international committee

Inger Mette Stenseth is a Norwegian curator, sustainability advocate, and educator, known for her interdisciplinary work in creative entrepreneurship. She co-founded the World Climate School and 360hub Global, focusing on ecological awareness and systemic change through arts, science, and education. As a systems thinking facilitator, she emphasizes creativity as a transformative tool for sustainable practices. Stenseth has worked extensively with youth projects under Erasmus Plus and collaborates globally with organizations like the Norwegian Climate Network. Her initiatives promote cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and innovative learning methodologies.

Manish Jain is the founder of Shikshantar Andolan and Swaraj University in Udaipur, India. A pioneer in alternative education, he advocates for self-designed learning, unschooling, and cultural regeneration. His initiatives include Creativity Adda and Learning Societies Unconference, which challenge traditional schooling systems and promote community-driven learning models. Jain’s work focuses on fostering creativity, gift culture, and urban organic farming. A graduate of Harvard and Brown universities, he actively engages in intercultural dialogue and filmmaking to inspire broader societal change.

Vijay Sinha is the founder of Skyline Architectural Consultants, a leading firm specializing in innovative building designs and sustainable architecture across India. He is credited with designing iconic structures like Lucknow's Ekana Stadium and the Hanumat Dham with its 108-foot Hanuman statue. With nearly three decades of experience, Sinha has contributed significantly to green building practices, urban planning, and landmark architectural projects that blend functionality with aesthetics. His firm also excels in HVAC systems, landscaping, and construction management for diverse projects across India.

Jon Corippo is an award-winning educator and EdTech innovator who serves as Executive Director of CUE (Computer-Using Educators). He co-authored EduProtocols, emphasizing student-centered learning through technology integration. Corippo has revolutionized teacher training by creating engaging educational events that have impacted over 60,000 educators globally. Known for his dynamic presentations and innovative lesson designs, he also developed Minarets High School’s cutting-edge curriculum. His work focuses on reducing teacher workload while improving academic outcomes through research-based professional development programs.

Irmeli Halinen is the former Head of Curriculum Development at the Finnish National Agency for Education, where she spearheaded transformative reforms in Finland’s education system from 2014 to 2017. Her work emphasized inclusivity, creativity, and personalized learning approaches, aiming to foster student engagement and holistic development. Halinen championed collaborative curriculum reform processes that involved teachers, students, parents, and civil society organizations, ensuring transparency and shared ownership. Her efforts helped establish Finland’s reputation as a global leader in equitable and high-quality education.

Aïcha Bah Diallo is a former Minister of Education in Guinea (1989–1996) and a trailblazer in advancing girls’ education across Africa. Under her leadership, school enrollment among girls in Guinea doubled, marking a significant milestone in gender equity. She co-founded the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and worked with UNESCO to improve female education globally. Diallo has received numerous accolades, including the French Ordre des Palmes Académiques and has been recognized as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People for her unwavering commitment to education and women’s empowerment.

Rickie Dhillon is the Superintendent/CEO of Kepler Neighborhood School in Fresno, California. Since 2023, she has transformed the school into a thriving educational hub through innovative leadership and strategic planning. Dhillon’s expertise in business administration and urban education leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing operations and fostering student success. She actively contributes to community development through advisory roles with organizations like the California Teaching Fellow Foundation and Disability Advisory Commission. Her dedication extends to pursuing a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership at USC.

Olivier Ledoux is a French sculptor celebrated for his participatory approach to art that bridges human connection and nature. His works range from monumental sculptures to intricate designs inspired by Roman art, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Ledoux’s creations often involve collective engagement, fostering collaboration within communities. His sculptures are recognized for their ability to evoke deep emotional resonance while reflecting themes of cultural heritage and environmental harmony.

Dr. Bharti Gandhi is the co-founder of City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, recognized as the world's largest school by Guinness World Records. A visionary educator, she has dedicated her life to promoting peace through education while empowering women globally. Her contributions have earned her prestigious awards, along with her husband like the Culture of Peace Award from Japan’s Goi Peace Foundation. They jointly received the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 2002 for their contributions to fostering global citizenship through education. Dr. Bharti Gandhi has also been honored with the DEVI Award by the Sunday Standard and the UP Ratan Award for her remarkable contributions to education and social development

Dr. Sunita Gandhi is an educator, researcher, author, and innovator behind ALfA (Accelerating Learning for All), a transformative pedagogy addressing quality K12 education, and foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) gaps globally. A Cambridge PhD in Physics, she founded DEVI Sansthan and Council for Global Education to serve millions of disadvantaged children through groundbreaking initiatives like One Tara Free Alternative School. Dr. Sunita Gandhi has received several accolades, including "Educator of the Year 2014" by the India Book of Records and "Visionary of Uttar Pradesh" by Dainik Bhaskar in 2017. In 2025, she was honored with the FICCI FLO Award in Education for her outstanding contributions to FLN.

Michaël Feneux is an artist-builder. He creates symbiotic architectures in resonance with the living. A sculptor of harmonies and a French advocate of sustainable construction techniques, this climate designer specializes in sacred geometry and the creation of zomes, unique geometric structures composed of diamonds arranged in a double spiral. His work emphasizes artistic expression, the efficiency of materials, the circular shape, and a consideration of environmental sustainability. His recent creation, the Tear of Midas, was presented at the 14th Wood Construction Forum in 2025 under the emblematic vault of the Grand Palais. This structure symbolizes humanity's awareness of the consequences of unbridled, consumerist development and its current impact on our common future. It is a symbol of beauty and hope that invites us to unite by re-enchanting the act of building in symbiosis with nature. Nature is so precious, putting it back at the heart of our lives, reconsidering its sacred function opens us to a perspective of sustainable humanity. Michaël Feneux's work highlights the potential of zomes as ecological and mimetic architecture of the 21st century, modular and transportable, it combines art and innovation, and invites us to meditation and contemplation. Small is beautiful! The infinitely large is also the infinitely small... Let us find our place in the universe

Pirjo Koivula is a Finnish educator and policymaker known for her contributions to inclusive education and early intervention reforms. She played a pivotal role in drafting Finland’s early intervention law, ensuring preventive support for students with diverse learning needs. For her groundbreaking work, she was knighted with the Order of the White Rose of Finland. Koivula serves as Counsellor of Education at the Finnish National Agency for Education and collaborates internationally on projects focused on special needs education and accessibility.