


Purpose of the International Advisory Board
Guiding Principles
The International Advisory Board of the CID Chamber of International Diplomats is guided by the following principles:
-
Peace and Non-Violence
-
Diplomacy and Dialogue
-
International Cooperation
-
Mutual Respect and Understanding
-
Human Rights and Human Dignity
-
Inclusiveness and Diversity
-
Academic and Professional Excellence
-
Integrity and Ethical Leadership
-
Sustainable Development
-
Global Citizenship
The International Advisory Board of the CID Chamber of International Diplomats serves as a distinguished body of eminent diplomats, ambassadors, academics, policymakers, international relations experts, business leaders, and civil society representatives committed to advancing global peace, diplomacy, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
The Board provides strategic guidance, expert advice, and international perspectives to support the objectives and activities of the Chamber. It acts as a bridge between nations, institutions, and cultures, promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, conflict prevention, and collaborative solutions to global challenges.
The International Advisory Board seeks to:
-
Promote international peace, security, and diplomatic engagement.
-
Strengthen cooperation among diplomats, governments, international organizations, universities, and civil society institutions.
-
Provide policy recommendations on global affairs and international development.
-
Encourage intercultural dialogue and mutual respect among nations.
-
Support educational, scientific, cultural, humanitarian, and diplomatic initiatives worldwide.
-
Facilitate international networking and strategic partnerships.
-
Contribute to conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts.
-
Advance the principles of the United Nations Charter, human rights, and international law.
Vision
To become a globally respected advisory platform that fosters international understanding, diplomatic excellence, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable cooperation among nations for the benefit of humanity.
The International Advisory Board envisions a world where diplomacy serves as the primary instrument for resolving conflicts, strengthening international partnerships, promoting justice, and building lasting peace across all regions of the world.
Mission
To unite distinguished international experts and diplomatic leaders in providing strategic guidance, fostering dialogue, promoting cultural understanding, and supporting initiatives that contribute to peace, prosperity, and constructive international relations.
The Board is committed to:
-
Encouraging peaceful diplomatic engagement and international dialogue.
-
Supporting educational diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and public diplomacy initiatives.
-
Facilitating cooperation between governments, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and international organizations.
-
Promoting ethical leadership, good governance, and international responsibility.
-
Assisting in the development of innovative solutions to global challenges through diplomacy and international collaboration.
-
Creating opportunities for young diplomats and future leaders through mentorship, training, and professional development.
Role in Advancing World Peace and International Understanding
The International Advisory Board plays a vital role in strengthening diplomatic cooperation and promoting peace through its global network of experts and diplomatic practitioners.

International Advisory Board Members


Dr Rojda Sukran Karas
International Coordinator for Press and Media
Boasting a PhD in Communication and a diverse background in Turkish Literature, film production, and creative drama education, I offer a multifaceted approach to learning. As a certified instructor, I deliver tailored, one-on-one and group lessons across Istanbul and online. My expertise spans Turkish support for primary students to high school Turkish Literature, along with English and Turkish language training for children and adults, seamlessly blending creativity with academic rigor.

H.E. Amb. Prof. Dr. Queen Elizabeth Lucas-Afolalu
Vice Chairperson
H.E. Amb. Prof. Dr. Queen Elizabeth Lucas-Afolalu is a multi-skilled global advisor, award-winning author of over 60 books (including Yes You Can), and an inspirational speaker featured on Fox News and NBC. A mindset coach with an honorary doctorate in psychology, she holds degrees from the UK and USA. As founder of Yes You Can International, she actively mentors youth, women, and families globally. She is a board member for multiple NGOs, a mother of two, and a champion for humanity.

Dr. José Ma. Castelo-Appleton
Member
Dr. José Ma. Castelo-Appleton is a multifaceted academic leader, researcher, and artist based in Spain. As Magnificent Rector of Appleton Private University and founder of the European School of Anthropology, he holds multiple doctorates from institutions like Stanford. His career spans international security as a former UN and NATO intelligence officer, diplomatic roles, and visual arts under the name "Appleton." He holds two manorial titles and received the 2025 Best Educational Institution Award at Oxford.

Prof Dr Kemal Yildirim
Director, International Advisory Board
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is the global intellectual anchor of the Chamber of International Diplomats (CID). Chaired by world-renowned scholar and diplomat Prof. Dr. Kemal Yildirim—who has published over 230 books—the independent board provides high-level macro-political council, cross-border research frameworks, and global policy verification. The IAB ensures CID's regional hubs remain at the cutting edge of transnational geopolitics and sustainable development.

