Servas representatives at the UN

Servas International United Nations Team (SI UNT)

---

SI at UN in Vienna

---

For over three decades, Servas has been the most meaningful and ennobling organisation in my life. Through travelling with my family, including participation in the World Cycle Tour (1999–2001), and by hosting Servas members in our homes, we have built enduring bridges of friendship across cultures. These lived experiences of dialogue, trust, and hospitality have shaped my deep commitment to peacebuilding at the grassroots level.

This journey inspired me to take on leadership roles within Servas India—as State Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, and currently Peace Secretary—where I have worked to strengthen Servas’ mission of fostering understanding through personal connections.

I teach at a Women’s University, where my work closely engages with the aspirations, challenges, and leadership potential of young women. Teaching, mentoring, and counselling have reinforced my belief that peace begins with empowerment, education, and inclusion. While I have collaborated with local NGOs, my engagement with the United Nations marks a significant expansion of this work.

Since becoming UN Coordinator in 2022, I have actively participated in both in-person and virtual UN meetings, consultations, and events. My primary areas of interest and contribution align with SDGs 4, 5, 11, 13, 16, and 17, and I am committed to advancing these goals by strengthening Servas’ visibility and collaborative engagement within the UN system.

---

I am a sociologist, and studied politics at University in Vienna. I worked on topics of Countries of the South and on Living and Working conditions in Austria, especially women. I am a long-time member of Servas and had the feeling of getting closer to UN-work when I visited the UN-Women’s Conference in Beijing in 1996.

At the UN in Vienna, almost all NGOs work together in thematic Committees: Peace, Women, Sustainable development, Ageing, Drugs, etc. Servas International is involved mainly in Peace, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee, also in the Women’s NGO Committee, which takes part in the yearly CSW (Commission of the Status of Women) in NY, in form of statements and by visiting it.

The UN Office for Disarmement Affaires (UNODA), made a video including Servas for their internal workshops on Peace Education for Women, who then might be at Peace-negotiations as demanded in Resolution 1325.

Topics at regular side events we might attend are mainly around women’s sexual exploitation, trafficking in general, environmental crime, cyber crimes, sustainable development, etc. At UN-Vienna, Servas and other NGOs continue our work for a better future.

---

I am a former graduate of Peace Studies, youth worker, English trainer, communications lecturer and teacher. I first joined Servas as a host in 1979. In the 1980's I acted as the National Peace Secretary for Servas England, Scotland and Wales. I also met my wife through Servas and we were married in Budapest, Hungary in 1981. Since 1991 we have been living in Austria.

More recently I have been assisting Angelika as a UN Observer on the Committee for Sustainability. Together we have attended a number of important conferences concerned with nuclear proliferation and the abolition of nuclear weapons. I am also a member of the sustainability committee operated by CONGO which brings together representatives from various NGOs. 

---

I have worked as a teacher (in Italy and abroad), as a researcher and a psychologist. In the last years of my professional career, I also dealt with peace education, intercultural relations and human rights. Currently I am a pensioner and work part-time as a psychologist, but I foresee that in the near future I would leave work engagements and enjoy more room for volunteering.

I have been a member of Servas for decades. I am a host and participated in several national and international events; I was also a member of SI Conflict Resolution Committee for three years.

I feel that UN should play a key role in the world, starting from the issue of peace. Now when globalization has reached high levels, in my opinion we need a governing body for the entire human community more than ever. There is a lot to do at different levels for such a big task and networking might be a key strategy, within which I can try to give my little bottom-up contribution.

---

SI at UN in Geneve

---

Hi, I am Daniela and was born 1971 in Germany. Together with my family I’ve been living many years on the French side of Geneva, where I discovered my passion for intercultural dialogue and human rights. In 2014 I became a member of SERVAS and have been serving as the (main) representative of SERVAS International to the United Nations in Geneva ever since. In this function I am responsible for accreditations, the submission of written and oral statements, as well as the reservation of rooms and preparation for side-events. 

I have supported and hosted SERVAS trainees and other SERVAS members who wanted to attend sessions of the HRC. Between 2018 and 2020 I have been living and working in Bethlehem/ Palestine as country coordinator for a German NGO. After my return I joined a Swiss humanitarian organisation and am now working in the office in Zurich. In the meantime I have moved back to Germany and am now living close to the famous Rhine falls together with my partner, dogs and two goats. Regularly I am returning to Geneva, to attend sessions of the Human Rights Council.

