Cecilia Milesi Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London, England, United Kingdom

As Senior Advisor on Decolonising Research Partnerships, I co-facilitate ODI-wide internal efforts to decolonise ODI ways of producing knowledge, and associated ways of working.

Global

Global Change Center is a platform created to catalyze the emergence of a world of dignity for all.From the South and with the South. We raise our voices. We cross borders. We create what we dream of. We recognize and share our power. And so, together, we create a new world.Global Change Center offers original experiences that invite participants to think and act “beyond borders” :- Personal, cultural and social borders prevent us from becoming change agents. Our initiative… Show more Global Change Center is a platform created to catalyze the emergence of a world of dignity for all.From the South and with the South. We raise our voices. We cross borders. We create what we dream of. We recognize and share our power. And so, together, we create a new world.Global Change Center offers original experiences that invite participants to think and act “beyond borders” :- Personal, cultural and social borders prevent us from becoming change agents. Our initiative BEYOND FRONTIERS, organizes learning experiences that promote creative, critical, and collective leadership. We build global citizenship.- The territorial and political borders. Our initiative FROM SOUTH TO SOUTH, connects Africa, Asia, Latin America and the rest of the world, prioritizing the transfer of knowledge and the empowerment of actors traditionally relegated to the periphery. We collaborate in the co-creation of a multipolar world.-The frontiers of communication and imagination. By organizing multicultural artistic experiences, our initiative EPHEMERAL ART, invites participants to appreciate new possibilities for a new world, opening the doors to imagination. We nurture dreams-The borders of the dominant narratives, centralized through a few “ messengers”, reinforce negative ideas. Our initiative KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, encourages the construction of new narratives, giving visibility to messages, stories, and practices that contain transformative positive power. We encourage the construction of a new narrative emerging from multiple centers.Explore more: www.globalchange.center Show less

Global

CDA is an action research and advisory organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness and accountability of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian efforts wherever communities experience conflict.For more than twenty-five years CDA has worked directly with organizations, institutions, and corporations, driven by two fundamental beliefs:People belong at the center. The knowledge, perspectives, and capacities of people and communities affected by conflict are… Show more CDA is an action research and advisory organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness and accountability of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian efforts wherever communities experience conflict.For more than twenty-five years CDA has worked directly with organizations, institutions, and corporations, driven by two fundamental beliefs:People belong at the center. The knowledge, perspectives, and capacities of people and communities affected by conflict are essential to positive social change and to constructive engagements by international actors.Context matters. Effectiveness depends on a deep understanding of, and will to act responsibly within, complex local dynamics. Show less

Hong Kong

Selected among more than 1000 candidates from around the world, Cecilia was distinguished as one of the 15 global leaders who are part of the 2019 cohort of the Asia Global Fellowship. The Asia Global Fellowship is the flagship programme of the University of Hong Kong and the Asia Global Institute.The fellows are “up-and-coming leaders in politics, policy, business and civil society with strong interest and track record in public policy”. The aim is to foster new leaders, share… Show more Selected among more than 1000 candidates from around the world, Cecilia was distinguished as one of the 15 global leaders who are part of the 2019 cohort of the Asia Global Fellowship. The Asia Global Fellowship is the flagship programme of the University of Hong Kong and the Asia Global Institute.The fellows are “up-and-coming leaders in politics, policy, business and civil society with strong interest and track record in public policy”. The aim is to foster new leaders, share knowledge and nurture innovative policy-making including Asian perspectives. As a Latin American committed to inclusive peace and development, Cecilia considers vital to build more and stronger bridges between Asia, Africa and Latin America.Cecilia was selected after a rigorous selection process involving a panel composed of the Asia Global Institute Senior Management team, HKU academics and representatives of its Board of Directors. The University of Hong Kong is ranked the second best academic institution in Asia and 25th best in the world.The AsiaGlobal Fellows Program is an interdisciplinary global leadership development initiative for mid-career professionals with a strong interest and track record in public policy. It aims to nurture future leaders and create influencers with a deeper understanding of global issues from Asian perspectives.The program is a multidisciplinary endeavour which aims to bring Asian perspectives to global issues. AGI provides platforms for leaders to explore timely and critical issues in an informed and objective manner Show less

Contributing as one of the guest lecturers for the Diploma on South-South and Triangular Cooperation coordinated by the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of International Relations.Contributing as a lecturer in the "Women, Peace and Security" regional online course organized by the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences in partnership with UN-Women Latin America.

