Woman in pink blazer smiles, arms crossed, against a neutral background.

Elizabeth Rijo 

Elizabeth Rijo is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian leader, and diaspora advocate committed to advancing social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.


As President of CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DIASPORE E MIGRAZIONI and co-founder of several diaspora-led initiatives, she has spearheaded innovative programs in the fields of migration, youth empowerment, gender equality, climate justice, and community resilience, with projects spanning Italy, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic,Haiti, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, and beyond.


She serves as Treasurer of the Coordinamento Italiano delle Diaspore per la Cooperazione Internazionale (CIDCI), a national platform uniting more than 100 diaspora associations to strengthen transnational cooperation and global citizenship.


Elizabeth’s work bridges grassroots realities with institutional frameworks, ensuring that marginalized voices—especially women, youth, and migrants—are at the center of policy dialogue and action. Guided by the values of justice, dignity, and intercultural solidarity, she champions partnerships that connect communities across continents and align with the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.


At the 2025 Global Summit for Justice and Healing, Elizabeth brings her expertise in diaspora leadership, intercultural dialogue, and survivor-centered advocacy, inspiring bold strategies to combat human trafficking, femicide, and gender-based violence while promoting healing and transformative change.