Global Council of Trustees

Eric Roux is currently the President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom and the Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. He engaged in advocacy for religious freedom in the 2000s, and never stopped since. Writer of several books and dozens of articles, he always considered that advocacy for religious freedom should be done by multifaith coalitions. He is regularly invited as a speaker at OSCE, Council of Europe, EU Parliament, United Nations, US Capitol, etc. He also works in various interfaith platforms at the European level. He is an ordained Minister of the Church of Scientology.

Mr. Issac S. Thomas is a young leader from Kerala, India. He joined URI at the age of 13 and has been working amongst youth since then. Initially part of the South India Sri Lanka region, he was one of the first young leaders training program (YLP) candidate and later became the Youth Ambassador for the region. He founded Global Youth Movement (GYM) CC in 2017 and joined the Multiregion. Under his leadership, youngsters have grown and thrived as individuals and as a group concentrating on platforms like interfaith, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, conflict resolution and reconciliation, women and youth empowerment, environmental protection and sustainable development, disarmament of nuclear weapons, advocacy for human rights etc. His vision, work ethics and ability to build bridges have kept him steadfast in his mission as a peace multiplier. He is also the coordinator of ‘One Billion Youth for Peace’ movement by Cosmic Community CC and an active member of the Youth Ministry of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Outside of URI, being a Bachelor of Technology graduate in electronics and communication, he works as a Network Engineer in Doha, Qatar. He strongly believes that URI is a global family and sticks to the motto 'Think globally and act locally.'

Daniel Eror was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He obtained formal education at the University of Sarajevo, Master Studies of Economy and Management, with a focus on Human Resources as well as the Master Program of Interreligious Studies and Peacebuilding at the Faculty of Catholic Theology Sarajevo, the Faculty of Islamic Studies Sarajevo, and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology Vasilije Ostroski Foča.

He is a member of civil society with 14 years of progressive experience in the field of intercultural dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding, mainly working with young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as abroad.

He is a founder and president of Youth for Peace, an organization which has positioned itself as one of the most prominent youth-led organizations in BiH, working in the field of peacebuilding. Daniel has been an active member of the United Religions Initiative network for several years. He has been a URI Global Council Trustee and URI Europe Treasurer since 2018.

In Religions for Peace Europe,  he serves as a co-president of the Organization. He is a certified trainer for work with youth, with expertise in the field of conflict transformation, dealing with past experiences, human rights, and discrimination.

Faith Community: Christian; Episcopalian 

Bishop William E. Swing is the Founder and President Emeritus of URI. As the 7th Episcopal Bishop of California (1980‑2006), he led significant engagement in homeless and immigrant ministries, HIV/AIDS response, and inter‑religious outreach in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1993, at the invitation of the United Nations, he convened an inter‑faith service to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UN Charter—an event that catalyzed the formation of URI.

In his role on the SAC, Bishop Swing offers a visionary anchor for URI’s values of inclusive spirituality, inter‑faith dialogue and peacebuilding. His global network, deep experience in faith‑community leadership and institutional founding provide wise counsel for scaling daily inter‑religious collaboration, ending religion‑related violence and strengthening cultures of justice, healing and ecological stewardship.

Karen Volker was appointed Executive Director of URI and assumed her new role on March 1, 2025.

Karen started at URI in January 2023 as URI’s Director of Partnership and Violence Prevention, and she has delivered on all counts. After 25 years as a U.S. diplomat and ten years at the international nonprofit Cure Violence Global, Karen has earned the much-deserved respect of all her colleagues and the URI Global Council.

Prior to working at URI, Karen’s impressive career included serving as:

• Director of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) in the U.S. State Department, offering strategic guidance and management of a $530 million assistance program focused on promoting pluralistic and prosperous societies in the Middle East and North Africa.
• The U. S. Coordinator for the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, responsible for the development of U.S. policy toward the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe and the development of regional assistance programs in the Balkans.
• Vice President of Cure Violence Global, serving as the primary contact for the Board of Directors and introducing the health approach to violence prevention to several new countries and cultural contexts.

