We know that when individuals with varied perspectives unite around a common purpose, their collective strength becomes a catalyst for profound positive transformations in the world. Our team is vibrant and global, with an unwavering commitment to social impact and driving positive action.
We also know that we can’t succeed by going alone. Museum for the United Nations – UN Live is being made possible thanks to an extraordinary collaborative effort from hundreds of people and organisations from all disciplines and every corner of the world. We are hugely grateful for all the care, curiosity and excitement that these people and partners share and bring to the project.
UN Live Team
Head of Comms & Lead Curator
In a family of scientists and artists, I learned to appreciate the connections that bind everything—the beauty of patterns and occasional hidden insights revealed from a different perspective. The wooden sculpture in this photo was crafted by my late uncle, who consistently helped me discover the inherent beauty in this world.
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Since 2019, Annesofie has led the curation of global programming at UN Live, developing projects in over 30 countries. Passionate about innovative cultural engagement, she has also led partnerships in museums and the arts sector, facilitating discussions and creating opportunities for cultural spaces to drive change. With a background in set design and fine arts, Annesofie's international career has involved cross-over projects between international development and socially engaged art. Before UN Live, she led a number of participatory art projects, working with displaced families in Gaza, female ex-combatants in the Central African Republic, and scientists and Inuit Hunters across the Circumpolar North.
annesofie.norn@museumfortheun.org
Chief Strategy Officer
When I asked my 8 year old son what object to bring he said: bring this picture of me to show that your family is the most important thing for you.
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Emil, a founding member of Museum for the United Nations - UN Live in 2015, led the original building track, ran operations, and today he oversees UN Live’s programmes and strategic direction. Prior to UN Live, Emil co-founded Nordic Development Corporation (NDC), with the mission to enhance the Nordic Region’s social and economic sustainability through social impact investments and innovative financing models. Emil was also Manager at Dalberg Global Development Advisors with a focus on non-profit strategy, climate change, development of large-scale investment projects and innovative financing, as well as worked at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on Foreign Direct Investments and public-private partnerships. Emil holds a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Ethics from University College London (UCL) and a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen.
emil.schelde@museumfortheun.org
Executive Director of UN-Ventured & Global Programme Director for Sounds Right
These headphones represent my love for music, seeded playing air guitar to Oasis in my bedroom, then matured as a (distressingly) untalented drummer. It manifests today through listening to countless hours while working, partaking in the occasional album club, and – fortuitously – via my role on the Sounds Right programme.
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Gabriel Smales is Executive Director of UN-Ventured, where he is working with founding partners to build a Culture × Impact venture studio to design, accelerate, and launch a new generation of cultural ventures capable of reaching mainstream audiences at global scale. Alongside this, he is Global Programme Director for Sounds Right, a global initiative and multi-sector partnership that launched NATURE as an official music artist, helping millions of people reimagine how nature is valued in our society. Gabriel has over a decade of experience designing and scaling impact ventures at the intersection of impact, technology, and finance, including roles with Dalberg, Proximity Designs, and Apollo Agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia.
gabriel.smales@museumfortheun.org
Chief Executive Officer
In many cultures the apple has a symbolic meaning. To me it represents beauty, home, hope, and strength. My grandparents lived in a small apple orchard, and I grew up with all kinds of apples and apple dishes. I just love the smell.
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Katja Iversen, an award-winning leader, executive adviser, author, and global advocate, boasts a background leading in civil society and the United Nations, and training Fortune 500 executives in cross-cultural leadership. Having lived, worked, or travelled in close to 100 countries, Katja has been a driving force for global change, advising world leaders, private sector executives, and institutions such as the G7, Clinton Global Initiative, World Economic Forum, MIT Solve Challenge, Kings College, Global Goals World Cup, and Women Political Leaders. Awarded as Dane of the Year and Woman of the Decade, she also holds an honorary doctorate for her work connecting people across cultures.
katja.iversen@museumfortheun.org
Creative and Digital Content Lead
I’ve always been drawn to the way light can shape an atmosphere, evoke feelings, or reveal a new perspective. I also grew up in a home where candles were a constant, especially in the darker winter months, adding warmth and appreciation for the moment. To me, candles represents a sense of home, slowing down, and sometimes even a spark of creativity.
