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IDG
Summit
2024


The
Voices

16–18 October
Stockholm, Sweden
& Online

2024 SUMMIT LINEUP

Awaiting you at this year’s Summit is a diverse and talented lineup of speakers, artists and facilitators ready to inspire and guide you on your journey of inner development for global impact.

From renowned thought leaders to visionary artists and ideas whose time has finally come, our collective of voices promises to ignite your passion and empower you to create positive change.

From household names in business, leadership, and sustainability to emerging voices with encouraging stories and ideas, our diverse speakers are not just ahead of the curve – they are actively shaping it.

Get ready to be inspired by their insights, challenged by their perspectives, and empowered to embark on your own journey as we explore the intersection and space in between inner development and global impact.

Our Storytellers

“Costa Rica cannot achieve its greatest development potential unless it promotes more public-private collaboration.”

Aitor Llodio Rodriguez

Executive Director, ALIARSE
 

Aitor is a Basque partnership expert who moved to Central America and founded ALIARSE in Costa Rica in 2007, a leading multistakeholder partnership (MSP) platform for development. Under his leadership, ALIARSE became the first IDG Centre globally, embedding Inner Development Goals into its culture and work. 

Aitor directs initiatives related to employment, SME development, environment, and health, while also promoting Global Leadership Training in Latin America. He believes that addressing complex social and environmental issues requires effective MSPs, built on trust and capacity building among public and private sector leaders.

"Education is not just about knowledge, but about nurturing compassion, empathy, and understanding to create a more peaceful and sustainable world."

Anantha Kumar Duraiappah

Former Inaugural Director, MGIEP
 

Anantha Kumar Duraiappah is the former founding Director of UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), where he champions education for peace and sustainable development. As an environmental economist, he integrates socio-economic and ecological perspectives to influence global policy, particularly in education systems that promote global citizenship and social-emotional learning.

With extensive experience at the United Nations, Dr. Duraiappah bridges science, education, and policy to tackle global challenges. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences and The World Academy of Sciences.

“Do not ask how you can become a success, instead ask how you can bring value, and you will have both success and happiness”

Angela Owusu-Ansah

Provost & Professor, Ashesi University
 

Angela brings over 30 years of academic and administrative experience across the U.S. and Ghana to her current role as Provost of Ashesi University. A committed advocate for higher education quality, she has served on key accreditation boards, including the Ghana Tertiary Education Council and the U.S. Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Previously, Angela held leadership roles at Elon and Samford Universities, where she focused on improving student learning and faculty instruction through innovative research. Her interests include the development of Africa’s higher education system, with a focus on digital education, intercultural understanding, and African women in leadership.

“You will have to build your own chair sometimes. Is that fair? No. Is it necessary? Yes. Can it change the world? Oh it already has my friend!”

Arissa Roy

Youth Activist & Documentary Maker

 

Arissa Roy is an Indo-Canadian youth activist, children’s book author, and documentary maker. She founded ‘Project Power Global’, a youth-led organisation advocating for global education equity. Arissa’s work spans grassroots activism, policy development, and community impact, and her efforts have influenced over 50,000 people worldwide 

Recognised with the 2023 Diana Award, she has been featured by organisations such as the Malala Fund, CBC, and UNESCO. She has collaborated with groups like Plan International Canada and Fridays for Future to promote social justice, mental health awareness, and climate action. Currently, she is completing her education at the United World College of the Adriatic in Italy.

"The IDGs are trying to speak a language that everybody can relate to."

Åsa Jarskog

Director, IDG Global Collaboration
 
“With over 35 years of experience in sustainable business development, strategy, and leadership, Åsa has worked in 61 countries across multiple continents, serving a diverse clientele that includes multinational corporations, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations, and other governmental and academic institutions.  A skilled trainer, certified coach and a much-demanded mentor, Åsa is Executive Director of Global Leadership for Sustainable Development and President of the Sweden Africa Chamber. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration and Economics and is a certified Leadership Coach with additional certifications from MIT, the World Bank, Harvard, and more.

Bart Weetjens

Zen Monk & Founder, APOPO
 

Bart Weetjens is a Zen monk and renowned social entrepreneur, celebrated for founding APOPO, an NGO that trains rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis. His innovative HeroRATS have saved lives and helped millions of African farmers return to their land.

A Skoll Award winner and Global Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Bart is also a senior Ashoka Fellow and part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He co-founded INNERPRENEURS to guide leaders on inner journeys. With over 30 years of Zen practice, he is an ordained monk and has served on the board of the European Zen Buddhist Association since 2015.

“Human transformation is the key to redesigning the dysfunctional systems into regenerative ones—where economy, technology, humans, and nature thrive together as a self-sustaining organism.”

Dina Baenninger

Strategic Foresight Consultant 
& Systems Transformation Architect 
 

Dina Baenninger is a visionary Systems Transformation Architect and founder of Charisma Nova, where she integrates art and strategy to drive purpose-driven innovation and organisational transformation. As Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation, she forges global alliances to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and design regenerative futures.

Dina also leads the UN11th initiative, redefining urban development, and RESONANCEproject.earth, a global ARTivism movement empowering individuals to use their voices for the greater good. She believes human transformation is key to creating regenerative systems where economy, technology, humanity, and nature thrive together.

“We cannot learn what we already know. If we want to bridge divides, we have to be curious. And curiosity is also the foundation for asking good questions.”

Emma Stenström

Associate Professor & Co-Director of Center for Arts,
 Business & Culture, Stockholm School of Economics
 

Emma is a highly appreciated teacher and lecturer and has won several pedagogical awards. She has been Associate Dean of SSE and a guest professor at the University College of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm. 