As URI’s new Executive Director, Karen will continue to build the strategic vision, collaborating with all URI stakeholders to mobilize resources and expand the contributions of newly integrated regional teams. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to the purpose and principles of URI.

In Karen’s own words: “I am honored and excited to be taking on this leadership role at a critical time in URI’s history. As we celebrate URI’s 25-year anniversary, we will focus on growing our dynamic network and increasing our interfaith impact so that together we can achieve our vision of a world where peace, justice, and healing prevail.” 

Faith Community: Christianity

In addition to serving as a member of the SAC, Lijo Chacko also serves as a Trustee (At‑Large) of URI’s Global Council. He is CEO of Sigachi – Middle East & Africa and brings a strong global social‑impact orientation.

He has been a Trustee of the Tanta Gatha Foundation, advisor to the Global Equality Alliance, and was instrumental in the Global Action on Poverty network building program. He holds a Masters in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies (UK) and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Lijo’s experience leading corporate‑sector and philanthropic initiatives in culturally diverse and development‑intense settings aligns directly with URI’s mission.

He supports bridging business, civil society and faith networks across regions — helping to expand URI’s reach into Africa and the Middle East, build resource partnerships, and enable locally‑led inter‑religious cooperation in areas of complexity and opportunity.

Ngnedjou Francoise Foute is an accomplished leader with extensive experience serving as a Trustee and advisor for several organizations. She has played key roles in overseeing strategic initiatives and guiding executive decisions across various industries. Her leadership includes responsibilities in organizational governance and advisory capacities, ensuring operational success and contributing to the growth of the organizations she supports. Francoise’s commitment to excellence and her expertise in strategic planning have made her a valuable asset to the teams and organizations with which she has been involved.

Vincent Leong is a global trainer and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to empowering individuals and organizations through transformative coaching. As a co-founder of the Global Youth Cooperation Circle within the United Religions Initiative (URI), Vincent has contributed to fostering interfaith collaboration and youth leadership across diverse communities. His expertise has earned him invitations to prestigious platforms like Stanford University and the UN-URI Multiregion Leadership Council. With a passion for growth, Vincent continues to mentor startups and lead innovative programs aimed at inspiring positive change, embodying URI’s mission of peace and unity through interfaith dialogue.

Fareena Maria is a Computer Science Engineer with a Master's degree in International Business. As a co-founder and CEO of a software company, she specializes in managing large-scale projects and is currently based in the UAE.

With a focus on youth upliftment and women empowerment, she has been the state president of the Human Rights Resource Centre (HRRC) and an active part of URI for a decade. She was the Indian youth representative at the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) World congress held in the UK and has participated in multiple youth exchanges to Sri Lanka. Her goal is to change the world one deed at a time.

Faith Community: Catholic

In addition to serving as a member of the SAC, Barbara Shannon serves as a Trustee (At‑Large) of URI’s Global Council. She is CEO of the Shannon Group, advising C‑level executives across high‑tech and other industries. She founded THECEOBOARD (a San Francisco‑based peer group for CEOs) and ATHENA (a mastermind group for women entrepreneurs). Previously, she worked with Deloitte Consulting guiding senior executives at JPMorgan Chase, MetLife, Lockheed Martin, Hewlett Packard and Applied Materials.

She serves on boards including We Vote, is Global Ambassador for How Women Lead and was coach‑in‑residence for Save The Bay. She holds a B.A. from Smith College and an MBA from the Wharton School.

Barbara’s strategic business leadership, focus on gender‑inclusive executive networks and governance expertise significantly bolster URI’s institutional growth and outreach. Her ability to engage senior business and executive networks adds dimension to URI’s efforts in mobilizing resources, building partnerships and strengthening the global faith‑network platform for inter‑religious cooperation.

Rabbi Michael Shevack has been Director of Communications at the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding at Sacred Heart University. He taught Spirituality and Comparative Religion in the School of Social Welfare at SUNY Stony Brook, and Business Spirituality at the Iacocca Center for Global Entrepreneurship at Lehigh University. He is the author of six books.

