In today's 'Sharing Stories' episode, we hear from Ari Naziri, a Project Officer at IOM - UN Migration.

I joined AICS in primary school when it was in the old building in Riverenbuurt and continued into MYP1 at Prinses Irenestraat.  After briefly switching to the Dutch education system on VWO level and living in China, I returned to AICS where I completed the IB program.  I proudly graduated from AICS in 2015 and received my IB diploma.

After school, I studied International Law in Bristol (UK), where I combined university academics with activism. During my studies, I volunteered in Rwanda advocating for human rights and spent my final year in Thessaloniki Greece supporting refugees at Mobile Info Team during the crisis—using my Farsi language skills to provide legal aid and interpretation.  

Today, I work for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM - UN Migration), a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration, providing lifesaving support to displaced communities, and fostering sustainable development worldwide.  

My fondest memories of your time at the AICS include the vibrant diversity of our classrooms and the sense of belonging it created. Learning alongside peers from countless backgrounds taught me the power of collaboration and global citizenship—a foundation for my work today.

To today’s AICS students, I would say, embrace the diversity around you—it’s your greatest classroom. Take risks, seek understanding over judgment, and remember that even small actions can create waves of change. The world needs compassionate thinkers who aren’t afraid to step into the unknown. Your story is still being written; make it one that bridges divides.