I am a wife, a mum and lifelong migrant. I believe in the importance of equity of opportunity and the healing power of music. 

Riefqah Jappie is a seasoned international relations and government affairs executive with a strong background in policy, international trade, sustainable development and strategy. Her 20 years of experience spans Africa, Europe, United States, Asia and Australia, including 14 years at the United Nations. Riefqah is currently based in New York City and provides independent strategic consulting to international organizations and academia. Prior to establishing her independent advisory firm, Riefqah headed the New York Office of the International Trade Centre, the joint organization of the United Nations and the World Trade Organizations, for six years. She also worked on strategy and performance management at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition to her work in international affairs, Riefqah also has extensive experience in economic development, mainly gained in her native country, South Africa. Riefqah holds degrees in Economics and Arts from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany. Besides her native English and Afrikaans, Ms. Jappie also speaks French and Spanish. She is married and has one daughter.