Ambassadors to the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly

Abhishek Tiwary is a political aspirant and public policy professional currently working with the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA). He contributes to international dialogues on safeguarding schools, students, and teachers in conflict-affected regions, strongly supporting SDG 4, 10, and 16. Abhishek began his career in India, consulting with state agencies on rural transformation, healthcare, and tourism, where he focused on designing people-centric programs and bridging local governance with global policy. Now based in New York, he continues to build global leadership experience while advocating for safer schools worldwide. He believes governance is an act of service and strives to contribute to a generation of leaders who view public service as a moral responsibility toward a more secure and equitable world.

Kiran Raj, hailing from Mirpurkhas, began her impact journey through the AFS Asia Kakehashi Project in Japan. Upon returning home, she built ImpactGen to advance SDG 4 and SDG 5, focusing on empowering young women and expanding access to education in rural communities. Her work connects to the broader SDG framework by promoting youth leadership and social awareness. As part of the AJ Science College student council, she helped organize Global SDG awareness summits. She later represented Pakistan at HPAIR (Harvard College Project). As a Youth Assembly Ambassador 2026, she aims to continue uplifting voices that are often unheard and strengthen pathways for equitable opportunity.

Prachi Pundir is a youth climate leader and the founder of Project Peepal, a community-based initiative that builds climate-resilient livelihoods in the Himalayan foothills of India. Her work supports over 150 farming families across six villages with regenerative agriculture, eco-tourism, and youth-led environmental education, actively advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2, 13, and 15) by linking environmental restoration with economic dignity. An alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program and a long-time AFS India volunteer, Prachi embodies youth empowerment. She currently serves as a World Food Forum Youth Representative 2025 with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and is a member of the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI). Prachi advocates for youth-driven, region-based solutions, demonstrating that climate justice and economic justice must go hand in hand.

Qurbonali Qurbonov is a research associate at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His experience growing up in Tajikistan instilled a passion in him for advancing health and well-being. He contributes to rare disease and public health research projects, aiming to understand and treat pediatric disease. Driven by his commitment to UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Qurbonali works to ensure scientific breakthroughs reach the people who need them most. He has also served as an International Student Ambassador, mentoring hundreds of students. As he advances his career in healthcare, he aspires to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to help communities thrive.

Seoyeon Kim is a passionate changemaker dedicated to advancing global health, education, and equality. She is preparing to pursue a joint MPH/JD to serve as a public-health advocate and diplomat. Currently, she is interning at the Oklahoma State Capitol and engaging in policy research, linking science, law, and social impact. Committed to the UN SDGs, she leads initiatives aligned with SDG 3, 4, 10, and 16. Whether mentoring youth or coordinating international-student programs, she brings collaborative leadership to every endeavor. As an Ambassador, she seeks to amplify youth voices, foster intercultural understanding, and promote equitable access to health and education worldwide.

Yumi Parajuli is a global youth leader and advocate dedicated to advancing gender equality, social innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship. As the Co-Founder of Entreprenaari, Yumi focuses on building supportive ecosystems for women entrepreneurs, particularly from Nepali and South Asian backgrounds, enhancing their access to mentorship, networks, and resources. With intercultural experience as a United Nations Online Volunteer, Yumi brings a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity and collaboration. Her work contributes to UN SDGs 5, 8, and 9, with an additional focus on mental well-being. Yumi is known for her ability to connect diverse communities and translate ideas into action.

Abdelrahman Hafrag is the Co-Founder and CTO of Almach AI, a company reimagining how the world learns through intelligent, human-centered design. A computer engineering student whose education has taken him across more than eight countries, Abdelrahman’s nomadic learning journey shaped his belief that the way we learn defines the way we live. Witnessing how cultures approach education differently, he set out to tackle one of humanity’s biggest challenges — quality education for all. Through Almach AI, he is building a global ecosystem for competency-based, real-world learning — one that empowers learners, educators, and institutions to design purposeful, future-ready experiences.

Chernor A. Diallo is a youth development practitioner from Liberia, completing his BA in California, USA. After graduating high school, he returned home and founded Model United Nations (MUN) Liberia. This youth-led nonprofit, focused primarily on SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), advances global citizenship education and promotes the SDGs across Liberia. To date, MUN Liberia has impacted over 500 students and youth leaders across West Africa through conferences, community actions, and advocacy. An alumnus of the 30th Youth Assembly Climate Entrepreneurship Academy, Chernor is an aspiring social entrepreneur committed to empowering and connecting the next generation of Liberian youth leaders to the global community.

