Mohamed ElBaradei

Mohamed ElBaradei was born on June 17, 1942, in Cairo, Egypt. He pursued a career in law and diplomacy, eventually earning a Bachelor of Law degree from Cairo University and later a Doctorate in International Law at the New York University School of Law. His early life set the foundation for what would become a prominent career in international diplomacy and nuclear nonproliferation.

Mohamed ElBaradei joined the United Nations in 1974. He worked initially with the Commission on Disarmament at the UN Secretariat, focusing on the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation. His early work at the UN set the stage for his later roles in international diplomacy, including as Director General of the IAEA.

On December 1, 1997, Mohamed ElBaradei became the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and strengthen the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. Under his leadership, the IAEA addressed several critical nuclear issues, including inspections in Iraq, Iran, and North Korea.

On October 7, 2005, Mohamed ElBaradei and the IAEA were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy is used in a safe and peaceful manner. ElBaradei's work at the IAEA was recognized as a key factor in promoting international security and cooperation.

Mohamed ElBaradei's tenure as Director General of the IAEA concluded on June 1, 2009. ElBaradei was succeeded by Yukiya Amano. During his 12 years at the helm, he was involved in several high-profile nuclear issues. ElBaradei was known for his balanced approach and efforts to use diplomacy in addressing global nuclear challenges.

On June 19, 2009, Mohamed ElBaradei publicly criticized Iran's nuclear program, expressing concern over the country's lack of transparency and reluctance to fully cooperate with the IAEA's inspections. ElBaradei's stance on Iran highlighted his commitment to a diplomatic approach while emphasizing the importance of comprehensive inspections to verify non-proliferation agreements.

In February 2010, Mohamed ElBaradei returned to Egypt after his tenure at the IAEA and began campaigning for political reform in Egypt. He called for constitutional changes and greater freedoms, criticizing the existing regime's lack of democracy and human rights abuses. His return marked the start of his active involvement in the political landscape of Egypt, advocating for change and reform.

On January 27, 2011, Mohamed ElBaradei returned to Egypt amidst the growing protests against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. He became a significant figure in the anti-government protests, calling for democratic reforms and aligning himself with pro-democracy groups. ElBaradei's presence added international support and credibility to the movement.

On February 11, 2011, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned from office following 18 days of mass protests. Mohamed ElBaradei had become a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement during this period, demanding Mubarak's resignation and calling for political reform. His involvement and leadership were significant in the movement that led to the historic change in the Egyptian regime.

On July 14, 2013, Mohamed ElBaradei was appointed Interim Vice President of Egypt for Foreign Affairs following the military's ousting of President Mohamed Morsi. ElBaradei was seen as a moderate and respected international figure who could help bridge the divide and lead Egypt towards a more democratic governance. His tenure was short-lived as he resigned shortly after due to disagreements over the violent crackdown on protestors.