Co-founder of FuturePlus; Former CEO of UNICEF UK

Mike Penrose is a preeminent figure in the global humanitarian sector, having managed some of the world’s largest aid budgets. His career includes serving as the CEO of UNICEF UK, CEO of Action Against Hunger, and Global Humanitarian Director at Save the Children. He has also served as a specialized advisor to the UK Government on conflict and humanitarian crises.

Role at RIDNE: Mike bridges the gap between Ukrainian manufacturing and global institutional requirements. He oversees the strategic development of humanitarian hubs and ensures RIDNE operates as a world-class “operating system” for food security.

Liz Sugg is a member of the UK House of Lords and an experienced leader in international development and humanitarian policy. She previously served as Minister for Sustainable Development and Africa at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, where she oversaw major development programmes across Africa and championed gender equality, education, and humanitarian response.

Prior to her ministerial role, Baroness Sugg served as Head of Operations at 10 Downing Street and played a key role in coordinating government priorities. She remains actively engaged in development, climate, and gender issues in Parliament, contributing to policy discussions on global health, girls’ education, and the empowerment of women and marginalised communities.

Jack McConnell is a senior British politician and member of the House of Lords, with a distinguished career in public service and international development. He served as First Minister of Scotland from 2001 to 2007, where he led a programme of domestic reform alongside a strong commitment to global citizenship and international engagement.

Since entering the House of Lords, Lord McConnell has focused extensively on international development, education, and human rights. He is the founder of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Education and has been a leading advocate for access to education in low-income countries. He has also worked with a range of international NGOs and multilateral organisations, supporting initiatives across Africa and Asia. His work continues to centre on inclusive development, governance, and expanding opportunities for young people worldwide.

David Abrahamovitch is a British entrepreneur and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grind, a leading UK coffee brand known for its premium offering and strong sustainability focus. He established Grind in London in 2011, transforming it from a single café into a widely recognised hospitality and retail brand, with locations across the capital and a fast-growing direct-to-consumer business.

Under his leadership, Grind has become known for innovation in both customer experience and environmental responsibility, including the development of compostable coffee pods and a broader commitment to reducing single-use plastics. David’s entrepreneurial approach combines brand-building with a focus on sustainability and modern consumer trends, positioning Grind as one of the UK’s most distinctive coffee companies.

Stéphanie Rivoal is a senior French diplomat with extensive experience in international relations and multilateral diplomacy. She served as France’s Ambassador to Uganda, where she worked to strengthen bilateral relations, promote economic cooperation, and support development initiatives in East Africa.

She has also held prominent roles within the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, including serving as Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum, a major global gathering convened by UN Women to advance gender equality. Stéphanie’s career reflects a strong commitment to international cooperation, gender equality, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on Africa and multilateral engagement.

Nimco Ali is a prominent human rights activist and the founder of The Five Foundation, a global organisation dedicated to ending female genital mutilation (FGM). A survivor of FGM herself, Nimco has become one of the most influential voices advocating for the rights and protection of women and girls worldwide.

Through The Five Foundation, she works with grassroots organisations, governments, and international partners to accelerate the eradication of FGM by 2030. Nimco has advised governments and institutions on policy and legislative reform and has played a key role in raising global awareness of gender-based violence. Her work is widely recognised for its impact, combining advocacy, policy influence, and community-led change.