Dr. Omar Ahmed Abenza

 Omar Ahmed Abenza is a distinguished professional in Humanitarian Action with a track record of over 15 years dedicated to managing humanitarian crises, protecting civilians, and promoting international humanitarian law in armed conflicts across Africa and the Middle East.

Currently, he serves as the Director for Africa at the prestigious organization Geneva Call, based in Geneva, Switzerland, where he has been working diligently for the past four years. Prior to this role, Abenza accumulated extensive experience coordinating operations for Médecins Sans Frontières in various countries across the Middle East, Sahelian Africa, and Central Asia, amassing over a decade of fieldwork.

In addition to his outstanding practical work, Abenza is a committed academic, pursuing his doctorate at the Institute of Human Rights at the University of Valencia. His research focuses on the concept of Humanitarian Diplomacy and its application in Islamic Contexts, a topic he addresses with depth and academic rigor. Moreover, his scholarly contributions encompass studies on International Humanitarian Law and Civilian Protection, the plight of Minors associated with Armed Groups, and issues related to Health Law, Governance, and Migration.

Abenza not only dedicates himself to research but also shares his experience and knowledge as the coordinator of the Humanitarian Action course at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, as well as a guest lecturer at various universities and think tanks in Switzerland and Spain. His commitment to advancing knowledge in the humanitarian field is reflected in his role as a reviewer for the academic journal of the Spanish Institute of Strategic Studies.

Regarding his academic background, Abenza possesses a solid foundation, holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Valencia (UV) and the University of Nantes. Additionally, he has obtained a Postgraduate degree in Humanitarian Action from UNED, a Master's degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Nantes, and a Master's degree in Global Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. This combination of practical experience and academic training positions him as an influential and respected figure in the field of Humanitarian Action on the international stage.