Emmanuel Amaechi is a sustainability, cloud innovation, and leadership practitioner focused on advancing the UN SDGs. He serves as Program Specialist for Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada at the University of Calgary, engaging organizations across Canada to accelerate SDG implementation. He co-founded Green Naze, bringing STEM and environmental education to secondary schools, and Street2School, which provides quality education to 70+ out-of-school children in Nigeria. Emmanuel speaks at global forums, mentors with SEO Scholars San Francisco, and is dedicated to leveraging innovation to deliver measurable SDG impact in education, climate, and community well-being.

Kwamena Addo Nhyira Hammond is a dynamic social impact leader and youth advocate. He serves as the Country Director of Play Soccer Ghana (PSG), an organization using soccer as a tool for sustainable community transformation. At PSG, he leads the “Play for Fun, Learn for Life” initiative, which integrates soccer, mentorship, and education to advance quality learning, life skills, and peaceful community engagement. As the former West Africa Regional Representative for Man Up Campaign Inc. and a committed AFS volunteer, Kwamena has mobilized over 3,000 youth globally, advancing gender equity and civic leadership. He is also the Founder of The Christian Millionaires’ and Billionaires’ Club (CMBC), a global, faith-driven movement empowering entrepreneurs for social good.

Leon K. Tuazama is a dedicated nursing student and global youth advocate committed to advancing health equity, education, and leadership development. As a returning Youth Assembly Ambassador, he continues to champion the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 3, 4, and 10.
Leon previously served as President Emeritus of the Student Government Association at Clayton State University, where he led initiatives that promoted civic engagement and inclusive student leadership. Now pursuing a degree in Nursing, Leon integrates his passion for healthcare and public service to address disparities in access and outcomes. His mission is to combine clinical compassion with civic responsibility to create sustainable solutions that improve lives.

Mercy Musingo is the co-founder of UGWE African Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers girls in Eastern Uganda through STEM, climate education, mentorship, and menstrual health innovation. She holds a Bachelor in Civil Engineering and has led initiatives to empower young women to become the next generation of leaders in STEM, contributing to the SDGs. She has been part of global platforms as a UPG Sustainability Leader, UN Millennium Fellow, and an EU Youth Empowerment Fund grantee. Mercy has been recognized for her impact with an Outstanding Young Alum Award by the US Mission. Her vision is to build inclusive systems that center marginalized voices, particularly youth and girls, in education and innovation spaces.

Tshegofatso (Blessing) Molapo is a dedicated PhD student in Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Her research focuses on developing solutions for SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This commitment is evident in her leadership of EcoChem, an award-winning initiative that has equipped over 50 young women in underserved communities with skills to produce eco-friendly hygiene products from repurposed waste. She further champions SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the WhizzBang program, which brings engaging chemistry experiments to learners in under-resourced schools. Tshegofatso’s mission is to build a sustainable future that is innovative and inclusive

Yasmina Sherif is a PharmD graduate from Alexandria University with a passion for the intersection between healthcare, climate change, and gender equality. With over seven years of experience in youth advocacy, Yasmina has collaborated with Egyptian ministries on national and international initiatives. She was selected by the U.S. State Department to study at Saint Mary’s College, where she developed a project empowering women displaced by climate change. In 2025, Yasmina was selected by AstraZeneca as one of twelve scholars worldwide to join the AFS Youth Assembly in New York. Guided by purpose, Yasmina aspires to continue shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and health-conscious world.

Ana Alicia Sánchez Arriola is an ESL teacher and clinical psychologist from Guatemala, passionate about empowering youth through education, service, and intercultural learning. At Colegio Intellego, she integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, 13, and 14, into her teaching through projects promoting environmental responsibility. She also volunteers with AFS Guatemala, fostering global citizenship, and is an active member of the Young Lasallian Network, where she has coordinated initiatives supporting SDG 10 and 16. After representing Guatemala at the AFS Youth Assembly 2025, she is honored to serve as an Ambassador, continuing to inspire youth to take action for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Andressa Reis, from Brazil, is an advocate for socio-environmental justice and youth empowerment across Latin America. As the founder of the youth-led READURBAN, she leads efforts to strengthen climate education and disaster resilience in low-income communities. Andressa addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, sharing the stage with global leaders to advance discussions on youth and education. She has collaborated with organizations such as UNDP, TikTok LatAm, and Fridays for Future, combining creativity, leadership, and policy advocacy to inspire collective climate action. Guided by SDGs 4, 11, and 13, Andressa envisions a generation of youth equipped to design more resilient and inclusive futures.

Blanca Judith Mujica Acuña is a Peruvian lawyer specialized in Public Management and a strong advocate for sustainable development, diplomacy, and social equity. She serves as the Co-founder and Director of Public Relations at Ikua4Change, President of the Manos que Sanan Foundation, and National Representative of NAM Youth Organization (NAMYO) in Peru. Through these organizations, she actively promotes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, 4, and 13. At Ikua4Change, they deliver programs on environmental education and preventive health in Amazonian communities, while Manos que Sanan focuses on expanding access to health services for vulnerable populations. As a UN Youth Representative and Ambassador of Peace, she works to strengthen youth leadership and contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda.

