Global Council

Guiding the lasting legacy of World NGO Day

The World NGO Day Global Council is the international advisory body supporting the growth and legacy of World NGO Day (February 27). It unites respected leaders across sectors to provide strategic guidance, strengthen global partnerships, and build a more connected, visible nonprofit community worldwide.

Leadership

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team serves as the executive leadership and operational hub of the World NGO Day Global Council. It provides strategic coordination, administration, communications, and operational leadership to support the Council’s mission. The team works closely with Executive Advisors, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Council’s activities.

Marcis Skadmanis

Marcis Skadmanis

Founder of World NGO Day - Feb 27
Chair & Director of Strategic Partnerships, Global Council

Vinícius Taddone

Chief Operating Officer,
Global Council

Lilit Kirsh

V.Chief of Staff,
Global Council

advisory body

Executive Advisors

Executive Advisors provide strategic insight, global perspective, and trusted counsel that help shape the future direction and international influence of World NGO Day. Invitations continue to be extended to distinguished leaders from around the world.

Executive Advisor is a distinguished honorary appointment recognizing exceptional leadership and commitment to social impact. To preserve the Council’s independence and neutrality, all appointments are voluntary and unpaid.

Princess Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru

President, Office of Princess Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru
Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | Nigeria

Merridee Book

CEO & Artistic Director of the Coronado Island Film Festival
Coronado, California, U.S.

Laura Herrera

Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago, U.S.

Joseph Galliano-Doig MBE

Founder, former CEO & Director Emeritus of Queer Britain, the UK's national LGBTQ+ Museum
London, UK

Vivian Zavataro

Executive & Creative Director, Ulrich Museum of Art
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.

Lawrence Swiader

Chief Digital Officer, American Battlefield Trust
Washington, D.C., U.S.

Chris Stevenson

Executive Advisor
New York, U.S.

Leena Zittling​

Executive Advisor, Distinguished Supporter of World NGO Day Since 2012
Helsinki, Finland

Zafar Iqbal

Executive Advisor, Distinguished Supporter of World NGO Day Since 2014
Islamabad, Pakistan

Global Representation

World NGO Day in Numbers

More than a decade of growing global recognition, collaboration, and impact.

Learn more

145+

World NGO Day is actively celebrated in over 145 countries across all six continents in dozens of local languages.

2014

The first official global celebration took place in Helsinki, Finland, hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and attended by leaders from the UN, UNESCO, and the EU.

10+ years

Over a decade of growing collaboration has earned this global awareness day formal recognition and annual observance from major international bodies like the EU and the Council of Europe.
Opportunities

Collaborate with the Global Council

World NGO Day continues to expand its international network of executive leaders, strategic partners, and supporters who share a commitment to strengthening civil society and increasing global recognition of World NGO Day.

From time to time, invitations are extended to distinguished leaders whose expertise, experience, and global perspective can help advance the Council’s mission.

If you are interested in exploring partnership opportunities or learning more about the Council’s work, we invite you to connect with us.

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