Meet the team.
Meet the team.
Our people make the difference.
Our people make the difference.
Cholpon Orozobekova
Cholpon Orozobekova
Director
Director
Cholpon Orozobekova is a conflict analyst and terrorism expert. She is the author of the book “Foreign Fighters and International Peace”. Before joining the Bulan Institute, she worked with UN OHCHR, ISHR, and Foundation Au Coeur des Grottes in Geneva. Cholpon worked for 17 years in international media and her analyses appeared in the Diplomate Magazine, Jamestown Foundation, RFE/RL, and IWPR. Cholpon holds three Master’s degrees from Geneva-based public universities. Cholpon was an Executive-in-Residence Fellow at the GCSP and lectured for Preventing Violent Extremism course as a guest speaker. Cholpon also serves as a Senior Advisor on Counterterrorism issues at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation.
Cholpon Orozobekova is a conflict analyst and terrorism expert. She is the author of the book “Foreign Fighters and International Peace”. Before joining the Bulan Institute, she worked with UN OHCHR, ISHR, and Foundation Au Coeur des Grottes in Geneva. Cholpon worked for 17 years in international media and her analyses appeared in the Diplomate Magazine, Jamestown Foundation, RFE/RL, and IWPR. Cholpon holds three Master’s degrees from Geneva-based public universities. Cholpon was an Executive-in-Residence Fellow at the GCSP and lectured for Preventing Violent Extremism course as a guest speaker. Cholpon also serves as a Senior Advisor on Counterterrorism issues at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation.
Cholpon Orozobekova is a conflict analyst and terrorism expert. She is the author of the book “Foreign Fighters and International Peace”. Before joining the Bulan Institute, she worked with UN OHCHR, ISHR, and Foundation Au Coeur des Grottes in Geneva. Cholpon worked for 17 years in international media and her analyses appeared in the Diplomate Magazine, Jamestown Foundation, RFE/RL, and IWPR. Cholpon holds three Master’s degrees from Geneva-based public universities. Cholpon was an Executive-in-Residence Fellow at the GCSP and lectured for Preventing Violent Extremism course as a guest speaker. Cholpon also serves as a Senior Advisor on Counterterrorism issues at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation.
Yerlan Danenov
Yerlan Danenov
Partnerships and Communications Manager
Partnerships and Communications Manager
Yerlan Danenov worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France. From 2017 to 2020, Yerlan worked for the International Monetary Fund, serving as Senior Advisor to the IMF Executive Director representing the Swiss Constituency. He ensured stakeholder engagement and strategic communications at the top level, considering sustainable development issues and economic outlooks. Yerlan made a great contribution to the launch of the IMF Regional Capacity Development Centre for Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. Yerlan Danenov holds a Master’s in Advanced Studies in European and international governance from the University of Geneva, a Master’s in International Relations from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and studied Law at Paris I – Pantheon Sorbonne University.
Yerlan Danenov worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France. From 2017 to 2020, Yerlan worked for the International Monetary Fund, serving as Senior Advisor to the IMF Executive Director representing the Swiss Constituency. He ensured stakeholder engagement and strategic communications at the top level, considering sustainable development issues and economic outlooks. Yerlan made a great contribution to the launch of the IMF Regional Capacity Development Centre for Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. Yerlan Danenov holds a Master’s in Advanced Studies in European and international governance from the University of Geneva, a Master’s in International Relations from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and studied Law at Paris I – Pantheon Sorbonne University.
Yerlan Danenov worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France. From 2017 to 2020, Yerlan worked for the International Monetary Fund, serving as Senior Advisor to the IMF Executive Director representing the Swiss Constituency. He ensured stakeholder engagement and strategic communications at the top level, considering sustainable development issues and economic outlooks. Yerlan made a great contribution to the launch of the IMF Regional Capacity Development Centre for Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. Yerlan Danenov holds a Master’s in Advanced Studies in European and international governance from the University of Geneva, a Master’s in International Relations from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and studied Law at Paris I – Pantheon Sorbonne University.
Kenza Abboud
Kenza Abboud
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Kenza Abboud is a Swedish-Moroccan student pursuing a bachelors in Private Law with a specialization in Business Law at Mohammed V University located in Rabat, Morocco. She has worked as a Junior Assistant at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation (NCCT), an organization based between Stockholm, Sweden, and Tangier, Morocco, where she contributed towards projects centred around positive and lasting peace globally. This experience allowed for her to further develop her skills in International Law contexts, with a focus on legal frameworks and peacebuilding. In addition to her academic and professional experiences, she has a keen interest in law and global governance, specifically in conflict transformation and human rights law. Her multicultural background and ability to communicate in English, French, and Arabic allow her to approach issues from a diverse perspective, ensuring effective collaboration in international environments.