Global

Cecilia works inspired by her vision of co-creating an equal and just world in which all human beings live in dignity and freedom.Examples recent projects:• United Nations Volunteers (UNV), facilitation South-South dialogue on feminism and volunteering; UNDP Latin America and the Caribbean, research on chronic multidimensional conflicts and alternatives for conflict transformation; UNV innnovation award; UNSSC; facilitator and trainer UN Global School.• Islamic Development… Show more Cecilia works inspired by her vision of co-creating an equal and just world in which all human beings live in dignity and freedom.Examples recent projects:• United Nations Volunteers (UNV), facilitation South-South dialogue on feminism and volunteering; UNDP Latin America and the Caribbean, research on chronic multidimensional conflicts and alternatives for conflict transformation; UNV innnovation award; UNSSC; facilitator and trainer UN Global School.• Islamic Development Bank: trainers and facilitator on the integration of conflict sensitivity and Do Not Harm•United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation: Senior Adviser on South-South Cooperation on Peace and Development, design global process•Social Accountability and Participatory Governance: advising VSO in devising and implementing the social accountability global programme• South-South Mediation: research on the role of UNASUR in Latam.• Facilitation of collective organizing, joint context analysis and planning with the network #SiempreVivas, working to prevent violence against women, Mexico.• Youth Participation and policy-influencing: Adsiving the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth countries National Youth Councils.• Oil & Conflict: action-research on social impacts of oil investments. Research was conducted at the second-largest shale gas reserve in the world. With CDA, Collaborative Learning (USA).•Transitional Justice South- South Learning exchange: Sri Lanka, Egypt and Argentina, understanding transitional justice processes. Organiser and Facilitator. In collaboration with Center of Policy Alternatives (CPA, Sri Lanka) and Al-Ahram Think-Thank (Egypt)• Research on South-South cooperation & International Cooperation with Middle-Income Countries (MICs) and South-South Cooperation In collaboration with the Open Forum for CSOs Effectiveness and Reality of Aid (global).More details on expertise and services at: http://ceciliamilesi.com/ Show less

Global

As CDA Collaborative Learning (CDA) Senior Associate, I have been contracted by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to provide tailored advisory services, facilitation, and training support to support the IsDB on “Enhancing IsDB’s Capabilities to Integrate Fragility and Conflict Sensitivity and ‘Do No Harm’ Programs and Projects.” CDA has developed a three-phase approach for integrating conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm (DNH) into the working culture of IsDB global operations, including… Show more As CDA Collaborative Learning (CDA) Senior Associate, I have been contracted by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to provide tailored advisory services, facilitation, and training support to support the IsDB on “Enhancing IsDB’s Capabilities to Integrate Fragility and Conflict Sensitivity and ‘Do No Harm’ Programs and Projects.” CDA has developed a three-phase approach for integrating conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm (DNH) into the working culture of IsDB global operations, including dialogue sessions across all IsDB countries and teams, bespoke online training, advisory services, and coaching oriented to organizational adaptation to ensure conflict sensitivity and promote the bank's peacebuilding capabilities in Muslims countries. Show less

Latin America

Asuntos del Sur (Southern Affairs) is one of the leading think-do-tanks in Latin America. It implements innovative programmes to enhance horizontal and participatory democracy and policy innovation. Asuntos del Sur una organización que diseña e implementa innovaciones políticas para desarrollar democracias paritarias, inclusivas y participativas.Very proud to support them to create more and better partnerships for Southern led and democratic positive change in our world.