Besides her academic career, Emma has always worked in media as a columnist, tv-host and many other things.

Emma’s research concerns mainly aesthetic, creative and innovative aspects of social sustainability, the intersection between arts and business, and the humanistic side of management. In 2023, she published a book about bridging differences called “Bubble-hopping”.

"The power of collective intelligence lies in its ability to unlock transformative solutions by bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering true collaboration."

Eric-Axel Zimmer

Co-founder, Fabric
 

Eric-Axel Zimmer is the co-founder of Fabric, a boutique consultancy focused on accelerating organisational change through Collective Intelligence. He designs and leads transformative processes that help companies become more resilient and adaptive in a rapidly changing world.

With extensive experience, Axel has worked on over 100 projects with 30+ publicly traded companies globally, guiding them towards sustainable and innovative growth. His work is rooted in harnessing collective intelligence to drive meaningful change and foster organisational resilience.

"The way we are solving the problem is the problem"

Erik Fernholm

Co-Founder, 29k Foundation & Co-Initiator, IDG
 

Erik Fernholm is a distinguished thought leader propelled by the belief that fulfilment in life and work should be a standard, not an exception. Specialising in cognitive neuroscience and happiness research, he leverages evidence-based change work to deepen understanding of peak performance and motivation, both in individual lives and corporate environments.

In his diverse roles as a keynote speaker, board advisor, and leadership developer, Fernholm utilises a scientifically grounded approach to transform perspectives on well-being and success. His expertise has found resonance in various spheres, from education to politics, assisting teachers in student retention strategies and advising members of the Swedish Parliament on well-being policies.

"An organisation cannot evolve beyond its leadership’s stage of development"

Frederic Laloux :globe_with_meridians:

Author & Co-Founder, The Week

Frederic Laloux is a celebrated business thinker and social entrepreneur. His seminal book ‘Reinventing Organizations’ has sold more than 1,000,000 copies in 20+ languages and is widely considered to have opened up a new field of inquiry and practice into a more purposeful, soulful and productive management paradigm. Frederic’s current focus is on ‘The Week’, a powerful new approach to inspire mass mobilisation to confront the climate and environmental breakdown. In the past, he was a former associate partner with McKinsey & Company, received an MBA from INSEAD, and a degree in coaching from Newfield Network.

“We strengthen the way forward together through a collective focus on our human abilities as leaders and fellow human beings.”

Fredrik Lindencrona, PhD

Head of Research Co-Creation, IDG
 
Dr Fredrik Lindencrona is a licensed psychologist from Sweden who has spent most of his career researching policy and systems innovation interfaces. Fredrik was one of the initiators of the Inner Development Goals initiative while leading the development of a long-term strategy for human capabilities and wellbeing in the Region of Stockholm.  Currently Fredrik leads Research Co-creation at IDG, where he has developed an extensive network of many academic partners and 150+ individual researchers who explore the intersection of inner development for a sustainable future in many disciplines across many countries and all continents.
"In today’s interconnected world, digital transformation in education is not just an opportunity but a necessity.”

Gloria Figueroa Ortiz

General Director at San José de Las Vegas School 
in Colombia

 

Gloria Figueroa Ortiz is a visionary leader in ICT-mediated learning, with a strong focus on promoting sustainability and expanding educational opportunities for global citizens. With a career spanning both public and private sectors, she has led key projects in education and government.

Gloria holds a Master’s in Education, specialising in Human Resource Management and Pedagogy, and has an international background with studies and collaborations in the U.S. and Canada. Passionate about digital transformation and educational innovation, she is dedicated to finding solutions for today’s global challenges through leadership and cutting-edge trends in education.

"As long as climate change experts and business leaders don’t speak the same language, they won’t move in the same direction, or be able to move together to create change."

Gail Whiteman

Professor of Sustainability, University of Exeter Business
 School & Founder, Arctic Basecamp

 

Professor Gail Whiteman is a renowned expert on global risk from environmental changes and the founder of Arctic Basecamp. She is a Professor of Sustainability at the University of Exeter and Professor-in-Residence at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) since 2012. 

Gail has spoken at major World Economic Forum sessions, including “What’s at Stake: The Arctic” with Al Gore and Sanna Marin in 2020, and “Unpacking the Polar Crisis” in 2023. An experienced moderator, she has led discussions at events like Reuters Impact and WEF, and her research on ecological risks and resilience includes over 60 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Nature.

"True progress happens when we break down silos and bring together diverse voices. Collaboration is the only way to solve the complex challenges our society faces today."

Helena Harnik

Co-Founder & Program Executive Director, The Synergist
 

 

Helena Harnik is the Co-Founder and Program Executive Director at The Synergist, a not-for-profit organisation that fosters intersectoral collaboration to tackle global challenges. For over a decade, The Synergist has applied collaborative leadership to reduce fragmentation and drive meaningful outcomes on societal issues such as patient engagement in medicine development, equitable healthcare, women-centric care, and sustainable well-being.

Helena works with a diverse network of change agents, including patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and public health authorities, to create impactful, collective solutions for a better future.

"We are dealing with a scenario where ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. The companies that succeed in the coming decades will be the companies that have embraced sustainability and embraced the SDGs.”

James Gomme

Director of Education & Knowledge Management, WBCSD

 

James Gomme is the Director of Education and Knowledge Management at WBCSD, where he equips business leaders with actionable insights to enhance their sustainability efforts and ensures effective use of the organisation’s intellectual capital. 