Prior to his ordination, he was a “Mad Man” and created some of the biggest campaigns in the world, including the still-running Gillette, The Best a Man Can Get. Rabbi Shevack is called upon to help religious groups and worthy non-profit organizations create their identities and discover their voices.

Eilda Zaghmout was born in Jordan to a Palestinian refugee family from Beit Jala and moved to Palestine in 1999. She holds a BA in Business Administration and Marketing from Bethlehem University. After working in the business and non-profit sectors for 10 years, she became a certified 200-hour Yoga teacher in 2013 and later completed Level 1, 2 and 95-hour Kids Yoga teacher training with Baptiste Institute. In 2015, Eilda co-founded Beit Ashams, Palestine’s first specialized yoga studio. She is the Head of Meditation at TAWAZON, a Wellness Trainer. A mother of two, passionate about guiding others on journeys of self-discovery.

Katende Abdu has just retired as a lecturer in the Department of Religion and Peace Studies, Makerere University where he has taught for the last 35 years in the areas of Islamic Theology, Peace Studies and Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue. He is also the Executive Director of the Centre for Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue (CIID). He is a Fulbright Fellow and a Peace Ambassador for the King Abdallah International Centre for Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue (KAICIID). He has over 30 years of experience in the areas of Religion, Peace and Conflict Studies.

His Grace Salika Dasa Adhikari, a Comparative Religionist,  is the Temple President of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Jos, Plateau State. He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the National Council of the ISKCON Movement in Nigeria. A recipient of several national and international awards, His Grace has travelled widely and presented papers at local and international conferences on religion, world peace, development, and environmental degradation. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Leadership, Education and Development (CILED).  He also serves on the Governing Council of the Global Interfaith University.

Sabina Sekai Taderera is a Zimbabwean-born peacebuilder and human rights advocate based in South Africa, representing the Angel's Nest Southern Africa Cooperation Circle, which she founded in 2016.

Drawing on her own experience of displacement, she has focused her work on advancing human rights, climate action, and peace and security for refugee, migrant, and displaced communities.

She holds a Paralegal Certificate from the University of Cape Town and an African Civic Engagement Certificate from the University of Georgia. She is a trained trainer and has extensive training in mediation, facilitation, conflict analysis, and management through ACCORD.

In 2024, she co-founded the Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees with a vision of creating a unified and inclusive society where migrants and refugees are empowered, protected, and their rights are upheld.

Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye is a peacebuilder and interfaith mediator based in Nigeria who co-founded the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) in 1995. For three decades, he has worked alongside his colleague Imam Dr. Muhammad Ashafa to transform interreligious conflict into collaboration and build sustainable peace.

He holds a PhD in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Leadership from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has served as Chief of Party for the USAID-supported Training of Religious Leaders and National Coexistence program and as Project Director for the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace programme. Wuye views peace as a shared, sacred duty rooted in forgiveness, empathy, and the courage to engage across lines of faith.

Reni K Jacob is a lawyer and social work professional based in Kerala, India, and has been active with URI for the past decade through the Sauhrida Vedi Thuruthicadu Cooperation Circle.

He holds degrees in social work and law from Kerala University, a Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore University, MS in pastoral sociology from the Philippines and an MBA from Eastern University in the United States.

Over a four-decade career, he held advocacy and peace-building leadership roles at World Vision India and later served as Director of Partnerships and Government Relations at International Justice Mission.

He is a founding trustee of the National Coalition for Education in Delhi, Trustee of URI India, and the author of nine books on human rights and social work, bringing legal and fiduciary expertise to the Global Council.

Dr. M.P. Varsha is a social worker and development professional in Mysuru, India, and serves as URI’s State Organizer for Karnataka through the Mysuru Palace City Cooperation Circle.

He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Mysore and has worked for more than three decades in child welfare, women’s entrepreneurship, and rural development.

He previously served as Director of Training for the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE), and now leads CREDIT-I, an NGO he founded to advance environmental protection, education, empowerment of women and youth and disaster response in Karnataka.