---

Being a member since 1989 in France, I joined SERVAS with the same aim as the founding people of the organisation: help build world peace and meeting people of diverse cultures to forge a relationship. 

Signing up to SERVAS is a means to build peace by promoting exchanges, discussions and being an active motor supporting a better understanding between people. I got the chance to meet numerous members while travelling with my family around the world or as a host. These members became part of my life, by keeping contact and meeting when possible.

After thirty years being a SERVAS member, I would like to take a step further in promoting world peace by actively volunteering. 

In 2021, after the Servas France General Assembly, I decided to join the French working group created to discuss SERVAS and peacekeeping. Attached to Servas values, I have been willing to invest myself into our dear organisation as a new Servas representative at the UN in Geneva.

I am happy and eager to collaborate with the other team members to represent Servas. 

---

I became a member of Servas when I returned from a three months internship in Uruguay, 2007. It was indeed not Europe but South America, where I first learned about our international peace association. In 2013 I became junior assistant to former Peace Secretary Danielle Serres, and together we started wonderful UN activities. The United Nations Human Rights Council is a platform where civil society can raise its voice, exchange ideas with other associations and advertise how civil society can make a change in difficult times. I am convinced that not only governments but also civil society are responsible for the peaceful development of international relations. Meeting people from all over the world and promoting cultural exchange is a proven way to grow peace. Let's travel for peace together!  

---

I joined Servas in 2015, drawn by its vision of peace through human connection. Since then, I’ve had the joy of travelling, hosting and helping organize international workshops as well as events in Italy, India and Germany. These experiences have deeply shaped my commitment to intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Having lived in six countries and speaking five languages, I carry with me a deep appreciation for diversity. My background in business, tourism, and education has given me tools to manage projects and bring people together across cultures. In 2025, I became a Servas representative at the UN in Geneva—an opportunity I embrace with gratitude and enthusiasm.

I am passionate about social innovations, inclusive dialogue, youth and female empowerment as well as sustainable development. I believe in the power of empathy, curiosity, and collaboration to build lasting peace. At the UN, I hope to help amplify the voices of Servas and foster connections with other peace-focused organizations. For me, every conversation is a small act of peace—and I’m honoured to contribute to a world where these moments grow and multiply.

---

I was born in Toulouse, a beautiful city in southern France, where my passion for travel began at an early age and shaped my desire to be a citizen of one peaceful world. Raised in a family deeply involved in community life, I grew up embracing the values of justice, democracy, tolerance, and solidarity. I firmly believe that misery, poverty, unemployment, inequality, illiteracy, ignorance, and the lack of democracy pose serious threats to peace and human security.
I have lived abroad in several countries and speak French, Spanish, and English. Over the years, I have volunteered with multiple organizations advocating for human rights, peace, and nonviolence. For the past 30 years, I have worked as a translator with a strong focus on human rights.
In 2007, I discovered Servas and was immediately drawn to its mission of fostering connections across cultures. Through hosting, travelling, and participating in meetings at various levels, I have met many inspiring individuals committed to building a better world. I have served as Servas International Peace Secretary for seven years and later as SI UN Coordinator.
I now feel ready to join the UNOG team, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening Servas’ role as an NGO committed to a more peaceful world.

---

SI at UN in New York City

---

I’ve always believed in the idea that “to move beyond one’s comfort zone is to learn.”

This was particularly applicable when, as a university professor, I encouraged students to participate in field programmes, often joining them overseas.

To experience another’s day-to-day life, listen to their stories, or share in their ideas is to create a sincere human bond of respect, trust, and honesty, which leads to an open-mindedness around differences.

We all want the same thing: love of family and friends, good health, and opportunities and the flexibility to enjoy these prospects. We are curious, usually rational beings; this curiosity gives us the chance to leave our comfort zone. With retirement, I continue to be curious and share anthropological ideals of cultural sensitivity and understanding.

My role here is to learn and talk about women’s rights, peace, and climate crisis through the lens of those who know - traditional peoples and voices who have been shunned.

---

I am from Bolivia, a South American country. I have a bachelor's degree in Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Educational Technologies and Digital Resources.