Since joining WBCSD in 2016, James has led initiatives like the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality and co-developed the Vision 2050 framework for sustainable global living.

With over 15 years of corporate sustainability experience, James previously spent a decade at Mitsubishi Corporation, leading teams in corporate sustainability, public affairs, and investor relations in Europe and Japan.

“The difference between what we are doing and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”

Jan Artem Henriksson

Executive Director, IDG
 

Jan Artem Henriksson is a distinguished Swedish-Ukrainian social entrepreneur and thought leader in inner development and capacity building at scale. With a career dedicated to fostering human potential and collaboration to better face global challenges, he has become a pivotal figure in both academic and professional circles. 

As co-initiator and executive director at IDG, he has led the initiative to expand globally over the past three years. In addition to his work with IDG, Jan is a Senior Fellow at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and a faculty member at the Stockholm School of Economics.

“It’s all there: within and between us. Let’s connect, collaborate & co-create the future cities we’d love to live in.”

Jannik Kaiser:globe_with_meridians:

Co-Founder, Unity Effect
 

Jannik Kaiser is the co-founder and CEO of Unity Effect, which is dedicated to fostering positive change in a complex world. Since making a life-altering decision in 2011 to focus on being a force for good, he has worked across international development, academia, civil society, and social entrepreneurship.

Jannik understands that inner dimensions are crucial for enabling transformative change. Through Unity Effect, he has helped organisations like the ILO, Kofi Annan Foundation, and UNESCO tap into their inner and relational capacities. At the Summit, he will co-host the Systems Transformation Track, inviting participants to engage in a co-creative journey toward systemic change.

“The ability to have some handle on our own minds, particularly our capacity for paying attention on purpose, is of political importance, as well as for our own sense of agency.”

Jamie Bristow

Public Narrative & Policy Development, IDGs
 

Jamie Bristow is an advocate for integrating ancient wisdom and modern science in service of societal transformation. His writing and research explores the role of individual and collective practices needed to meet today’s challenges. He has collaborated with UN and US government agencies, politicians in the British Parliament, and the leadership of global corporations.

Jamie has authored influential reports on sustainability, taught at leading universities including Oxford, and his work has been featured in major newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian. Currently, he focuses on narrative and policy development for the Inner Development Goals and is a research fellow at Life Itself.

“The point isn’t to be the hero and solve things; the point of the leader in a complex world is to enable and unleash as many heroes and as many solutions as possible.”

Jennifer Garvey Berger, PhD

 Co-founder & CEO, Cultivating Leadership 

 

Jennifer Garvey Berger is a prominent thought leader in leadership and adult development who has contributed significantly to understanding how individuals and organisations can navigate complexity and change.

With a belief that we need a new form of leadership for a new era, she designs and teaches leadership programs, coaches senior leaders and their teams, and supports new ways of thinking about strategy and people. 

Through her books, like “Changing on the Job,” Berger offers practical ways to make leaders’ organisations more successful, their work more meaningful, and their lives more gratifying. 

"In times of change, our ability to embrace diverse perspectives opens the door to new possibilities and empowers us to act with greater clarity and purpose."

Jennifer Hansen

Organisational Development Consultant, Facilitator & Coach 

 

Jennifer Hansen has over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, teams, and organisations through change processes. With roles in management, consulting, and as an employee across sectors such as corporations, SMEs, ministries, and NGOs, she brings a wealth of diverse perspectives.

As an organisational developer, coach, and facilitator, Jennifer focuses on broadening perspectives to create new opportunities for action. She believes strengthening our ability to take multiple perspectives is crucial in navigating complex challenges. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing on a swing, finding joy in the simple moments of life.

"The green transformation isn't just about technology and policy—it's about inner change."

Jeroen Janss

 Co-Founder, Inner Green Deal

 

Jeroen is the co-founder of the Inner Green Deal, a non-profit focused on inner development and social innovation to accelerate the green transformation. A long-time partner of the Inner Development Goals, he co-designs and delivers programs for global sustainability and community leaders, including the Global Leadership for Sustainable Development program (GLSD) at IDG.

Jeroen also leads initiatives for EU and UN staff, including the UN’s “Community Handprint Project” for climate innovation. With 25 years of experience as an advisor and social entrepreneur, he speaks on the human dimension of sustainability and co-authored a White Paper on overcoming polarisation to drive systemic cultural change.

Jessica Carragher Wallner

 Management Consultant, PwC Sweden
 

Jessica has over 18 years of experience supporting companies, organisations, local governments, and nonprofits with business transformation and leadership development, both in Sweden and internationally. She has been part of the PwC Global Strategy & Leadership team, driving transformation efforts and leading change-related work streams for the rollout of PwC’s global leadership and performance management systems across its territories. 

Additionally, she is involved in PwC’s Global Smart Cities team and has worked on future strategy transformations for sectors like finance, healthcare, tech, and government institutions, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

“IDG’s are humanity’s social DNA.”

Jetu Lavani

Managing Partner, Kaizenvest
 

Jetu has over 42 years of experience in building companies in India across engineering, electronics, and chemicals, partnering with global leaders such as Saab, Dresser Industries, Emerson Electric, and Degussa. He is currently a Partner at Kaizenvest, raising private equity and credit for educational investments across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Jetu oversees fund investments, from sourcing to execution and exits, driving Kaizenvest as a boutique operations-driven private equity firm. He is also a co-author of education reports for the IFC and ADB and has received recognition for his work in rural skilling. In addition to his business ventures, Jetu is deeply committed to nonprofit education, contributing to village schools and educational leadership.

