Simona Costanzo Sow

Simona Costanzo Sow is a Visiting Professor at IE University and President of the Bonn Institute of Migration Studies. Her work focuses on migration studies, civic engagement, sustainable development, and learning strategies. She holds a PhD in Human Geography from Technical University Munich and has extensive global experience with organizations like UN Volunteers, UNESCO, and CCIVS. Her career includes directing volunteer networks in West Africa, advocating for grassroots integration of refugees, and advancing the 2030 Agenda’s implementation through localized knowledge integration.

Education:

• PhD in Human Geography, Technical University Munich (Cluster of Excellence)
• Master’s degree, University of Passau (Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship)

Research Focus: Simona bridges academic and practical perspectives on migration and sustainability. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges, advocating for policies that incorporate local knowledge systems. Her work connects civic engagement strategies with SDG implementation, stressing the importance of humility towards non-academic expertise.

Awards & Recognition:

• Medal of Honor from Brigada de los Voluntarios Bolivarianos del Perú (2005)

Teaching Philosophy: At IE University, she promotes critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, leveraging her students’ diverse backgrounds to address volatility and complexity in global affairs.