about us

Who We Are

Lead the Future. Make It Matter

SDGAi is an educational and empowering platform that brings together young people, experts, and institutions interested in international relations, negotiation, diplomacy, and security. We create meaningful spaces where ideas meet, are tested, and evolve into practical solutions.
Our work also empowers young people (16–35) to drive positive change. We develop the skills needed to understand global affairs and respond to challenges with calm, competence, and cooperation.

Vision

SDGAi strives for a world where strategic dialogue, expertise, and rigorous analysis inform the decision-making process. We believe in a safe, inclusive, and prosperous society built on education, responsibility, cooperation, and objective and accurate information as a sustainable response to global challenges.

Mission

Supporting young people who are keen to make a difference in creating a better world, strengthening communities, and building a resilient global society.

Areas of Activity

We develop programs and knowledge products that support strategic dialogue and skills development, including public or on-demand dialogues, analyses, research, trainings, conferences, and newsletters.

Areas of Interest

International Relations and Global Affairs
Negotiation, Mediation, and Strategic Communication
Diplomacy and Multilateralism (including its cultural dimension)
National and International Security

Our Values

Dialogue and respect: We believe in good-faith conversations, where listening matters as much as speaking.
Integrity: We act transparently, without hidden agendas, and promote high ethical standards.
Excellence and rigor: We value strong ideas, well-documented insights, and clarity in analysis.
Tolerance and inclusion: Diversity of perspectives and experiences is a strength, not a barrier.
Cooperation and innovation: We build practical solutions through collaboration with relevant partners.

Our Working Principles

Non-partisan and non-political: We remain a non-political organization and actively foster a pluralism of ideas.
Intellectual independence: We promote evidence-based analysis and do not impose predefined conclusions.
People before labels: We bring together diverse perspectives, with a strong emphasis on understanding and negotiation.
Continuous learning: We invest consistently in practical skills, from critical thinking to negotiation and communication.
Measurable impact: We set clear objectives—events, analyses, and programs—and focus on tangible results.

Purpose of the Association

(excerpted and adapted from Art. 6 of our Statute)

The Association serves as a platform for dialogue, interaction, negotiation, mediation, and continuous professional development, contributing to the growth of civil society through research, dissemination, and educational initiatives.
We provide—especially for young people and professionals—dialogues and collaborative activities designed to build a more communicative, informed, tolerant, and inclusive national and international society.
We promote dialogue, integrity, and excellence, encouraging learning, collaboration, and sustainable innovation across our areas of interest.

Our Objectives

(excerpted and adapted from Art. 7 of our Statute)

Initiating and promoting dialogue between experts and young people through regular meetings where topics of national, regional, and global interest are discussed.
Creating a platform for learning and cooperation among young people through at least two annual events, such as conferences, projects, summer schools, workshops, debates, Model UN/BRICS/SCO simulations, general knowledge contests, hackathons, and Global Village initiatives — held both online and in person.
Facilitating continuous education and mentoring through summer schools, online courses, specialized trainings (e.g., geopolitical analysis, business intelligence), and curated newsletters with recommended readings.
Producing studies and analyses through the annual publication of at least eight analyses, opinion articles, and reports on key areas such as geopolitics, security, intelligence, diplomacy, military history, and culture.
Promoting cultural awareness through at least two yearly civic or cultural education initiatives, with a focus on diversity, tolerance and cultural awareness, as well as democratic values.
Awarding distinctions, prizes, and/or stipends to support excellence and recognize meaningful contributions in the field of strategic communication for global affairs.
Developing and maintaining an online platform featuring scientific and educational resources, as well as objective and up-to-date information on global events; and, as opportunities allow, creating publications (journals or periodicals), podcast series, or other media products.
Establishing strategic partnerships with public, academic, and non-academic institutions, companies, and NGOs to expand the impact of SDGAi’s initiatives.
Cooperating with local, national, and international organizations and participating in forums and conferences to promote perspectives that foster dialogue and tolerance.
Collaborating with institutions in Romania and abroad to support internal programs, as well as organizing conferences and debates.
Fundraising and attracting resources (donations, grants, sponsorships, etc.), in full compliance with Romanian legal frameworks.

Legal and Administrative Milestones

Date	Event
30.07.2025	Proof of name availability no. 223586 (Ministry of Justice).
12.12.2025	Registration in the special register: 134PJ / 12.12.2025 (District Court).
05.01.2026	Tax Identification Code (CIF) assigned: 53201900 (ANAF).