“When your inner tech is separated from compassion, empathy, community, then you become as robotic as the digital device. What can you do in your everyday life where you remind yourself that you’re still human?”

John Mack

 Artist & Founder, Life Calling
 

John Mack is an author, artist and the founder of Life Calling – a nonprofit dedicated to preserving humanity in the Digital Age.

John envisions a future where humanity and nature thrive regardless of technological advancements. He advocates for a human-centric approach to navigating the Digital Age, ensuring that our investment in technology is matched by an equal investment in our humanity. 

In 2022, John launched “A Species Between Worlds,” an exhibition on our relationship with the digital realm. He has also developed a unique map of human consciousness linking inner realities with outer digital worlds.

“We want the IDG Summit to be about something beyond the IDG Summit. What is really important is what will come out of this…”

Katharina Moser

Master of Ceremony, Program Curator & Director, 
IDG Summit
 

Katharina Moser joined the IDG leadership team in 2022, leading the design and curation of the IDG Summit and serving as its Master of Ceremony. As a professional moderator and experience designer, she has organised and moderated around 300 events, focusing on fostering meaningful human connections to enhance collaboration on global challenges. Katharina previously worked for the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the British Council, and the European Forum Alpbach. In 2015, she founded MOSAIK, a creative agency that developed several projects on European cohesion, one of which won the State Prize in Europe.

"In the face of rapid technological advancement, we must prioritise our humanity, ensuring that our values and connections are at the heart of our progress."

Kathryn Morrissey

Executive Director, Life Calling
 

Kathryn is the Executive Director of Life Calling, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving humanity in the Digital Age. She leads the organisation’s strategy and programming to ensure that we thrive in our humanity amidst technological advancements. Currently, Kathryn is spearheading a new awareness campaign and impact fund, emphasising that humanity must take precedence over technology.

With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has focused on strategic partnerships that drive social change. Kathryn began her career at 16 with Best Buddies International and has since advocated for youth mental health and inclusion, holding senior leadership roles in various organisations.

“In vulnerability, our humanity comes to the surface. And it’s this very human response which is going to catalyse and raise climate ambition.”

Katie Hodgetts

 Founder, The Resilience Project
 

Katie Hodgetts, a leading voice in empowering youth for climate action, founded The Resilience Project to address the lack of psychological and inner-led support for young activists. 

Through the Resilience Project, she equips young people with essential skills to navigate the challenges of a changing world. Recognised for her work in mental health and climate, she also serves on IKEA’s Young Global Leaders Board. 

Learn from Katie’s experience training hundreds of peers to build inner resilience and discover how you can apply her insights to your own leadership journey.

“There is a real need for empathy, resilience and systems change to support public servants working on complex challenges.”

Kristen Cordell

Fellow, White House Leadership Development Program
 

Kristen A. Cordell is a White House Leadership Development Program Fellow assigned to the Chief Sustainability Office in the Council on Environmental Quality, where she oversees sustainability engagement for 2 million federal employees. She is on secondment from the U.S. Department of State, where she has led initiatives on international investment and infrastructure. 

Prior to this, Cordell worked at USAID and the United Nations, focusing on human rights, peacekeeping, and infrastructure in regions like Afghanistan and Liberia. She is a CFR International Affairs Fellow and currently a Strategy and Statecraft Fellow at CSIS. Cordell is also an advocate for integrating mindfulness and resilience practices across government.

“In today’s society, with growing differences, polarisation and hard-hitting online debates, the ability to create dialogue is perhaps more important than ever.”

Kjersti Flogstad

Executive Director, Nobel Peace Center

 

Kjersti Fløgstad is the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo. She previously served as Secretary General of UNICEF Norway from 2000 to 2011, and since 2012, Kjersti has worked as a business consultant and advisor with a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Before joining the Nobel Peace Center, Kjersti was involved in CSR initiatives at Norway’s largest bank, DNB, particularly in sustainability and diversity programs. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from BI Norwegian Business School and has served on several influential boards, including the aid organisation Care Norway.

"When leaders embrace emotional intelligence, they create a ripple effect that empowers not only their teams but also the communities around them."

Kwiri Yang

 Founder, Second Time Founders
 

Kwiri Yang is the founder of Second Time Founders, Inc., a community dedicated to improving the world through conscious leadership. She also co-founded Benevolent AI Future, a nonprofit focused on developing more intentional AI through wisdom datasets.

With eight companies built and two successful exits, Kwiri has helped founders raise over $1 billion in venture capital. A coach and facilitator, she has trained 350+ startup founders in Conscious Leadership and led 50+ executive retreats. Passionate about emotional intelligence and self-awareness, Kwiri is recognised as a 40 under 40 Emerging Civic Leader for her contributions to education empowerment and next-gen leadership.

“Regenerating our planet begins with regenerating ourselves and our communities, creating space for co-creative, systemic and life-centred solutions.”

Laila Martins

Founder, RegenBeings & UN &
 IDG Programs Lead – Germany, IDG
 

Laila Martins champions sustainable and regenerative practices across organisations and multi-actor networks to build a thriving future. As founder of RegenBeings, she fosters regenerative leadership, business model transformation, and systemic innovation, focusing on nurturing ecosystems for regenerative innovation. Using the IDG framework, she equips organisations to meet the UN SDGs and environmental goals. 

