About Ghada Rifai

Ghada Rifai is an architect and urban planner from Aleppo, Syria, working at the intersection of urban recovery, peacebuilding, and local governance. She co-founded Mobaderoon, where she has led initiatives such as the Citizen Charter and community-based city profiles that support communities to define priorities and engage in decision-making. She also collaborates through Globally Connected on youth leadership and cultural exchange projects across Europe. Ghada is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Urban Studies at Rutgers University and has managed the Aleppo Urban Observatory, leading data-driven programmes on urban development, informal settlements, and child-friendly city work. Her work has received international recognition, including the Livia Foundation Award and the Global Inclusion Award.