I have always been involved in taking care of our only home, The Earth, so I believe that every single step has its impact. Besides, ever since I was a little girl, I have fought for human rights. Everybody, no matter the religion, sex, age, country or other trait, has to be respected and taken into account in any governmental, regional or international resolution.

I love to share experiences with people from all over the world, and I see that with some effort, we can see it without borders. Differences as colours have to make the world attractive, and wherever I am, I want to spread the voice of peace, resilience, freedom and equality.

---

I began membership in Servas as a traveller and host, experiencing the Servas model of peace through intercultural dialog and personal relationship building. It has been such a wonderful learning experience for me, often having tough discussions around my country’s over-reaching issues.

My background in law, and peace think-tanks lead to my interest, attendance, and desire to grow our presence and voice for peace at the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN New York, to fulfill the Servas mission of peace building in this arena. The Servas method of building peace is a powerful way to grow peace and effect change. My personal interests include aiding under-represented populations, indigenous peoples and those whose voices have not been heard, supporting their place at the round-table of the United Nations.

I served as the focal point person/logistic coordinator for our in-person attendance at CSW68 and the orientation and training coordinator for CSW69 as part of the Servas Women team, helping to develop our presence at the UN-NY.

As Main representative for Servas to the UN-NY, one of my goals is to increase collaborations and caucusing with other peace focused ECO-SOC NGO’S who have expressed the desire and means to restore a stronger voice for peace at the UN. Together, growing our relationships we can build a true foundation of global peace for the future.

---

SI at UN in Nairobi, Kenya

---

I am the Main Representative of Servas International to the United Nations Office in Nairobi. I previously served as National Secretary of Servas Rwanda and have contributed to Servas International as a member of the Development Committee and as Africa Convenor.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), a leading civil society organization advancing gender equality, the prevention of gender-based violence, and social justice through gender-transformative approaches that engage men and boys as allies. My work spans Rwanda and the Great Lakes region.
I hold a Master’s degree in Gender and Development and a postgraduate qualification in Peacebuilding. I bring over twenty years of experience in community-based programming, policy advocacy, and social norms transformation. I am a certified researcher and master trainer on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
My work focuses on bridging grassroots realities with national, regional, and global advocacy, ensuring that women’s lived experiences and survivor-centered approaches inform justice systems and public policy.

---

I have been a member of Servas for 9 years now. I have served as the youth contact for Servas Kenya and a volunteer with the Servas Online administration team. Currently I’m the National Secretary for Servas Kenya. A position I accepted with an open heart to serve and to make Servas Kenya grow and be an active player in key Servas activities.
I am honoured to be selected to serve in the role of Servas Representative to the UN in Nairobi. I will serve in this new position in Nairobi to ensure Servas members living in the global south and Africa  are well represented and informed about what Servas is doing at the UN. I am willing to collaborate vastly with all the stakeholders involved to achieve Servas’ objectives. 

---

I am a Development Consultant, youth mentor, trainer, and peace and security practitioner. With a background in International Development and Project Planning and Management, and over fifteen years of experience, I have facilitated trainings addressing peace and security concerns across Eastern and Western Africa.
I am a beneficiary of the Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship (ALAF) and an alumna of the Australian Awards Scholarship. I joined Servas International in 2008 as a host, as the organization closely aligns with my values and goals.
I am passionate about peace, travel, nature, volunteerism, sustainable development, and intercultural exchange. Through hosting, I have gained valuable knowledge and understanding and have forged lasting friendships across the globe. I dream of a world where people can live together amicably, with fewer conflicts and wars.
I am excited to work alongside like-minded individuals as we shape global discourse on peace and security. I am committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized and vulnerable community members so that we can better connect people for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

---

I am a telecommunications project engineer with over nine years of experience coordinating passive telecom projects in Tanzania. I currently lead project coordination at NEWL Company in Arusha, where I focus on structured planning, stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and adherence to safety and service standards. My commitment to accountability and efficiency strengthens project delivery outcomes.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Dodoma and a Master of Science in Project Management from Cavendish University, with my early education completed at Nyegezi Seminary.
I have successfully coordinated numerous telecommunications projects, contributing to improved service delivery across Tanzania. I am also actively involved with Servas Tanzania and Servas International, supporting initiatives in peace-building, climate conservation, safe education, and sustainable development.
I aspire to apply my expertise in senior project management roles within government agencies or international organizations, including the United Nations, to advance sustainable and inclusive development.

---