The Global Youth Summit for FoRB is a joint venture between the First Freedom Foundation, the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA), and Boat People SOS. It is being hosted by a planning committee including the following individuals:
Ashuriena Abraham
MENA Co-Chair
United States / Iraq
An Assyrian Christian, indigenous to Mesopotamia (Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Iran), with a background in technology. I am deeply committed to promoting human rights and religious freedom, with solid experience in fundraising for humanitarian aid.
Benjamin Lutz
Planning Committee Member
United States
Benjamin Lutz is a PhD Student studying interfaith dialogue. In addition, he works at Mediators Beyond Borders International, a global peacebuilding non-profit and is the founder of Al Fusaic, and educational platform for SWANA resources.
Blessy Prasad
Asia Co-Chair
India
A journalist with 11 years of experience in reporting for various platforms. She now focuses on telling stories of religious minorities who face discrimination or persecution in India and is passionate about bridging communities in conflict
Cynthia Sun
North America Co-Chair
United States / China
Pageant queen and full-time researcher based in New York, with a portfolio focusing on Beijing's transnational repression in the United States and family rescue campaigns. She has spoken at Harvard, Hudson Institute, and other institutions.
Giacomo Liggera
North America Co-Chair
United States
I am a gender queer individual living in Salt Lake City, UT. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Utah, where I study Chinese environmental issues. I am passionate about religious liberty work and mental health.
Jacob Householder
Co-Facilitator
United States
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jacob is passionate about liberty, social innovation, and teaching. With experience in leadership, research, and nonprofit development, he educates others on constitutional principles and promotes global freedom.
Matthew Tegha
Africa/Europe Co-Chair
Nigeria
I am Nigerian media practitioner/blogger and community advocate known for my work in promoting peace, religious harmony, and community engagement. With a focus on middle belt Nigeria. I am the coordinator of Plateau Peace Media Network.
Mohammad Ayatulla Rahaman
Asia Co-Chait
Nepal
Mr. Mohammad is Founder and National Director in Nepal Unites which is part of Global Unites and running in 13 countries as a youth movement. He has had 16 years experience of leadership, as a facilitator. He likes to work with the youth.
Mohamad Radwan Al Omar
MENA Co-Chair
Lebanon
Lawyer, Human rights and Youth Activist and leader, Jurist, Writer, Mediator. Interfaith upbringing, Secular school, and Catholic university. Known for my strong Charisma, Networking, Advocacy, Dispute Resolution, and Public Speaking skills
Patrice Pederson
Organizer/Facilitator
United States
Patrice is the founder of First Freedom Foundation, which supports advocates of Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide. With 20+ years in advocacy work, she has led initiatives at the UN, consulted nonprofits in 35+ countries, and champions collaboration for meaningful change.
Robert Madubi
Africa/Europe Co-Chair
Kenya
Madubi Robert is a youth advocate for social justice, founder of Badili Tana Initiative, Bachelor of Arts. He implemented programs such as JISRA promoting interreligious tolerance and understanding and, a coordinator of Global FoRB Youth WG
Shan Rasheed
Planning Committee Member
Pakistan
I live in Pakistan. I work in Communication, IT, and graphic design at Human Friends Organization (HFO). I have different experiences from previous jobs in administration teaching & others. I am passionate about advocating for human rights
Suvra Dev Kar
Web Development Specialist
Bangladesh
A dedicated human rights activist advocating for freedom of religion or belief in Bangladesh. With over a decade of experience, I actively work for promoting interfaith harmony and ensuring equal social right for religious minority groups
Viviana Osorio
Latin America Chair
Columbia
Human rights lawyer and Senior Fellow at London School of Economics, specializing in women's economic and social rights and religious freedom. She has led high-impact advocacy to advance the rights of marginalized communities globally.
