ABOUT
Ilwad Elman is a peace activist and social entrepreneur at the forefront of the Somali peace process. Ilwad co-founded Somalia’s first rape crisis centre and fosters resilient local economies rooted in social justice by investing in projects that create long-term environmental and social well-being outcomes. Through the nationwide “Drop the Gun, Pick Up the Pen” Campaign, her work disarms and facilitates the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants in Somalia. Her leading role and expertise in peace and security have led to her becoming an expert advisor to two UN Secretary Generals, serving as the youngest ever board member of the UN PeaceBuilding Fund for fragile and conflict affected states. Ilwad is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a member of the global commission for ending modern slavery and an alumni of the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century Program at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
She has garnered numerous accolades for her work including the International Activist Award from Harvard University, the Hessian Peace Prize, King Baudouin KBF Prize, 3 Nobel Peace Prize nominations, the Aurora Humanitarian Prize and other prestigious recognitions. Her Honorary Doctorate of Law conferred by SOAS University in London UK further underlines her significant contributions to peace and justice globally.