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Oda holds an MA in Design Communication from Ravensbourne University and a BA in Business Management from Westminster University in London. Her work spans visual storytelling, strategy, and communications, rooted in curiosity and empathy. During her MA, she conveyed themes centred around climate change and human behaviour, drawing inspiration from nature and exploring the human-nature relationship. Prior to UN Live she worked within marketing with a focus on campaign ideation, branding, and design.
Programme Director and Head of India
These healing crystals reflect the connection and balance of the mind, body and soul. They are a symbol of my spiritual journey and work as a therapist. As a lover of wisdom and truth, I've held the belief that one of the greatest ingredients for positive change lies in each one of us striving to be the best versions of ourselves. We are not separate. We are one. Everything is interconnected.
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Sakshi, an international development professional with 16 years of experience, has led diverse programs and campaigns encompassing air quality, climate change, gender equality, justice, education, and health. With a background working with organisations like Purpose, Population Services International, CHSJ, Bharti Foundation and Equality Now, she brings tri-sector knowledge in collaborating with governments, CSOs, and corporations. Sakshi excels in strategy, partnerships, communications, and large-scale programme development and management. Her career has centered on the intersectionality of social issues, cultural mediums, and behavior change. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sakshi is a certified therapist and spiritual healer. She holds a Master's degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, UK, and a B.A (Hons.) in Political Science from Delhi University.
sakshi.bhalla@museumfortheun.org
Director for Global We Programme
This intricately carved wooden box, once owned by my late uncle Nelson, holds letters from his closest friends. Reading them paints a beautiful picture of someone I never met but who has shaped me. It prompts reflection on legacy, how I'll be remembered, the impact I create, as well as a link to my roots and the people who have shaped me.
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Sasha, Director for the Global We Programme at UN Live since 2022, brings a global perspective, having lived in Bombay, Melbourne, and now Copenhagen. In her dual role, she leads the Global We platform and oversees People & Culture at UN Live, embodying her passion for inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of culture. Before joining UN Live, Sasha spent over a decade as a leadership development practitioner at Leaders’ Quest, where she led high-performing global teams, designing and facilitating programmes to unlock leadership potential. She also played a pivotal role in Count Us In, a citizens’ climate action campaign catalyzing large-scale global climate action. Sasha holds a Master’s in International Development & Environment Analysis and Zoology.
sasha@museumfortheun.org
Programme Associate India
Sweets have always been an integral part of my life. The nostalgia that a box of sweets carries is not something I’ve found replicated in anything else. Through life’s curveballs, it always helps to remind oneself of the simpler pleasures, the sweeter aspects of life and what better exemplifies that!
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Shubhankar, a Programme Associate with Defenders of Planet Earth in India, holds a postgraduate degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. With over 8 years of volunteering and 2 years of professional experience in the development sector, he co-founded "GoingZero," India’s first online Plastic-free Vegan store recognised under Startup India. In his professional capacity, Shubhankar played a key role in launching India's first ISO certified constituency office for the Delhi Government and contributed to enhancing transparency in the Grievance Redressal system. His experience extends to 'Swaniti Initiative,' a not-for-profit organisation, where he conceptualised projects and designed their monitoring and evaluation framework.
shubhankar.paliwal@museumfortheun.org
Associate Director for Sounds Right
I'm proud to come from generations of women whose journeys led them to challenge biases in various spaces. Mine started with playing football, and on boys' teams nonetheless. I learned to free myself from others' expectations of me. To nurture community in spaces with seemingly glaring differences, and practice discipline, empathy, and collaboration.
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Iminza is the Associate Director for Sounds Right, a platform for global music artists to help nature fund its own conservation. At Sounds Right, Iminza brings a strategic, creative, and legal skillsets to support the program design and implementation.
Prior to joining UN Live, Iminza worked with Dalberg Global Development Advisors and Axum. Among other things, her work focused on designing and piloting novel concepts for outsized impact and sustainable returns. She has supported public, private, and philanthropic organizations, including advising a leading global sustainability prize on how to enhance its profile and long-term impact on innovators and sustainability leaders.
Social Media Manager
Cow(girl) boots are more than just footwear—they embody resilience, adventure, and individuality. With worn leather and pointed toes, they carry stories of journeys taken and challenges faced. To me, they symbolize standing tall in uncertainty with both grit and grace. Each step reflects purpose, independence, and a spirit full of heart. I got this pair of boots during an adventure of self-discovery.
