Steering Committee

Working from every part of the world

The Steering Committee is responsible for the political leadership of the organisation and comprises five representatives from the major regional representative members of the GSF as well as two additional members elected by a caucus of national unions of students not represented within the membership of the regional platforms and associate member organisations. Steering Committee members are elected for a mandate of one year.

Felix Sesay

Felix Sesay is a GSF Steering Committee Member representing the voice of the associate members. A Sierra Leonean refugee based in Ghana, Felix Sesay embodies resilience and commitment as a fervent advocate for refugee education and gender equality. His journey reflects the transformative power of education amidst adversity, driving his unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.

A member of the  Tertiary Refugee Students’ Network (TRSN), Felix is recognized for his significant contributions to refugee activism, notably championing the ‘Together for Learning’ campaign during his tenure with the Refugee Education Council, Canada. His impactful work garnered international recognition, earning him a spot among the UN Youth Envoy’s ten youth volunteers in 2020.

For over two years, he worked with the United Nations Populations Fund and the Planned Parenthood Association in Ghana, supporting crucial interventions for sexual and gender minorities.

Beyond advocacy, Felix demonstrates compassion through extensive community volunteerism, providing healthcare services and educational support to underprivileged areas, including refugee camps. His journey exemplifies the profound impact of education in reshaping individual destinies and entire community narratives, reaffirming his belief in its transformative potential.

Felix Sesay

Felix Sesay is a GSF Steering Committee Member representing the voice of the associate members. A Sierra Leonean refugee based in Ghana, Felix Sesay embodies resilience and commitment as a fervent advocate for refugee education and gender equality. His journey reflects the transformative power of education amidst adversity, driving his unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.

A member of the  Tertiary Refugee Students’ Network (TRSN), Felix is recognized for his significant contributions to refugee activism, notably championing the ‘Together for Learning’ campaign during his tenure with the Refugee Education Council, Canada. His impactful work garnered international recognition, earning him a spot among the UN Youth Envoy’s ten youth volunteers in 2020.

For over two years, he worked with the United Nations Populations Fund and the Planned Parenthood Association in Ghana, supporting crucial interventions for sexual and gender minorities.

Beyond advocacy, Felix demonstrates compassion through extensive community volunteerism, providing healthcare services and educational support to underprivileged areas, including refugee camps. His journey exemplifies the profound impact of education in reshaping individual destinies and entire community narratives, reaffirming his belief in its transformative potential.

Amadou Jobarteh

Amadou Jobarteh is an GSF Steering Committee member representing the voice of the All-Africa Students Union. Previous to his election into this position he served as the Students’ Union President in the Gambia College from the year 2018 to 2019 and as the Secretary General of the National Union of Gambia Students (NUGS) from 2019 to 2021.

Amadou holds a WASSCE certificate, Advanced Diploma Secondary in Education (English Language and General Science) from the Gambia College where he studied Music at the Deriestar University of Teacher Education at which he became the first Music lecturer in the Gambia College (Head of Department). Amadou furthermore pursues a degree in Political Science at the University of The Gambia School of Arts and Science. As a student leader Amadou has attended a wide range of international conferences in and outside of Africa. His mission and vision is to create a knowledgeable and peaceful society for all.

Amadou Jobarteh

Amadou Jobarteh is an GSF Steering Committee member representing the voice of the All-Africa Students Union. Previous to his election into this position he served as the Students’ Union President in the Gambia College from the year 2018 to 2019 and as the Secretary General of the National Union of Gambia Students (NUGS) from 2019 to 2021.

Amadou holds a WASSCE certificate, Advanced Diploma Secondary in Education (English Language and General Science) from the Gambia College where he studied Music at the Deriestar University of Teacher Education at which he became the first Music lecturer in the Gambia College (Head of Department). Amadou furthermore pursues a degree in Political Science at the University of The Gambia School of Arts and Science. As a student leader Amadou has attended a wide range of international conferences in and outside of Africa. His mission and vision is to create a knowledgeable and peaceful society for all.

 

Amanda Harumy

Amanda Harumy represents the voice of OCLAE in the GSF Steering Committee. She is a graduate in International Relations from the Federal University of São Paulo and holds a Magister in Latin American Integration. (PROLAM-USP) Amanda furthermore acquired a PhD in Latin American Integration (PROLAM-USP) and serves as a lecturer of Latin American Politics at Fundación Santo André. 

In addition to her academic engagements, Amanda serves as the Director of International Relations of ANPG and as the Executive Secretariat of OCLAE. She has experience in the area of political Sciences, with emphasis on International, bilateral and multilateral Relations, working mainly on the following themes: Latin America, Colombia, social movements, student movement and democracy.

Amanda Harumy

Amanda Harumy represents the voice of OCLAE in the GSF Steering Committee. She is a graduate in International Relations from the Federal University of São Paulo and holds a Magister in Latin American Integration. (PROLAM-USP) Amanda furthermore acquired a PhD in Latin American Integration (PROLAM-USP) and serves as a lecturer of Latin American Politics at Fundación Santo André. 

In addition to her academic engagements, Amanda serves as the Director of International Relations of ANPG and as the Executive Secretariat of OCLAE. She has experience in the area of political Sciences, with emphasis on International, bilateral and multilateral Relations, working mainly on the following themes: Latin America, Colombia, social movements, student movement and democracy.

