From 7-8 May 2025, Dublin became the epicentre of global leadership, as One Young World Ambassadors and former world leaders met for the 39th Annual Plenary Meeting of the InterAction Council.
What is the InterAction Council?
The InterAction Council is composed of former world leaders who have played significant roles in international politics. They use their collective experience, influence, and wisdom to tackle some of the world’s most pressing global challenges, such as peace and security, sustainable development, and existential threats like climate change and nuclear proliferation. The Council is co-chaired by the former Taoiseach of Ireland, the Honourable Bertie Ahern, and the former President of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo.
One Young World in Dublin
We were joined in Dublin by our Ambassadors and Co-Chairs of the Global Youth Security Council, Talita Honorato-Rzeszewicz and Kolfinna Tómasdóttir. Over two days, they participated in discussions on global conflict, the fluctuating global economy, and the rise of AI. “One Young World has always worked to convene leaders from a broad range of partners, so it's fantastic that the InterAction Council is bringing this group together to benefit from the wisdom and experience of the Council,” commented Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Director of One Young World.
Leading conversations on peace and security
As co-chairs of the Global Youth Security Council and experts in their respective fields, Talita and Kolfinna spearheaded conversations on transforming peace and security, presenting their perspectives on promoting peace and tackling the root causes of inequalities in health.
Dr. Talita Honorato-Rzeszewicz is a medical doctor and clinical epidemiologist dedicated to advancing health equity and diversity in clinical research. She earned her MD from the Federal University of São Paulo and a PhD from the University of Groningen. As Senior Manager for Global Medical Grants and Partnerships at Pfizer, Talita works on diversifying clinical trial participants, devising strategies to mitigate health disparities, and addressing scientific gaps related to gender or underserved populations.
Kolfinna Tómasdóttir is an Icelandic legal expert and youth leader dedicated to addressing global existential threats. She is a Senior Adviser at the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís), where she leads the European Digital Innovation Hub in Iceland. In early 2024, she co-founded AiXist - Consortium for AI and Existential Risks, which works on mitigating risks associated with advanced technologies through education campaigns and working with industry experts, organisations, and stakeholders to develop risk mitigation strategies.
“These talented and courageous young leaders bring energy and hope for the future of humankind,” commented the Honourable Bertie Ahern.
The importance of intergenerational conversation
To transform peace and security, an intergenerational approach is required. The InterAction Council has a wealth of experience navigating international politics during some of the most difficult periods in history, such as the Cold War and the Troubles, and our young leaders are experts in their respective fields who offer a different perspective on peacebuilding in the modern day. To effectively tackle the complex global challenges of today, the experience the InterAction Council offers must be paired with the energy, innovation, and urgency that young leaders have.
