Board of Directors
A diverse group of scholars and professionals committed to advancing intercultural understanding through research, education, and global collaboration.
Prof. Ross E. Dunn
Professor Emeritus of History at San Diego State University
An American historian and Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University, widely recognized as a pioneer in world history studies, with expertise in Islamic and African history as well as comparative global perspectives. He is the author of the influential book The Adventures of Ibn Battuta and the founder of the digital curriculum project World History for Us All, contributing significantly to the advancement of global approaches in history education.
Prof. Mustapha Abdul Hamid, Ph.D
Ghanaian politician and lecturer
A Ghanaian politician and academic, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority and held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Information and Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development. A member of the New Patriotic Party, he is recognized for his contributions to governance, public communication, and national policy development in Ghana.
Prof. Dr. Abbas Panakkal
University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
A historian and intercultural scholar based in Abu Dhabi, he is affiliated with the University of St Andrews and actively engaged in global academic networks. He serves as Director of the International Interfaith Harmony Initiative, leading international conferences and initiatives that promote interreligious dialogue and cross-cultural understanding. His work focuses on global history, decolonial studies, and intercultural engagement, contributing to scholarship and public discourse through research, publications, and international collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Nur Hidayah
Alauddin State Islamic University of Makassar, Indonesia
A nursing academic and professor at Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, she became the first faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to be appointed as a full professor in Nursing Management. She has served as a longtime lecturer and former deputy dean, delivered a keynote on future hospital and nursing service integration, and focuses on advancing nursing science through multidisciplinary research and education.
Dr. Elsadiq Elfaqih
Secretary General of the Arab Thought Forum, Amman, Jordan
A seasoned diplomat, academic, and political analyst, he previously served as Ambassador of Sudan to Ethiopia, Jordan, and the State of Palestine, and as permanent representative to the African Union and Chairman of the Board of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. With leadership experience across political, diplomatic, media, and academic roles in cities including Khartoum, Washington, London, Istanbul, and Doha, he has taught at multiple universities and published widely on political communication, international relations, and diplomacy.
Prof. Dr. Aishath Muneeza
Former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance and Treasury the Republic of Maldives
An expert in Islamic finance and law, she is a Professor and Associate Dean at INCEIF University. She previously held senior government positions in the Maldives, contributing to the development of the country’s Islamic capital market and Shariah-compliant financial framework, and is actively engaged in research, advisory, and international leadership in Islamic finance.
Prof. Dr. Karima Nour Aissaoui
Faculty of OssoulEddine, Abdelmalek Saadi University, Morocco
A Professor of History of Religions at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, she specializes in Comparative Religion and holds a PhD with Summa Cum Laude from Sais-Fez. An active scholar and institutional leader, she has authored several works on Abrahamic religions and biblical studies, contributing to interfaith dialogue and comparative religious research internationally.
Dr. Yuki Shiozaki
Associate Professor, School of International Relations, University of Shizuoka, Japan
A Japanese research fellow affiliated with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at The University of Tokyo, he contributed a lead article to Studia Islamika analyzing the role of fatwas in regulating religious movements in Malaysia, reflecting his expertise in contemporary Islamic studies and Southeast Asian religious dynamics.
Our Collaborative Approach
We operate without rigid hierarchies, emphasizing shared responsibility, intellectual exchange, and collective leadership. Every member contributes equally to advancing our mission of intercultural understanding.