Jose Pereira-UN Goodwill Ambassador and Human Rights Defende

• At the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, José Angel Pereira stood as one of the principal speakers on a deeply human and globally urgent panel — “Families & Former Hostage Experience” — held during the Hostage Aid Worldwide Forum Battling Hostage Diplomacy at the Harvard Club in Manhattan on September 18th, 2023.
• The panel brought together voices marked by courage, faith, and unimaginable resilience. José shared the stage with Debra Tice, the mother of American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria more than twelve years ago, and Gazelle Sharmahd, the daughter of Jamshid Sharmahd, the German-Iranian political dissident unjustly executed in Iran.
• Each story carried profound weight — stories of waiting, of grief, of strength, of hope — and stories that remind the world of the human cost of political imprisonment and hostage diplomacy.
• As a former international hostage and survivor of five years in captivity, José Pereira spoke not only as a panelist — but as a voice for every family that has suffered in silence, for every life interrupted by injustice, and for every individual still waiting to come home.
• His message reflected a journey from trauma to purpose, and from darkness to an unbreakable conviction that human dignity, freedom, and compassion must stand above politics, power, and vengeance.

Jose Pereira’s experience as a former CEO and international hostage offers profound educational value, making him an ideal speaker for colleges, museums, and organizations focused on history, politics, leadership, and global affairs. His story provides a firsthand look at the complexities of hostage diplomacy and the dark reality of political trafficking. Pereira’s insight into the psychological toll of being used as a political pawn, as well as the resilience required to survive, makes his talks particularly valuable for students studying political science, international relations, history, and business leadership.

For museums, Jose’s presentations offer a compelling narrative that can enrich exhibits on modern history, diplomacy, and international conflict. His talks provide a living connection to significant global events, making his story a valuable resource for educational programs, donor events, and benefactor presentations. Pereira’s experiences can enhance a museum’s mission to educate the public and offer benefactors a meaningful opportunity to support the preservation and interpretation of contemporary global history.

By bringing Jose to speak, colleges and museums can offer their audiences an authentic narrative of global politics in action, complemented by his lessons on leadership, resilience, and faith. His talks are not only a compelling educational tool but also a way to inspire action and foster understanding among students, donors, and the broader public. His story serves as a living case study for students, professionals, and history buffs alike, demonstrating the intersection of business, politics, personal endurance, and the human cost of international diplomacy on the world stage.