IIMP First Annual Forum 2026
IIMP / ANNUAL FORUM 2026
Two days of dialogue, cooperation and engagement to advance the search for missing persons in Syria.
About the Forum
The IIMP First Annual Forum 2026 will provide a platform for dialogue on the search for missing persons in Syria, bringing together families, civil society organizations, national authorities, international partners and other stakeholders.
The Forum will explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation, improve information sharing and support families throughout the search process, while contributing to efforts to provide answers about the fate and whereabouts of missing persons.
Day 1 — Wednesday, 2 December 2026 | Interactive Programme
08:30–09:00 Registration of Participants
Participant registration ahead of the opening of the IIMP Annual Forum 2026.
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09:00–09:15 Opening Remarks
Opening remarks marking the beginning of the IIMP Annual Forum 2026.
- Karla Quintana — Assistant Secretary-General and Head of IIMP
- Dr. Ridha Jalkhi — Head, National Commission on Missing Persons (NCMP), Syria
09:15–10:45 Searching for the Missing: Global Experiences, Institutional Challenges, and Lessons for Syria
A discussion of international experiences, institutional challenges and lessons relevant to the search for missing persons in Syria. Includes a Q&A session.
- Dr. Ridha Jalkhi — Head, National Commission on Missing Persons (NCMP), Syria
- Luz Janeth Forero Martínez — Director, Search Unit for Missing Persons (UBPD), Colombia
- Rabea Saad Al-Adsani — Assistant Foreign Minister for POW and Missing Affairs, Kuwait (to be confirmed)
- Anjli Parrin — Member, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID)
10:45–11:00 Coffee Break
A short break between Forum sessions.
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11:00–12:30 From Documentation to Discovery: Information, Investigation, and the Search for Missing Persons
This session explores the role of documentation, information gathering and investigation in advancing the search for missing persons. Drawing on international and Syrian experiences, speakers will discuss challenges, approaches and opportunities for strengthening search efforts. Includes Q&A.
- Fadel Abdulghany — Executive Director, Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR)
- Javier Yankelevich — Head of Search and Identification Section, IIMP
- Carlos Beristain — Former Commissioner, Colombia's Truth Commission
- Joumana Seif — IIMP Advisory Board
12:30–14:00 Lunch Hosted by IIMP
Lunch hosted by the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria (IIMP).
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14:00–15:30 Beyond Identification: Forensic Expertise, Family Participation, and the Human Dimensions of the Search
This session explores the role of forensic expertise, family participation and the human dimensions of searching for missing persons, drawing on international experiences and approaches. Includes Q&A.
Fredy Peccerelli — Director, Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation (FAFG)
Yezca Garza — Former Director, Regional Identification Center, Coahuila, Mexico
Farouk Habib — Executive Director, Truth Guardians
Mercedes Salado — Member, Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF) and IIMP Advisory Board
15:30–15:45 Coffee Break
A short break before the final panel discussion.
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15:45–17:00 Telling the Stories of the Missing: Journalism, Public Knowledge, and the Ethics of Representation
This session explores the role of journalism in documenting the experiences of missing persons and their families, raising public awareness, and addressing ethical considerations in reporting on missing persons. Includes Q&A.
- Yassin Swehat — Al Jumhuriya, Syria
- Lamija Grebo — Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Marybeth Sheridan — Freelance journalist, formerly The Washington Post
- Karam Nachar — Al Jumhuriya, Syria
17:15–19:00 Exhibition and Reception
Exhibition and reception, featuring introductory remarks by representatives of the IIMP Advisory Board, Creative Memory and Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP).
- Fadwa Mahmoud — IIMP Advisory Board
- Sana Yazigi — Creative Memory
- Ariel Sanchez — Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), Colombia
Programme Download
Day 1 — Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Download the full programme for the first day of the IIMP Annual Forum 2026, including panel discussions, session timings and speakers. You can also explore the interactive programme above.
Day 1 Programme — Coming Soon
Day 2 — Thursday, 3 December 2026
Download the programme for the second day, dedicated to meetings with civil society organizations.
Day 2 Programme — Coming Soon
Key Speakers
Latest News
Documents and Resources
Speaker Biographies
Learn more about the speakers and participants contributing to the IIMP Annual Forum 2026.
Coming Soon
Practical Information Guide
Essential information about the venue, accessibility, arrival arrangements and participation.
Coming Soon
Forum Outcomes and Key Messages
Key messages, highlights and outcomes from the Forum discussions will be shared following the event.
Available After the Forum
Forum Highlights
Explore photographs, video recordings and key moments from the IIMP First Annual Forum 2026.
Forum Videos
Recordings of Forum sessions, interviews and selected highlights will be available following the event.
Forum Highlights Video
Featured Video
Coming After the Forum
Opening Session
Session Recording
Coming After the Forum
Interviews and Perspectives
Video Interviews
Coming After the Forum
Photo Gallery
Official photographs capturing key moments, discussions and activities from the Forum will be published here.
Opening and Welcome
Photo Gallery — Coming Soon
Forum Discussions
Photo Gallery — Coming Soon
Participants and Engagement
Photo Gallery — Coming Soon