2026 Global Forum World Council On Intercultural And Global Competence

2026 Global Forum World Council On Intercultural And Global Competence.

This year’s Global Forum offers a rich and dynamic program designed to inspire dialogue, deepen learning, and strengthen our global community. Participants will benefit from featured keynotes from intercultural bestselling author Craig Storti, renown intercultural scholar and past President of the World Communication Association Carolyn Calloway-Thomas, and peace activists Ela Gandhi and Siyabulela Mandela, each bringing powerful perspectives on intercultural competence, communication, and peacebuilding in today’s complex world.

Keynote Speakers

Craig Storti

Craig Storti is an author and trainer in the field of intercultural communications. He has written 10 books in the intercultural field and has conducted training for a number of Fortune 500 companies, graduate business schools, the US military, the United Nations, the World Bank, and numerous US government agencies.

Carolyn Calloway-Thomas

Dr. Carolyn Calloway-Thomas is past president of the World Communication Association and professor and director of Graduate Studies in African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University Bloomington.

She is author of Empathy in the Global World: An Intercultural Perspective and coauthor of several books on intercultural communication. Her research focuses on empathy and conflict, intercultural communication competence, and communication in Black America.

The Honourable Ela Gandhi

The Honourable Ela Gandhi is the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and a lifelong anti-apartheid activist born in 1940 at the Phoenix Settlement in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She served as an ANC Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2003 and leads organisations including the Gandhi Development Trust and Religions for Peace International, of which she is co-President. A recipient of four honorary degrees and the Indian Government’s prestigious Padma Bhushan award, Gandhi has dedicated her life to advancing nonviolence and social justice.

Dr. Siya Mandela

Dr. Siyabulela Mandela is a distinguished peace and human rights activist, scholar, and independent consultant specializing in human rights, international development, and conflict resolution. A descendant of King Ngubengcuka Aa Ndaba! of the Thembu Kingdom in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, he proudly bears the clan name “Madiba”—a title rich in heritage and legacy.

Forum Speakers

Charlotte Courtois

is President & Founder, NGO Konstelacio, an International Speaker and a Podcaster. With 15 years leading the UNESCO-accredited NGO Konstelacio and projects in 16 countries, she provides practical tools to turn multicultural environments into opportunities for effective collaboration. She has worked with over 5,000 children worldwide, promoting respect and cultural understanding through initiatives involving artists, historians, and institutions. Charlotte also serves on the editorial committee of #HeritageAlive and hosts the podcast Surprises Interculturelles, where she shares insights and stories on navigating cultural diversity.

Noor Jehan Docrat

is a globally recognised leader in community driven development, innovation and sustainable development. As CEO and Founder of Adora Earth, she designs and implements inclusive programmes with women, youth, communities and organisations across Africa. Noor Jehan has collaborated with academic institutions, governments and leading conservation organisations to strengthen leadership, build gender inclusive economies and shape equitable systems. Her work bridges science, culture and systems innovation, accelerating impact at scale. In 2024, she was honoured as an Impact Pioneer by the Swedish Institute and selected by UNESCO as a Youth for Peace Leader for 2025 to 2026

Sarah Noble

is a creative peacebuilder and UNESCO Young Leader for Peace with over 20 years of experience using storytelling to drive global change. As Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, she leads programs at the intersection of arts, narrative, and inner transformation. She is the host of The Hummingbird Collective Podcast. As the Curator and co-founder of PeaceTalks, a dedicated global platform for peace storytelling, Sarah has curated 28 events featuring over 200 stories from 60+ countries. A two-time TEDx speaker, she believes every individual possesses the power to reshape our world—one story at a time.

John Linus Otieno

is youth leader from Kenya , humanitarian, and a vid environmentalist, and a proud global citizen committed to advancing peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and youth empowerment. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the UNESCO Youth Forum Kenya, where he champions meaningful youth engagement, inclusive leadership, and global collaboration. Founder of Green World Youth, a movement mobilizing thousands of youth, he served on the Steering Group for the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum in Uzbekistan. Recognized among the Top 500 Global Positive Influencers on Climate Action in 2023, John is a recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award.

In addition to these distinguished keynote speakers, the Forum will include a plenary panel discussion featuring global youth leaders, highlighting emerging voices and fresh perspectives on intercultural engagement in addressing global challenges. Another feature will be another plenary session featuring renown journalists.

A special presentation by UNESCO will further connect participants to global initiatives shaping the future of education, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue.

The program also features a cutting-edge Intercultural Research Forum, offering a space to explore the latest scholarship in the field, alongside intercultural poster presentations from colleagues around the world that showcase innovative practices and research. Attendees can also look forward to presentations from World Council working groups, providing insight into ongoing collaborative efforts and opportunities for engagement.

Beyond the formal sessions, the Forum provides exceptional networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect, collaborate, and build lasting professional relationships across regions and disciplines. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, a pre-conference training for Facilitating UNESCO Story Circles will offer practical ways for fostering dialogue and understanding in diverse settings. With such a wide array of sessions and activities—and much more—this year’s Global Forum promises to be inspiring, enriching and energizing. Don’t miss it!

Don’t miss World Council's signature annual event!
Register today!

(Note that recordings will be made available to all those who register to better accommodate those participating from different time zones.)

With special appreciation to Global Forum sponsors AFS Intercultural Programs, Ivy Global Scholars, The Global Nexus Collective, and Europass Teachers Academy.

Deep gratitude to University of Monterrey (UDEM) for their partnership on the Global Forum.