Ms. Adriana LOPEZ MENDOZA is the Global Coordinator of the CIFAL Global Network (CGN) of United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). In this role, she oversees the governance, coordination, and strategic development of the CIFAL Centres worldwide, ensuring coherence with UNITAR’s mandate and the United Nations’ global priorities. Since joining UNITAR in 2022, Ms. LOPEZ has led key processes related to policy implementation, performance monitoring, partnership engagement, and network expansion, while strengthening the tools and institutional frameworks that support the Network’s global impact.

Ms. LOPEZ has over thirteen years of experience in public policy development and programme management, particularly in initiatives supporting migrants, refugees, victims of armed conflict, women, children, and communities in least developed countries. Trained as a psychologist with a professional background in international relations and a Master’s in Legal Psychology and International Relations, she has worked at the intersection of human rights, humanitarian action, and international cooperation. She has collaborated with governments, academia, NGOs, civil society, and international organizations such as IOM, UNDP, and the ICRC to strengthen local capacities and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

She has strong experience in leadership, project management, policy analysis, and monitoring and evaluation. Known for her professionalism and ability to work across diverse, multidisciplinary environments, she applies her combined expertise in psychology, legal-humanitarian frameworks, and international relations to advance UNITAR’s mission and support high-impact, SDG-aligned capacity-development initiatives.