Kenza Abboud is a Swedish-Moroccan student pursuing a bachelors in Private Law with a specialization in Business Law at Mohammed V University located in Rabat, Morocco. She has worked as a Junior Assistant at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation (NCCT), an organization based between Stockholm, Sweden, and Tangier, Morocco, where she contributed towards projects centred around positive and lasting peace globally. This experience allowed for her to further develop her skills in International Law contexts, with a focus on legal frameworks and peacebuilding. In addition to her academic and professional experiences, she has a keen interest in law and global governance, specifically in conflict transformation and human rights law. Her multicultural background and ability to communicate in English, French, and Arabic allow her to approach issues from a diverse perspective, ensuring effective collaboration in international environments.
Kenza Abboud is a Swedish-Moroccan student pursuing a bachelors in Private Law with a specialization in Business Law at Mohammed V University located in Rabat, Morocco. She has worked as a Junior Assistant at the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation (NCCT), an organization based between Stockholm, Sweden, and Tangier, Morocco, where she contributed towards projects centred around positive and lasting peace globally. This experience allowed for her to further develop her skills in International Law contexts, with a focus on legal frameworks and peacebuilding. In addition to her academic and professional experiences, she has a keen interest in law and global governance, specifically in conflict transformation and human rights law. Her multicultural background and ability to communicate in English, French, and Arabic allow her to approach issues from a diverse perspective, ensuring effective collaboration in international environments.
Emma Craig
Emma Craig
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Emma Craig works at the Prevention of Violent Extremism programme. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law at the Geneva Academy. Emma holds a First-Class Honours degree in Law and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, where she specialised in emergency law regimes. Her research focuses on universal jurisdiction and transitional justice measures concerning foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq. In addition to her research at the Bulan Institute, she reports on key debates, resolutions, and interventions at the UN Human Rights Council. She has experience in academic writing, policy analysis, and human rights advocacy, with a strong commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development.
Emma Craig works at the Prevention of Violent Extremism programme. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law at the Geneva Academy. Emma holds a First-Class Honours degree in Law and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, where she specialised in emergency law regimes. Her research focuses on universal jurisdiction and transitional justice measures concerning foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq. In addition to her research at the Bulan Institute, she reports on key debates, resolutions, and interventions at the UN Human Rights Council. She has experience in academic writing, policy analysis, and human rights advocacy, with a strong commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development.
Emma Craig works at the Prevention of Violent Extremism programme. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law at the Geneva Academy. Emma holds a First-Class Honours degree in Law and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, where she specialised in emergency law regimes. Her research focuses on universal jurisdiction and transitional justice measures concerning foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq. In addition to her research at the Bulan Institute, she reports on key debates, resolutions, and interventions at the UN Human Rights Council. She has experience in academic writing, policy analysis, and human rights advocacy, with a strong commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development.
Tanya Goel
Tanya Goel
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Tanya Goel is a lawyer from India currently pursuing an LL.M. in International Law at the Graduate Institute, Geneva, specializing in International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, and International Migration Law. Her research focuses on non-state actors in armed conflict, the regulation of private military and security companies, and contemporary challenges in international law. She has worked with organizations such as UNITAR, the International Jurist Organization, and IAIE, contributing to UN submissions, counterterrorism policies, and legal accountability frameworks. A trained mediator and negotiator, Tanya’s background in Alternative Dispute Resolution informs her approach to conflict resolution and governance. She is also the author of The Infinite Paper, a poetry collection on international law across 21 geopolitical contexts.
Tanya Goel is a lawyer from India currently pursuing an LL.M. in International Law at the Graduate Institute, Geneva, specializing in International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, and International Migration Law. Her research focuses on non-state actors in armed conflict, the regulation of private military and security companies, and contemporary challenges in international law. She has worked with organizations such as UNITAR, the International Jurist Organization, and IAIE, contributing to UN submissions, counterterrorism policies, and legal accountability frameworks. A trained mediator and negotiator, Tanya’s background in Alternative Dispute Resolution informs her approach to conflict resolution and governance. She is also the author of The Infinite Paper, a poetry collection on international law across 21 geopolitical contexts.
