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Ashvin Bhalekar
bssekamuliBenjamin Ssekamuli is a seasoned Water Resources Engineer whose expertise in hydrology, geospatial information management, and integrated water-resource systems’ planning and management has been honed through collaborations with regional bodies across multicultural, multinational settings in transboundary contexts. Recognizing that conflict—from everyday interpersonal disputes to crises sparked by natural disasters—often arises not only from gaps in communication and understanding but also from the limited appreciation of diversity associated with nature, he has dedicated himself to the study and practice of mediation and conflict resolution. As a passionate advocate for peace in a world beset by conflict, and through his affiliation with the World Mediation Organization and other partners, Benjamin blends scientific rigor with culturally sensitive dialogue techniques to foster effective communication, trust-building, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. His ultimate dream is to harness collaborative, data and information-driven mediation to bridge divides and empower individuals, communities, and regions vulnerable to conflict.Uganda
LynneLang53Lynne has been a resident of the United States all her life and currently resides in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. She has been active in peace efforts since 1971 in her local community, and in 1998 began training young people and adults in peacbuilding efforts and bullying prevention in schools. She is married and has grown children and grandchildren. She and her husband celebrate 50 years o marriage in May 2025.United States (US)
Bellur
erickmuturiAs a dedicated law student at the University of Nairobi with a passion for justice, human rights, and conflict resolution, I am eager to contribute to your mission of fostering global peace and understanding. I have developed a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and advocacy. My role as a Research Assistant at the Kibera High Court has honed my ability to analyze complex legal issues, while my editorial work with the University of Nairobi Law Journal has strengthened my research and communication skills. My article, “Legal Tools for Wildlife Conservation and Protection,” reflects my ability to address complex topics effectively. I have also excelled in moot court competitions, earning accolades such as Best Male Oralist and Best Debater, which have enhanced my critical thinking and oral advocacy skills. What draws me to the WMO is its focus on creating actionable insights to address global conflicts and promote peace. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the Conflict Insight Journal and develop research papers that inform policy and practice. This internship aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a legal advocate for marginalized communities and a catalyst for systemic change. I am excited about the prospect of learning from the WMO’s experts and contributing to projects that advance global peace and stability.Kenya
atiyamurshedI am a first-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) student at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata. My academic journey includes participation in internal mediation and negotiation competitions, along with courses on Artificial Intelligence and Law at IIT Kharagpur and the New Criminal Laws at NUJS. I have also interned at Viral Fission, where I gained marketing experience with brands like Engage and Tata Crucible among others. Additionally, I have contributed to university societies, such as the Society for International Trade and Competition Law and the Leadership and Training Service Society (LTS), focusing on outreach programs and social initiatives.India
AbdulAzizI am currently pursuing a Bachelor of International Relations at the University of Central Punjab. I have experience as a Research Analyst at the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, where I conduct reports related to national and international developments also editing the transcript of interviews etc. Additionally, I serve as a Researcher at the Himalayan Research Institute, analyzing and writing opinion blogs on geopolitical dynamics and security. I have also contributed as a Content and News Analyst at News Globe, crafting insightful news captions, headlines and reports. However, I am deeply passionate about conflict resolution and global peace initiatives. Joining WMO will provide me with an opportunity to strength my research capabilities and participate meaningfully to discussions surrounding mediation and conflict resolution. I aim to explore innovative solutions for international disputes and deepen my understanding of peace-building mechanisms. Publishing under WMO’s ISSN-holding journal will also provide me opportunity to contribute in related fields.Pakistan
