Farida Allaghi, a trailblazing figure in human development and civil society, has spent over four decades shaping policies, initiatives, and organizations across the Arab world and beyond. Serving as Senior Advisor to the President of the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND) and formerly leading its Women and Children Division, Dr. Allaghi’s influence extends globally through her commitment to advancing women’s and youth issues, human rights, and participatory democracy.
With a robust academic foundation — earning her Ph.D. in Sociology, Planning, and Development from Colorado State University — Dr. Allaghi has dedicated her career to fostering social progress. She has served on the boards of esteemed institutions like The Arab Thought Foundation and The Arab Reform Forum. Additionally, as a founding member of CIVICUS, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening civil society worldwide, especially in regions where democratic freedoms are at risk.
Her work spans diverse international platforms, including significant roles with UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO, where she has shaped strategies for human development, public policy, and capacity building. Dr. Allaghi’s expertise also benefits academic and research communities, as seen in her contributions to the UN’s Arab Human Development Report and her advisory role in the Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project.
Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Allaghi’s advocacy focuses on practical impact, connecting governmental agencies, private sectors, and grassroots organizations to address development challenges in the Arab world. Her enduring efforts have not only elevated the conversation around civil rights and social reform but have also tangibly improved lives across regions.