Tanya Goel is a lawyer from India currently pursuing an LL.M. in International Law at the Graduate Institute, Geneva, specializing in International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, and International Migration Law. Her research focuses on non-state actors in armed conflict, the regulation of private military and security companies, and contemporary challenges in international law. She has worked with organizations such as UNITAR, the International Jurist Organization, and IAIE, contributing to UN submissions, counterterrorism policies, and legal accountability frameworks. A trained mediator and negotiator, Tanya’s background in Alternative Dispute Resolution informs her approach to conflict resolution and governance. She is also the author of The Infinite Paper, a poetry collection on international law across 21 geopolitical contexts.
Hans Hagemann
Hans Hagemann
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
Hans Hagemann Llanos is a final-year law student, specializing in International Law with a complementary focus on International Relations. As an intern, he joined our Climate Change and Renewable Energy Programme at the end of April 2024. Before joining the Bulan Institute, he worked at the Universal Periodic Review of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. Beyond academics, Hans has been actively involved in volunteering and coordinating efforts for AIESEC in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, the world’s largest youth-run organization, as well as for various NGOs. With fluency in five languages and a strong humanitarian-oriented leadership and research background, Hans has worked closely in remote rural zones of his home country and with diverse vulnerable communities.
Hans Hagemann Llanos is a final-year law student, specializing in International Law with a complementary focus on International Relations. As an intern, he joined our Climate Change and Renewable Energy Programme at the end of April 2024. Before joining the Bulan Institute, he worked at the Universal Periodic Review of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. Beyond academics, Hans has been actively involved in volunteering and coordinating efforts for AIESEC in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, the world’s largest youth-run organization, as well as for various NGOs. With fluency in five languages and a strong humanitarian-oriented leadership and research background, Hans has worked closely in remote rural zones of his home country and with diverse vulnerable communities.
Hans Hagemann Llanos is a final-year law student, specializing in International Law with a complementary focus on International Relations. As an intern, he joined our Climate Change and Renewable Energy Programme at the end of April 2024. Before joining the Bulan Institute, he worked at the Universal Periodic Review of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. Beyond academics, Hans has been actively involved in volunteering and coordinating efforts for AIESEC in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, the world’s largest youth-run organization, as well as for various NGOs. With fluency in five languages and a strong humanitarian-oriented leadership and research background, Hans has worked closely in remote rural zones of his home country and with diverse vulnerable communities.
Sina Rieser
Sina Rieser
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Sina Rieser is a final-year Master’s student in International and Development Studies at the Graduate Institute Geneva, specializing in Conflict, Peace, and Security with a focus on the Middle East and Asia. Her research examines diplomacy, privatized warfare, and conflict dynamics. With hands-on experience in diplomacy, policy analysis, and consulting, she has worked across government, diplomatic missions, and private sectors. Currently, she is writing her Master’s thesis and working as a Research Assistant at the Bulan Institute, focusing on violent extremism in Europe and Central Asia. She is fluent in (Swiss) German, English, and French, with additional knowledge of Mandarin and Turkish.
Sina Rieser is a final-year Master’s student in International and Development Studies at the Graduate Institute Geneva, specializing in Conflict, Peace, and Security with a focus on the Middle East and Asia. Her research examines diplomacy, privatized warfare, and conflict dynamics. With hands-on experience in diplomacy, policy analysis, and consulting, she has worked across government, diplomatic missions, and private sectors. Currently, she is writing her Master’s thesis and working as a Research Assistant at the Bulan Institute, focusing on violent extremism in Europe and Central Asia. She is fluent in (Swiss) German, English, and French, with additional knowledge of Mandarin and Turkish.
Sina Rieser is a final-year Master’s student in International and Development Studies at the Graduate Institute Geneva, specializing in Conflict, Peace, and Security with a focus on the Middle East and Asia. Her research examines diplomacy, privatized warfare, and conflict dynamics. With hands-on experience in diplomacy, policy analysis, and consulting, she has worked across government, diplomatic missions, and private sectors. Currently, she is writing her Master’s thesis and working as a Research Assistant at the Bulan Institute, focusing on violent extremism in Europe and Central Asia. She is fluent in (Swiss) German, English, and French, with additional knowledge of Mandarin and Turkish.
Copyright © 2025 Bulan Institute
Copyright © 2025 Bulan Institute
Copyright © 2025 Bulan Institute