Economist

Johan van Geijn has a unique track record as a specialist in international corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the world of sports, particularly in football and international development cooperation. With more than 25 years of experience – heading the international programs at the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) since 1998 to build local capacity through football in developing countries and low-income countries. More than 20,000 young volunteer coaches have been able to improve themselves in their local environment through programs developed by Johan.
As founder of the WorldCoaches program, Johan has proven many times how sport can serve as a means for social development. Using football as a catalyst for social cohesion, for the position of girls and women in society, for awareness of communicable diseases, drugs and addictions or clean water.
With the international challenges surrounding migration and refugees, using football as an initiator for programs to tackle youth unemployment in these countries. A range of thematic social challenges where Johan has been able to let football contribute to the approach and often to the solution.

I am Chief of Cabinet at SESRIC, a subsidiary organ of the OIC.

Lama Abu Baker is a seasoned communications expert with over 16 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and public diplomacy across the MENA region. She has successfully led communication and visibility components for numerous EU-funded and international development projects, collaborating closely with local governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies. 

Since 2018, Lama has been a key expert in multimedia, communications, and visibility for several EU-funded projects in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Her current role involves managing the multimedia and communications component of the EU Regional Trust Fund’s response to the Syrian Crisis. She has successfully implemented innovative social media campaigns and overseen content production. 

Lama has led communication efforts for significant projects such as the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition and Decarbonization, managing communication, including high-level events and climate diplomacy activities in the GCC region. She also led a nationwide awareness campaign on inclusive education for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and refugees, as part of the Inclusive Education in Jordan project with GIZ. 

In addition to project management, Lama excels in training and mentoring media and communications teams within government institutions and civil society organizations. Her leadership and capacity-building skills have enabled her to guide teams in developing and implementing effective communication strategies, media relations, and impactful PR campaigns. 

Lama has worked on projects addressing critical issues such as renewable energy, gender equality, social inclusion, women’s and youth economic empowerment, and more. Her deep understanding of EU guidelines, donor branding, and visibility standards—gained through collaborations with organizations like USAID, UN, SIDA, DFID, and GIZ—has made her a recognized leader in strategic communications across the region. 

Lama holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Birzeit University. She is fluent in Arabic and English and has basic French and Italian. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lama is known for her unwavering commitment to social causes and her ability to inspire those around her through impactful storytelling. 

Currently employed with GIZ. 14+ years of experience in development & corporate sectors; technically engaging with multifarious public & private sector stakeholders.
Skilled in program management; and proficient at conveying communication and analytical skills in stakeholder management. Professional background in TVET, Trade facilitation, Public-Private-Partnerships, Human Resource Development.
Experience in strengthening public relations and possess extensive knowledge of orchestrating program strategies into results.