Born: 1944

Born in Guiza, Egypt. Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Cairo University, Master's degree and a Doctor of Philosophy from Harvard University.

Currently Director of the world-famous Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandria). Also Distinguished University Professor at Wageningen University, the Netherlands.

Earlier, was the Chairman, Youth Employment Summit (YES) Campaign, Special Advisor, The World Bank and Distinguished Visiting Professor, American University in Cairo. Has served in a number of capacities at the World Bank, including as Vice-President for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development and for Special Programs.

Was the Founder Chairman, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Chairman of the Global Water Partnership, the World Commission for Water in the 21st Century and the Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest (CGAP), a microfinance programme.

Professional memberships include the Supreme Council for Culture, Egypt, Institut d' Egypt, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Austria, the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences and Arts, the American Institute of Certified Planners and the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, United States of America.

Also serves as Chair and Member of a number of advisory committees for academic, research, scientific and international institutions and civil society efforts.

Has received 18 honorary doctorates and edited or authored over 50 books and monographs and over 200 articles, book chapters.

Is considered a pivotal and articulate leader in the Arab Reform movement around the world.

Director
Bibliotheca Alexandrina,
P.O. Box 138 – CHATBY
Alexandrina – 21526,
Egypt
Tel: 20 - 3 - 4879993
Fax: 20 - 3 - 4820450
Email: secretariat@bibalex.org