Andreea
LucyBabafemi
UnyimeMorganMy professional and research background spans mediation, intellectual property, real estate, and contract drafting and review. I have mediated or co-mediated cases involving partnership disputes, debt, land, inheritance, family matters, tenancy, and accidents. I also have practical experience drafting and reviewing real estate contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, settlement agreements, client onboarding contracts, vendor agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.Nigeria
Zachariah J. WinklerI am from the Midwest United States, with experience working as a researcher and in the Federal Government. I have interests in science education, political activism, and lost media recovery and preservation. Married to my incredible and brilliant wife, who is currently pursuing a medical degree in a D.O. program.United States (US)
OlayinkaAkinyedeWMO Membership Level: Intern. I studied Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in May 2000. I obtained a graduate degree in Law at the University of London, United Kingdom. I have attended several training and certificate programs in Human Rights, Mediation, and ADR. I am pursuing my Ph.D. in mediation and Conflict Resolution at Euclid University. I worked at the Ministry of Justice, Lagos, Nigeria, for over ten years, after which I relocated to the United States, where I currently work as a special education teacher. The nook and corner of the world seem to spew up violence and chaos. All the demarcation of the world and its continents has had its share of violence and terror. We have all seen, experienced, and endured pain and suffering, either caused by our own hands or inherited. Peace appears unachievable in a world of chaos and violence. Therefore, saying “A world without peace” sounds more reasonable than saying “A peaceful world.” However, peacemakers have not given up on the world! Mediators are called the Sons of God! Every resolved conflict moves us to peace on earth. “Every drop of water matters in an ocean.” The world can know peace, and “there is a possibility of Peace in conflict.”United States (US)
BuliEdjetaBuli is a dedicated researcher and consultant specializing in resistance, peace, conflict, sustainable development, citizen engagement, and Horn of Africa issues. His academic background includes an MA in Social Anthropology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and an MPhil in Social Anthropology focusing on human ecology from the University of Bergen, Norway. He is pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy at Euclid University. Throughout his career, Buli has conducted extensive research for various bilateral and multilateral organizations, including USAID’s IBTCI, JICA, GIZ, and the World Bank. His expertise and experience make him well-suited to contribute to research, mediation, peace activism, and teaching initiatives within the Organization. Buli’s current research focuses on examining the relationship between conflict, political instability, underdevelopment, and poverty in an underdeveloped African country, with implications on a global scale. This work aims to illuminate the complex interconnections between these critical issues and their broader impact on sustainable development. As an intern member of the World Mediation Organization (WMO), Buli is eager to apply his diverse skills and knowledge to support the organization’s objectives. His background in social anthropology, human ecology, sustainable development and diplomacy provides a unique perspective that can enhance the WMO’s understanding of the social and environmental factors influencing climate-related challenges in Africa and beyond.Ethiopia
NatalieWMO Membership Level: Intern. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Administration, and International Relations, with my thesis focused on food security in Europe. My academic interests include emotions in (international) politics, memory policy, and the role of religion in peace building. Additionally, I am intrigued by the dynamics between the North and South regions, exploring the challenges arising from regional asymmetries. My interest in becoming a part of WMO is rooted in a dedication to fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware approach to conflict resolution. Recognizing the need to overcome Eurocentrism and Western-centric ideologies in mediation, I aspire to contribute by promoting diverse perspectives within the organization's initiatives. My vision is to work collaboratively within the WMO framework to advance a more inclusive and globally relevant understanding of effective conflict resolution practices.Germany
