Yara Ouda

Biography
Yara Ouda is an expert in development, humanitarian and peace, and security affairs, in addition to climate change and security, economic development, and governance.
Yara recently ended her mission as a Humanitarian Affairs Advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Yara was advisor to the Head of Delegation and Egypt delegation on policy and diplomacy issues, and how they impact or relate to the humanitarian need and operational priorities. She achieved strategic cooperation with actors of influence and decision-makers in line with national, regional, and global humanitarian and diplomacy priorities, including respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and other legal norms at the national level. She was also the delegation’s focal point to COP27 and successfully contributed to the climate nexus from the humanitarian perspective. 
Yara was Economic Development Specialist at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Egypt, supporting the implementation of Egypt’s development projects as per the government’s annual work plan and Egypt Vision 2030. Yara was nominated by the Minister to be the focal point and committee coordinator of the socio-economic cluster for the Hayah Karima Initiative. 
Yara was privileged to enroll in batches 7 and 8 in the AUYVC program through the African Youth Bureau, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. She got her assignment as Youth Technical Officer at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. This opportunity promoted Yara to an extraordinary regional and international experience in youth development, cross-cutting with diversified Agenda pillars and partners for better implementation of Agenda 2063. 
Yara earned a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University and accomplished a two-year diploma in Diplomacy Studies. Believing in the power of Youth, Yara was elected the Regional Focal Point for Western Asia/Middle East and North Africa, United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, through which she coordinated and facilitated children and youth engagement, follow-up, and review process in the United Nations system. She was elected the North Africa Representative to Young Women Network and led consultation workshops on policy, advocacy, and capacity building for African women leaders, youth, and CSOs on the sideline of the African Union Summits.
Finally, one thing about Yara’s favorite sport, she used to be a karate player champion until 2015.