Loujain Kiki is a Program Officer at the International Center for Religious Diplomacy (ICRD), where she plays a pivotal role in researching and addressing interreligious dynamics, focusing on the underlying causes of conflicts and the development of peacebuilding initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a post-graduate diploma in marketing from Damascus University, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in communication at George Mason University, Virginia. Her graduate studies, concentrated on Peace and Conflict Communication, Storytelling, and Migrants’ Identity Formation, employ both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to tackle global challenges.
Loujain’s tenure at ICRD has been marked by her significant contributions to program design and strategic development in various challenging environments such as Uganda, Mali, the Sahel region, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. She has spearheaded community engagement and local cooperation initiatives that have proven crucial in building peace and understanding. Specifically, Loujain has enhanced ICRD’s efforts in countering violent extremism by focusing on community needs, enhancing social cohesion, and facilitating conflict transformation initiatives in communities. She has led media-focused and cultural exchange programs that promote mutual respect and understanding among diverse groups, enriching ICRD’s mission. Her expertise in qualitative research along with her proficiency in data collection techniques, underscores her crucial role in the formulation and execution of ICRD’s projects.
Fluent in Arabic, proficient in English, and with basic proficiency in French, Loujain effectively communicates and leads workshops and meetings across diverse cultural landscapes. Her previous roles at the Central Bank of Syria and as a freelance researcher in economics in Riyadh have honed her analytical skills, enabling her to navigate complex socio-economic data and trends.
Additionally, Loujain is a Fellow at the Center for Women, Faith & Leadership (CWFL), supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women in global affairs and promoting peacebuilding. Inspired by her upbringing in a diverse community, Loujain is deeply committed to fostering dialogue, which drives her to be an influential catalyst for positive change in the world.