Atlantic Council Names Salam Fayyad as Distinguished Statesman
Fayyad to speak on Gaza crisis at July 31 Atlantic Council event in DC
WASHINGTON – The Atlantic Council today named Dr. Salam Fayyad, former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, as Atlantic Council distinguished statesman in its Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security.
Dr. Fayyad will address issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian relationship and the peace process, regional security, including the rise of nonstate actors and related challenges, renewable energy, and economic development issues.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Prime Minister Fayyad to the Council and to our Scowcroft Center’s important Middle East Peace and Security Initiative,” said Frederick Kempe, Atlantic Council president and CEO. “His vast expertise and very impressive record will help the Council to further contribute to critical policy discussions and decision-making in one of the world’s most volatile regions.”
Dr. Salam Fayyad is an economist, independent politician, and founder of the nonprofit Future for Palestine. He was prime minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013. Fayyad previously served as finance minister and was chair of the Palestinian Legislative Council’s Finance Committee. He worked in banking, served as IMF representative in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and taught economics. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, and he has made the TIME 100 and Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers lists.
“The Middle East is facing an uncertain future. Changes to the regional order could mean more instability and insecurity but could also mean that new realities and opportunities for development and prosperity are on the horizon,” said Dr. Fayyad. “Leaders like the United States, its global partners, and its transatlantic allies will be critical to implementing bold new ideas about the region and its future. I am delighted to join the Atlantic Council’s exemplary team to contribute to the cutting-edge thinking on the Middle East at such an important moment in its history.”
Dr. Fayyad will join the Atlantic Council in DC on July 31 at 3:30 p.m. for a public, on-the-record event titled “Gaza: Breaking the Vicious Cycle.” Space is limited. RSVP to press@AtlanticCouncil.org to reserve your spot. More event info.