Zeenat Adam is a former diplomat, independent international relations strategist, political opinion writer and human rights activist. She currently serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Afro-Middle East Centre, the only research-based entity in South Africa to focus on the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, analysing the dynamic interface between that region and the rest of Africa.
Ms Adam's diplomatic career in the South African Foreign Service saw her rise rapidly through the ranks, working in spaces few women have the courage to enter. Her work on Iraq under sanctions, and efforts to prevent the invasion of, and subsequent war in, Iraq through negotiations, solidified her reputation as a skilled diplomat. Her extensive knowledge and understanding of the political dynamics in the Middle East contributed to South African foreign policy development.
Adam served as one of the youngest Counsellors and Deputy Heads of Mission to Qatar. During her term, she also served as the Chargé d'Affaires and Head of Mission (2007). Her expertise in fields beyond diplomacy cemented her ability to provide counsel on matters related to trade, oil and gas, military, intelligence and investments.
As the Director of Foreign Service for the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, she facilitated peace and capacity-building programmes, and contributed to conflict resolution and transformation in emerging and transformative states. She led observer missions to elections in Palestine, Madagascar and South Sudan.
Since her departure from the Foreign Service, Adam has contributed to various international academic and media publications. Her opinions on developments in the Middle East and Africa are frequently sought by think-tanks, media houses, legal teams, advocates and journalists.
In 2016, she served as media spokesperson for the South African delegation to the Women's Boat to Gaza, a Freedom Flotilla initiative. She has facilitated numerous advocacy campaigns on human rights issues for the Rohingya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Central Africa, amongst others, and coordinated and actively participated in humanitarian relief efforts in these areas. A founding member of Stop the Bombing Campaign in South Africa, she advocated for human rights and justice in war-torn Syria.
Adams contributes in an advisory capacity to various organisations, media houses, diplomatic missions, universities, think-tanks, legal teams, advocates and institutions in their development of international relations strategies for growth and development. She has also developed and facilitated training for graduates in the fields of Middle East and Africa politics; conflict transformation; governance, capacity and institution building; negotiations and peace development; women, peace and security; and gender-based violence in conflict zones.
In 2019, she founded Conscience Collective, which is aimed at creating awareness and solidarity on international issues and advocating for human rights through collective, shared social realities, art, literature and critical analyses.
