Bassam Barabandi is a former Syrian diplomat who was first secretary of the Syrian Embassy in Washington, DC. He served diplomatic tours in Damascus, Beijing, New York and Washington, DC. Since leaving the Syrian government, Barabandi has engaged in myriad activities providing expertise and consultation on all Syria-related matters. He is a co-founder of People Demand Change, a US-based organization dedicated to improving conflict mediation and resolution, civil society structures, and humanitarian relief within Syria. Barabandi has engaged with a number of pro-democracy organizations seeking a political transition in Syria. As such, he currently serves as a part-time consultant to various groups, including the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ASCWA).