PaoloMantecchiniWMO Membership Level: Intern. I am graduate student of International Relations and Organisations at Leiden University. My passion for diplomacy and public policy brought me to work for the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The objective of the internship was to find creative strategies to support the diversification of Venezuelan exports to the EU, increasing secondary industry exports. I am now also working for the Centre for African Peace Justice and Human Rights that cooperates with public and private stakeholders and local governments to provide safe, non-violent and effective learning environments in the African continent. My Interest to join the World Mediation Organisation stems from the belief that culture sensitive, inclusive and fair mediation practices have great preventative and reparative power at the international level. I am a strong supporter of within-reach and accessible mediation trainings to foster and cultivate mutual understandings and cultures of non-violence and conciliation. I believe these types of training produce widespread individuals’ empowerment and provide the foundations of a cooperative international community.Netherlands
emmaholtslagWMO Membership Level: Fellow. Belgian-Mexican national, growing up in Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. From this multicultural tapestry, I am fluent in Dutch and English, with a working proficiency in Spanish and currently learning Arabic. I am in the final stages of my master’s and am currently applying for internships and PhD positions. Multilingual and international researcher with previous experience working as a freelance writer for a non-profit online magazine and for a relationships charity. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with the highest distinction in Drama, a testament to my expertise in interpersonal communication and creative problem-solving. My academic journey continued with a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Euclid University. My research is currently centered on discovering the positive potential within conflict and considering post-colonial perspectives in examining resource wars, proxy wars, and so-called ‘failed states.’ To become part of the growing movement for intercultural understanding and education of global complexity and interconnectedness, using this evolving comprehension to contribute to research, discussions, and solutions for de-escalating world conflicts and tensions.Netherlands
EmmaPowerWMO Membership Level: Intern. From a primarily Mexican-American community in the US, I speak both English and Spanish. I am pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, Security, War, and Peace. I have attended Ankara and Boğaziçi Universities in Türkiye and am working towards proficiency in Turkish. Background: CLS Turkish Scholar, Fulbright-Hays Fellowship Recipient (Turkish Language and Culture Program), EU studies Semester Program. Professional Vision: I am committed to promoting multicultural communication and non-violent conflict resolution. My professional vision is to contribute to peaceful conflict resolution.United States (US)
SoumyaRupa
JMVSIKUBWABO
drmarjibrown@gmail.comWMO Membership Level: Mediator. Dr. Margaret Brown (Akiiki) is a dispute resolution professional. An experienced Mediator since 2011, she has been an active Mediator for over 15+ years mediating hundreds of cases. Akiiki has worked extensively with the Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center and Juvenile Court. She works with organizations of all sizes, providing consultation, and mediation training. She has been a member of the World Mediation Organization since 2022. Akiiki graduated from Excelsior University with a master's degree in Conflict Resolution and became a certified Mediator in 2011 through the Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center and the Transitions Mediator Center. She received her Facilitator Training credentials from Fayetteville Technical Community College. An active member of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), and she’s an IIRP Trainer. She earned her doctorate at Aspen University in Adult Learning w/an emphasis in Instructional Design. Akiiki established a mediation firm with areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Peer-to-Peer Mediation, and Basic Mediation 101 programs. Dr. Brown has completed extensive mediation and dispute-resolution training.Germany
