Group 2

Hi everyone! My name is Filippo Novali. I was born and raised in Italy, but I’m currently pursuing my undergraduate studies at Albion College in Michigan. I’m a junior with a double major in Political Science and International Studies and a minor in Philosophy.

My passion for politics has always been a characteristic of mine. I love being informed, and I love being an active part of society. I believe that we all have the right and the duty to be informed about what happens every day in the world, so I am not only passionate about internal politics but also about diplomacy and international policies.

I am excited to start my journey at the prestigious Athens Democracy Forum, and I look forward to interacting with other students from around the world. As for my learning, I can't wait to exchange ideas and opinions with my peers who are passionate about the subject like me, and I hope to do so through debates and exchanges of different perspectives.

My name is Sofie and I am a dual national of Bulgaria and Ireland currently living in Paris, France. I am studying International and Comparative Politics with a minor in Law at the American University of Paris, where I’m focusing on global governance and human rights. Growing up between different cultures has given me a strong interest in democratic engagement and witnessing the contrast between the two further my engagement, all of which drew me to the Youth Democracy Forum.

Alongside my studies, I have been involved in Model United Nations through being a board member of my universities club and attending international conferences, where I have developed my policy analysis and public speaking skills. These experiences have strengthened my passion for international affairs and led me to intern for Eurofound based in Dublin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, where I was exposed to both structural challenges to institutions and the practical work that diplomatic organisations do.

I hope to pursue a career in the field of human rights and international advocacy, focusing on protecting democratic values and promoting equal opportunities across borders. I am excited to participate in the Youth Democracy Forum and to engage with students and leaders from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to democratic dialogue and positive social change.

Hi everyone! My name is Nour Al-Tzaratli, and I was born and raised in Greece with Syrian ethnicity. I am currently studying International Relations and European Affairs at The American College of Greece in Athens. Growing up between different cultures shaped the way I see the world and sparked my interest in diplomacy, international cooperation, and dialogue between societies.

My interest in democracy and global affairs has developed through both my academic studies and involvement in student organizations. I currently serve as President of the Deree Model United Nations Club and President of the IREA Society, where I help organize discussions, workshops, embassy visits, and events focused on international politics, European affairs, and contemporary global challenges. I am also a co-editor of Volume 3 of the Institute of Global Affairs Journal at The American College of Greece, an experience that further strengthened my interest in political analysis and international discourse.

Alongside my studies, I have participated in debate tournaments and international invitationals across Europe, including competitions in Bulgaria, Austria, the Netherlands, and Scotland. These experiences strengthened my interest in public speaking, critical thinking, and understanding different perspectives on international issues.

As someone who is trilingual, I deeply value cross-cultural communication and learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences. I am very excited to participate in the Athens Democracy Forum, exchange ideas with students from around the world, and engage in meaningful discussions about democracy and today’s global challenges.

I am Willona Asare Ayesu, a rising junior at The College of Wooster. I am Ghanaian-American but have spent most of my life in Ghana! I am a Political Science major with a concentration in international relations. I am involved in my college’s moot court advocacy team as well as Model UN, and so I am excited to utilize my skills from these areas in ADF. Additionally, I am a voter engagement intern in my college’s moot court town and so I couldn’t be more excited to discuss democracy with new faces. I can’t wait to meet you all!