diplomatic experience, strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations.
Executive Committee
Chair of Executive Committee
Teta Banks
Teta V. Banks, Ed.D. has served on the WFUNA Executive Committee since 2018, and been a member of the Budget Committee, Code of Conduct Committee, and Credentials Committee. She has been active in the UNA movement throughout the USA for over 25 years. She has held various levels of leadership including National Chair of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) which has 20,000 members and 200 chapters working to connect American communities to the mission and work of the United Nations and advocating for US funding for UN agencies; President of UNA-Houston and Vice-President of UNA-Philadelphia. Under her leadership, the programs, partnerships and impact of the UNA in USA have increased and expanded. Dr. Banks is also President of International Forum, Inc., Vice-President of the Council of Organizations (COO – 100 human rights organizations), former Consul General of the Republic of Liberia, and President of the Consular Corps. Dr. Banks is a university professor and administrator, as well as human rights advocate. She serves on several international affairs boards including the following: Advisory Board of the U.S.- Africa Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, Houston International Development Council, US-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, President of the Houston- Monrovia (Liberia) Sister Cities Planning Committee, Mayor’s Office of African and Caribbean Affairs (Philadelphia), Chair of International Trends and Services Committee of the The Links, Incorporated (TSCC), and Advisory Board of North American University. She is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including recognition as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, Honorary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Humanitarian Award by U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, The International Trade Center Humanitarian Award, Human Relations Commission Chairman’s Award, and G7 International Human Rights Organization Award. She attended Wellesley College, Howard University, Wayne State University and Oxford University. She holds certifications in Human Rights Education Training from US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, The Sustainable Development Goals – A Global Transdisciplinary Vision For The Future from University of Copenhagen, Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in The Modern World from University of London, and International Organizations Management from Université de Genève.
Vice-Chair of Executive Committee
Richard Baguma
Richard Baguma is the current Secretary General of UNA-Uganda, and is the current Vice Chairperson and Ag Treasurer for WFUNA. He is an advocate for Peace, sustainable development, and youth inclusion. A broadcaster with a passion for peace and development, Richard Baguma has been a member of WFUNA Task Force on WSIS, Regional Coordinator for the UN DPI/NGO Exec Committee, Founder and board member UNA Uganda. Mr. Baguma was chief host for the WFUNA Regional Academy for Africa bringing African UNAs and other UNAs to Uganda. Additionally, he holds an MSC in Project Planning and Management and a BA Journalism and Mass Communication. Mr. Baguma has worked with various UNAs from Africa, Europe and Asia, and has a passion towards ensuring that East Africa and Africa make strides towards sustainable development.
Vice-Chair of Executive Committee
Suresh Srivastava
Suresh Srivastava is the Secretary General of the Indian Federation of United Nations Associations. He was the Vice-Chair of World Federation of United Nations Associations Geneva and was the Vice President of WFUNA. Under his leadership, the 36th Plenary Assembly of WFUNA was held on 16-18 April 2000 at Kolkatta, India. Also under his leadership were the WFUNA 8th Asia Pacific Regional conference and the WFUNA Executive Committee meeting which were also held in India. Mr. Srivastava was a Student Leader, President of Students Union, Delhi University graduate, and former President of United Nations Students Association of India. He is a practicing Lawyer in Delhi High Court and was President of Tax Bar Association, Delhi. Mr. Srivastava was Standing Counsel in Delhi High Court of NCT, Delhi, and Senior Standing Counsel of Central Government in Delhi High Court.
Suresh Srivastava has organized various seminars, symposiums, workshops, and conferences on various National and International issues. He has contributed Articles in various News Magazines and News Papers on topics such as Law, Human Rights, and Peace and Development. He has been appearing regularly in Electronic Media, National Channels in the programs for Legal Advice and program relevant on social and current issues. Additionally, Mr. Srivastava is publishing ‘People and UN’ News Magazine regularly from India.
Executive Committee Member
Alexey Borisov
Aleksei Borisov serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Russia, Vice-President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, and holder of the UNESCO Chair at MGIMO University.