Richard McDevittWMO Membership Level: Mediator. I’m grateful to serve as a Mediator at McDevitt Mediation Center, a company I founded in 2011 after leaving my position as Circuit Court Magistrate Judge in Northwest Indiana, roughly forty miles from downtown Chicago. I refer to myself as a Peacemaker because I find it much more descriptive of how I approach my efforts to help people resolve conflict; that, and the fact that most people have no idea what a mediator is. I help people involved in legal disputes to resolve their differences on their own terms, rather than asking a judge or jury to decide their fate. I’m honored to have worked with lawyers and their clients from all over the country in nearly every type of legal dispute, including complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, medical and legal malpractice, corporate litigation, municipal disputes, workplace issues, contracts, and eminent domain, to name a few. My mission is to bring peace to the parties by offering them a faster and less expensive solution than going through the court system. It’s my nature to inject humor into everything I do. In my practice that’s often difficult because many of our cases involve death, injury and personal and business financial disruption and ruin. Our Wall of Fame is an example of my effort to encourage an atmosphere of cordiality and joy. When litigants enter our mediation center, the first thing they see is that walls are covered in 8” by 10” framed photographs of people, mostly lawyers, shaking hands or having their arms around each other. The Wall started as a joke a few years ago when two attorneys, Tim Schafer and Bruce Clark, were at my office for Court-ordered mediation in a case involving serious personal injury. Mr. Schafer arrived at my office in a white Rolls Royce, and Mr. Clark jokingly told him that he would give him a gift if the case settled. Later that morning the case did settle, and Mr. Schafer asked about the gift. Mr. Clark took us out to the parking lot where he had installed a 'Bruce Clark and Associates' license place holder on Mr. Schafer's Rolls. I took their photo crouching behind the car, mounted it in an 8 x 10 frame and hung it on the wall in my Center. Eventually, another attorney asked how he could get his photo on the Wall, and I told him if he settled his case I'd put his photo on the Wall, too. The Wall now has hundreds of photos, which I also display on my social media pages. Having helped to settle thousand of cases, I welcome the opportunity to help you to resolve your disputes (and get your photo on our Wall).United States (US)
Kristina_m
Shilpa Bhasin MehraWMO Membership Level: Mediator. Professional Background: A legal consultant from India, based in Dubai, UAE for the past 25 years. I had extensive experience in the legal field through my working with law firms as well as in-house. I write regularly for law magazines in India and a daily newspaper in UAE. I am an associate member of CIArb.United Arab Emirates
sanjayjain
biljanadjBachelor of Laws, University of Montenegro, School of Law, Podgorica, (average mark 9,75), graduated for 3,4 year. Master of Laws, University of Belgrade, School of Law Belgrade. Doctor of Laws, University of Novi Sad, School of Law, Novi Sad. Certificate mediator, District Court of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Certificate trainer for mediation, Center for ADR, Ljubljana, Slovenia. II POSITION HELD: Assistant, University of Montenegro, (1987-1992). Assistant-Professor, University of Montenegro, (1992-1997). Associate Professor, University of Montenegro, (1997-2002). Professor of Law, University of Montenegro, 2002-present. Director of Center for Legal Clinics, 2003-present. Director of postgraduate civil procedure program (2005/2012). First Mediator in the Republic of Montenegro, 2005-present. Roster Mediator and Trainer for Mediation in Montenegro, U.S. and Austria. Member of the Regional Master Program on EU Business Law and lecturer. Vice Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Montenegro, 2012-2015. Vice President of Scientific Committee of the University of Montenegro, (2012-2016). Arbitrator at International Arbitration Moot at Vienna and Hong Kong (2003-present. III COURSE TAUGHT and OTHER SERVICES: A (Home University) Civil Procedure Law; Law of Evidence; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Mediation; Arbitration; Civil Procedure Law Clinic; Legal Skills; EC Procedural Law. B (Host University) Visiting Professor at the Central European University/ CRC, Legal Department, Budapest, Hungary, (1998), (2002),(2011); Visiting Professor at the College of Law, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, U.S. (2003); Visiting Professor at the School of Law, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, (2004); Visiting Professor at the School of Law, Jagelonian University, Krakow, Poland, (2003); Visiting Professor at the Magdalen College, University of Oxford, (2004); Fulbright Professor at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Washington, DC, (2004/05, 06); Visiting Professor at the University of Alabama, (2005); Visiting Professor at Columbia University, NYC, (2005); Visiting Professor at Vienna Law School, (2010); Lecturer at Public and Private Justice Summer School, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2007/08, 09, 