Keynote Speakers

With a distinguished 39-year career across multiple United Nations organisations, Mr. Gianne Magazzeni is a leading authority on global human rights strategy, UN field operations, and international cooperation.

Beginning his journey at UN Headquarters in New York during the height of the Cold War, Mr. Magazzeni played a pivotal role in disarmament negotiations before becoming a key architect in the operational development of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Mr. Magazzeni has overseen human rights field operations and technical assistance across the Americas, Europe, and Central Asia, and served in critical UN duty stations including Geneva, New York, and Baghdad. Notably, he led the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in 2006–2007, and was directly involved in investigative and monitoring missions in post-genocide Rwanda (1994) and conflict-affected Ukraine (2014).

Throughout his career, Mr. Magazzeni has shaped the strategic direction of UN human rights initiatives at decisive moments, advancing the independence of national human rights institutions and enhancing the role of regional mechanisms. His leadership of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Branch at the Human Rights Council for over six years established him as a global champion of aligning human rights with sustainable development, forging partnerships with governments, parliaments, UN agencies, and international donors.

Mr. Magazzeni is known for building integrated, resilient teams in both headquarters and field settings, consistently leaving behind strengthened institutions and enhanced impact. His legacy is one of innovation, diplomacy, and enduring commitment to justice, human dignity, and international cooperation.