WPSCertBadge

A SUSTAINABLE & PEACEFUL WORLD

Through advocacy and programming, the IIHS seeks to elevate the visibility of changemakers in traditionally marginalized regions. We provide a platform to showcase their invaluable contributions towards global peace, security, and the realization of the UN 2030 Global Goals. By shining a spotlight on their impactful stories and work, we aim to inspire global action and foster a more equitable and sustainable world for all. Our storytelling platform has highlighted projects and amplified the voices of changemakers from Romania, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Benin, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Pakistan, the USA, Turkey, Switzerland, and more. 

ABOUT US

Working with international organizations, academic institutions, and individuals, the IIHS is an advocate for human security and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on six elements of human security: good governance, food security, climate protection, R2P, indigenous rights, women, migrants, and ending Modern-day Slavery.

The IIHS was created to challenge the inequities of the geographically disenfranchised, primarily regarding the visibility of critical contributions toward peace and security.  Since its creation in 2019, the IIHS has dedicated its efforts toward advocacy efforts to help advance efforts to meet the UN 2030 Global Goals and increase the visibility of grassroots actors and their stories working toward those goals.

VISION AND MISSION

Our mission is to amplify the voices and efforts of changemakers in traditionally marginalized regions, empowering them as they drive progress toward the 2030 UN Global Goals and enhance human security. Through strategic programming, dedicated advocacy, compelling storytelling, and fostering collaborations between grassroots activists and esteemed experts, we strive to elevate the visibility of those affecting positive change in traditionally underserved communities.

The United Nations defines human security as a human right; it refers to the security of people and communities, as opposed to the security of states. Human security highlights that there are several dimensions related to feeling safe, such as freedom from fear, freedom from want, and freedom from indignity.

The IIHS has charity status registered in Chicago, USA, and 501(c)3 non-profit, non-religious status registered by the founder.

OUR PROGRAMS

♦Training Program

IIHS Core Program for Leaders and Changemakers (CPLC), led by Dr. Yara Zgheib. An applied and intense multi-day workshop in which a select cohort of fellows from around the world develop and refine peacebuilding programs. The annual program alternates between in-person, in the Swiss Alps, and online in an effort to include participants who are traditionally geographically disenfranchised.

♦Discussion Series

Advocacy Unplugged: Bridging Perspectives, led by Tiffany Hayes.  A deep dive discussion around global peace and security challenges, progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and personal stories of global changemakers makers.

Human Security rests on the strength of societal elements we define as societal stabilizers. Our advocacy efforts focus on six elements of human security.
  • Good Governance
  • Protection of Women as migrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking
  • Food Security
  • The Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
  • Climate Protection
  • Indigenous Rights

GRASS ROOTS INITIATIVES WE SUPPORT

The Mobile Museum of Modern-day Slavery - Romania, Moldova

The Mobile Museum of Modern-day Slavery

The Mobile Museum of Modern-day Slavery

NARI - Applying the gender lens in rural Pakistan

NARI - Applying the gender lens in rural Pakistan

The Virtual Cafe with Azra Memon 

Mission Ambassadors for Peace and Security
Announcing the 2024 IIHS Mission Ambassadors for Peace and Security! Join us in honoring these visionary leaders committed to propelling the UN 2030 Global Goals forward and promoting peace and security on a global scale. Through their inspiring endeavors and groundbreaking initiatives, they are driving meaningful change and shaping a more promising tomorrow.

ADVISORY AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ob_a704fb_rufyikiri

Dr. Gervais Rufyikiri, Senior Advisor

Humanitarian; Former Vice President, Republic of Burundi
thumbnail_IMG_0911

Gianina Dimitrescu

UN ECOSOC Advisor on Women, Peace and Security

Ms. Dimitrescu is the director of the Directorate for Strategies, Policies, Programs, and Monitoring of Equal Opportunities within the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men within the Romanian Government. Ms. Dimitrescu serves as representation to numerous organizations. She is active in numerous working groups, including the working group tasked to negotiate the conditions and application of cooperation agreements and protocols signed at the government level between Romania and other EU member states.