Since 2001, he has played a prominent role in promoting the principles and values of the United Nations, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through international dialogue, education, and institutional partnerships.
Dr. Borisov previously served as Chairman of the WFUNA Executive Committee from 2009 to 2010. He has organized numerous international conferences, forums, and United Nations-related events addressing sustainable development, climate action, urban development, human rights, and global governance. Through these initiatives, he has worked closely with United Nations entities and international organizations in New York, Geneva, Bangkok, Baku, Rio de Janeiro, and other major international forums.
He is also the author of more than 200 academic papers and monographs on international relations, sustainable development, and global governance.
Executive Committee Member
Annelie Börjesson
Annelie Börjesson has been engaged in UNA-Sweden, a civils society organization and a peoples’ movement that brings both organizations and individual members together, for 16 years at all levels. These levels of involvement include the local chapters, the regional chapters, the national board, and as President for the organization. She has held the Presidential position since 2018, and has been very active and appreciated throughout her engagement in UNA-Sweden . Ms Börjesson holds a Master of Science in Communication, a Bachelor of Arts in Pedagogy, and has also studied English, French and Russian at advanced levels – skills that have been valuable in her work for the UN movement. Ms Börjesson is especially devoted to the rights of girls and women, education, and the 2030 Agenda and Our Common Agenda. In regards to UNA-Sweden, she is well versed in the history and broader range of activities that encompass it. She is a true friend of the United Nations and multilateralism and has an excellent global (the UN system, embassies, parliaments, diplomats, academia, other organisations) which is useful in many contexts. UNA-Sweden and Ms Börjesson would be honoured and proud to contribute to the work of WFUNA.
Executive Committee Member
Catharina Bu
Catharina Bu serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Norway, where she leads the organization’s work on education, public engagement, and policy dialogue concerning the United Nations and international cooperation.
She holds a master’s degree from SOAS University of London, with a specialization in development and international relations. Before joining UNA-Norway, she worked at Save the Children Norway on advocacy and policy related to international development and children’s rights. She also worked at the think tank Agenda, contributing to research, analysis, and public debate on Norwegian and international policy.
Through these roles, Ms. Bu has developed extensive experience at the intersection of civil society, public policy, and strategic communication, with a particular focus on development policy, inequality, and multilateral cooperation.
Under her leadership, UNA-Norway has strengthened its role as both an educational organization and a contributor to national public debate. The Association reaches students, educators, and members of the broader public across Norway, while also engaging government authorities and other stakeholders on development effectiveness, United Nations financing, and international cooperation. Ms. Bu has also guided the organization through changing funding conditions, with an emphasis on clear priorities, organizational resilience, and high professional standards.
Ms. Bu is actively engaged in international cooperation through partnerships with United Nations entities and the global network of United Nations Associations. As a member of the WFUNA Board, she brings the perspective of a nationally based organization that works closely with government institutions and civil society, contributing to continuity, representation, and effective cooperation within the Federation.
Executive Committee Member
Abramo A. Chabib
Abramo A. Chabib is an Italian and Moroccan expert in diplomacy, global governance, and international development. After completing his studies in international relations and diplomacy, he joined the United Nations office in Bangkok as a consultant specializing in public policy analysis. In this capacity, he contributed to regional programs concerning youth, employment, and financing for development, working closely with government representatives from countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Drawing on previous experience in banking and television production, Mr. Chabib helped develop partnerships and mobilize support from United Nations Member States for programs promoting youth employment in Southeast Asia. He subsequently completed a specialized master’s program at the College of Europe in Bruges, where he further developed his knowledge of European Union institutions and policymaking. He later served as a policy adviser to a member of the European Parliament.
Mr. Chabib was subsequently appointed Executive Director of the Italian Diplomatic Academy. Under his leadership, the Academy expanded from four training programs and six staff members to 46 programs, 72 partnerships, 14 memoranda of understanding with partner countries, and a global network comprising permanent staff, professors, and consultants. Its programs address diplomacy, international negotiations, peace and security, the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and organizational capacity building. The Academy has also organized conferences and other initiatives at the United Nations in New York and Geneva in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations.
As Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Morocco, Mr. Chabib has led a significant expansion of the organization’s institutional capacity, public outreach, and national presence. Under his leadership, UNA-Morocco has developed more than 20 chapters, 12 thematic working groups, and over 18 programs implemented across Morocco and other parts of Africa. Its youth division, including the United Nations Youth Association of Morocco, engages more than 2,000 young people. UNA-Morocco also maintains an extensive network of partnerships with schools, universities, diplomatic missions, public institutions, and international organizations.
Mr. Chabib has also served as an adviser within ministerial cabinets in Italy and Morocco. As a nongovernmental organization representative to the United Nations, he has participated in major United Nations processes and has accompanied official delegations to forums including the High Level Political Forum and sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.
In recognition of his work, Mr. Chabib received an honorary doctorate from the University of Mexico in 2019 and was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2020. He serves on the advisory boards of several universities and civil society organizations and participates in the Alps Adriatic Rectors’ Conference. He is also a contributor to publications and is frequently invited by national media to comment on diplomacy and foreign policy.
Mr. Chabib speaks English, French, Italian, and Arabic fluently and has professional proficiency in Spanish.
Executive Committee Member
Emil Chireno Hache
Candidate
Emil Elías Chireno Haché is a Dominican lawyer, academic, and foreign policy expert with experience in multilateral affairs, international law, and diplomacy. He is the founding partner of Chireno Haché Abogados and currently serves as an Adviser on Multilateral Foreign Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic. He is also a professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra.
Mr. Chireno Haché holds a master’s degree in State Administration Law from the University of Salamanca and a master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University. He earned his law degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, where he received the Medal for Academic Excellence.
His international experience includes professional roles with the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, the International Labour Organization, and the World Health Organization. Through his academic, legal, and public service work, he has contributed to the advancement of international cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, and effective engagement with the United Nations system.
Executive Committee Member
Dorothea Christiana
Dorothea Christiana is a civil society advocate with extensive experience in climate change, global governance, and engagement between civil society and the United Nations.
She previously served for six years as an elected trustee of the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom, representing the organization’s national membership on its Board of Trustees. She has also been actively involved with UNA branches in Scotland, contributing to their efforts to promote the principles and values of the United Nations and strengthen public engagement with international affairs.
Through her longstanding civil society involvement, Ms. Christiana has contributed to dialogue and advocacy on climate action, multilateral cooperation, and the participation of civil society in United Nations processes. A comprehensive curriculum vitae will be submitted to provide further information on her professional experience and qualifications.
Executive Committee Member
Kristi Cina
Kristi Çina is one of the founding officers and the incumbent president of United Nations Association Albania (UNAA). Since 2016, he has contributed to shaping the organizational architecture of UNAA and its youth chapter, as well as the vision and programmatic work of the association. Mr. Cina counts around 6-years of professional experience in different sectors such as legal consultancy (Deloitte Legal Shpk), international organizations (the OSCE Presence in Albania) and non-profit organizations (UNAA). During his on-going career, he has worked on projects related to youth empowerment, gender issues, civil society, rule of law and the sustainable development goals. Mr. Cina is also the founder and manager of the Albanian Youth Delegates to the UN Programme (UNYD) and has served as a youth adviser within the National Delegation of the Republic of Albania to UNESCO’s 40th General Conference. In recognition of his contribution to the civic space in Albania, he was invited in 2019 to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Programme – the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program – on “Youth and Civic Engagement” and in 2020 was selected “WFUNA Leader of the Year” by the World Federation of United Nations Associations. He is also a member of the UN Youth Advisory Board in Albania and the Commission for Sustainable Development and Integrity which were established by ICC Albania. Additionally, Mr. Cina is fluent in English, Italian and Romanian.
Executive Committee Member
Rubna Daureeawo
Mrs. Rubna Beghum Daureeawo Daood is a practising barrister in Mauritius, having called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2010. She envisages a broad practice, extending across a wide range of law areas, with specialization in arbitration. She is an actor for national and multinational corporations in criminal, civil and commercial matters before the tribunals and courts, including the Supreme Court of Mauritius.