Commonwealth Countries

The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is the official representative voice of the more than 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth. The CYC was first established in 2013 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth Youth Programme.Together with Steadman Noble, I will be advising and supporting the Commonwealth Youth Programme in their push to enhance and empower Commonwealth National Youth Councils. The consultancy aims are:1. Enhance the capabilities and… Show more The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is the official representative voice of the more than 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth. The CYC was first established in 2013 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth Youth Programme.Together with Steadman Noble, I will be advising and supporting the Commonwealth Youth Programme in their push to enhance and empower Commonwealth National Youth Councils. The consultancy aims are:1. Enhance the capabilities and capacity of NYCs to contribute to decision-making which affects their lives;2. Support formal mechanism for young stakeholders participate, influence and share responsibilities on development initiatives. Show less

Latin America

The United Nations Regional Center, Latin America and the Caribbean, aims to support Country Offices in the consolidation of peace and social cohesion. With this objective, UNDP is implementing a series of research and listening exercises to understand the conflict systems (conflict dynamics) and the forces and drivers for peace and social cohesion. Cecilia is researching conflict and peace dynamics in the Andean sub- region in Latin America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru… Show more The United Nations Regional Center, Latin America and the Caribbean, aims to support Country Offices in the consolidation of peace and social cohesion. With this objective, UNDP is implementing a series of research and listening exercises to understand the conflict systems (conflict dynamics) and the forces and drivers for peace and social cohesion. Cecilia is researching conflict and peace dynamics in the Andean sub- region in Latin America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela), considering the impact of COVID-19 and pre-existing conflicts, as a result of a historical accumulation. This will allow UNDP regional governance programme to design a multi-stakeholder and multi-layered strategy for the consolidation of Peace and Social Cohesion. Show less

Global

Cecilia Milesi (Founder and CEO Global Change) and Erika Lopez Franco (independent researcher and facilitator) are one of the awardees of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Innovation Challenge.Cecilia and Erika will be modeling an adaptive framework that will support organizations around the world to value, understand, recognize, and celebrate how volunteers and activists contribute to building more peaceful, just, inclusive, and accountable societies. In particular, in those… Show more Cecilia Milesi (Founder and CEO Global Change) and Erika Lopez Franco (independent researcher and facilitator) are one of the awardees of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Innovation Challenge.Cecilia and Erika will be modeling an adaptive framework that will support organizations around the world to value, understand, recognize, and celebrate how volunteers and activists contribute to building more peaceful, just, inclusive, and accountable societies. In particular, in those contexts, where violence or violent forms of community interaction are on the rise.Cecilia and Erika expect their adaptive framework will enable staff from non-governmental, governmental volunteering programmes, volunteers themselves, and, most importantly, the local communities to assess how volunteers and activists actions are contributing to the achievement of SDG 16+ targets and the prevention of violence in a changing and complex world. The adaptive framework will put special attention on women, youth participation, and the potential relevance of South-South Cooperation as a framework for collaboration.The proposal will be presented during the upcoming High-Level Political Forum, 2020 and the Global Technical Meeting (GTM2020) on ‘Reimagining Volunteering for the 2030 Agenda’ will take place at the United Nations in New York in July 2020More info: http://ceciliamilesi.com/global/2020/03/30/united-nations-volunteers-innovation-challenge-volunteering-and-sdg-16/ Show less

New York

Southern voices and experience to prevent, transform conflict and build peace. South-South power. Creating and coordinating a new South-South programme to support global and Southern efforts to sustain peace.Voces y experiencia del Sur y con el Sur para prevenir, transformar conflictos y construir paz. Poder Sur-Sur. Creando y coordinando un nuevo programa Sur-Sur para apoyar los esfuerzos globales y del Sur para construir paz.Creating and coordinating a new programme

London, United Kingdom

Co-Chairing together with Restless Development the DFID-PPA Learning Partnership group "Empowerment and Accountability". The group brings together DFID funded INGOs with the aim to share practical and critical knowledge on programming aiming at increasing power and creativity in our societies in order to make governments accountable.

