Conference Speakers
Past Speakers
Ms. Claudia Ferrotti
Highlighted Speaker
Claudia Ferrotti is a future PhD student at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. She has
recently earned a master’s degree in International and Security Politics from the
Catholic University of Lille, France. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in International
Studies from the University of Trento, Italy. Her research interests focus on security
studies, political violence, and terrorism in the Middle East.
Ms. Safa Yagoub
Highlighted Speaker
Safa Yagoub is an interdisciplinary researcher specialising in DDR, peacebuilding, and child
protection in conflict zones. She holds a Master’s in Human rights and Conflict Management
from the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy. Her work focuses on preventing the
recruitment of children, especially girls, in armed conflicts. A recipient of UNICEF’s Certificate of
Appreciation, Safa has contributed to thematic research with international NGOs and currently
works as an assistant teacher in Stockholm, supporting youth inclusion and mentorship.
Dr. Kristīne Kuzņecova
Past Speaker
Doctor of Law, researcher at Rīga Stradiņš University, and assistant professor at Daugavpils University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the author of more than 30 scientific publications on national and public security topics and has long-term professional experience in law enforcement. As a scholar, she believes that science is one of the greatest collective endeavors of humanity. It significantly contributes to our understanding of the world and offers answers to questions as well as solutions that benefit millions across the globe.
Dr. Elira Luli
Past Speaker
Dr. Elira Luli, a Lecturer and Researcher at “Luarasi” University, holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and Political Science from the European University of Tirana. In 2022, she was recognized and awarded as a George C. Marshall Centre Alumni Scholar. Currently, she is a research fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Kőszeg (IASK), Hungary, researching Western Balkans’ EU integration – challenges and opportunities. Her expertise lies in Southeast European Studies, including topics such as European Integration, societal values and norms in transition, security issues, external influences in the Western Balkans, and Public/Cultural Diplomacy.
Mr. Vitālijs Rakstiņš
Past Speaker
Vitālijs Rakstiņš, a seasoned security professional with a career spanning nearly 20 years in the Latvian Ministries of Defence and Interior and as a diplomat in NATO headquarters, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, is now an academic in Riga Stradins university, book author and educator. Legal background, Master of Laws. His focus is on national security, business continuity, resilience, cognitive warfare, cyber security and disruptive technologies.
Romāns Gagunovs
Past Speaker
Romāns Gagunovs holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and is currently a 3rd-year PhD student. Currently serving as an acting lecturer and researcher at Rīga Stradiņš University (Faculty of Social Sciences), the focus is on the study of political parties, elections, and governance, with an emphasis on both national and international political dynamics. Research explores the intersection of internal politics and security. In addition, professional experience gained from work in the Latvian Parliament and Government enriches academic expertise further.
Dr. Fjorida Ballauri
Past Speaker
Dr. Fjorida Ballauri is Legal Advisor at the President Office of Albania and contributes as a lecturer in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law in the Security Academy of Albania. She was graduated in 2005, as a lawyer at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana. She had completed master’s in criminal sciences (2008) and her doctoral studies (2015) at the University of Tirana, in the field of prevention of the conflict of interest and legal instruments against corruption.
Teya Radeva
Past Speaker
Teya Radeva (1998) is a PhD student specializing in International Relations at the Department of Political Science at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Her PhD thesis focuses on the political dimensions of war within contemporary security architecture. Driven by a passion for international security and theories of international relations, Teya actively participates in academic conferences to present her findings and collaborate with peers, aiming to contribute meaningful insights into the complexities of global politics.