With a background in International Relations, Sustainable Development, and Circular Economy, Laila has led global IT sustainability projects and shaped organisational development strategies in multinational corporations. Leveraging her expertise from Brazil, the U.S., and Germany, she designs life-centered processes and solutions for the Global South and North.

“I strongly believe in the principles of peace and sustainability & am dedicated to making a positive impact”

Madina Sarabi 

Student, UWC Adriatic

 

Madina Sarabi, a 17-year-old student from Afghanistan, is currently studying at UWC Adriatic and serves as a youth fellow at the Learning Planet Institute. Passionate about equal access to education, especially for Afghan girls who are denied this right, she advocates for peace and sustainability.

Madina is dedicated to making a positive impact through her work on education equity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, public speaking, and volunteering, and is passionate about connecting with new people and cultures to expand her understanding of the world.

"The big challenges that we are facing, such as climate change and sustainability, can only be addressed if we have radical collaboration diplomacy.”

Massamba Thioye, PhD

Project Executive, Global Innovation Hub, UNFCCC

 

As part of the UNFCCC secretariat, Massamba Thioye is at the forefront of driving innovation to support climate and sustainability actions. Massamba also serves on various advisory committees and actively publishes breakthrough technical papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Through his leadership, he is spearheading the development of regulations, incentive mechanisms, and frameworks aimed at measuring the impact of climate action and enhancing innovation in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Expect insights and strategies for leveraging innovation to support climate action and foster inner development for a more sustainable world.

“Sustainability cannot be separated into 'work' and 'life'. Sustainability is life! We are not in the 'business of business'. We are in the business of life!”

Marc Buckley

Founder & President, ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation 

Marc Buckley is the founder of ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation, an ecological economist, and a regenerative futurist shaping sustainable futures. With over two decades of experience, he has been a key advocate in the global fight against climate change, working closely with the UN and leading initiatives like the UN-SDG Manifesto. 

As a member of the EU ESG Taxonomy PSF Commission and Chair of the UNFCCC Innovation Hub, Marc influences global environmental policies. A recognised expert on regenerative development, he advises governments and businesses and leads workshops worldwide. His work aims to create systemic solutions that reduce human suffering through sustainability.

“From art comes movement; from movement, the energy to transform cities.”

Mézu Ofoegbu

Artist & Founder, ILab
 

Mezu is a post-disciplinary artist known for merging sociological insight with creative innovation. As founder and CEO of Infinity Village Lab (ILab), he leads a team of developers, artists, and designers in producing groundbreaking installations, including a real-time translinguistic data visualisation system. Mezu’s work has been recognised by major platforms like Google Arts and Culture, YouTube, and Saatchi Art. His artistic practice centres on using art for social development, drawing on his experience in assessing behavioural outcomes in educational settings. At ILab, he is focused on advancing climate technologies for urban environments, blending art and innovation to build cultural climate capacity.

"A water-conscious society that values water as the foundation of life is crucial for addressing current and future water challenges."

Michael Bach

Professor for Water Resources Management
Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
IDG Water Network
 

Michael Bach is a professor of Water Resources Management and Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Digital Water Institute (DWI). The DWI fosters innovation at the intersection of water and digitalisation, preparing society for challenges like climate change and urbanisation. Through education and support for start-ups, the DWI promotes sustainable, public welfare-oriented solutions.

Michael’s expertise contributes to advancing interdisciplinary efforts for a more resilient and sustainable future in water management and technology. Michael is also the founder of the newly established IDG Water Network in Germany, which integrates IDG methods to create sustainable water systems.

"True leadership is about creating environments where people are empowered to act with purpose, enabling organisations to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world."

Mickael Drouard

Co-founder, Fabric
 

Mickael Drouard is the co-founder of Fabric, a boutique consultancy that accelerates organisational change through Collective Intelligence. He co-authored Adaptive Governance: Unleash the Power to Act in Your Company (2021) and hosts the podcast Pyramid to Circles, which focuses on guiding leaders to evolve their organisations toward empowerment and purpose-driven structures.

Mickael is dedicated to fostering adaptive governance and leadership that cultivates resilient, purpose-centric organisations, aligning with the principles of inner development and transformative leadership.

“We live a culture journey internally but it's really about helping the systems that we work with also develop these adaptive and transformative skills so that we can work better together, because these wicked problems in healthcare aren't ones that a corporate entity can solve on its own.”

Nina Bressler

Global Head of Societal Learning and Education, Novartis

 

Nina Bressler champions continuous learning and leadership founded on purpose, autonomy, and curiosity to unlock the potential in people, teams, and organisations. Her Societal Learning work at Novartis takes a multidisciplinary approach, working with all stakeholders to co-evolve solutions that help us leapfrog into equitable, inclusive, resilient, and compassionate health systems. Nina applies her evolving learnings to additional roles, as a member of the Advisory Forum at the European Philanthropic Initiative for Migration, as an Advisory Board Member for an inner development heritage site project in Czechia, and as founder of www.InnerLandscape.me.

“Diversity is a fact, equity and inclusion a choice, while togetherness is and should remain a duty for all of the members of the communities.”

Paul Mbikayi

Civil Servant to Humanity & the Government of the Netherlands
 

Paul Mbikayi, a civil servant of Dutch-Congolese heritage, is dedicated to leadership in the service of people and communities. A strong advocate for dialogue and tolerance, he was the first Ambassador of Tolerance in the Netherlands.

As a bridge between Africa and Europe, Paul works to close cultural gaps and promote unity. With experience in various Dutch ministries, including Infrastructure, Home Affairs, and Finance, he focuses on fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Togetherness (DEI/T).