Dr. Rohit Kumar Nanduri
Member
An accomplished IT leader and strategist holding a Ph.D. in Business and an M.Sc. in IT Management, alongside advanced post-doctoral expertise in Networking Sciences and AI systems. Proven track record in orchestrating digital transformations, managing complex document architectures, and optimizing large-scale budgets. Expert in vendor negotiations, hardware/software deployment, and user acceptance testing, with notable success upgrading critical government-recognized web platforms.

Dr. Regina Okyere Darko
Secretary to the IAD
A results-oriented professional combining a strong background in Accounting, Project Management, and Education Administration. Currently pursuing a PhD and lecturing at Global Executive College in Accra, Ghana. Proven expertise in student support, coaching, and center operations, alongside a dedicated history of community leadership. A certified trainer who has spearheaded impactful vocational, employability, and mentorship projects for youth and women across various local foundations.

Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin
Member
Dr. Ishmael L. Togbah is a Liberian historian, author, and global educational leader serving as Global President of the GFWCUCSEO and African Director of the American Association of Higher Education Accreditation. Alongside him, Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin is a prominent climate leader and Founder/CEO of the Global Climate Change Foundation (GCCF), active across 167 nations. Together, these visionary figures drive international partnerships, advancing human development, education, and global sustainability.

Emmanuel Fred
Member
Dr. Emmanuel Fred is a Diplomat, Administrator, and Public Policy Expert with over 15 years of experience. He is the founder and President of the Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS), Board Chairman of the Africa Open University (AOU), and Assistant Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in Liberia. Dedicated to moulding the minds of tomorrow's leaders, he brings a wealth of leadership across the public and private sectors to advance science and governance.

Dr. Hernán Alejandro Olano García
Member
Hernán Alejandro Olano García, PhD, is a distinguished Colombian lawyer, academic, and diplomat born in Tunja in 1968. With a vast background in International Relations, Constitutional, and Canon Law, his 30-year career spans critical public sector roles—including positions at the Constitutional Court of Colombia—and extensive tenure as a professor and researcher. A globally recognized scholar, he holds multiple honorary doctorates and actively promotes human rights and academic diplomacy worldwide.

Dr. Mikki Koomar
Member
Dr. Mikki Koomar is a distinguished global business leader, international filmmaker, and fashion authority with an exceptional network spanning over 100 countries. Renowned for his vast global stature, his influential connections encompass more than 1 million VVIP individuals—including royal families, diplomatic corps, government officials, ambassadors, and Bollywood celebrities. With over 3 million Instagram followers, he leverages his powerful reach to drive worldwide impact and leadership.

Amb. Lucio Russo
Member
Lucio Russo is a visual narrator weaving life and dreams into art. A photographer, actor, and tireless traveler, his passion spans film, theater, and reportage across diverse cultures. As a communicator and relationship builder, he captures raw emotions with light, giving voice to the world's silences. His images and words serve as vibrant tales and a caress for humanity, blending artistic commitment with authentic beauty. He transforms the ordinary into a continuous poem written with courage.

Dr. Ishmael L. Togbah
Member
Dr. Ishmael L. Togbah is a Liberian global icon in education, leadership, and humanitarian service. A UNESCO-recognized professor and historian, he serves as Global President of the Global Federation of World Class Universities and National Bishop Primate of the Worldwide Anglican Church of Liberia. Founder of Great Commission Christian University and multiple heritage academies, Dr. Togbah is an acclaimed author, diplomat, and motivational speaker dedicated to human development and faith.

Amb. Dr. Isaac Eyen-Obong
Member
Amb. Isaac Eyen-Obong is a visionary diplomat, peace advocate, and President of the Bridge Builders For Peace Initiative (BBPI). Serving as a Special Envoy accredited to the African Union, he dedicates his life to building cross-border alliances through human diplomacy, ethical leadership, and strategic advocacy. As the founder of the BBPI Institute for Diplomatic Studies, he champions accessible training, mentorship, and youth empowerment to raise a new generation of global leaders.

Dr. Franklin Barriga López
Member
Dr. Franklin Barriga López (b. 1945) is an eminent Ecuadorian scholar, historian, and humanist. Holding a doctorate in Social, Political, and International Sciences, he has authored 140 books and over 3,000 articles. His career spans five continents across universities and diplomatic academies. Honored globally, he is a "leading figure of Ecuadorian culture," an IACHR Great Builder of Peace, and serves as Honorary Life Director of the National Academy of History of Ecuador.

DR Afekouh Mbarek
Member
Amb. M'Barek AfekouH is an esteemed Moroccan diplomat and global human rights champion. A twice-nominated member of Morocco's National Council for Human Rights regional commission, he serves as Deputy Minister for Diplomatic Relations in the International Parliament. Holding doctorates in the philosophy of peace, he is the Vice-President of the World Peace Committee for Africa and Chairman of the Supreme Council of IOPS, dedicated to activating humanitarian law and international cooperation.