Dr. Aleya Hammad is a global leader who played a pivotal role in raising awareness about human trafficking, particularly the involvement of the private sector. As one of the co-founders of End Human Trafficking Now! (EHTN), the first global initiative to engage businesses in anti-trafficking efforts, she was instrumental in driving policies to combat human trafficking as a serious criminal activity. Dr. Hammad also served as Executive Vice-President of the EHTN Board, where she championed the need for corporate responsibility in eradicating this heinous trade.

In recognition of her efforts, Dr. Hammad was elected Chair of the Board for the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council for the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT). Her dedication was further acknowledged in 2009 when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) appointed her as Goodwill Advisor on Business Community Action to Combat Human Trafficking. Deeply concerned by the global rise in violence, conflict, and war, and their devastating impact on women and children, Dr. Hammad has committed herself to peace-building and fostering a culture of peace through various initiatives.

Dr. Hammad’s leadership extends beyond human trafficking. She has served on prestigious boards, including the New York Academy of Medicine and the Advisory Board of the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Her remarkable career spans over 30 years at the World Health Organization (WHO), where she served as Executive Director/Assistant Director General, focusing on improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

She is also recognized for her academic contributions as Chair of the International Advisory Board at Wagner School of Public Service and as a Visiting Professor at both New York University and George Washington University. Dr. Hammad’s contributions to public health and social justice have earned her numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal of Honour for services rendered by the President of Egypt in 1986.

Dr. Hammad holds a Ph.D. in Education and an M.Sc. in Public Health from Boston University, along with a B.Sc. in Nursing from the University of Alexandria, Egypt.

It is thanks to Dr. Hammad that many of us came to learn about the issue of human trafficking. And it is her passion and inspiration to fight this illicit trade that we, at Youth Underground, would like to acknowledge!

“As shocking as the figures are, one glimmer of hope is the amazing role the youth are taking to win over a future without human trafficking.”