Fernando Desteffaniz is an Argentine lawyer specialized in educational and social management. He is the founder of Asociación Civil Adelante, a nonprofit organization that develops programs in early childhood stimulation, literacy, youth empowerment, and access to healthcare for underserved communities. At the National University of Mar del Plata, he works fostering partnerships that strengthen the social role of higher education. His commitment aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). He connects local action with global dialogue through international initiatives, seeking to ensure that learning and healthcare become a bridge toward dignity and equal opportunity.

Kirstine Alexandrea Lauricio Co is an 18-year-old changemaker, community leader, and advocate for youth empowerment. As Miss Teen Philippines Canada 2024 and an Ambassador of Goodwill for the Philippine Canadian Fountdation (PCCF), Kirstine uses her platform to amplify youth voices. She supports PCCF’s efforts to advance SDG 1, 2, and 4 through fundraising for underprivileged communities in the Philippines. Kirstine is also a youth speaker and a self-defense instructor, empowering women and youth to build confidence and resilience, supporting SDG 5 and 3. She volunteers with AFS IPP Metro Manila and YouthGlobal, continuing her work to connect young people. Now serving as an AFS Ambassador, Kirstine believes leadership starts now, inspiring others through compassion, courage, and purpose.

María Victoria Porras Fernández is a passionate young leader from Costa Rica, dedicated to driving social impact through technology and innovation. As a full-stack developer and aspiring biomedical engineer, she aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and cutting-edge technology, creating accessible solutions that improve lives. Her commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals centers around SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through her work and projects, she strives to empower communities by promoting equitable access to innovation and education in STEM fields.

Nicolás Wassarab is a political scientist and international relations graduate from Argentina, currently pursuing a PhD in National Defense. His academic work explores how innovation, governance, and security intersect to strengthen state capacity in Latin America. He is the creator of PiloteAR, a youth-led initiative that promotes digital innovation and civic engagement through workshops and policy dialogues. PiloteAR empowers young people to co-design technological solutions for public challenges, contributing directly to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). His vision is to inspire youth across Latin America to connect global conversations to local action.

Allegra Cuomo is a student at University College London and an Ambassador for the 31st AFS Youth Assembly 2026 in Geneva. As an alumna of the 2025 New York Assembly and a 2023 AFS Global Changemaker in India, she champions the power of international cooperation in solving global issues. Her main area of impact is at the intersection of technology and social good, with a focus on responsible AI and ethical technology governance. She collaborates with organizations focused on digital literacy, AI ethics, and ed-tech, committed to leveraging technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Building on her experience as an AFS Global STEM Academies Alumni Mentor, Allegra is excited to support prospective delegates.

Zaki Pauzi is a Senior Data Scientist at BP and a passionate advocate for sustainability and global collaboration. With expertise in advanced analytics and AI, Zaki leverages data science to address critical environmental and social challenges, accelerating progress toward the UN SDGs. His work spans multiple SDGs, including SDG 4, 7, 11, and 13, by promoting data literacy, improving energy efficiency, and supporting decarbonization strategies. As a former delegate at the Climate Entrepreneurship Academy, Zaki gained hands-on experience in developing innovative solutions for climate challenges. His vision is a world where data science enables smarter cities, equitable education, and sustainable development for all.

Al-Dana Al-Sulaiti is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Qatar, with a minor in Arabic and a Certificate in Media and Politics. Her academic and professional work focuses on diplomacy, international relations, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on Qatar’s foreign policy, mediation efforts, and role in promoting regional stability. She is currently interning with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to humanitarian and development initiatives and advancing SDGs 5 and 8. Al-Sulaiti previously worked with Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry on efforts aligned with SDG 17. Additionally, she worked with the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, leading educational initiatives promoting sustainability (SDG 13) A firm believer in youth leadership, Al-Sulaiti aims to build a career in international affairs that supports Qatar’s global efforts to promote peace and development.

Manar Alanazi is an active leader in youth diplomacy and a pioneer in global leadership and international cooperation. She holds a Master’s degree in French Translation and a diploma in youth leadership. Manar has played a central role in developing youth initiatives, especially in women’s empowerment, driven by her belief in the new generation’s ability to shape a brighter future. Manar has designed initiatives focused on youth empowerment in line with SDGs 4, 5, 13, and 17. She also served as an ambassador promoting Saudi tourism at Expo Dubai 2021. Manar was awarded the Medal of Excellence and Innovation in Youth Work by the GCC General Secretariat and continues her efforts to advance youth development, following her principle: By and For Youth.