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Stolen Egyptian Treasures are Homeward Bound: Photo Gallery

With its rich cultural history stretching back to the time of the pharaohs, Egypt has long been an inviting target for looters. But thanks to a groundbreaking agreement, some stolen antiquities are being returned.

In Ancient Cities Reclaimed from ISIS, Restoration Work Begins: Photo Gallery

As ISIS is driven back from conquests in northern Iraq and Syria, a challenge looms: cataloging the damage to cultural sites and treasures from antiquity, repairing what can be fixed, and figuring out how to let people see them again.

‘Daesh is Stealing Your Antiquities’: Photo Gallery

Artifacts stolen by Daesh terrorists have been turned over to Iraqi experts. “The list of Daesh’s atrocities and crimes is long, and includes theft and smuggling of Iraqi heritage and culture,” said U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones, emphasizing “Daesh is stealing your antiquities.”

Unpublished

Nisha Ayub

First Name

Nisha

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Short Biography

Nisha Ayub

Content created by Virtual Intern Richard Gray

Nisha Ayub is a prominent advocate for transgender rights and has co-founded two nonprofits in Malaysia that advocate for social justice. Justice for Sisters raises public awareness about issues surrounding violence and persecution against the transgender community in Malaysia and provides legal defense funds to assist those facing prosecution. Seed’s mission is to empower people who are socially excluded in Malaysia by providing access to a safe space and linking people to resources that will improve quality of life for all.

Ayub has received several awards for her activism, including Human Rights Watch's Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism in 2015, for her opposition to discriminatory Malaysian laws, and the U.S. Secretary of State’s 2016 International Women of Courage Award. Ayub gives credit to the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for enabling her to engage with Malaysian politicians and inspiring her to advocate more publicly for human rights.

Following her visit to the United States, Ayub founded the first support home in Malaysia specifically for individuals who identify as transgender, funded with donations.

During her visit to San Diego as part of the IVLP, the city proclaimed April 5 “Nisha Ayub Day.” The proclamation by San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer stated: "Nisha Ayub continues to fight for the equality and protection of all people in her country and beyond its borders."

As one of Malaysia’s most prominent transgender activists, Nisha Ayub is changing the world with her advocacy and continues her steadfast fight for equality.

Content edited by Sallie Bestul, Regina Navarro-Gomez, and Jenna Williams

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Malaysia

Last name

Ayub

IVLP Alumni

Saad Abid

First Name

Saad

Participant Headshot

Short Biography

Content created by Virtual Intern Brandon Lee

Saad Abid is a national surfing champion who went on to become an environmental activist whose initiatives have local and international impact. In 2016, Abid participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Galvanizing Youth for Environmental Protection.” During the project he developed a deeper understanding of environmental issues, learned about recycling campaigns, and saw how to better use social networks and digital platforms to encourage youth activism to protect the environment.

Abid was particularly inspired by an organization he visited in Washington, D.C. that leveraged partnerships to improve community health through activities in public parks in the District of Columbia. Abid returned to Morocco and launched a smaller initiative for public beaches. He has now organized 67 beach cleanups all over Morocco involving more than 40,000 participants. One cleanup included more than 5,400 participants, a national record.

Abid took part in the creation of the Founders Group of the Climate Action Leadership Network, a group of 25 leading decision-makers working on climate change mitigation. He is currently president of the Bahri Association, which he founded in 2010. He is also a prominent inspirational speaker and content creator, who encourages his 400,000 social media followers to take action to protect the environment and practice sustainable tourism.

Saad Abid is an internationally recognized leader in community response to climate change and a prominent social media influencer encouraging young people to take action to protect the environment.

Content edited by Sallie Bestul, Regina Navarro-Gomez, and Jenna Williams

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