Rio De Janeiro Area, Brazil

Research and policy analysis on citizens’ participation in peace processes, legitimacy and the use of systemic and complex approaches supporting conflict transformation initiatives. Lecturer at the Winter Mediation School.Published: "Innovation and Citizens' participation in peace processes: necessary reconfigurations for conflict transformation". The BRICS Policy Center is dedicated to the study of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and other… Show more Research and policy analysis on citizens’ participation in peace processes, legitimacy and the use of systemic and complex approaches supporting conflict transformation initiatives. Lecturer at the Winter Mediation School.Published: "Innovation and Citizens' participation in peace processes: necessary reconfigurations for conflict transformation". The BRICS Policy Center is dedicated to the study of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and other middle powers, The Global South Unit for Mediation is a research and training platform promoting knowledge on international mediation and peaceful settlement of international conflicts. Show less

Global

From analysing cross-national qualitative and quantitative data (Brazil, India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa), authored the programme’s baseline report organised around four expected results: 1) Global South CSOs representation of national constituencies, 2) Global South CSOs capacity to undertake research and policy work in inequality matters, 3) Global South CSOs knowledge and understandings of inequality and 4) Cross-country BRICSAM capacity to influence G20, BRICS… Show more From analysing cross-national qualitative and quantitative data (Brazil, India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa), authored the programme’s baseline report organised around four expected results: 1) Global South CSOs representation of national constituencies, 2) Global South CSOs capacity to undertake research and policy work in inequality matters, 3) Global South CSOs knowledge and understandings of inequality and 4) Cross-country BRICSAM capacity to influence G20, BRICS Summits and other key global forums. Provided with M&EL and management recommendations to the Global Management Team.Oxfam is a global organisation fighting against the injustice of poverty. The Empowering Civil Society Networks in an Unequal Multi-Polar World programme (ECSN-BRICSAM) aims at ensuring that policy-making processes in global institutions are influenced by civil society networks of emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, South Africa and Mexico). Show less

London, United Kingdom

Led on the development of organisational capabilities towards increased strategic impact. Provided leadership to promote a culture of sound evaluation and learning. Support regional teams in undertaking evaluations and learning events in collaboration with local partners. Designed processes, systems and tools strengthening organisational and peacebuilding effectiveness.Conciliation Resources is a peacebuilding NGO supporting people at the heart of conflicts who are striving to find… Show more Led on the development of organisational capabilities towards increased strategic impact. Provided leadership to promote a culture of sound evaluation and learning. Support regional teams in undertaking evaluations and learning events in collaboration with local partners. Designed processes, systems and tools strengthening organisational and peacebuilding effectiveness.Conciliation Resources is a peacebuilding NGO supporting people at the heart of conflicts who are striving to find solutions. We work with them to deepen our collective understanding of the conflict, bring together divided communities and create opportunities for them to resolve their differences peacefully. We then take what we learn to government decision-makers, and others working to end conflict, to improve peacebuilding policies and practice worldwide. Conciliation Resources programme work focuses on eighth conflict-affected regions around the world (Philippines, Colombia, East and Central Africa, West Africa, Horn of Africa, South Caucasus, India-Pakistan-Kashmir and Fiji). Conciliation Resources published Accord publication series. Show less

Global

The Youth Fund is a innovative initiative funded by Microsoft, the Interamerican Development Bank and managed by SES Foundation. The Fund supports Latin American youth projects promoting economic inclusion, labour and life skills training and entrepreneurshipAs member of the Committee -and together with other sector experts- I select the most innovative youth projects presented to the Fund by organisations from across LA. The process is based on global standards and criteria.

London, Uk

• Managed the capacity building initiatives promoting Amnesty growth and impact in Latino America. Facilitation of tailored workshops involving AI Latino American Directors and Chairs with the aim to improve human rights impact in the Global South. Coordinated the interface with AI sections and the International Secretariat. Supported Amnesty Annual Global Assembly (2011).

London, United Kingdom

• Evaluated and reviewed Amnesty entities strategic and operational plans in order to recommend investment of AI’s global budget (£5 millons pound per year). Portfolio: AI entities from Asia, Latin America and Africa. Supported global Amnesty accountability and evaluation plans.* Reported to the AI Global Board (International Executive Committee) and the Secretary General on strategic investment decisions considering organisational performance and global priorities.