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Karina is a communications and climate storytelling professional with a background in media, journalism, and content creation. In her role as Social Media Associate, she aims to to provide active, positive, and inspiring engagement to our community worldwide. She is also the Co-Founder of Climate Starts with SEA, a weekly newsletter dedicated to driving climate action across Southeast Asia.With a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Political Communications from the University of Melbourne, Karina’s career spans broadcasting, journalism, community engagement, and environmental advocacy. She previously worked as a News Anchor at SEA Today, Indonesia’s first English-speaking news channel, where she honed her skills in storytelling and live reporting.Beyond her professional roles, Karina has represented Indonesia on international platforms, including as Miss Earth Indonesia 2022, a host at the ASEAN Summit 2023 in Labuan Bajo, and the country’s sole representative in the CNN Academy: Global South Climate Storytelling Program 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
karina.basrewan@museumfortheun.org
Global Creative Content Lead
Water is a place of calm and meditation for me. Swimming and floating allows me to fully relax, quiet my mind, and be present in the moment. These goggles have become a bridge between the worlds of land and water, accompanying me on my travels and helping me reconnect with that sense of peace wherever I go.
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Virginia is an Australian creative strategist with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of arts, social innovation, architecture, and urban planning. Her work centres on the strategic use of storytelling to shape new narratives and drive cross-sector collaboration towards more just, healthy, and regenerative futures. She has worked for leading international organisations including 21st Europe, Gehl, SPACE10, and viennacontemporary, bringing a sharp interdisciplinary perspective to complex challenges. She is co-founder of Mai Ling, an association and artist collective advancing contemporary Asian art and culture in Austria and internationally.
Global We Curators
Jim Bourgeois Kajangu
Portal Curator, Nakivale Refugee Settlement
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Jim a Congolese national residing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, is a passionate advocate for refugee empowerment. He possesses a diverse skillset, excelling as a portal curator for Global We, social entrepreneurship trainer, life coach, and curator. His areas of focus include entrepreneurship, computer applications, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), and early childhood development.
As a father of three, Jim deeply understands the challenges faced by refugees. He is driven by a vision of a future where refugees transform their adversity into opportunities for economic self-reliance and community development. He strives to empower fellow refugees to unlock their potential and create a brighter future.
Ciela Herce
Portal Curator, Mexico City
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Ciela is a language interpreter proficient in English and French. She has brought her knowledge and skills to be an invaluable member of the Mexico portal since its inception.
Outside of her work at the portal, she is an animal rights activist. One of her main goals is to make people aware of the importance of respecting animals around the world and treating them well.
Dener Marcos Xavier
Portal Curator, Sao Vicente
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Dener is a Brazilian entrepreneur, Community Leader and Facilitator dedicated to driving social impact through education and cultural empowerment. As the founder of Instituto Família Chegados, a non-profit organisation, and GlobalHood, a private English school, he works to transform lives in underserved communities by providing access to international career opportunities aboard cruise ships and exchange programmes in the U.S.
As a curator for the Global We platform by the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live, he connects local communities to a global network through meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural experiences. Through his relentless dedication and visionary leadership, he continues to bridge the gap between local potential and global opportunities, inspiring others to dream beyond boundaries.
Guillaine Irahoza
Portal Curator, Kigali
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Guillaine is an enthusiastic advocate for inclusivity and representation, with a deep commitment to giving every voice—regardless of background or circumstance—a platform. As a Junior lawyer with a focus on human rights, she works to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, especially women and children. Her dedication to climate justice, diplomacy, and international law fuels her passion for creating spaces where dialogue thrives and diverse perspectives come together to drive meaningful change.
She’s a passionate poet, public speaker, and curator, with a mission to foster understanding and collaboration across cultures. Through her work in global conversations, cross-cultural initiatives, and her advocacy for women’s empowerment, she is building bridges and championing equity—always with empathy, heart, and the drive to make a difference.
Hector Dibakoane
Portal Curator, Johannesburg
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Hector, also known as Xquizified, is a changemaker, leader, dreamer, youth, and climate activist. Recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian Young 200, he is the co-lead CEO of Makers Valley Partnership, where he drives initiatives focused on cultivating access to information, opportunities, spaces, and healing.
Hector is a multidisciplinary creative whose work shapes culture, strengthens human connection, and is driven by passion and love. He is also the founder of Xquizified Media, hosting events like World of Words to empower creatives and help them reach their full potential.