Identification and Contact Details

Official Name	ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC DIALOGUE FOR GLOBAL AFFAIRS INITIATIVE
Common Acronym	SDGAi
Legal Form	Private-law legal entity, NGO, non-profit, non-political (Government Ordinance No. 26/2000).
Registered Office	34A Mistrețului Street, Siliștea Snagovului village, Gruiu, Ilfov County, postal code 077117
E-mail	office@sdgainitiative.com
Phone	+40 720 559 693
Associations Register	134PJ / 12.12.2025 (registration in the District Court’s special register)
Tax ID (ANAF)	53201900 (date assigned: 05.01.2026)
Duration	Indefinite
Bank Account	CEC Bank, Ilfov Branch (Otopeni) — RO98CECEB00030RON3990357

Leadership

Dr. Ecaterina-Elena Mațoi

President and Executive Director, SDGAi

Dr. Ecaterina-Elena Mațoi is the President and Executive Director of the Strategic Dialogue for Global Affairs Initiative, a position she has held since January 2026. A distinguished scholar and strategist, she holds two PhD degrees: one in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Basel, Switzerland and another in Intelligence and National Security from the Carol I National Defence University, from Bucharest, Romania, universities at which she taught various courses.

She has an extensive academic background in international security, geopolitics, and regional studies. Her continuous education is further complemented by online training certificates from leading global institutions, including Harvard University (PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies), Stanford University (The Threat of Nuclear Terrorism), and the University of Michigan (Disinformation, Misinformation, and Fake News). She also enhanced her expertise through specialized political adviser training at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, as well as online training certificates in Islamic law, propaganda, and ideology from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Nottingham.

Dr. Mațoi has built a substantial academic career spanning over two decades. She has served as a Lecturer at the “Carol I” National Defence University and as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Basel. In her current leadership role at SDGAi, she coordinates the organization’s strategic vision, research programs, and international partnerships, while also contributing to academic teaching in fields such as geopolitics, security studies, militant movements, private military actors, and post–Cold War regional transformations, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa.

Her research activity is closely tied to prominent analytical and policy-oriented institutions. She serves as Program Director for the Middle East Political and Economic Institute and is a founding member of the Center for Studies on the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Her work emphasizes the geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa, state-building processes, political Islam, intelligence analysis, and emerging global security challenges.

Dr. Mațoi is the author of numerous academic works, including the volumes Challenges of State-Building in Iraq: The Role of the Iraqi Army in the Post-Saddam Era (2020), Religion and Power in the Contemporary Muslim-Arab Space (2015), and co-author of Secularism and Islam: State, Religion, and Modernity in the Muslim World (2023). Her scholarly contributions, reflected in articles and studies published across various academic and professional platforms, explore a wide range of topics, including political Islam, state–religion relations, democratization processes, and sectarian dynamics (Sunnism and Shi’ism), as well as regional case studies on countries such as Türkiye, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Algeria, and Qatar.

Her research further addresses themes such as soft power, the geopolitics of natural resources, private military actors, and intelligence dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, alongside contemporary issues such as disinformation, security information management, and nuclear security, all grounded in extensive field and regional analysis.

In addition to her academic and strategic leadership, Dr. Mațoi is actively engaged in international dialogue. She is a frequent speaker at high-level conferences, congresses, and diplomatic forums, where she contributes expert analysis on global security and geopolitical developments. Her work has been recognized through multiple Diplomas of Excellence for her contributions to military higher education and her leadership in academic initiatives.

A scholar of international standing, Dr. Ecaterina-Elena Mațoi combines rigorous academic research with applied strategic expertise, providing visionary leadership to SDGAi in navigating the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics and security.

Maria-Valentina NISTE

Vice President and Deputy Director at SDGAi

Maria-Valentina Niste is the Vice President and Deputy Director of SDGAi, where she leads research activities focused on South America, the Maghreb, and the Iberian Peninsula. Her professional expertise lies at the intersection of history, international relations, and the geopolitics of North Africa.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Studies and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Communication in International Organizations, both obtained from Babeș-Bolyai University, from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Her academic training reflects a strong foundation in political analysis, communication, and international affairs.

Between 2022 and 2024, she was actively involved in academic teaching at the Faculty of History and Philosophy of Babeș-Bolyai University, where she conducted seminars on key topics such as Introduction to the Theories of International Relations, Security and Insecurity in the Modern Era: The Modern Nation: Myths, Symbols, and Ideologies.

