2024 Outstanding Youth Peaceworker

Nadia Alexandria Kendall, academic and activist, graduated from the Netherlands with an LLM in International Law and Global Governance where she did a double specialization in “Human Rights and Human Security” and “Global Sustainability and Environmental Law”. Her mission is to make Luxembourg and eventually Europe more aware and inclusive of hidden disabilities. She is the leader of the “Hidden Disability Inclusion” program at We Belong Europe. Nadia classifies Hidden Disabilities as neurological differences that are perceived as a lack of functioning and productivity. However these disabilities can be mitigated through proper accommodations and processes. This would create workspaces free of ableism creating an equal opportunity workforce. “Hidden Disability Inclusion” aims to create a safe supporting environment by assisting institutions and companies to be more inclusive as well as giving safe spaces for neurodivergent individuals. This twin sided approach creates both the short term solution of assisting people with disabilities today and the longer term creation of a world where they will not have to face hardships or prejudice due to their disabilities. All of this is to fulfill her mission and end goal to foster a neuro inclusive, resilient, and communal society.

“My passion for advocacy was sparked by witnessing the disparities around me, from the forced head-covering in Iran to the precarious environments of my black and brown friends. These questions led me to delve into research and activism, ultimately aiming to create a more inclusive and just society. Activism, for me, is about amplifying marginalized voices and driving policy change to address inequalities.” – Nadia Kendall in “For Many Years From Tomorrow”