In 2024, the Secretariat of the International Seed Federation (ISF) introduced a new position — the Junior Communications Officer — that is envisioned to provide crucial support to ISF’s communications and outreach activities, particularly in establishing the youth engagement program and celebrating ISF’s centennial anniversary.

We are pleased to announce that Andrés Guleed Davoud has joined the ISF Secretariat as its first Junior Communications Officer. He started in February 2024 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
 

Andrés is a skilled communicator with experience in high-level meeting organization, external relations, and event management for international organizations.

Before joining ISF, Andrés worked for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) in Geneva as Project Associate, organizing events in support of the 20th-anniversary campaign. Prior to that, Andrés supported the implementation of the public relations and communications strategy of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, where he was engaged first as External Relations intern and later as Junior External Relations Officer. He supported the organization of regular briefings for diverse audiences, including journalists, non-governmental organizations, and private sector representatives. He also contributed to the organization of important events such as the Public Forum, the annual flagship event of the WTO, which attracts more than 1,500 participants.

He also supported the representation of the national interests of the Dominican Republic and Federal Republic of Somalia at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Andrés is fluent in French, English and Spanish. He completed a Master's degree at the Paris School of International and Political Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the University Lumière Lyon 2.

Now, let’s get to know him better!

ISF: How do you like to spend your time on the weekends?

Andrés (AG): On weekends, I cherish spending quality time with my fiancée, especially since we currently reside in different cities. I also engage in monthly volunteering with the Salvation Army, where we distribute essential needs and food.

Being a fitness enthusiast, I make sure to hit the gym and go for runs, a routine that extends into the weekdays as well. I deeply care about my family and weekends often involve enjoying a delicious meal together. Additionally, I make it a point to attend Sunday services, finding it a grounding and reflective experience.
 

ISF: Who is the most influential person in your life? Why?

AG: I find inspiration in the visions and courage of many individuals, and one person whose impact resonates deeply with me is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Particularly in our field of communication, his quote, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” profoundly influences my perspective.
 

Another quote that resonates with me is from Machiavelli: “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” This quote emphasizes the challenges and importance of innovation, a quality I highly value and see exemplified in the seed sector.

Above all, my true heroes are my parents. Their sacrifices for me and my little brother are immeasurable, and I will forever be grateful for the values they instilled in us.

ISF: What are you most excited to learn more about after joining ISF?

AG: Given my deep appreciation for innovation, I’m particularly excited to learn more about the cutting-edge developments in the seed sector. Understanding how these advancements align with the values of sustainability and positive change is something I look forward to.

You can connect with Andrés on LinkedIn. Join us in giving him a warm welcome!