“Before we even get to the doing… listen, listen, listen with an open mind and heart.”

Peggy Dulany

Founder & Chair, Synergos
 

Peggy Dulany is the Chair of the Synergos Institute, a global nonprofit focused on solving poverty and inequality through radical collaboration. Drawing from her early experiences in Rio de Janeiro, Peggy founded Synergos in 1986 to connect grassroots organisations with government and business leaders, fostering long-term partnerships for systemic change.

Peggy co-founded the Global Philanthropists Circle with her father, David Rockefeller, to support family philanthropy. With a Doctorate in Education from Harvard, Peggy has served on over 30 boards and leads wilderness retreats through Synergos, helping participants reflect on their inner purpose for social impact.

“For me it is about creating spaces and helping others create more space for conversations, for connection, and for collective learning.”

Pontus Holmgren

Psychologist, Facilitator and Coordinator of the 
IDG Hubs and Networks
 

Pontus Holmgren is a licensed psychologist working with systems change, organisational transformation and leadership development. He is also an actor, conductor and teacher in improvised Playback theatre. Pontus has worked with leadership, teams, cross-collaboration and transformational processes in a multitude of organisations and communities globally since the mid-1990s. He is one of the co-founders of Gro, a network of systems change makers, and has been part of the IDG journey from the start, with a focus on coordinating the global community of IDG Hubs and Networks. 

"We don't have resource problems, we have imagination problems"

Phoebe Tickell

Founder, Moral Imaginations
 

Phoebe Tickell, renegade scientist, systems thinker and social entrepreneur, has been called a voice of the emerging future and one of the most important systems thinkers of her generation. Armed with a degree in Biological Natural Sciences, she brings her understanding of biological networks and systems thinking into governance, organisational structures, narratives and imagination.

Phoebe is the founder of Moral Imaginations, which facilitates and develops collective imagining to empower people to create shared imaginings of the future. She works across multiple societal contexts applying a complexity and systems thinking lens, and has worked in organisational design, as well as advising government, the education sector and the food and farming sector.

“Life is not about what happens to us; it’s about what we make with what happens to us.”

Rafaela Rolim

 ID-X Brazil: “Empowering Leaders in Challenging Times”

 

Rafaela Rolim is a co-founder of ID-X | Inner Development Experiences and Brazilian Experience, with over 18 years of expertise in designing experiential learning journeys. With a background in international education, social entrepreneurship, and collaborative leadership, she has worked globally to empower individuals as active global citizens engaged in sustainability. 

Rafaela’s focus is on creating transformative spaces for learning and collaboration, encouraging co-creation for a better world. Rafaela currently serves as the Global Co-coordinator of the IDGs Hubs and Networks, continuing her mission to foster exchange and development through the Inner Development Goals.

“At the simplest level, any particular expression of the immunity to change provides us a picture of how we are systematically working against the very goal we genuinely want to achieve.”

Robert Kegan, PhD :globe_with_meridians:

 Professor of Adult Development, Harvard University

 

Dr Robert Kegan is a leading figure in adult development, known for his transformative works that have reshaped our understanding of human behaviour and organisational dynamics.

With groundbreaking books like “The Evolving Self” and “Immunity to Change,” he has pioneered a new field of study and profoundly impacted professional practices worldwide.

Dr Kegan has dedicated four decades to advancing the discourse on growth and development. His ITC workshop will empower attendees to challenge their limiting beliefs, foster adaptive behaviours, and cultivate a growth mindset for personal and professional success.

“Spark curiosity and allow anyone to learn anything they are curious about in a motivating and cooperative environment.”

Ron Berlinski

Executive Director, Curiosity Learning
 

Ron Berlinski is an educator and the founder of Curiosity Learning, a nonprofit he started at just 17, driven by frustration with traditional education systems. Through Curiosity Clubs, he empowers young people to explore any topic they are curious about by creating collaborative projects. He now supports the establishment of these clubs worldwide. A self-described “jack of all trades,” Ron embraces diverse interests, from coding to photography and breakdancing, reflecting his belief in self-driven, fun learning. His mission is to transform education to focus on curiosity, encouraging learning that is engaging and diverse.

“A society cannot flourish in an environment that is not thriving”

Rodney Irwin

Chief Education Office, WBCSD
 

As COO and a member of the Senior Management Team at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Rodney Irwin is responsible for a portfolio of projects that take sustainable development into the mainstream reporting of an organisation. In addition, he is the course director of WBCSD’s Leadership Program and leads WBCSD’s work on education.

A trained and competent facilitator, Irwin has worked with both Boards and Supervisory Boards in multinational organisations in the private and humanitarian sectors. He has experience at some of the world’s leading organisations and has a global perspective and empathy for cultural diversity.

“We need to look at the development of a society or a business not purely from a perspective of financial transactions, but from a holistic perspective.”

Tho Ha Vinh, PhD

Former Program Director, Gross National Happiness Centre
 Bhutan & Founder, Eurasia Learning Institute for 
Happiness & Wellbeing

 

Dr. Tho Ha Vinh is dedicated to promoting happiness and well-being, fostering social change through inner transformation. He founded and chairs the Eurasia Foundation and the Eurasia Learning Institute for Happiness and Wellbeing and has also implemented Gross National Happiness in major companies. His past roles include Program Director at the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan and Director of L&D at the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

Dr Vinh holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Education and is an ordained Buddhist teacher in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Vietnamese Zen tradition, as well as the author of numerous books and articles.

"We’re not talking about process improvement or things of that nature. We’re talking about human beings."