Mrs. Rubna Begnum Daureeawo Daood also has experience in resolving matters through negotiation and mediation. She has been a part-time lecturer at the University of Mauritius and other international university branches across the island. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Law (PhD), with specialization in International Arbitration. Mrs. Rubna Begnum Daureeawo Daood is involved in social, voluntary, and humanitarian works. She is working for a peace and unity focused Mauritian Nations free from exploitation, and an overall better and global world society.
Executive Committee Member
Norma Goicochea Estenoz
Norma Goicochea Estenoz has been the President of UNA-Cuba since February 2022. She has followed a long diplomatic career with the Cuban Foreign Ministry. She has notably served as: Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria, Croatia and Slovenia, Permanent Representative to the European Union in Brussels and Ambassador to Belgium and Luxemburg, Expert in various Advisory Committees to the UN in New York, Vice-President of the 5th Committee of the GA, Advisor to the Cuban member of the High Level Panel for the SDG, and Advisor to the Cuban Member of the Cairo +20 Conference.
Executive Committee Member
Robert P. Hilty
Robert. P Hilty grew up in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and has lived and worked as an independent entrepreneur in German-speaking Switzerland for over 20 years. His professional activities focus on lobbying, security consulting and standardisation. He has been lobbying the EU in Brussels and the Swiss Parliament in Bern since 1994.
He is the most experienced UN related person at UNA Switzerland. He joined in the early 80s. Was trained as first Swiss Officer at the United Nations Military Observer College (UNMOC) in Niinisalo (SF) as UNTSO observer. Then joined the Swiss UN Election Supervisor Team in Namibia (UNTAG). He was a passionate supporter of the UN accession, what ended successfully in March 2002 by a peoples vote. He was then part of the Swiss Delegation when Switzerland joined the UN Family in September 2002. In 2013 he joined the Swiss Diplomats Zurich Network. He was elected board member of UNA Switzerland in 2014 and appointed 1st Vice-President in 2016, where he is responsible for international relations. In 2022 he initiated the founding of UNA Liechtenstein.
Executive Committee Member
Hu Wenli
Ms. Hu Wenli serves as Vice-President and Director-General of the United Nations Association of China. Drawing on extensive expertise in United Nations affairs and global governance, she works to strengthen multilateral cooperation and broaden public engagement with international affairs in China.
Under her leadership, UNA-China has promoted the principles of the United Nations Charter and multilateralism through high-level international seminars and educational initiatives. These include Model United Nations programs, the United Nations Knowledge Contest, and the China International Civil Servant Capacity-Building Program, with a particular focus on youth participation and education.
Ms. Hu has actively contributed to the work of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of United Nations Associations and has participated in international forums, including sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. She is also frequently invited to speak at universities and academic institutions on United Nations affairs, global governance, and multilateral cooperation.
Ms. Hu is a graduate of the School of Economics at Peking University.
Executive Committee Member
Georgina Kominovska
Georgina Kominovska serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of North Macedonia, where she leads initiatives focused on strengthening youth engagement with the United Nations, multilateralism, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international cooperation. Through UNA North Macedonia, she founded the country’s first national Model United Nations platform and has worked extensively on educational programs, advocacy initiatives, and youth participation connected to both the UN system and European institutions.
She also serves on the Youth Advisory Council of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, where her involvement expanded into supporting the continued growth and expansion of WFUNA’s Global Model UN and international training programs. Her work has focused on youth engagement, global citizenship, institutional partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people to engage directly with international organizations and multilateral processes.
Georgina Kominovska serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of North Macedonia, where she leads initiatives to strengthen youth engagement with the United Nations, multilateralism, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international cooperation. Through UNA North Macedonia, she established the country’s first national Model United Nations platform and has developed educational programs, advocacy initiatives, and opportunities for youth participation connected to the United Nations system and European institutions.
