Professional Affiliation

MENA Policy Associate, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security

Expert Bio

Gihan Elhadidy brings over 15 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic communications, climate policy, and gender equality, with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa. She began her career leading educational and cultural initiatives in Egypt and advising international organizations including UNDP and UN Women. She also served as an advisor to the lead author of the 2008 Arab Human Development Report. Gihan helped found and direct the MENA Women Peacebuilders Initiative at Georgetown University’s Women Peace and Security Institute. The initiative targets policy and research endeavors aimed at amplifying the role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the MENA region. It collaborates with regional and international stakeholders to promote gender-inclusive solutions for sustainable peace in the region. Gihan holds a Doctorate in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University, where her research focused on the role of international financial institutions in shaping the global climate agenda. She is fluent in Arabic and English, with a working knowledge of French and German.