Tony Bond

EVP, Chief Diversity & Innovation Officer, 
Great Place to Work

 

Tony Bond is the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer of Great Place to Work, the global research and analytics firm renowned for producing prestigious workplace rankings. A strategic thinker and innovator, Tony plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s culture transformation work.

Tony has served as a trusted advisor for executives at leading global organisations. With over 20 years of diverse leadership experience with a Fortune 100 company, he has expertly guided companies through transformational change, culture shifts, mergers and acquisitions, and other human capital initiatives.

"True transformation in education goes beyond knowledge—it’s about fostering well-being, leadership, and community, creating spaces where individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society."

Valeriia Chernysh

Program Associate, Salzburg Global Seminar
 

Valeriia Chernysh is a Program Associate at the Salzburg Global Center for Education Transformation, where she supports diverse educational programs through research and operational assistance. She is also involved in Fellowship Engagement, focusing on alumni relations and strategic initiatives.

With a passion for well-being in education, leadership development, and community engagement, Valeriia brings a global perspective to her work. Previously, she served as Vice President of Outgoing Professional Internships for AIESEC in Kyiv, organising international internships. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Slavic Languages and Literature from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

“To be in the space of teaching is beyond passing content intellectually and experientially; it is manifesting knowledge through me, and that is a journey.”

Vivianna Rodriguez Carreon

PhD, The IDG Higher Education Circle: 
“Curating Knowledges”
 

Vivianna Rodriguez Carreon, PhD, is a transdisciplinary scholar, IDG Higher Education lead and facilitator, and author of Agency in Poverty and War: Consciousness in Rural Human Development. As a social scientist, she has lectured on Peace of Mind and Peace in the World at The University of Sydney and went on to become a trauma-informed action researcher and international facilitator of awareness-based systems change. Vivianna has weaved the IDG across stakeholders and disciplines in Australia and Latin America, whilst exploring the inner and outer underpinnings of human experience in human agency.

“Our differences become the story of who we are. This is what makes us connect. This is what makes us one. This is the Ubuntu Way.”

Wakanyi Hoffman

Author, African Indigenous Knowledge Scholar 
& Global Speaker of Ubuntu philosophy
 

Wakanyi Hoffman is a Public Speaker, Global Peacemaker, and expert in indigenous knowledge systems, specialising in African Ubuntu principles. She advocates for embedding wisdom and intercultural values into Artificial Intelligence.

Wakanyi serves on the boards of Seeds of Wisdom, the Kenya Education Fund, and the Contentment Foundation. She has spoken at various global conferences about the Ubuntu principle—“I am because we are”—and was recently a senior academic fellow at The New Institute, where she contributed to the program on ‘Conceptions of Human Flourishing.’

“The democratisation of education standards also requires maximum communal involvement into the education infrastructure.”

Yuliya Shtaltovna

UA IDG Network: “Building Resilience amid War”
 

Yuliya Shtaltovna is an Intercultural Management Professor & Trainer with over 16 years of experience in Higher Education, Global Management, and Leadership. She currently lectures at three Berlin universities, focusing on International and Intercultural Management and Leadership Skills.  

In Ukraine, she spent 11 years advancing to associate professor and deputy chair, contributing to curriculum design, research, and internationalisation efforts. She has organised academic conferences and is the author of over 25 research papers, particularly on democratising education, English language studies, and digital-ready soft skills development in higher education.

“Everybody has different ideas and expectations about meaningful education, which is why it’s important to develop a common language.”

Yuri Belfali                                  

Head of Division, Early Childhood and Schools, OECD
 

Yuri Belfali is a leader in the field of education, overseeing the Directorate for Education and Skills at the OECD. She is responsible for large-scale international surveys like PISA and TALIS, as well as thematic policy analyses that support education systems in fostering better learning and well-being. Before joining the OECD, she held roles at UNICEF and the World Bank, advising governments on education reforms and gender mainstreaming. With a Master’s degree in International Educational Administration from Stanford University, Yuri has also worked extensively across France, the US, and multiple regions in Africa and Asia.

"There are periods when, although we’re still on the same earth, we are moving to a different world. We are in one of those periods right now."

Zak Stein, PhD :globe_with_meridians:

 Writer, Educator & Futurist
 
Dr Zachary Stein is a writer, futurist, and transformative educator working to bring a greater sense of justice and sanity to education. He is a Co-Founder of the Civilization Research Institute and the Center for World Philosophy and Religion and now works in fields related to the mitigation of global catastrophic risk. 
 

Zak is a widely sought-after and award-winning speaker and a leading authority on the future of education and contemporary issues in human development. He is the author of dozens of published papers and two books, including Education in a Time Between Worlds.

Our exceptional lineup of artists, curated by the International Teaching Artists Collaborative (ITAC), goes beyond art and aesthetics by infusing inner development throughout the Summit experience. 

From immersive installations to interactive performances, art will seamlessly integrate into the program, with artists co-facilitating Day 2 tracks to enhance the embodiment and holistic nature of the learning journey.

Artistic Collaborators

"Find alignment between what you know, who you are, and who you want to serve and help."

Edmund Chow, PhD

Theatre Director, Applied Storytelling Professor 
& Teaching Artist
 
Dr. Edmund Chow is an educator and scholar who has dedicated over 24 years to fostering critical dialogue and social justice through the arts. As the Assistant Director of Academic Governance at the University of the Arts Singapore, he develops interdisciplinary curricula to address contemporary issues and ensures the integrity and quality of the university’s programs. With studies in applied theatre and pedagogy, Edmund’s work spans diverse environments, from prisons to hospitals, and includes projects from Afghanistan to India. Expect a two-time public speaking champion focused on education, leadership, social justice and the arts.
“The liminal zone is important in the arts; it’s not just some intellectual concept. It is the place where the stuff that makes for art happens.”

