Ibrahim Hassane Mayaki served as Prime Minister of Niger from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, he founded the Public Policy Analysis Circle, a think tank focused on education and health policy. From 2009 to around 2022, he led the African Union’s development agency NEPAD, promoting sustainable development and human capital. After NEPAD was restructured into AUDA-NEPAD, he became its first CEO and advocated for education and digital access. Currently, he serves as the African Union’s Special Envoy for Food Systems, working to enhance agricultural appeal, youth engagement, infrastructure investment, and policy reform. He also contributes to global initiatives such as the UN’s Scaling Up Nutrition movement and the OECD’s high-level panel on development cooperation.

Jakaya Kikwete served as President of the United Republic of Tanzania from 2005 to 2015. During his tenure, he promoted reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and diplomacy, and chaired the African Union Summit from 2008 to 2009. After leaving office, he focused on international cooperation in education and currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), supporting educational development and policy reform in developing countries. He also acts as a Presidential Envoy for the African Union, contributing to regional integration, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding. Through education, he continues to advocate for inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa.

Olusegun Obasanjo is a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has held various public and diplomatic roles throughout his career. He served as Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a civilian President from 1999 to 2007, during which he pursued public sector reforms and strengthened regional cooperation. After leaving office, he engaged in international efforts for peace and stability, serving as the United Nations Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region of Africa. In 2021, he was appointed High Representative for the Horn of Africa by the African Union, and in 2022, he facilitated negotiations toward a ceasefire in the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia. He continues to be involved in initiatives related to peace and security within the framework of the African Union.

Jorge Carlos Fonseca served as President of the Republic of Cabo Verde from 2011 to 2021 for two consecutive terms. With a background in law, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Lisbon and held various public roles, including Director of the Immigration Office and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1975 to 1979, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1991 to 1993. During his presidency, he focused on legal reform, strengthening democratic governance, and enhancing international relations. After leaving office, he founded the “Foundation for the Promotion of Freedom and Democracy Initiatives,” which supports civic engagement and dialogue on democratic values. He is also involved in academic and educational activities in the fields of law and human rights, promoting institutional reform and the development of civil society in the region.

Donald Kaberuka served as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) from 2005 to 2015. A Rwandan economist, he previously held the position of Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in Rwanda from 1997 to 2005, where he led post-conflict economic reforms. As AfDB President, he advanced regional integration, infrastructure development, and private sector growth across the continent. In 2016, he was appointed High Representative of the African Union for Financing the Union and the Peace Fund, with a mandate to mobilize resources for peace and security initiatives 1. He also played a key role in coordinating the AU’s COVID-19 response and serves on the boards of several international organizations, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria 2. His current work focuses on sustainable development financing and institutional reform across Africa.

Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi served as Minister of Welfare and Population Development from 1996 to 1999 under President Nelson Mandela, and as Minister of Public Service and Administration from 1999 to 2008 under President Thabo Mbeki 1. During her tenure, she led major policy initiatives including the development of South Africa’s social welfare framework, the Child Support Grant, and reforms in public service management and remuneration 2. She also chaired the Pan-African Ministers of Public Service for three consecutive terms and served on the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration. After leaving government, she became Director of the Democratic Governance Group at UNDP and later served as Special Envoy on Gender at the African Development Bank. She is currently Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, where she promotes inclusive development, education, and policy dialogue across Africa 2.

Yohei Sasakawa is Honorary Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. After graduating from Meiji University’s School of Political Science and Economics, he became President of The Nippon Foundation in 1989 and led the organization as Chairman from 2005 to 2025. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives in ocean policy, social welfare, education, disaster relief, and international cooperation. As the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, he has actively promoted global awareness and support for people affected by the disease. He also serves as Japan’s Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, where he has engaged in dialogue and support for ethnic minorities and peacebuilding efforts. His current work focuses on advancing social innovation and inclusive development through collaborative approaches across sectors.

Since 2020, Atsushi Sunami has served as President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. He graduated from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and earned both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. After working as a researcher at the Nomura Research Institute’s Policy Research Department, he held various academic positions at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), including Associate Professor, Professor, and Vice President. He currently serves as Special Advisor to the President and Director of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Research Center at GRIPS. He has also contributed to government policymaking as a member and advisor on science, technology, and innovation policy for agencies such as the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the fields of science diplomacy and international cooperation, he has been actively engaged in policy proposals and institutional design through dialogue and collaboration.