Maria-Valentina Niste is also the author of several relevant academic articles and studies, including “The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2010: Between Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transitional Leadership,” “Proiectele de cooperare maghrebină: imposibila construcție politică unificată în Africa de Nord,” “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – a Brief Overview” (January 2026), and “Libya – a Brief Overview” (January 2026). Her research contributions reflect a sustained interest in regional cooperation, political leadership, and contemporary geopolitical developments.

In addition to her academic and research work, she is proficient in English and French and is currently studying Spanish, Arabic, and Italian. Her personal interests include music and literature, and she is actively engaged in creative pursuits such as painting and poetry, drawing inspiration primarily from nature.

George-Ionuț COSTEA

Secretary General, Communication & Media Director, SDGAi

George-Ionuț Costea is an expert in public communication and administration, with extensive experience in the fields of security, defense, and civic engagement. Within SDGAi, where he holds a dual leadership role, he coordinates strategic communications and leads specialized research activities focused on the geopolitics of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

His professional trajectory includes experience in both local and central public administration, alongside involvement in socially impactful initiatives through collaborations with organizations such as Transparency International Romania and UNESCO “Maria” Foundation.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Dunărea de Jos University of Galați, Romania, and a Master’s degree in Public Communication (Security and Defense) from “Carol I” National Defence University, from Bucharest, Romania. His Master’s thesis, entitled “Influence Communication in the Reflection of Security in the South China Sea Region,” highlights his interest in the relationship between strategic communication and the dynamics of the international security environment.

Internationally, he completed an Erasmus+ mobility program in Italy, specializing in security communication. His linguistic competencies include native Romanian, C2-level English proficiency, and B2-level proficiency in both French and Italian.

A specialist in multicultural teamwork and event organization, George-Ionuț Costea is committed to advancing dialogue in international relations, cultural heritage, and European policies. In his work at SDGAi, he frequently delivers interventions and analyses on international security, approaching topics through the lens of strategic communication and influence in the contemporary geopolitical environment.

Departments Leads

Drd. Claudiu Gabriel MOCANU

Lead, Baltic States and Scandinavian Peninsula, SDGAi

Claudiu-Gabriel Mocanu serves as the Lead for the Baltic States and Scandinavian Peninsula department at SDGAi. He is a PhD Candidate within the Doctoral School of History, Civilization, and Culture, Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania), where his doctoral research investigates the historical evolution and strategic dimensions of the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine across the 20th and 21st centuries. His broader academic work focuses on intelligence studies, international relations, and foreign policy analysis.

A graduate of Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Claudiu has built a robust, multidisciplinary profile. His research methodology uniquely combines rigorous historical analysis with contemporary security frameworks, allowing him to deliver deep, contextual assessments of complex political and strategic developments.

Education & expertise

Academic Background: PhD Candidate in History, Civilization, and Culture; MA in Security Management in Contemporary Society; MA in Leadership and Communication in International Organizations; BA in History.
Research Focus: Intelligence studies, foreign policy analysis, Northern and Eastern European security dynamics, and the political-military dimensions of the Russia–Ukraine war.
Linguistic Profile: Proficient in English; currently studying Russian to enhance his primary-source research capabilities involving official state documents and regional media.

Outside his academic and strategic pursuits, Claudiu applies the same analytical rigor to his personal interests. He is a passionate collector of vinyl records and a follower of electronic music, particularly house music, appreciating both its cultural roots and technological evolution. Dedicated to personal development, he also integrates sports as an essential component of his daily routine.

Andrei-Vasile RUS

Analysis Department Lead, SDGAi | Co-producer, “The Citizen’s Playbook”

Andrei-Vasile Rus is specializing in security studies and conflict management, serving as the Analysis Department Lead at SDGAi and co-producer of “The Citizen’s Playbook”. In this leadership role, he oversees strategic research initiatives and leads specialized analysis on Sub-Saharan Africa, examining how political, economic, and military processes reshape the global power architecture.

A graduate of Babeș-Bolyai University, from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Andrei has started to build a professional profile through international organization simulations, specialized publications, and participation in high-level academic conferences.

Education & expertise

Academic background: MA Candidate in “Conflict Analysis and Management” and “Security Management in Contemporary Society”; BA in Security Studies (Babeș-Bolyai University).
Research focus: Geopolitical developments, competition among major state actors, and the reconfiguration of regional spheres of influence.
Core skills: Strategic analysis, and the production of high-level analytical materials.

In addition to his passion for analysis, Andrei approaches global challenges in a disciplined and creative manner, complemented by his interest in music (guitar), literature, and sports.

