Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, MBE is Founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) and an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Anderlini has 25 years of experience as a peace strategist working globally on conflicts, crises, violent extremism and peacebuilding. At ICAN, she spearheads the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL), comprising 90+ women-led peacebuilding organizations in 40 countries. 

Anderlini has led groundbreaking initiatives including being a civil society leader and drafter of the seminal UNSC Resolution 1325; directing the multi-country Women Waging Peace Policy Commission; publication of her book Women Building Peace: What they do, why it matters; and being appointed to the UN’s Standby Team of Mediation Experts. She's published widely, including in Foreign Affairs, and appeared on CNN Amanpour. In 2020, Anderlini was awarded an MBE for her services to International Peacebuilding and Women’s Rights.