International Peace Day

Pre-paid event : book here before 17 September

https://buytickets.at/rotarycluboflondon1/1848013

H.E Osman Topčagić, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the UK, born in Sarajevo, is a seasoned diplomat and public servant with a distinguished career in European affairs. He served as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the UK and later to the EU, before becoming Director of the Directorate for European Integrations and Head of the Department for the EU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Decorated with the French Ordre National du Mérite in 2007, Osman has also been active in academia and civil society, serving on the Steering Board of Sarajevo University and as President of the PanEuropean Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trained in mathematics and classical music, he speaks English and Russian.

Her Excellency Dr. Iruthisham Adam- The High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives

Iruthisham Adam has been a member of PILPG’s Circle of Former Ambassadors to the UN Human Rights Council since 2023. A career diplomat of over 25 years, she has served in London, New York, and Geneva, and was the first Ambassador of Maldives to Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland. She also served as Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2013. She has been a strong advocate for women, children, the disabled, and small states, leading key negotiations on human rights, climate change, and the establishment of the Trust Fund for Small States and LDCs. She later served as Minister of Health and Minister of Youth & Sports, introducing universal health coverage, modernizing medical services, and advancing youth and sports facilities nationwide.

Dr. (Mrs.) Rajni Rijal – President of the Women’s Council
Dr Rajni Rijal is a dentist, researcher, and community advocate based in Surrey. A qualified dental surgeon and Care Quality Commission registered manager, she oversees multiple practices, ensuring high standards of patient care. She holds a PhD from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where she conducted malaria research in Africa, before pursuing a career in dentistry. Beyond her clinical role, Dr Rijal serves as Chair of The Women’s Council, leading global health initiatives for children and families with disabilities across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. She has also worked with ADAPT in Mumbai, delivering dental care and education to disadvantaged communities. Balancing professional excellence with community service, Dr Rijal is committed to accessible healthcare, sustainable wellbeing, and empowering communities through education and advocacy.

Mr Rashad Vahabzade, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Azerbaijani Embassy in London

Mr Rashad Vahabzade, born in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a career diplomat. He began his career at the UNHCR office in Baku before joining the Administration of the President as Assistant to the State Counsellor for International Affairs. He later served at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara and as Head of the First European Department (UK and Northern Europe) at the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. In 2006, Mr Vahabzade was appointed Political Counsellor at the Embassy in Ankara, and from 2010 to 2015, he served as Deputy Director for Europe at the Foreign Ministry. He was then Counsellor at the Embassy in the United Kingdom (2015-2019) and later Deputy Director at the Organizational Control Directorate at the Ministry. Since 2022, he has been Deputy Chief of Mission at the Azerbaijani Embassy in London. Throughout his career, Mr Vahabzade has also served multiple times as Charge d’Affaires of Azerbaijan to both Türkiye and the United Kingdom.