012); Visiting Professor at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Nederland, (2006); Lecturer at Democracy and Law Summer School, Dubrovnik, Croatia, (2011, 2012). IV OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: A (Research work) Westminster College, Oxford, England, summer 1981, study English language; Central European University (Summer University), Budapest, Hungary, 1998, course-Legal Theory and Judicial Review; George Washington University and Georgetown University, Washington DC, U.S., March 2-25, 2003, research of clinical legal education; University of Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, April 7-15, 2003, workshop-legal clinics; Internship program at the Multi-Door ADR Division of the Superior Court of District Columbia, Washington DC, (2006); University of Rotterdam, May, 2006- Mediation. B (Projects) Life and work legal writer Valtazar Bogisic, School of Law, Podgorica, 1988-1992; Modernization of Law in Eastern Europe, Institute for European Law, Frankfurt/M, Germany, 2002; Clinical Legal Education, School of Law, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, ABA, Fondation of Open Society, 2000-2005; Human Rights Clinical Education UNHCR, Podgorica, 2007/08; Notary Law, GIZ, 2009; Civil Procedure Law, OEBS, 2013; Legal Reform, USAID, 2005/06; Mediation, Ministry of Justice 2005-2006; CABAFUL project, Erasmus+, University of Montenegro, 2016-2019; ENEMLOS project, Erasmus+, University of Montenegro, 2019-2022, coordinator. C (Conferences) Kopaonic School of Natural Law, International conference, Serbia, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2003, 2004 - speaker; King Nicholas-Life, Work and Time, International conference, Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art, 1998, speaker; International Commercial Arbitration, International conference, School of Law, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, 1998, speaker; Code General of Montenegro and Hill, National conference, Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art, 2000, speaker; Dynasty Petrovic-Njegos, International conference, Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, 2002, speaker; Harmonization of Arbitration Law and Practice, International conference, Permanent Arbitration Court, Zagreb, Croatia, 2002, speaker; Third Balkan Law School Linkage Initiative Conference, ABA CEELI, Skopje, Macedonia, 2002, speaker; Externships: Learning from Practice, Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Washington DC, March 2003, speaker; Fourth Balkan Law School Linage Initiative Conference, ABA CEELI, Rijeka, Croatia, 2004, speaker; Second GAJE Conference, Krakow, Poland, 2004; Regional Conference on ADR, Ljubljana, 2005; Regional Conference on Mediation, Sarajevo, 2004, speaker. European Mediation Conference, Belfast, April 2008, speaker. European Mediation Conference, Paris, May 2012, speaker. Global Alliance for Justice Education, Bandung, 2019, speaker. Move on from covid19 with Mediation Initiatives in Vienna and Singapore, VIAC, Vienna, September 2020, on line. Opportunities for participation of young people with disabilities in Erasmus Programs, Podgorica, 2020,on line, speaker. Remote Construction Arbitration: Innovation and Constants, Vienna Arbitration Day, February 12nd, 2021, on line. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Justice Education in Times of Crises (Global Alliance for Justice Education, the International Journal of Clinical Legal Education and the Association for Canadian Clinical Legal Education and hosted by the the Northumbria University (UK), June 16-18, 2021, on line. Balkan Arbitration Conference 2021, July 5-7, on line. Global Alliance for Justice Education and Royal Institute for Global Justice Celebrating Nelson Mandela Day, July 17, 2021, on line. V MEMBERSHIP and ACTIVITIES in PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: Member of the Council of the Law Faculty, (2003); Member of the Redaction of Journal of the Law Faculty; Member of the Jurists of Montenegro; Member of Association of the University Teacher; Member of Central and East International Study Association; Editor in chief of the Bulletin of Legal Clinics, School of Law Member of Montenegrin Mediation Association; Member of ABA/ADR; Member of International Conference on Mediation on Justice; Member of Committee for Legal and Political Sciences of the Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art; Member of GAJE; Member of Menagment Board of SEELS; Memberof the QCB of CABUFAL; Member of the MB and QCB of the project ENEMLOS and Coordinator of ENEMLOS; Member of European Network for Clinical Legal Education; Member of World Mediation Organisation. VI COMMUNITY SERVICE: Member of the Government of Federal Expert Team for Reform of Civil Procedure (1998); President of the Government of Montenegrin Expert Team