Dr. Aly El-Samman
From journalist to presidential media adviser, corporate consultant to pioneer in interfaith dialogue, Aly El-Samman defied characterization. From 1984-2016, he was president of the International Union for Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue and Peace Education (ADIC) for Europe and Egypt; as well as secretary general of the Association for Economic Information Europe-Egypt. He also contributes weekly articles to the Egyptian press and regularly appears on television as a commentator on current affairs.
In the sixties and seventies, El-Samman served in Paris as director of the Middle East News Agency (MENA) and of Egyptian Radio and Television for Western Europe. In Cairo, he was the foreign media adviser to President Anwar Sadat; director of the prime minister’s cabinet for infrastructure projects for Western Europe; vice-president of the Permanent Committee of Al-Azhar for Dialogue with the Monotheistic Religions; advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for interfaith dialogue; president of the Committee for Interfaith Dialogue at the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Egypt; as well as chairman of Nokia Siemens Networks, Egypt.
On September 3, 2012, El-Samman received the insignia of Officer of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his efforts to improve Egyptian-French relations and promote intercultural dialogue throughout his life. Later that month, his autobiography, Egypt: From One Revolution to Another, was released in the U.K.
In 2013, he edited the book, Three Windows on Heaven - Acceptance of Others, Dialogue and Peace in the Sacred Texts of the Three Monotheistic Religions. This book was subsequently published in French, Arabic and Hebrew.
As a specialist in interfaith dialogue, El-Samman was a regular speaker at conferences around the world.
In the sixties and seventies, El-Samman served in Paris as director of the Middle East News Agency (MENA) and of Egyptian Radio and Television for Western Europe. In Cairo, he was the foreign media adviser to President Anwar Sadat; director of the prime minister’s cabinet for infrastructure projects for Western Europe; vice-president of the Permanent Committee of Al-Azhar for Dialogue with the Monotheistic Religions; advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for interfaith dialogue; president of the Committee for Interfaith Dialogue at the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Egypt; as well as chairman of Nokia Siemens Networks, Egypt.
On September 3, 2012, El-Samman received the insignia of Officer of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his efforts to improve Egyptian-French relations and promote intercultural dialogue throughout his life. Later that month, his autobiography, Egypt: From One Revolution to Another, was released in the U.K.
In 2013, he edited the book, Three Windows on Heaven - Acceptance of Others, Dialogue and Peace in the Sacred Texts of the Three Monotheistic Religions. This book was subsequently published in French, Arabic and Hebrew.
As a specialist in interfaith dialogue, El-Samman was a regular speaker at conferences around the world.
Curriculum Vitae
Experience
Autobiography
2012 – From One Revolution to Another: Memoir of a Committed Citizen under Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak, Gilgamesh, U.K.
Personal
Born in Cairo in 1929, he was married with one son (American) and spoke Arabic, English and French. He passed away in France on August 2, 2017.
- President, International Union for Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue and Peace Education (ADIC) (1984-2017)
- Secretary General, Association for Economic Information “Europe-Egypt” (1993-2016)
- Attorney-at-law, Cairo Bar
- President, Committee for Interfaith Dialogue at the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Egypt (1996-2011)
- Advisor to the Grand Imam of El-Azhar for Interfaith Dialogue (2000-2006)
- Vice-President, Permanent Committee of El-Azhar for Dialogue with the Monotheistic Religions (1997-2006)
- Chairman, Nokia Siemens Networks, Egypt (2006-2011)
- International Consultant, Siemens, Egypt (1984-2006)
- Director, Prime Minister’s Cabinet for Infrastructure Projects with Western Europe (1979-1981)
- Director of Foreign Information Department Presidency of the Republic (1972-1974)
- Advisor to President Anwar Sadat (1972-1974)
- Director of Egyptian Radio and Television for Western Europe, Paris (1967-1984)
- Director of Middle East News Agency (MENA) for Western Europe, Paris (1967-1974)
- Free-Lance Journalist for Le Monde Diplomatique, Paris (1962-1966)
- Free-Lance Journalist for La Tribune des Nations, Paris (1958-1965)
- Free-Lance Journalist for La Vie Africaine, Paris (1958-1965)
- 1953 - Bachelor of Law, Alexandria University, Egypt
- 1956 - Diploma of Higher Studies in International Law, Grenoble University, France
- 1957 - Diploma of Higher Studies in Political Science, Grenoble University, France
- 1966 - PhD in Law and Political Science, Paris University, France
- C100 Interfaith Dialogue Committee, World Economic Forum
- Egyptian Business Association
- Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs
- Egyptian-European Business Council
- Forum Francophone des Affaires Paris France - President for Egypt
- General Federation of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Member Board of Trustees and Media Adviser
- El-Nour Eye Hospital Cairo Egypt
- 2012 – Insignia of Officer of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor
- 2004 – Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury for "Successful efforts to promote peace and dialogue among the monotheistic religions."
- 2003 – Certificate of Appreciation from People to People International for "Significant contributions to the promotion of international friendship, and thus advancing the cause of peace in the world."
Autobiography
2012 – From One Revolution to Another: Memoir of a Committed Citizen under Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak, Gilgamesh, U.K.
Personal
Born in Cairo in 1929, he was married with one son (American) and spoke Arabic, English and French. He passed away in France on August 2, 2017.