A decorated military veteran, Major General Mohamed Elkeshky is a seasoned leader and diplomat with extensive experience in military strategy and foreign relations. He capped his venerable military career in the Egyptian Army as the Deputy Defense Minister of External Affairs. MG Elkeshky complemented his military career by completing military studies through acquiring a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University (NDU).

Throughout his career, MG Elkeshky served in several distinguished positions, most prominently as the Commander of the Artillery Military Zone, Defense Attaché to the United States and Canada, and Deputy Defense Attaché in London.  His career included critical posts such as the command of a battalion during the Gulf War (1991) and his appointment as the head of the Military Attaché Association in Washington DC, which included all nations represented in the United States.

MG Elkeshky’s pivotal role in foreign relations and the military was recognized both internationally and locally. Awarded the Legion of Merit from the President of the United States (2013), MG Elkeshky is the only Egyptian foreign national ever awarded this honor. He also received the Order of the Republic award from the Egyptian government as well as many other awards.

Ambassador Galal is a former career diplomat with over 38 years of experience in international relations and global affairs, with a special interest in technical cooperation and human resource development. Ambassador Galal was the Assistant Foreign Minister for Judicial Affairs as well as Secretary-General for the Egyptian Fund for Technical Cooperation with Africa. She represented Egypt in numerous postings including Ambassador to Singapore, Consul General to Australia in Melbourne, and Deputy Head of Mission in London as well as numerous international conferences.

Tarek Abdelraouf graduated with a Masters of Arts in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Risk and Corporate Responsibility from Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

During his time in the United States of America, Tarek spent his undergraduate and graduate years working in different capacities with multiple organizations such as The International Rescue Committee, The Impact Economy Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami; he was also a board member for the United Nations Association of Miami chapter.

Tarek’s research interests are in: The Sustainable Development Goals, Impact Economy, Education, Sustainability, and Public policy, among others.

Jouna Khaldoun graduated from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a double specialization in Middle East Politics and International Relations, and a Minor in History.  As a fresh graduate, her career started as an Executive Manager in a LegalTech startup “Hekouky” to facilitate legal assistance. She also took part in an internship program by UNICEF Egypt where she conducted research and report-writing. She began her journey at the BUC Centre for Global Affairs as a research intern for 3 months and is now a Junior Researcher at the Centre.

Jouna’s research interests include International Security, Middle East Politics, History of Colonialism, Public and International Law, Women and Gender Studies, Public Policy, and many others