for Judiciary Reform of Civil Procedure (2003), (2015); President of the Government of Montenegrin Expert Team in working to the Mediation Law; President of the Government of Montenegrin Expert Team in working to the Non Contentious Law; Legal advisor of USAID in implementation Civil Procedure Law, Non-Contentious Law, and Enforcement Law in judiciary system; Legal advisor of GTZ in implementation Notary Law; Legal advisor of GTZ in implementation Customer Law; Legal expert of OEBS in implementation Civil Procedure Law; VIII LANGUAGE: English (Proficiency Diploma, Westminster College, Oxford). PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks Gradjansko Procesno Pravo (Civil Procedural Law), Podgorica, (4th ed.); Manuel for the Basic Course in Mediation (coauthor), Ljubljana 2008; Handbook of ADR and Mediation Terms, Podgorica, 2013. Monographs Utvrdjivanje istine u parnicnom postupku (Establishment of the Truth in Civil Procedure), Podgorica, (1998); Uticaj krivicne presude na parnicu (The Impact of Criminal Verdict on the Litigation), Podgorica, (2002); A Spectrum of Views on Legal Clinics, (coauthor) Podgorica, (2003); Posredovanje (Mediation), Podgorica, (2006); Techniques for Teaching Law, (translation from English on local language), Podgorica, (2005); Practicum for Legal clinics, (coauthor), Podgorica, (2006); Modernisierung durch Transfer im 19. Und fruhen 20. Jahrhundert, coauthor, Frankfurt, (2006): Zbornik radova o Zakonu o parničnom i izvršnom postupku (Collecting Papers on Civil and Enforcement Law), (coauthor), Podgorica, 2004. Najbolje prakse u poducavanju prava EU (koautor), Podgorica, 2019 Commentaries 1.Commentaries to the New Civil Procedure Code of Montenegro, Podgorica, (2004); 2.Pekinska deklaracija i platforma za akciju ( Beijing Declaration and Platform for action, coauthor), Podgorica, (2004); 3.Commentaries to the New Mediation Law of Montenegro, Podgorica, (2009). She wrote 150 articles, commentaries, reviews in international and domestic law journals.Montenegro
arbitration2021A Just Transition and Sustainability Advocacy Professional with strong focus on ADR for Human Rights and Dignified Labour, l work with leading German Foundations like Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and GIZ professionally while dedicate my time to WMO as a Fellow and Emeritus to spread its goal universally.BourneMedI have served internationally in the UK military in conflict zones and has a varied career in business as an entrepreneur and dispute resolution specialist. I own and run the Gibraltar Business Centre (https://www.gibraltarbusinesscentre.com). Having completed and passed an interpersonal Mediation course with UK Mediation decided to take things further by enrolling in an Executive Diploma for Mediation, having passed this with straight ‘A’s is currently launching Gibraltar’s first independent internal mediation service that can provide a well-rounded and versatile service but is centering on Family Mediation and Divorce Mediation.Germany
Tobias VolzWith over 10 years of experience in social and economic development and peacebuilding, I am an Education Advisor at GIZ/ Khmer Rouge Tribunal, a global leader in international cooperation and sustainable development. I hold a PhD in Mediation and Conflict Resolution and, among others, a Master's degree in Organization and Communication from the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau. In my current role, I collaborate with universities in the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Cambodia in developing peace and conflict studies curricula, integrating best practices from local and traditional practices in non-violent conflict transformation. Previously, I provided technical assistance and advice on fundraising, networking, and capacity sharing for peace, gender, LGBTQIA+, and SRHR projects and programs in Nepal, Myanmar, and Georgia. I have also established and managed partnerships with universities, donors, and research institutions, and produced technical reports, proposals, and communication materials. My core competencies include curriculum development, fundraising, networking, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and project management. I am passionate and dedicated to advocate for human rights in Asia and beyond.Germany
dr.smithDr. Jerry D. Smith Jr. is a seasoned clinical psychologist with a focus on forensic psychology. As a consultant and the founder of Breakthrough Psychological Solutions PLLC, he brings a wealth of expertise in correctional and personnel management, as well as corporate leadership. Skilled in crisis communication, conflict resolution, behavioral analysis, and the assessment of violent tendencies, Dr. Smith is well-equipped with both Doctoral and Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology and Professional Counseling.United States (US)