He also serves as National Working Chairman of the All India Consumer Welfare Council (AICWC), State Convenor of Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA) and President of the Rotary Club of SEVA Mysore, and has received numerous national and international honors.

Daniel Eror was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He obtained formal education at the University of Sarajevo, Master Studies of Economy and Management, with a focus on Human Resources as well as the Master Program of Interreligious Studies and Peacebuilding at the Faculty of Catholic Theology Sarajevo, the Faculty of Islamic Studies Sarajevo, and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology Vasilije Ostroski Foča. He is a member of civil society with 14 years of progressive experience in the field of intercultural dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding, mainly working with young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as abroad.

He is a founder and president of Youth for Peace, an organization which has positioned itself as one of the most prominent youth-led organizations in BiH, working in the field of peacebuilding. Daniel has been an active member of the United Religions Initiative network for several years. He has been a URI Global Council Trustee and URI Europe Treasurer since 2018. In Religions for Peace Europe,  he serves as a co-president of the Organization. He is a certified trainer for work with youth, with expertise in the field of conflict transformation, dealing with past experiences, human rights, and discrimination.

Eric Roux is currently the President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom and the Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. He engaged in advocacy for religious freedom in the 2000s, and never stopped since. Writer of several books and dozens of articles, he always considered that advocacy for religious freedom should be done by multifaith coalitions. He is regularly invited as a speaker at OSCE, Council of Europe, EU Parliament, United Nations, US Capitol, etc. He also works in various interfaith platforms at the European level. He is an ordained Minister of the Church of Scientology.

Ivana Barać is a pedagogue and Coordinator of Programs at the Sombor Educational Center in Serbia, where she has led youth and children’s programming since 2018. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, both from the University of Novi Sad, and is currently pursuing training in systemic family psychotherapy.

She chairs the Board of the National Association of Youth Workers (NAPOR) and serves on the Youth Council of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC). Within the Sombor Educational Center Cooperation Circle, she developed the Sustainable Development Goals Academy for children and youth.

Barać brings over a decade of civil-sector experience in inclusion, conflict transformation, and youth leadership to URI’s Europe region.

Dimitar Borumov is a political economist and educator who teaches Bulgarian History at and is vice principle of the ‘St. St. Cyril and Methodius’ Bulgarian School in the Netherlands.

He holds an MA in International Relations and a BA in International Studies, both from Leiden University, with a specialization in Global Political Economy.

Since joining the Bridges – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue Cooperation Circle in 2024, he has served as a youth leader, event organiser, and facilitator, and is a Certified URI Youth Facilitator supporting URI Europe’s youth camp and workshop programming.

He also writes as a columnist for The European Times. Borumov is committed to building interfaith cooperation grounded in environmental justice and dialogue across religious and cultural traditions.

Elianildo da Silva Nascimento, a seasoned lawyer and advocate for human rights, currently serves as the Coordinator of Policies for the Protection and Promotion of Religious Freedom at the Human Rights Secretariat of the Government of the Federal District. With a law degree from Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, he has played pivotal roles, including Executive Secretary for several district committees focused on religious diversity, combating torture, and eradicating slave labor. Elianildo has been a staunch advocate in the Brazilian National Congress since 2002, focusing on religious freedom and disarmament. His extensive experience in promoting interreligious dialogues and coordinating human rights conferences marks him as a leading figure in human rights advocacy in Brazil.

Francisco Morales is Urban Indigenous member of the Aymara community in Argentina, and he is a social science student and writer on issues of Indigenous worldview and Latin American thinking. Francisco has been a part of URI since 2008, when he and others founded Comunidad Cosmica CC. He was selected as URI Youth Ambassador in 2010 and serves as a member of the URI Multiregion Leadership Team. He has been a part of the youth facilitators team since 2017.

Currently, Francisco is also advisor to different social organizations on issues of interreligious dialogue and diversity in conflict situations. He is a member of the First Nations of America Student Community - CEPNA. Together, with other Indigenous writers, Francisco founded the Circle of Indigenous Written and Oral Knowledge.

