INTERNATIONAL CORE MEMBERS
The International Core Memerbs for Y-PEER AP are a select group of individuals, elected biennially, who serves as the driving force behind the global efforts of Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center. The members are nominees from member National Networks as well as alumni of Y-PEER AP. These passionate young leaders represent a diverse array of backgrounds and expertise, united by their dedication to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Asia and Pacific region.
The team comprises of peer educators, SRHR professionals, and individuals with various skills and are a dynamic group of change makers below the age of 29. There are currently 8 members from Pakisatan, Bhutan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China and Sri Lanka. These young group of individuals bring together a wealth of perspective and experience to drive forward the mandates of Y-PEER AP.
Bhawana Pradhan is an active and enthusiastic youth advocate in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender Equality and Mental Health from Bhutan. She is one of the core members of Y-PEER Bhutan, and Me for Myself (M4M), an international campaign on Mental Health and Well-being and also a Board Member in Circle of Young Minds for Research and Development Career (CYRC). Ever since becoming a Certified Peer Educator for more than 5 years, she has coordinated and facilitated various national and international trainings and e-courses encircling SRHR and Peer Education. As an enthusiastic advocate, she believes in sharing what she knows to others and loves to work closely with youth for healthy and safer future. Her commitment extends to advocating for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equity. Thus, as an International Core Member, she is eager to contribute to the mandates of Y-PEER AP and seeks collaboration with other International Core Members, bringing enthusiasm and a commitment to learning. With dynamic approach to fostering dialogue, coupled with a genuine interest in personal growth, she believes in being a valuable asset in advancing the goals of Y-PEER AP and making a positive impact on SRHR and inclusivity initiatives.
Edwin Terwiel Ningal, a dedicated individual hailing from Papua New Guinea, is currently immersed in the pursuit of knowledge at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), where he is diligently working towards a Bachelors degree in Anthropology and Demography. Edwin’s academic journey is complemented by his role as the National Focal Point for Y-PEER PNG, showcasing his commitment to advancing youth empowerment and sexual and reproductive health in the region.
Beyond the academic realm, Edwin is a young trailblazer with a fervent passion for contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through grassroots initiatives. In addition to his academic and advocacy pursuits, Edwin wears the hat of an entrepreneur, successfully managing a small landscaping business. This multifaceted approach reflects his dedication to both personal and community growth. Edwin is honored to have been bestowed with the opportunity to join the International core members of Y-PEER, and he eagerly anticipates leveraging his skills and knowledge to meaningfully contribute to the mission of Y-PEER AP. His aspiration is to amplify Y-PEER’s influence in Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region, thereby fostering positive change and progress.
Learning and Growing up with the Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center family has been an amazing journey of my life. Once again, I am excited to be one of the core members of the Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center for the year 2024-2025. Together with the team this year we will be again focusing on the agenda of ICPD in South Asia. With my expertise in sexual reproductive health and rights providing opportunities and skill-based training, monitoring young people will be a key priority. My team and I will ensure that individuals with disabilities, particularly young deaf people, have more access to opportunities and platforms. As a change maker, I will see to it that our work is more youth-friendly, edutainment-focused, and sustainable. Moreover, we will be creating an amazing impact with you all.
Fay HONG Yifei (she/her/hers) is a pivotal member of the China Youth Network (CYN), a leading organization in mainland China dedicated to advocating for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Her role at CYN encompasses managing social media platforms and training volunteers. Additionally, Fay is an international core member of the YPEER Asia Pacific Center (YPEER-AP), a youth peer education network in SRHR. She represents YPEER-AP at various international SRHR conferences and facilitates youth and organisational exchanges across mainland China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond her involvement with CYN and YPEER-AP, Fay’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment is evident through her diverse experiences. She founded some feminism projects, performed in “The Vagina Monologues” and contributed to UNESCO’s theme song for comprehensive sexuality education in China. Her work extends to grassroots initiatives in rural poverty alleviation, migrant population services, and youth development, providing her with extensive experience in nonprofit project management and an intersectional understanding of gender equality. Her enduring dedication to promoting gender equality is a defining aspect of her identity.
Maria Iqbal Shah is a dedicated and passionate advocate for sustainable development, with a particular focus on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a nursing student at Aga Khan University in Pakistan, she has actively engaged in research projects and initiatives that address critical issues related to Good Health and well-being. She was an intern at Y-PEER Asia Pacific, a core member and mentor at Me for Myself Mental Health Campaign and a youth content creator at UNICEF South Asia. She is an alumnus of the Aspire Leaders Program offered by Harvard University and the STEM U Mentoring Program by The New York Academy of Sciences. Maria’s involvement in conferences such as the Asia Pacific Youth Forum and the Global Citizenship Conference reflects her commitment to fostering informed dialogue on mental health, sexual reproductive health, and the transformative impact of digital technologies. She has also played a significant role in addressing challenges in healthcare through initiatives like the AKU President’s Challenge for Climate Solutions, where she presented innovative ideas for climate resilience and sustainable initiatives.
Maria’s leadership extends beyond healthcare, as seen in her participation in the WACE Global Challenge Program and her role as a business consultant for Baby Elephant Social Enterprises, Cambodia. Additionally, she was the leader of team Pakistan at the Worldwide Teach-In Climate Change Internship at Bards College, New York. Maria’s commitment to environmental impact initiatives, climate action, and quality healthcare positions in SRHR and mental health her a promising advocate and leader in the pursuit of a better and more sustainable world.
Palden Wangchuk Dorji is a passionate advocate and a dedicated agent of positive change. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the College of Natural Resources. He believes and recognizes the critical role of youths and SRHR in achieving the SDGs. He has been actively engaged in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as an active member of Y-PEER Bhutan. He firmly believes in the importance of empowering individuals, especially young people, to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
He firmly believes in the potential of collective action to achieve the SDGs and is dedicated to driving positive change in society. Currently, Palden is working with Y-PEER AP gaining valuable experience as the Communication and Advocacy Officer, further enriching his knowledge and impact in the field of SRHR and sustainable development.
A trailblazer and the reigning Mr. Gay World Sri Lanka 2021. Beyond the glitz of the title, he is a multifaceted individual , a model with pride. Beyond the runway, Ram passionately advocates for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and mental health. His journey is a blend of glamour, advocacy, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Samir Kumar Paul is a youth leader, a development professional, and an ICPD Youth advocate. He has over nine years of experience in youth empowerment and has a connection of youth in eight division of Bangladesh.
Samir has served as the National Coordinator of Bangladesh in 2022 and 2023. During this time, he trained young people on SRHR issues through YPEER Bangladesh. During this time, he also collaborated with renowned organisation’s like Economical open scout, Volunteer for Bangladesh and United Nations Youth Advisory Panel. Samir has also represented YPEER Bangladesh in many international events and conference.
Professionally Samir is a development professional working with WASH, Climate Change, HRWS and Women Empowerment in Simavi, a Dutch NGO. Samir completed his master’s in development studies. Samir is extremely enthusiastic about mentoring young people and local organisation’s in Bangladesh and South Asia about SRHR, CSE, and GBV.