New

Fatoumata Tambajang Jallow, Senior Advisor

Humanitarian; Former Vice President, Republic of The Gambia
IMG_5884

Dr. Aurora Martin, Board of Directors

Senior Advisor in International Relations, Government of Romania

Dr. Aurora Martin is an anti-discrimination and gender expert. She is Senior Advisor in International Relations within the Romanian Government and Parliament (on behalf of National Agency for Equal Opportunities, Ministery of Labour and Social Justice, and National Council for Combating Discrimination)

YZ-Official-Headshot-e1549034841530

Dr. Yara Zgheib, Board of Directors

Lead Facilitator, Core Program for Leaders and Changemakers

Yara is a policy researcher and analyst as well as a writer. She consults with governments and the nonprofit sector on peace and security strategies, with an emphasis on conflict resolution, counter terrorism, and countering violent extremism. Yara leads the IIHS Core Program for Leaders and Changemakers and is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish.
agnes 2

Agnes Cikowska-Teczar, Board of Directors

GIS Analyst/Location Strategist

Agnes Cikowska-Teczar is a GIS Analyst/Location Strategist with experience in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, location strategy, site selection methods, market analysis, field data collection, and location optimization.  In addition, Agnes holds several certificates from NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Training program. Agnes speaks English and Polish.
caux photo new size

Shon Abegaz, Board of Directors

Founder and Director of International Institute for Human Security

Shon, an advocate for human rights and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, has worked in the international nonprofit sector, focusing on trustbuilding and human security for over a decade.  Shon is the founder of the IIHS, co-creator, and initiator of the certificate training program, HumansecurityX, and co-creator of the E-book: Crossing Paths- A Guide to The Pillars of Human Security and the 2030 Global Goals. 

The IIHS is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization. All contributions are tax deductible for U.S. citizens and to the fullest extent allowable under U.S. laws.

TEAM

caux photo new size

Executive Director

Shon Abegaz, USA
vene

Head of Programming

Veneranda Padonou, Benin
Tiffany

Discussion Series Curator

Tiffany Hayes, USA
YZ-Official-Headshot-e1549034841530

Chair, Annual Flagship Program

Dr. Yara Zgheib, France
Copy of Post Linkedin Size (3)

Regional Coordinator East Africa

Based in Ethiopia
Copy of Post Linkedin Size (5)

Regional Coordinator Europe

Based in Belgium
fiona

Communications

Fiona Goggins, Australia 
Copy of Post Linkedin Size (3)

Regional Coordinator West Africa

Based in Cameroon 
Catherine

Translator

Catherine Meunier, France 
IIHS_IMAGE_PHILIP

Executive Assistant

Philip Gaise, Ghana
Copy of Post Linkedin Size (4)

Regional Coordinator South Asia

Based in Pakistan
thumbnail_IMG_20170501_161942~2

Translator

Erica Pem, Cameroon

NEWS AND PRESS

Empowering Change: Bridging Gaps, Building Communities to Advance the UN SDGs

In the heart of a bustling western city, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, a young woman named Aisha lived. She arrived in the town with nothing but a suitcase full of dreams and a heart filled with hope.  Aisha’s journey commenced in a small village in the heart of the Middle East, a place where…

Read more

Unlocking Collective Potential: The 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi

From May 9th to 10th, 2024, the United Nations Civil Society Conference will unfurl its vibrant landscape of ideas, aspirations, and collaborations in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. This event is not merely another gathering on the UN calendar; it is a premier symposium designed to transcend individual silos and propel the UN 2030 agenda…

Read more

Empowering Change: The Significance of the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for gender equality worldwide. This annual gathering, convened by the United Nations, serves as a beacon of hope and progress for millions of women and girls around the globe. Here’s why this year’s session…

Read more

A reflection on the 4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security

In the capacity as the IIHS Women, Peace, and Security Advisor, I participated in the 4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security, which took place at the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research, and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, Pakistan during 26 February – 2 March 2024. The international event aimed to provide a…

Read more
Load more

Facebook

Twitter

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.

Instagram