About Zakaria El Hamel

Zakaria El Hamel

Founder & President – Youth for Peace & Dialogue Between Cultures

Zakaria El Hamel is a Moroccan human rights defender and peacebuilder, and the visionary founder and President of Youth for Peace & Dialogue Between Cultures. He is widely recognized as one of Morocco’s most outstanding peace and human rights activists, with an influence that extends across Africa, the Arab world, and the international stage.

A Mission Rooted in Experience

Born in Berkane and based in Oujda, Morocco, Zakaria El Hamel’s lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity is shaped by both personal history and academic training. A graduate in law, he was raised in a family deeply engaged in human rights advocacy, instilling in him a strong belief in universal rights and social responsibility.

Growing up during Morocco’s Years of Lead, a period marked by repression and enforced silence, profoundly influenced his path. Rather than responding with resentment, Zakaria transformed this historical trauma into a peaceful mission centered on dialogue, reconciliation, and the prevention of violence.

Founding Youth for Peace & Dialogue Between Cultures

In 2005, driven by conviction and vision, Zakaria founded Youth for Peace & Dialogue Between Cultures to empower young people as leaders of peace. The organization brings together youth from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds to promote intercultural understanding, counter extremism, and build sustainable peace through dialogue and education.

Global Engagement and Recognition

Zakaria El Hamel’s work bridges grassroots action and global advocacy. Through workshops, interfaith initiatives, and international conferences, he has translated human rights values into concrete action. As an Ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International, he has amplified the voices of Moroccan youth on international platforms.