Marina Tirado Misle, a graphic designer from Venezuela, combines her artistic talents with a passion for peace and interreligious dialogue. Educated at College Vieux Montreal, she has been the President of Centro Zen Bodaishin since 1993 and is deeply engaged in spiritual education and community initiatives. Marina advocates for enhancing communication within the United Religions Initiative network in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on harmonious collaboration and shared goals. She is committed to developing programs for youth that promote peace culture, dialogue, and environmental care, aiming to empower future generations and foster community support through strategic partnerships. Fluent in Spanish, with proficiency in French and basic English, she integrates Zen training and Reiki mastery into her leadership and community work.

Ahmed Abdullah Mohammed Salih is a distinguished legal advisor and lawyer from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. He holds Bachelor's degrees in Law and Agricultural Engineering. His passion for law inspired further studies, leading to a Master’s degree in Cybercrime Law. Ahmed took on leadership at "Smart Lawyer," a company known for its exemplary legal and advisory services to both local and international organizations. He has significantly contributed to leading and supporting student and youth organizations. Since 2010, he has been an active participant in the activities of URI (United Religions Initiative), working diligently to eliminate violence and promote justice and peace. 

Dr. Omar Ahmad Tayeh is from Amman, Jordan and has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with experiences in the private sector, public institutions, NGOs, and educational institutions. Dr. Tayeh is one of the founders of the Arab Council for Gifted and Talented, Jordanian Psychological Association and Jordanian Volunteer Center, and has worked as a general director for one of the biggest schools in Jordan, as well as the President of Private Schools Council. He has also established cultural exchange programs between Jordan and the USA, Germany, Italy, and other Arab countries. Dr. Tayeh is interested in subjects related to education, peace, cross-cultural Issues, human rights, and religions. 

El Hassane Zamani, from Morocco, is an accomplished professional in Information Sciences and a dedicated leader in community and interfaith initiatives. He holds a Master’s degree in Archives and Documentation from the School of Information Sciences in Rabat and has significantly contributed to educational leadership as the General Director at prominent educational institutions. A foundational member of several NGOs and deeply involved with the United Religions Initiative since 2010, El Hassane has led numerous workshops on leadership, negotiation, and citizenship. Proficient in Arabic, French, and Spanish, he is committed to promoting interfaith cooperation and integration projects. He currently leads the Moroccan League for the Protection of Children and founded the Rotary Club of Maamora Kenitra.  

Greshma Pious Raju, an interfaith leader from India, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies and holds degrees in English and International Peace Studies. Founder of the Ecopeace Teen Café CC, she champions youth engagement and interfaith dialogue. Fluent in Malayalam, English, and Hindi, and intermediate knowledge in Spanish, Greshma has effectively led initiatives addressing environmental sustainability and human rights through her Ecopeace Movement.

Her commitment to the United Religions Initiative’s principles is evident in her advocacy for interfaith collaboration, empowering youth and women, and using innovative approaches to expand dialogue and build inclusive communities. Greshma is also a vocal advocate at international forums, where she promotes global peace and environmental action. Her local and global efforts aim to foster mutual understanding and community cooperation.

Catherine Starr, from Canada, is an experienced personal life coach with a Master’s in Library Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Houston. Her career includes roles in information management and web development, alongside significant interfaith leadership. Since 2006, Catherine has been the Wiccan Chaplain at the University of Toronto, and from 2008 to 2023, she chaired the Campus Chaplains Association, coordinating efforts across multiple chaplains. A key participant in the 2018 Parliament of World Religions’ Toronto Steering Committee, she has extensive experience in group facilitation and public speaking. Catherine is dedicated to enhancing support for grassroots organizations through URI, advocating for shared learning to tackle community challenges.