Liana-Adela ALBU

Communication & Media Deputy Director, SDGAi

Liana-Adela Albu is specialising in international relations and diplomacy, currently serving as the Communication & Media Deputy Director at SDGAi. In her research capacity, she focuses on the geopolitical dynamics of the Sahel region, Scandinavia, and the study of global terrorism, analyzing how political and security shifts impact international stability.

A graduate of the Faculty of European Studies at Babeș-Bolyai University, from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Liana is currently pursuing an MA in Security and Diplomacy at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (NSPAS), from Bucharest, Romania.

Education & expertise

Academic background: MA Candidate in “Security and Diplomacy” (NSPAS); BA in “International Relations and European Studies” (Babeș-Bolyai University).
Research focus: Conflict analysis in the Sahel and Levant regions, international relations theory, and foreign policy.
Linguistic & intercultural skills: Proficiency in English, combined with a passion for Russian and Turkish languages, reflects a openness of Liana to a vast cultural diversity

Beyond her professional role, Liana is dedicated to personal development through interests in sports, music, and poetry, maintaining a disciplined and multifaceted approach to her work in international affairs.

Cătălin-Adrian VASCUL

Department of the Levant Affairs Lead| Editor-in-Chief, Special Briefings

Cătălin-Adrian Vascul serves as the Department of Levant Affairs Lead and Editor-in-Chief of Special Briefings at SDGAi. In these roles, he oversees the synthesis of strategic information and monitors developments across the Greater Levant. His analytical work focuses on regional geopolitics, political-military trends, and the shifting dynamics of the contemporary strategic environment.

Currently a third-year student of Security Studies at the Faculty of History and Philosophy, Babeș-Bolyai University, from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Cătălin began his professional specialization through the Center for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Studies. His expertise is further reinforced by high-level internships within key state institutions, providing him with a direct understanding of national and international security mechanisms.

Education & expertise

Academic affiliation: Security Studies, Babeș-Bolyai University.
Institutional experience: Completed internships at core national security institutions, gaining direct insight into state mechanisms.
Research focus: Political science, international relations theory, and conflict analysis in the Middle East and the Levant.

Iris-Oana Cadar

Intelligence and Espionage Department Lead | Co-producer, “In Brief: Romania”, Producer “The US/Israel-Iran Conflict”

Iris-Oana Cadar serves as the Intelligence and Espionage Department Lead at SDGAi. In this capacity, she specializes in identifying intelligence and espionage activities through open-source intelligence (OSINT). In her role as a junior researcher, she focuses on the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, analyzing the region’s complex security shifts. Additionally, she is the co-producer of “In Brief: Romania,” a daily strategic summary of key national news.

She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Security and Defence, “Carol I” National Defence University from Bucharest, Romania, where she focuses on military strategy and international political dynamics.

Education & expertise

Academic affiliation: Faculty of Security and Defence, “Carol I” National Defence University.
Specialized skills: Advanced study of Arabic language and culture, providing a nuanced perspective on Middle Eastern regional phenomena.
Research focus: Transnational organized crime, regional security in the Middle East, and strategic media synthesis.
Linguistic proficiency: Native Romanian, fluent English and a beginner in Arabic.

Iris is currently responsible also for the project “The US/Israel–Iran Conflict.”
This initiative delivers a daily summary of the key news stories and strategic developments in the United States/Israel–Iran conflict. The content is published in video format on the SDGAi’s official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Outside of her professional work, Iris is a culture and nature enthusiast, dedicated to building authentic connections and exploring diverse global perspectives through literature and social engagement.

Răzvan-Florin SCRIDON

Euro-Atlantic Security Department Lead | Co-producer, “In Brief: Romania”, Producer “The Ukraine Conflict – The Weekend Roundup“

Răzvan-Florin Scridon serves as the Euro-Atlantic Security Department Lead at SDGAi and is the co-producer of “In Brief: Romania”, a daily strategic synthesis of national news. He leads research initiatives focused on the Western Balkans, NATO’s role in regional security, and the Russo-Ukrainian war, specializing in the interpretation of complex security phenomena and the shifting dynamics of the international system.

Currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Security and Defence, “Carol I” National Defence University, from Bucharest, Romania, Răzvan is dedicated to deepening his analytical expertise. To further enhance his geopolitical insights, he is actively studying the Russian language, viewing it as a vital tool for understanding the cultural and political complexities of Eastern Europe.