Eric Booth

Author, Teaching Artist & Co-Founder of ITAC – 
International Teaching Artists Collaborative

 

Eric Booth, known as the ‘father of the teaching artist profession,’ is one of the most influential figures in American arts education and has carved out a multifaceted career as a teacher, actor, writer, director, and businessman. 

Eric has played a pivotal role in establishing teaching artist programs at renowned institutions such as Juilliard, Stanford, and Lincoln Center Education, where he has guided the field for over 41 years. His steadfast commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts has left a lasting legacy in the industry.

“I am interested in working in an interdisciplinary way, so depending on the question I am asking, exploring the format and audience/space relationships.”

Francine Kliemann

Founder and Artistic Director, Platô Cultural

 

Francine Kliemann, an immersive experience designer, is the founder and director of Platô Cultural, renowned for creating immersive and participatory experiences in education and community settings. 

Francine explores innovative approaches to learning and human connection through imagination and play. Platô Cultural, established in 2018 with support from Goldsmiths University, integrates immersive storytelling and new technologies to foster playful experiences that enhance individual and collective learning, forging new connections between people and places.

Additionally, she is an active member of at several networks including ITAC, CAN (Community Arts Network), Learning Planet Alliance, ASHOKA Network and the Catalyst 2030 movement.

José María D’Angelo

Sound Artist, Composer & Educator

 

José María D’Angelo is an Argentinian sound artist, composer, musician, and educator. His artistic work explores the connection between sound, territories, and communities, using soundscape recordings to create interactions between deep listening and the poetic dimensions of musical composition. 

José sees listening as a creative act that bridges understanding between humans and nature. His music spans various formats, including acousmatic compositions, audiovisual works, sound walks, sound installations, and experimental music. He integrates live improvisations using flutes and South American wind instruments with contemporary technologies, bringing a unique blend of tradition and innovation to his art.

“To solve complex societal issues, we require a cross-set of society present in decision-making spaces.”

Madeleine McGirk Rutherford

Managing Director, ITAC – International Teaching Artists Collaborative
 

Bringing expertise in education, theatre and filmmaking, Madeleine (she/her) is the Founding Managing Director of the International Teaching Artists Collaborative (ITAC), where she has led the building of over 5,000 members in the world’s first global network of participatory artists who work in schools and communities. 

Madeleine specialises in arts for social transformation projects in different settings and has a background in designing creative engagement programming both inside and outside of traditional learning spaces, using arts as a tool for cross-sector topic exploration.

“Listen to yourself, listen to that voice talking to you quietly, and you will know what is meant for you, what is really true for you”

Rachelle Jeanty

Singer, Meditation Teacher and Vocal Coach
 

Rachelle Jeanty began her singing journey as a backing vocalist for Celine Dion, gracing legendary stages worldwide. However, she chose to leave the glamour of the music industry to follow her deeper calling: Self-realisation.

Parallel to her solo entertainment career, Rachelle has dedicated herself to offering her voice and music as vehicles for inner development and evolution. Through hundreds of her SPIRIT OF JOY concerts and workshops, she combines music and meditation to inspire personal growth.

Expect captivating, soulful melodies and heartfelt performances that entertain, uplift, and inspire.

"I judge people by one criterion, and one criterion only: how many people have you pulled over the wall with you?”

Rachael Jacobs, PhD

Academic, Teaching Artist & Community Activist
 

Rachael Jacobs lectures in Creative Arts Education at Western Sydney University and is a former secondary arts teacher (Dance, Drama and Music). She has a PhD in creativity and assessment, and her research focuses on arts-based approaches to racial justice education, climate justice and language development. 

Rachael has facilitated art projects in community settings Australia-wide, mostly working in migrant and refugee communities. She is a community activist, aerial artist, and South Asian choreographer who runs her own intercultural dance company and sits on the board of the climate action organisation Sweltering Cities.

“Ignorance is not bliss. It’s rejecting what is.”

Rosanna Rippel

Dancer, Poet & DJ
 

Rosanna Rippel is a dancer, poet, and DJ working within behavior- and experience design. With a background in philosophy, cognitive science and research, she enjoys weaving intricate narratives and thought-provoking themes into her artistic expression.

Rosanna’s analytical approach melds seamlessly with her creative flair, producing poems that are not only beautifully crafted but also intellectually stimulating. Her work stands as a testament to her unique voice and the power of poetry to bridge the gap between the heart and the mind.

“We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our world and we have the opportunity to change it…That’s why I call it a theatre of opportunity”

Simon Sharkey

Artistic Director and CEO, The Necessary Space

Simon Sharkey was one of the founding directors of The National Theatre of Scotland, pioneering the “Theatre Without Walls” approach globally. Over 15 years, he developed groundbreaking participatory and professional arts projects, impacting communities worldwide. Since 2018, he directs “The Necessary Space,” a platform known as a “Theatre of Opportunity,” engaging in diverse projects spanning Brazil, India, Jamaica, Trinidad, Austria, Germany, Canada, and Scotland. 

A recipient of the NESTA International Cultural Leadership Award, Simon is a director, writer, coach, mentor, speaker, and documentary filmmaker, focusing on site-specific theatre and theatre for social change on both grand and intimate scales.

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