Karla Morales Lara
Portal Curator, Mexico City
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Karla Morales Lara is an environmental activist and researcher. She is the Director and Founder of Colectivo Ecolescencias. She holds a degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Psychology of Groups and Institutions.
As the Director of the Mexico Portal, she works with the UN Live to curate and facilitate session. She integrated her main scientific research focus, mobilising young people around the environment, the environmental crisis and critical analysis of academic extractivism, to bring knowledge and youth to the portal.
Ruth Olowosile
Portal Curator, Lagos
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Ruth is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Sustainable Green Environment (SGE) Initiative, a non-profit fostering sustainability through programmes that empower young people, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
In her work with the Museum for the United Nations’ Global We platform, she curates conversations around social issues and climate action. Highlighting creativity and innovation, she builds climate solutions, positive social impact, and economic development.
Sofoniyas Tesfaye
Portal Curator, Addis Ababa
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Sofoniyas is a dynamic young professional specialising in project management and digital skills. With a diverse background in youth programme development, he has contributed to global initiatives such as the Unleash Innovation Lab, the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and Rotary.
Sofoniyas holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Gondar and is currently pursuing a Master's in Project Management. Passionate about leveraging technology and strategic planning to drive impactful projects, he is dedicated to making a positive difference in his field.
Taynara Dias
Portal Curator, Sao Vicente
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Taynara is a project coordinator at the non-profit organisation Instituto Família Chegados, where she leads initiatives focused on education, culture, and global connectivity.
She also serves as a curator for Global We, fostering meaningful dialogues across diverse communities and cultures. Dedicated to social impact and community development, Taynara bridges global perspectives to inspire local and international change.
Rami Khalaf
Portal Curator, Mosul
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Rami is a Portal Curator for the Global We platform, where he has been fostering meaningful connections since November 2016. He has travelled to Uganda, Africa, to set up a portal and has extensive experience working with NGOs in Iraq.
With a master’s degree in IT and a strong passion for humanitarian work, Rami combines his technical expertise and commitment to social impact to promote understanding and unity across diverse cultures. Based in Mosul, Iraq, Rami is dedicated to leveraging technology and dialogue to connect people worldwide.
Board of Directors
Hala Hanna, Board member
Executive Director, MIT Solve
Elected 2025
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Hala Hanna is the Executive Director of Solve, an MIT initiative that finds and scales tech-based solutions to global challenges. Hala’s global career is about advancing equity and sustainability for all. It includes roles at the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, and various UN agencies, as well as degrees from Harvard University and the American University of Beirut.
Birgitte Hagemann Snabe, Board member
Founder, Young Global Pioneers
Elected 2021
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Birgitte has a PhD in System Dynamics and Change Management. She has a background in management consulting and has served as Managing Director of Her Majesty Queen Mary’s Foundation.
Co-Founder, Museum for the United Nations
UN Live, former ED, UNOPS
Elected 2016
Jan Mattsson, Board Chair
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Jan’s career spanned international development work in all regions of the world, through leadership roles at various agencies of the United Nations. In his final UN assignment, he was Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, an organisation specialising in the implementation of humanitarian and peace-building operations.
Jessica Faieta, Board member
Senior Fellow Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, former UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Carribbean
Elected 2022
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Jessica Faieta was the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Colombia as well as She the Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Colombia. Jessica has more than 28 years of distinguished service in the UN. She currently works as lecturer at Yale University.
Julia Goldin, Board member
Global Chief Marketing Officer, LEGO
Elected 2018
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Julia is a marketing professional, and currently serves as LEGO Group’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. Julia has worked with most major markets across the world, and has lived in Russia, US, UK and Japan.
Karen Wang, Board member
CEO and Founder of Climind, SDG Young Leader, United Nations
Elected 2023
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Karen serves as the CEO and founder of Climind, a climate co-pilot platform that delivers actionable climate data infrastructure through AI technologies to facilitate mitigation and adaptation solutions. She is the first Chinese female to be selected as a Young Leader for the SDGs recognized by the United Nations.
