September 2026 | International Affairs & Youth Leadership
The Council for Global Affairs and Development (CGAD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Zainab Nour Hijazi as a member of the CGAD Global Youth Advisory Board for the 2026–2027 term, recognising her commitment to justice, human rights, youth leadership and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Zainab Nour Hijazi is an LLB Law Candidate at Oxford Brookes University and an emerging youth leader with a particular interest in medical law, human rights and social impact. Her academic interests and leadership experience reflect her commitment to exploring how law, public policy and international cooperation can contribute to more just, inclusive and equitable societies.
With a particular interest in medical negligence and medical law, Zainab is passionate about understanding how legal frameworks can protect individuals, strengthen institutional accountability and promote equitable access to essential services. Her broader interests encompass human rights, equality, access to justice and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Throughout her educational journey, Zainab has demonstrated leadership through her roles as Student President and Student Ambassador. In these positions, she represented student voices, chaired meetings, supported younger students and encouraged an inclusive environment in which individuals felt heard and empowered. These experiences have strengthened her belief that effective leadership begins with listening, representation and creating opportunities for others.
At the Global Youth Impact Summit (GYIS) 2026 in Porto, Portugal, Zainab participated as a CGAD-funded scholar, international delegate and speaker, engaging with young leaders, diplomats, experts and changemakers from around the world.
During the summit, she also moderated a panel discussion, facilitating international dialogue on youth leadership, global development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Her participation provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the role of young people in addressing contemporary global challenges and contributing to international decision-making.
Her engagement at GYIS Porto, particularly in discussions relating to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, reflected her commitment to promoting access to justice, accountable institutions and meaningful youth participation in global affairs.
Zainab represents a generation of emerging legal professionals seeking to connect academic knowledge with practical social impact. Her interests in medical law, human rights and youth advocacy demonstrate the importance of bringing legal perspectives into international conversations on sustainable development.
The CGAD Global Youth Advisory Board brings together emerging leaders, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and youth advocates from diverse backgrounds and regions. Its members contribute perspectives and expertise to CGAD’s international programmes, youth initiatives and efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
As a member of the Advisory Board for the 2026–2027 term, Zainab will contribute her perspectives on law, justice, human rights, student advocacy and international cooperation while participating in CGAD’s future youth engagements and international initiatives.
Her appointment reflects CGAD’s commitment to encouraging emerging leaders from diverse academic and professional disciplines to participate in global dialogue and contribute to solutions addressing contemporary social and developmental challenges.
Driven by the belief that access to justice and opportunity should not depend on an individual’s background or circumstances, Zainab aspires to pursue a legal career combining professional expertise with meaningful social impact. Her long-term ambition is to advocate for individuals and communities whose voices are frequently overlooked and to contribute to stronger, fairer and more inclusive institutions.
CGAD warmly congratulates Zainab Nour Hijazi on her appointment to the Global Youth Advisory Board for 2026–2027 and looks forward to her contributions to advancing justice, human rights, youth empowerment and the Sustainable Development Goals.