Education & Expertise

Academic affiliation: Faculty of Security and Defence, “Carol I” National Defence University (Year II).
Research focus: NATO strategy, regional security management, and the geopolitical evolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
Linguistic focus: Russian language and literature as a framework for regional analysis.

Răzvan is currently responsible also for the project “The Ukraine Conflict – The Weekend Roundup.”
This initiative provides a concise weekly summary of the most significant developments in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The content is presented in video format and published every Saturday at 12:00 P.M. on the SDGAi’s official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Personal interests such as music, football, and hiking provide Răzvan with balance, while his reputation as a loyal and sincere collaborator makes him a dedicated leader and empathetic partner within the SDGAi team.

Zahra-Veronica CEPOI

Department of Greater Asian Affairs Lead | Co-producer, “The Citizen’s Playbook”

Zahra-Veronica Cepoi serves as the Department of Greater Asian Affairs Lead at SDGAi and is the co-producer of “The Citizen’s Playbook”. Her research at SDGAi covers a vast geographical scope, including Central, East, and Southeast Asia. Deeply fascinated by Asian history and contemporary developments, she focuses on the strategic evolution of the region, from historical legacies to modern-day megacities.

An aspiring legal professional, Zahra is motivated by a commitment to justice and anti-corruption. To support her analytical work and future career in law, she has developed an impressive linguistic profile, including C2-level English, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Simplified Chinese, the latter of which she considers the “key” to a profound understanding of East Asian cultural and strategic thinking.

Expertise & interests

Research focus: Regional dynamics of Central, East, and Southeast Asia.
Linguistic proficiency: English (C2), German (A2), Spanish, Arabic, and Simplified Chinese (A1).
Strategic role: Researching Asian affairs, and involving in civic engagement

DVM Diana Antonia MOCANU

Researcher and Head of the Biosecurity & Agri-Food Intelligence Department, SDGAi

Diana Antonia Mocanu is a researcher at SDGAi, specializing in biosecurity, laboratory diagnostics, and animal health management. A graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, Diana possesses a strong background in pathology and farm medicine, with consolidated expertise in histopathological analysis and applied scientific research.

Education & expertise

Academic background: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest.
Research focus: Biosecurity, swine reproduction systems, and histopathological diagnostics.
Agri-Food Intelligence: Analysis of food production chains and biological risks within the livestock sector.
Educational Engagement: Passionate about chemistry and the academic development of younger generations, providing mentorship to students to strengthen their competencies in exact sciences.

Bianca-Maria CROITORU

Romanian Affairs Department Lead | Co-producer, “Mondialul Altfel”, SDGAi

Bianca-Maria Croitoru serves as the Romanian Affairs Department Lead, where she is responsible for monitoring and synthesizing political, social, economic, and security developments on the national agenda. She also serves as a co-producer for the project “Mondialul Altfel,” working closely with the SDGAi team under the coordination of Iris-Oana Cădar.

Currently a high-school student at the “Ioan Petruș” Theoretical High School in Otopeni (Ilfov), Bianca is actively preparing for a future career in strategic communication. She aims to pursue this field at the university level, viewing it as an essential tool for managing information and contemporary public narratives.

Expertise & Interests:

Strategic Role: Leading the monitoring and analysis of political, economic, and security dynamics within Romania.
Media Production: Collaborative content development and structuring for SDGAi’s educational initiatives.
Professional Drive: Strategic communication, public relations, and discourse analysis methodologies.

On a personal note, Bianca is passionate about traveling and music, with a special appreciation for the artistry of Billie Eilish. Her dynamic communication skills and dedication to analysis make her a strong asset to the next generation of leaders within SDGAi.

Alexandrina C.

Researcher, SDGAi

Alexandrina C. is a researcher and analyst at SDGAi, where she conducts strategic monitoring and analysis covering the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the South Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia).

Her research interests focus on security studies, contemporary history, and China’s strategic positioning within the international relations system.

Education

Alexandrina holds a postgraduate degree in International Economic Intelligence and a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Sciences. She is currently further developing her academic background as a third-year student at the Faculty of History and Philosophy, Babeș-Bolyai University, from Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Expertise & Skills

Geographical Focus: The Anglosphere and the South Caucasus region.
Specialization: Economic intelligence, security studies, and global power dynamics.
Linguistic Profile: Proficient in English, currently studying Chinese, with a growing interest in developing skills in German and Turkish.

Dedicated to scientific research—the field in which she aims to build her professional career—Alexandrina combines analytical rigor with a genuine curiosity for the world. Beyond her academic and research work, she is passionate about crime novels, music, volunteering, and travel.