Merly Barlaan

Background

About Merly Barlaan

Merly Christina Barlaan is a peace and environment advocate. With 28 years of dedicated service within the United Nations civil society community, Ms. Barlaan has spearheaded numerous initiatives fostering peace, sustainability, and empowerment, focusing on women, youth and environment. Her leadership has catalyzed transformative change, evidenced by her pivotal roles in implementing the UnitedNations global development agenda in the rural communities and nurturing the next generationof peace-loving global leaders through reconciliation and healing. She is supporting the 128 national chapters of WFWPI as CAO and Vice President for Administration as well as Deputy Director of WFWPI UN Representatives in New York, Geneva and Vienna. She served as a Convenor for the NGO CSW- Geneva Civil Society Forum, Working Group on Environment on the Beijing+30 TaskForce, UNECE Region. Author of the following projects: Mothers' Hearts Network, Service forPhilippines Cultural Exchange for Peace, HTM Community Development Framework, Mr. & Miss Pure Love Leadership and Beauty Pageant, Permaculture Literacy Program,"The UN Dream", and Young Global Women Pewce Ambassadors Leadership Program. Ms. Barlaan has a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from the International PeaceLeadership College (IPLC - Philippines), and currently pursuing a Master's in Peace andConflict Studies at HJ International Graduate School for Public Leadership in New York City. She received her certification in Fundraising and Grant Writing from New York University, USA. Mrs. Barlaan is not only a visionary leader but also a lifelong learner dedicated to advancingsustainable peace using the “feminine leadership of heart” restorative conflict resolutionparadigm. Her passion in raising young people to become incorruptible and honorable globalleaders of heart and character, make her an invaluable asset in today's complex global landscape.