Mr. Issac S. Thomas is a young leader from Kerala, India. He joined URI at the age of 13 and has been working amongst youth since then. Initially part of the South India Sri Lanka region, he was one of the first young leaders training program (YLP) candidate and later became the Youth Ambassador for the region. He founded Global Youth Movement (GYM) CC in 2017 and joined the Multiregion. Under his leadership, youngsters have grown and thrived as individuals and as a group concentrating on platforms like interfaith, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, conflict resolution and reconciliation, women and youth empowerment, environmental protection and sustainable development, disarmament of nuclear weapons, advocacy for human rights etc. His vision, work ethics and ability to build bridges have kept him steadfast in his mission as a peace multiplier. He is also the coordinator of ‘One Billion Youth for Peace’ movement by Cosmic Community CC and an active member of the Youth Ministry of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Outside of URI, being a Bachelor of Technology graduate in electronics and communication, he works as a Network Engineer in Doha, Qatar. He strongly believes that URI is a global family and sticks to the motto 'Think globally and act locally.'

Vasu Bandhu is serving as Interfaith Manager for the Arizona Faith Network; as a member on the International Youth Committee of Religions for Peace; as a Global Council Trustee from North America for the United Religions Initiative; and as Chair for the North American Interfaith Network. Since the age of 18, he has dedicated his life to serve the interfaith movement.

After several years of service in promoting interfaith collaboration with diverse religions, including diverse Buddhist traditions, he decided to join the Dhammapada Sangha (a new lineage and independent community, started and self-determined as a Buddhist community by Sifu Koio Samadhi).

Geneva Blackmer has served as a Global Council Trustee for URI North America since 2020. Her background consists of interreligious cooperation at a grassroots level, working with numerous interfaith organizations and CCs, including the Interfaith Center at Miami University, the North American Interfaith Network, the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, Faith Communities Go Green, Interfaith Cincy, the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, and CRES. Currently a PhD researcher within the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Divinity and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, her work explores structured interreligious encounter and approaches to anti-discrimination. Her published research and writing focus on digital religion, interreligious education, and church history.

Rev. Will Rucker is the Director of Community Health—Nevada at Intermountain Health, focusing on enhancing mental well-being, healthcare access, and equity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion, a Master in Executive Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With over two decades of experience in ministry and interfaith dialogue, Will is a respected healthcare leader and an influential voice in promoting inclusive cultures through his coaching and speaking business.

His involvement extends to roles with the Charter for Compassion, Compassionate Las Vegas, and the Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition. As a URI Global Trustee, Will aims to advance URI’s mission of fostering peace, justice, and healing.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Adrian Villaester serves as an Interfaith and Peace-building Consultant to the Iligan City Government in the Philippines and as an Ordained Priest with the All Nations Anglican Church.

He holds a Master of Theological Studies in Interfaith Engagement and Grace Theology from All Nations Anglican University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Peter’s College. His career includes roles with Ecosystem Works for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) and as Project Manager for the Peace Connect Project at Pakigdait Inc.

Villaester represents the Interfaith Youth Council (IYC) Cooperation Circle within URI’s SEAPac region, bringing nearly a decade of interfaith engagement to the role. He is guided by servant leadership, dialogue, and reconciliation across faiths and cultures.

Sithen Sum is Executive Director of the Sunflower Film Organization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Founder/Producer of Sunflower Film Alliance. He also directs Chaktomuk Short Film Festival and serves as a multimedia major advisor at Norton University and Build Bright University.

A graduate of Royal University of Phnom Penh and Busan Asian Film School, he has trained through Salzburg Global’s Asia for Peace Innovators Forum and Southeast Asian Art Residency at Rimbun Dahan. Sithen has been a member of Sunflower Film Organization Cooperation Circle within URI’s SEAPac region since 2024.

Through his work in film and storytelling, he builds grassroots partnerships across cultures and faith traditions in service of peace.

Philippa Rowland has served as President of the Multifaith Association of South Australia (MFASA) since 2017, and was elected Co-Chair of Religions for Peace Australia in 2022.

She holds a Graduate Diploma in Resource and Environmental Management from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Agricultural Research Institute.

Her career spans 12 years in science policy on sustainability in the Federal Government followed by community organising on Interfaith Dialogue, Climate and Renewable Energy transition. Rowland represents the MultifaithSA Cooperation Circle within URI’s SEAPac region. She is committed to connecting people across faiths and cultures in shared care for the Earth.