Azza Karam — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as the founding President and CEO of the consulting firm Lead Integrity.
Served as Secretary General of Religions for Peace from 2019 to 2023, becoming the first woman, Muslim, and North African to hold the position.
Founded and chaired the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion and Development in 2010.
Coordinated the establishment of the United Nations Multi-Faith Advisory Council in 2018.
Authored and edited several books and over 100 articles, translated into different languages.
Earned a Ph.D. Cum Laude in Environmental Sciences from the University of Amsterdam in 1996.
Holds an M.A. from the International Institute of Social Studies (1990) and a B.A. from American University in Cairo (1988).

Biography

Azza Karam, Ph.D., is an Egyptian professor and author recognized for her pioneering work in integrating religion and sustainable development within the United Nations framework.

She is currently the founding President and CEO of the consulting firm Lead Integrity. From 2019 to 2023, she served as the Secretary General of Religions for Peace, making history as the first woman, first Muslim, and first North African to hold this position in the organization's 50-year history.