Abdelmawla Ismail is a researcher in the field of environment and development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University. He has also obtained postgraduate diplomas in Civil Society Studies from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, and in Environmental Sciences and Economics from the Environmental Research Center, Ain Shams University. Additionally, he holds a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences from the Faculty of Environmental Research and Studies, Ain Shams University. His work has involved coordinating programs and conducting research related to environment and development. He has authored and contributed to numerous publications. These include topics such as water rights, land issues and their impact on farmers' livelihoods, climate change, biodiversity, housing, the conditions of fishermen, labor issues (particularly concerning children), and the role of civil society. Ismail represents the Egyptian Association for Collective Rights (EACR) and AWC’s Egyptian members on the board.
Ahmad Awad, Member
The Phenix Center for Economics & Informatics Studies
Ahmad is the founder and director of the Phenix Center for Economic and Informatics Studies, based in Amman, Jordan. He has dedicated most of his professional life to promoting and defending human rights, with particular emphasis on socio-economic human rights. Ahmad holds an MA in International Political Economy. He is a member of many civil society networks and coalitions locally, regionally and internationally. In 2018 he was honored by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as an exceptional defender of human rights on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ahmad represents AWC’s Jordanian members on the Board.
Ahmed has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal and he is a former researcher and professor at Cadi Ayyad University. With 25 years of experience as a trainer and project manager, he also served as the former Vice Director of the National Center of Studies and Research in Water and Energy. Ahmad is the Founding President of the Tensift Regional Center of Development, a recognized public utility non-profit NGO based in Marrakech, Morocco, and an observer member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ahmad has managed numerous projects funded by national and international institutions, including the UNDP, MCC (USA), and the European Commission, focusing on energy efficiency and irrigation water management in semi-arid regions. Currently, Ahmad is a member of the African Climate Change Fund Technical Committee and the Moroccan Evaluation Association and represents AWC's Moroccan members on the board.
Ammar is a certified consultant and trainer in capacity building and institutional strengthening for civil society organizations, he has over 15 years of experience in project management, including implementing assessments, training, and motivating teams to achieve remarkable results in development and humanitarian projects. He has an extensive background in managing multi-sectorial programs, with a strong awareness of cross-cutting issues related to Women, Youth and protection, which provides him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the local context. Additionally, he is skilled in designing and implementing effective surveys, as well as preparing qualitative studies and reports. Ammar is the founding member of several networks and coalitions of CSOs at local, national, and regional levels and he represents AWC's Yemeni members on the board.
Mustafa is the President of the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq. He has 10 years of experience as a journalist. Mustafa represents AWC’s Iraqi members on the Board.
Paul is a highly experienced environmental leader with over 35 years in environmental education, project management, and advocacy. With a career spanning multiple sectors, he has successfully worked to implement sustainable environmental solutions, drive conservation efforts, and engage communities and policymakers in Lebanon and the region. His expertise in environmental governance and capacity building, combined with a deep understanding of sustainable development, has shaped impactful initiatives that address Lebanon’s pressing environmental challenges. Paul is the founder and president of Terre Liban and he represents AWC's Lebanese members on the board.
Sihem Bouazza, President
Association Tunisienne de Droit du Développement (ATDD)
Sihem is a lawyer and civil society leader with extensive experience in governance, transparency, and public policy. She has served in the Presidency of the Government for 11 years and spent 24 years at the public broadcaster. With over two decades in civil society, she has founded and led multiple organizations, including the Tunisian Association of the Right to Development (ATTD) and the Arab Watch Coalition (AWC). Sihem has played key roles in international networks such as "Publish What You Pay" and the Open Government Partnership, and has led projects on extractive industries, justice reforms, and governance. She has also been a representative observer member of the civil society at meetings of Governors within the African Development Ban and a local councillor in Tunisia. Sihem represents AWC's Tunisian members on the board.
The board members are listed in alphabetical order and the sequence does not imply any significance.
