Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei was Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from December 1997 until November 2009. He is currently Director General Emeritus.

ElBaradei was born in Cairo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Law at the University of Cairo, and a doctorate in International Law at New York University School of Law. He began his career in the Egyptian Diplomatic Service serving in the Permanent Missions of Egypt to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. In 1980, he joined the United Nations, and in 1984, the IAEA.

In October 2005, ElBaradei and the IAEA were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way”. ElBaradei has been at the forefront of the quest for peace, freedom, and democracy in the Arab World.

ElBaradei has participated in the policy and legal activities of many international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, the World Health Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, the Organization of African Union, and the League of Arab States. He received numerous awards for his work as a public servant and as an advocate of tolerance, humanity, and freedom. He is also the recipient of numerous honoris causa.

He joined the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2019.