Francesco Serafini

Francesco Serafini is an Italian peacebuilder, agronomist, and environmental leader based in Madrid, Spain. He serves as Director of Gardens For Peace, a flagship program of the International Peace Alliance dedicated to transforming landscapes impacted by conflict into living symbols of peace, healing, and ecological renewal.

Francesco is the Founder and President of The Garden of Peace, an international initiative that empowers communities to reclaim war-torn or neglected lands by cultivating vibrant gardens that foster reconciliation, intercultural dialogue, and collective stewardship. His vision blends peacebuilding with environmental restoration, emphasizing the role of green spaces in social cohesion, youth engagement, and cultural healing.

With a career spanning international cooperation, education, and humanitarian service, Francesco brings a deep commitment to community empowerment. His professional journey includes impactful roles with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Italian Red Cross, and several youth development and peace education programs.

He also served for more than two decades as Head of Research, Development, and Environment at the International Olive Council (IOC), where he led global efforts in biodiversity preservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. His leadership contributed to the creation of world olive germplasm collections, carbon footprint tools for olive oil production, and scientific publications including the World Catalogue of Olive Varieties.

A sought-after speaker at international forums—from COP22 Marrakech to IOC technical summits —Francesco is recognized for his ability to connect environmental science with grassroots peace efforts. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to building a sustainable and compassionate world; a mission he brings to IPA’s Gardens For Peace Program, one garden at a time.