Sustaining Civil Society Under Sanctions & High-Risk Environments
Innovative Financial Infrastructure, OFAC Compliance, and Last-Mile Aid Delivery in High-Friction Zones
Format: Closed-Door Working Group (Chatham House Rule | By Application Only)
Executive Summary
Hosted by Project Aftab, this closed-door executive workshop addresses the single most critical bottleneck facing international implementers and donors today: executing secure, last-mile financial transfers to civil society, human rights, and educational initiatives inside heavily sanctioned and high-friction jurisdictions.
While non-governmental organizations and implementers often hold valid authorizations from the US Department of the Treasury (OFAC), navigating the actual delivery of funds without exposing partners to risk or resorting to non-compliant channels remains a persistent challenge.
Project Aftab introduces a groundbreaking, hyper-compliant financial infrastructure designed specifically to solve this last-mile friction, ensuring funds reach ground-level initiatives with absolute transparency and audit-grade regulatory compliance.
Featured Discussion Leaders
Miad Maleki — Former Associate Director, US Department of the Treasury (OFAC) & Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
A recognized national security leader and former chief sanctions strategist at OFAC. Miad oversaw complex sanctions enforcement across 35+ global programs and designed key campaigns targeting illicit finance networks. He brings unrivaled authority on US Treasury regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and licensing frameworks for high-risk aid delivery.
Marjan Keypour (Greenblatt) — Founder & Director, Alliance for Rights of All Minorities (ARAM) & StopFemicideIran
A human rights advocate and leading voice on Iranian civil society, minority rights, and women’s empowerment. Marjan serves on the advisory board of NUFDI and the ADL’s Task Force for Middle East Minorities. She is affiliated with Atlantic Council’s Iran Strategy Project and the Middle East Institute. Marjan offers insight into ground-level operational realities, partner safety, and humanitarian needs inside Iran.
Tom Wegner — Co-Founder, Project Aftab & CEO, The Global Abrahamic Movement
A strategist, author, and civil society entrepreneur. As co-founder of Project Aftab, Tom leads the vision and deployment of innovative, closed-loop financial infrastructure designed to safely deliver humanitarian aid, grant resources, and civil society funding directly into high-friction zones without violating international sanctions regimes.
Who Should Attend?
Executive Directors, Program Managers, and COOs from organizations operating in sanctioned or high-risk jurisdictions.
Compliance Officers, Legal Counsel, and Grants Management Specialists.
Foreign Policy, Human Rights, and International Development Experts.
Registration & Confidentiality: Attendance is strictly limited to ensure a high-level, practical exchange. Registrations are subject to verification prior to confirmation.