Grace Franco

Grace Franco (she/her) is an incoming Steering Committee Member at the  Global Student Forum representing the voice of the consociate membership. She is an undergraduate student living in Kaurna Country  (Adelaide, Australia) where she studies Law and International Relations. Grace  grew up in South Australia, where she quickly became aware of educational barriers that rural students face and was acutely aware of the impact climate change was having on her community. These injustices fuelled her to take action  in her community and at her university. Grace has served as YouX Board Director and SRC Education Officer on her local campus and National Welfare Officer for the National Union of Students Australia (NUSA). 

Grace is a Narungga woman, an Indigenous Australian. Her lived experience  provides a deeply sad but unique outlook, giving her the ability to empathize  with people who are struggling with the effects of systemic inequality and who  are fighting for equal representation. Grace uses her Indigenous heritage to  advocate for the rights of Indigenous students. She also has a keen interest in  women’s rights, climate action, and of course, the right to education. 

Grace Franco

Grace Franco (she/her) is an incoming Steering Committee Member at the  Global Student Forum representing the voice of the consociate membership. She is an undergraduate student living in Kaurna Country  (Adelaide, Australia) where she studies Law and International Relations. Grace  grew up in South Australia, where she quickly became aware of educational barriers that rural students face and was acutely aware of the impact climate change was having on her community. These injustices fuelled her to take action  in her community and at her university. Grace has served as YouX Board Director and SRC Education Officer on her local campus and National Welfare Officer for the National Union of Students Australia (NUSA). 

Grace is a Narungga woman, an Indigenous Australian. Her lived experience  provides a deeply sad but unique outlook, giving her the ability to empathize  with people who are struggling with the effects of systemic inequality and who  are fighting for equal representation. Grace uses her Indigenous heritage to  advocate for the rights of Indigenous students. She also has a keen interest in  women’s rights, climate action, and of course, the right to education. 

Katrina Sproge

Katrina Sproge is the representative of the European Students’ Union (ESU) in the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum. Katrina is originally from Latvia, and since 2014, she has been active in student representation on all levels –  local, national, and international. She was a member of the executive board of the Student Union of Latvia (LSA) from 2018 until 2021, during her mandate in LSA, she held multiple positions such as officer for international affairs and president. During her time in LSA, Katrina was actively engaged in the national policy making, advocating for fair and accessible learning mobility, rights of the international students and safeguarding and strengthening the student representation on university and national level. Katrina has served as Membership Coordinator for ESU and during the 2022/23 mandate as Vice President of ESU, Katrina was working on Internationalisation and Mobility of Higher Education, especially more inclusive and affordable Erasmus+ program, Education for Sustainable development, as well as organisational development and capacity building.

Katrina Sproge

Katrina Sproge is the representative of the European Students’ Union (ESU) in the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum. Katrina is originally from Latvia, and since 2014, she has been active in student representation on all levels –  local, national, and international. She was a member of the executive board of the Student Union of Latvia (LSA) from 2018 until 2021, during her mandate in LSA, she held multiple positions such as officer for international affairs and president. During her time in LSA, Katrina was actively engaged in the national policy making, advocating for fair and accessible learning mobility, rights of the international students and safeguarding and strengthening the student representation on university and national level. Katrina has served as Membership Coordinator for ESU and during the 2022/23 mandate as Vice President of ESU, Katrina was working on Internationalisation and Mobility of Higher Education, especially more inclusive and affordable Erasmus+ program, Education for Sustainable development, as well as organisational development and capacity building.

Petr Franc

Petr is a member of the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum, where he represents the voice of the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU). He is a student activist based in Czechia, focusing on secondary and tertiary school democracy, oppression-free education, and advocacy for free, quality schooling accessible to everyone. Having been an advisor on education and an elected student representative at local, regional, state-wide and international levels, he is currently a student at Charles University in Prague pursuing two bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and international area studies and a master’s degree in law and legal studies. 

Petr Franc

Petr is a member of the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum, where he represents the voice of the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU). He is a student activist based in Czechia, focusing on secondary and tertiary school democracy, oppression-free education, and advocacy for free, quality schooling accessible to everyone. Having been an advisor on education and an elected student representative at local, regional, state-wide and international levels, he is currently a student at Charles University in Prague pursuing two bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and international area studies and a master’s degree in law and legal studies. 

Bradley Yombon-Copio

Bradley Yombon-Copio, from Papua New Guinea, serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum representing the Commonwealth Student Association (CSA). He is a CSA Pacific Regional Representative, holds a bachelor’s in dental surgery, and is a former Student Council President at the University of PNG. Bradley is deeply committed to student issues, education quality, and healthcare. He is a health educator and advocate for education policy reform, both domestically and across the Pacific. His dedication is evident in his work to support student unions, amplify youth voices at high-level events, and champion student rights. Bradley is passionate about achieving SDGs 3 and 4 and has a vast network within the Pacific Region.

 

Bradley Yombon-Copio

Bradley Yombon-Copio, from Papua New Guinea, serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Student Forum representing the Commonwealth Student Association (CSA). He is a CSA Pacific Regional Representative, holds a bachelor’s in dental surgery, and is a former Student Council President at the University of PNG. Bradley is deeply committed to student issues, education quality, and healthcare. He is a health educator and advocate for education policy reform, both domestically and across the Pacific. His dedication is evident in his work to support student unions, amplify youth voices at high-level events, and champion student rights. Bradley is passionate about achieving SDGs 3 and 4 and has a vast network within the Pacific Region.