Executive Director of Atlantic Fellows, former SG of Civicus, and former Director at Save the Children
Elected 2025
Lysa John, Board member
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Lysa has a background in human rights, international development and social justice. She has over 25 years of experience in large-scale change initiatives that are anchored in social justice movements and transnational campaigns for governance accountability. She has worked as Head of Outreach for the UN High Level Panel on the Post-2015 agenda, Global Campaigns Director for Save the Children International and Secretary-General of CIVICUS. She is currently based in Oxford where she works as the Executive Director of the Atlantic Institute, which is part of the global Atlantic Fellows community and is hosted by the Rhodes Trust.
Lysa has contributed to several networks in an advisory capacity, including the Global Partnership for Sustainable Data Development, the International Budget Partnership, the Open Government Partnership and the World Benchmarking Alliance. She stays grounded through yoga, meditation and gratitude for the worldwide network of friends, family and fellow activists who nurture and inspire her.
Omino Gardezi, Board member
Founder of A+, Liirn and Saints
Elected 2023
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Omino is at the forefront of machine learning for creativity, exploring collective intelligence to elevate the creative process. Drawing on his expertise in design, data, art, and technology, he advocates for intersectional thinking and pushes storytelling boundaries.
Patrick Frick, Board member
Curator and Initiator of Brave Space
Elected 2025
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Patrick Frick is the Curator and Initiator of Brave Space, a platform to learn, grow, and act collaboratively in service of the common good. Through writing, teaching, and practice, he helps leaders hold space for courageous conversations and collective action in a world where no one is fully in charge.
Yoka Brandt, Board member
Permanent Representative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Elected 2025
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Yoka Brandt is a Permanent Representative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to the United Nations. She has previously served as Secretary-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and as Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships (ASG level) at UNICEF.
UN Live complies with good foundation governance principles and adheres to the recommendations set out by Committee on Foundation Governance, accessible here: www.godfondsledelse.dk. Core governing principles include (not limited to):
Transparency on board members selection processes
Board member election period of 2 years
Well-established processes and annual wheel for board meetings, budget approvals, strategy assessments
Continuous internal and external assessments of financial management
We are hugely grateful for all the care, curiosity and excitement that people share and bring to UN Live. A special thanks to Lars Nittve, Jimmy Maymann and Olafur Eliasson who led some of the early thinking behind The Museum for the United Nation's infrastructure, online presence and design & content. Dedicated thanks go to:
Our supporters
Amity University, Anchorage Museum, BBC Media Action, Canto al Agua, Learning Planet Institute, Count Us In, Exaptive Inc., The Climate Agenda, Fingerprint Content, Greening The Camps, Guardians of the Forest, Hoperaisers, Human Circle, IDEO, If Not Us Then Who, Institute of Sound and Music, Jadal Culture, Kaputt, Liga das Mulheres pelos Oceanos, Loughborough University, Low Carbon City, Manara, Maloka Museum, Movilizatorio, Museum of Tomorrow, Natural History Museum UK, Parque Explora, Pimp my Carroça, Procomum Institute, Purpose, Shared Studios, Studio Olafur Eliasson, The Flipflopi Project, Thinc, VozTerra, We Are Museums, WildAid.
Our partners
Foundations & governments
Aage V Jensen Fonden
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Augustinus Foundation
Bikubenfonden
Community Arts Lab / Porticus
Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs
Det Obelske Familiefond
Dreyers Fond
EIT Climate-KIC
Ford Foundation
Hempel Foundation
Hermod Lannungs Fond
IKEA Foundation
MacArthur Foundation
Nordeafonden
Oak Foundation
Porticus Foundation
Rambøll Foundation
Realdania
Spotify
Wellcome Trust
William Demant Fond
15 June Foundation
Patrons
Alexander Aghassipour,
Zendesk
Anders Eldrup,
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Annemette Færch
Henrik Lind
Danske Commodities
Jeppe Laurids Hedaa,
7N
Jimmy Maymann
Mikkel Bülow-Lehnsby,
NREP
Preben Damgaard,
Damgaard Company A/S
Rasmus Nørgaard
NREP
Søren Vestergaard Poulsen
CVC Capital Partners
Thomas Hallas & Stine Kyhl Øvlisen
Torben Wind
Companies
AKQA
Accountor
Dalberg
Deloitte
Designit
Horten
IDEO
Isobar
Nordic Development Cooperation
NREP
Join us
We are aiming high, moving fast, and know we have a lot to learn. We are excited to hear your ideas, and to continue to grow our network of friends, partners, and supporters. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, have an idea, or a question, please get in touch via info@museumfortheun.org.
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