International Institute for Human Security

Global Dialogue for Human Security

The International Institute for Human Security (IIHS) is a global think tank that connects policy dialogue with grassroots insight to advance human security and sustainable development.

We work with regional changemakers to share local knowledge and address urgent challenges—from displacement and climate resilience to peacebuilding and sustainable local development. Through research, briefings, and storytelling, IIHS highlights contributions from communities often underrepresented in global conversations.

Our contributors—academics, practitioners, and local leaders—share articles, reports, blogs, and video insights through IIHS’s storytelling platform, including the Virtual World Café. These contributions bring lived experiences and local solutions to the forefront, with voices from regions such as Romania, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Benin, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Pakistan, the USA, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, and beyond.

About Us

The International Institute for Human Security (IIHS) is a global platform linking policy and local action, serving as both a think tank and advocacy hub. In collaboration with international organizations, academic institutions, thought leaders, and grassroots practitioners, IIHS advances human security and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since 2019, IIHS has bridged the gap between global policy and local realities by amplifying grassroots initiatives and building strategic partnerships that drive impact on the ground and in global forums.

We invite diplomats, policymakers, and changemakers to join us in advancing human security and achieving the UN 2030 Global Goals through practical, sustainable solutions.

Mission

Our Mission: To advance human security by connecting global policy with the contributions of grassroots efforts in communities worldwide.

The International Institute for Human Security (IIHS) is a global platform and think tank advancing human security through research, collaboration, and grassroots engagement. We connect local action with global dialogue to drive sustainable solutions. IIHS is committed to strengthening collaborative dialogue. Through high-level engagement, we spotlight local initiatives that drive meaningful, lasting change.

As a think tank and advocacy hub, IIHS conducts dialogue, research, programming, and strategic partnerships to ensure that human security efforts stay centered on individual and community well-being, in line with the UN definition. IIHS is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3).

FIELD NOTES & INSIGHTS

Global Security: Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Environmental Security in Southern Africa

Indigenous and local knowledge systems have been essential in promoting environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and traditional agricultural practices in Southern Africa.

The Securitization of Climate Change: A Rising Global Security Challenge

Climate change has evolved from merely an environmental or developmental issue to being widely perceived as a severe security threat – an existential risk demanding urgent and extraordinary measures to prevent instability, conflict, and displacement.

Welcoming Our 2025 Regional Contributors

The International Institute for Human Security (IIHS) is proud to welcome our 2025 cohort of Regional Contributors — a dynamic group of volunteers offering critical regional perspectives on today’s most pressing human security challenges.

IIHS at UN Geneva: Advancing AI Solutions for Developing Nations

IIHS Founder, Shon Abegaz, attended the recent AI for Developing Countries Summit (AIFoD), which concluded with a groundbreaking declaration and rich discussions on AI’s role in addressing developmental challenges.

OUR PROGRAMS

♦ Knowledge Enhancement Program

IIHS Core Program for Leaders and Changemakers (CPLC), led by Dr. Yara Zgheib

An immersive, high-impact multi-day workshop where a select cohort of fellows from around the world come together to design and enhance innovative peacebuilding initiatives. This annual program alternates between an in-person retreat in the Swiss Alps and an online format, ensuring participation from individuals in traditionally underserved and geographically isolated regions. The program fosters collaboration and actionable strategies for advancing global peace efforts.

♦Discussion Series

Advocacy Unplugged: Bridging Perspectives | Led by Tiffany Hayes
This ongoing series, led by Tiffany Hayes, offers in-depth discussions on global peace, security challenges, and progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Through these sessions, we spotlight the personal stories of global changemakers making a significant impact in fostering lasting change.

Voices of Refugees | Led by Tiffany Hayes

Also led by Tiffany Hayes, this ongoing series amplifies the voices of women migrants from around the world. It highlights the work of Restarter, a Dutch-based platform founded by Noemi Mena Montes and Anita Delhaas-van Dijk, empowering refugees to rebuild their lives through networks, education, and employment opportunities.

Human security is anchored in the strength of key societal elements, which we refer to as societal stabilizers. Our efforts prioritize six critical components of human security.

Institutional Capacity
Women Refugees and Trafficking Victims
Food Security
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Climate Protection
Indigenous Cultural Heritage

GRASS ROOTS INITIATIVES WE SUPPORT

The Mobile Museum of Modern-day Slavery - Romania, Moldova

The Mobile Museum of Modern-day Slavery

Advocacy Unplugged

Copy of Virtual Cafe' FB Images Posts (3)

Copy of Virtual Cafe' FB Images Posts (13)

Copy of Virtual Cafe' FB Images Posts (2)

ADVISORY AND STEERING COMMITTEE

Dr. Gervais Rufyikiri

Special Advisor

Humanitarian; Former Vice President, Republic of Burundi

Gianina Dimitrescu

Steering Committee

Ms. Dimitrescu is the director of the Directorate for Strategies, Policies, Programs, and Monitoring of Equal Opportunities within the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men within the Romanian Government. Ms. Dimitrescu serves as representation to numerous organizations. She is active in numerous working groups, including the working group tasked to negotiate the conditions and application of cooperation agreements and protocols signed at the government level between Romania and other EU member states.

Fatoumata Tambajang Jallow

Special Advisor

Humanitarian; Former Vice President, Republic of The Gambia

Dr. Aurora Martin

Vice President, Steering Committee

Dr. Aurora Martin is an anti-discrimination and gender expert. She is Senior Advisor in International Relations within the Romanian Government and Parliament (on behalf of National Agency for Equal Opportunities, Ministery of Labour and Social Justice, and National Council for Combating Discrimination)

Dr. Yara Zgheib

Steering Committee

Yara is a policy researcher and analyst as well as a writer. She consults with governments and the nonprofit sector on peace and security strategies, with an emphasis on conflict resolution, counter terrorism, and countering violent extremism. Yara leads the IIHS Core Program for Leaders and Changemakers and is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish.

Agnes Cikowska-Teczar

Steering Committee

Agnes Cikowska-Teczar is a GIS Analyst/Location Strategist with experience in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, location strategy, site selection methods, market analysis, field data collection, and location optimization. In addition, Agnes holds several certificates from NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Training program. Agnes speaks English and Polish.

Shon Abegaz

Founder and Chair, Steering Committee

Shon is the founder of the International Institute for Human Security (IIHS). Her work centers on bridging grassroots action with policy dialogue. She co-created HumanSecurityX, a Swiss-based training program, and co-authored Crossing Paths: A Guide to the Pillars of Human Security. Shon has contributed to numerous peacebuilding initiatives and actively engages in global dialogue on human security and development. She is a member of Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS) and a founding board member of The African Seed Access Index (TASAI).

Explore key global trends and challenges shaping human security in the year ahead.

Our Annual Outlook provides insights into emerging risks, policy recommendations, and opportunities for building a safer, more resilient world.