She is also a member of the Youth Advisory Council of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. In this capacity, she has contributed to the development of WFUNA’s Global Model United Nations and international training programs. Her work has focused on global citizenship, institutional partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young people to engage directly with international organizations and multilateral processes.
Georgina has also collaborated with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the United Nations Development Programme on youth engagement, policy consultations, and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. She currently serves as the United Nations Youth Delegate of North Macedonia, representing the perspectives and priorities of young people in national, regional, and international United Nations processes.
Executive Committee Member
Teona Lebanidze
Teona Lebanidze is a non-profit management professional with 17 years of experience in managing the national and cross-border projects in Georgia, South Caucasus, and the wider Middle East region. Ms. Lebanidze joined UNA-Georgia in 2007 and is currently the Deputy Executive Director as well as UNA Georgia’s Team Leader for the high-priority projects and collaborations, including the strategic cooperation with UNA Sweden and the European Union.
In the past 10 years of her tenure as UNA Georgia’s Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Lebanidze has played a critical role in implementing important and cutting-edge methodologies and practices at UNA Georgia. Ms. Lebanidze is UNA Georgia’s focal point on implementing human rights-based approaches, gender-sensitive programming, complexity-aware theory of change, logical modelling, and MEL frameworks organization-wide. As one of Georgia’s leading HRBA and GESI practitioners, Ms. Lebanidze provides training and coaching assistance to non-profit organizations in Georgia, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Ms. Lebanidze also led UNA-Georgia’s efforts in co-organizing WFUNA’s 16+ Forum in Tbilisi in 2017. She has strong working relationships with local and international non-profit organizations, youth organizations, women’s rights institutions, as well as other key stakeholders locally and internationally.
Executive Committee Member
Aki Temisevä
Aki Temisevä serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Association in Canada, where he works to strengthen the organization’s role as a convener, advocate, and peacebuilder in Canada and internationally.
Born in Finland and raised in Zambia, Mr. Temiseva has lived and worked across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. He brings more than 30 years of experience in senior executive leadership, marketing, business development, and nonprofit management. His international background has shaped his commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and cooperation across cultures and communities.
His previous work with organizations including World Vision and Right To Play reflects a longstanding commitment to equity, sustainable development, and social inclusion. He is also a strong advocate for gender equality and the principles and values of the United Nations.
At UNA-Canada, Mr. Temiseva leads national initiatives that bring together representatives of government, civil society, academia, and youth networks to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives include the organization’s SDG Council, which brings together youth champions from across Canada, each leading work related to a specific Sustainable Development Goal.
Mr. Temiseva holds a Master of Science in International Marketing from Aalto University in Finland. He speaks Finnish, Swedish, and English and currently lives with his family in Toronto.
Executive Committee Member
Sozos-Christos Theodoulou
Sozos-Christos Theodoulou is a Cyprus-based lawyer who operates his own legal practice and has long been engaged in promoting international dialogue, cooperation, and humanitarian values. Throughout his professional and civic activities, he has supported initiatives that advance peace, sustainable development, intercultural understanding, and constructive engagement among communities.
For approximately two decades, Mr. Theodoulou has served as an active member of the Council of the United Nations Association of Cyprus. He is the son of WFUNA Honorary President Dr. Christos A. Theodoulou, whose longstanding commitment to the United Nations Associations movement inspired his own involvement in WFUNA and its mission.
Mr. Theodoulou has represented UNA-Cyprus in meetings and activities of the European network of United Nations Associations. In this capacity, he has contributed to discussions and exchanges concerning international cooperation, youth engagement, and the promotion of United Nations values across Europe.
Through his legal career and civil society engagement, Mr. Theodoulou has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a sustained commitment to the principles and objectives of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. As a nominee for membership in WFUNA, he brings extensive experience, professionalism, and a forward-looking perspective, together with a strong dedication to strengthening international understanding and cooperation.
Honorary Presidents
- Hans Blix
- Shawn Chen
- Rena Shashua Hasson
- Rhyl Jansen
- Doug Roche
- Mihaly Simai
- Christos A. Theodoulou
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