London, Uk

Somaliland Focus (UK) was established with the aim to raise awareness amongst decision-makers in the UK and elsewhere about the territory of Somaliland. •Current Group Member. Joined the Core Group of the Somaliland Presidential Observation Mission (June 2010). Advocacy and media actions in the UK and observation missions to Somaliland. Support writing press statements and position papers. Co-authored “Election Report” launched in May 2011

Argentina

• Devised and founded the organization, which included recruiting board members, team-building, strategic leadership, programme design and overseeing implementation and overall organizational management. Created a network of local and international partners including CCIVS-UNESCO. Coordinated and evaluated plans mobilising more than 250 volunteers from Asia, Europe and the Americas per year. Current Member Advisory Council

Argentina

• Co-coordinator of the first National Participatory Research on Youth Inclusion: worked with +25 local partners undertaking the Participatory Research on youth exclusion and policies. Research design and field work coordination. Supported local and national policy-influencing considering findings and communities' proposals. 2000- 2005. • Designed and implemented Leadership and Community Empowerment Programmes (summary):action-learning and micro-macro advocacy programmes systematized… Show more • Co-coordinator of the first National Participatory Research on Youth Inclusion: worked with +25 local partners undertaking the Participatory Research on youth exclusion and policies. Research design and field work coordination. Supported local and national policy-influencing considering findings and communities' proposals. 2000- 2005. • Designed and implemented Leadership and Community Empowerment Programmes (summary):action-learning and micro-macro advocacy programmes systematized, published are being replicated in several countries. Show less

Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Design and development of fundraising and mutual accountability strategy; participatory planning, negotiation and reporting on projects. Worked closely with European Union, DFID, Inter-American Development Bank, AECI (Spain), Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE); Ford Foundation, AVINA, Ministries of Education and corporations including Nokia, Lucent Technologies .• Advocacy international trips to Europe and the US post-Argentine economic and political crisis (2001) with support of… Show more • Design and development of fundraising and mutual accountability strategy; participatory planning, negotiation and reporting on projects. Worked closely with European Union, DFID, Inter-American Development Bank, AECI (Spain), Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE); Ford Foundation, AVINA, Ministries of Education and corporations including Nokia, Lucent Technologies .• Advocacy international trips to Europe and the US post-Argentine economic and political crisis (2001) with support of the British Council Argentina. Show less

New York, United States

Synergos is a US based NGO connecting Senior Social Leaders fighting poverty around the world. • Conducted research on International Cooperation and Overseas Development Agencies• Wrote case studies considering experiences of social entrepreneurs (Asia, Africa, LA)

• Responsibilities: power analysis in order to develop the Latin American strategy and coalition involving governments, NGOs and grassroots organizations with the aim to develop the human rights project “Dereitos Diretos” funded by the European Union. Wrote reports on public policy relating to MERCOSUR (South American Common Market).

Argentina

Emprender was on of the first argentine civil society organisations providing micro-loans to poor people. It did so by replicating the Grammen Bank model and creating a strong partnership with a national bank.-Analysis of Micro-loans granted to people living in poverty starting small and medium size companies-Business plan evaluation considering market conditions, return of investment and social and economic context (crisis) enabling sucess.-Monitored credit cycle and evaluation… Show more Emprender was on of the first argentine civil society organisations providing micro-loans to poor people. It did so by replicating the Grammen Bank model and creating a strong partnership with a national bank.-Analysis of Micro-loans granted to people living in poverty starting small and medium size companies-Business plan evaluation considering market conditions, return of investment and social and economic context (crisis) enabling sucess.-Monitored credit cycle and evaluation of performance. Show less

Argentina

 Supported the organization of important national and regional meetings bringing together government officials and social leaders from across the country agreeing new social policies during the argentine democratisation process.

Argentina

Cultural/ Social Journalist

Support of field work/ marketing research

Msc, Violence, Conflict, Development

Activities and Societies: Somaliland/ East Timor Dissertation exploring indigenous and native forms of decision making and reconciliation.

Diploma, Anthropology And Social Development

Activities and Societies: Anthropology and Social Development Dissertation on the Impact of Social Development policies in indigenous.

Licenciatura, Sociology

Activities and Societies: Sociology/ Political Sciences/ Cultural Studies Dissertation on Youth and Social/ Economic Exclusion