About Zakaria El Hamel

Zakaria El Hamel is the visionary founder and President of Youth for Peace & Dialogue Between Cultures. He is a distinguished Moroccan human rights defender and peacebuilder widely recognized as one of Morocco’s most outstanding activists, with influence extending globally.

A Mission Born from Conviction

Born in Berkane and based in Oujda, Morocco, Zakaria’s commitment to social justice is deeply rooted in his personal and academic background. A law graduate, he grew up in a family of human rights activists, which instilled a profound understanding of equality and universal rights. His childhood unfolded during Morocco’s  Years of Lead, a time marked by state oppression and forced disappearances that deeply motivated his activism.

In 2005, he founded Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures, aiming to create a powerful platform bringing together youth from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. His goal is to build bridges of understanding, counter extremism, and promote a culture of peace by empowering young people as active agents of change.

A Legacy of Global Action and Recognition

Zakaria’s work extends beyond theory into impactful workshops, international conferences, and grassroots interfaith initiatives. As an ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International, his message of peace and tolerance has gained international amplification, giving Moroccan youth a powerful voice on global stages.

His dedication has earned several distinctions:

• Alternative Nobel Prize Nomination (2024 Right Livelihood Award)

• Public Peace Prize Laureate (2019) for outstanding peace and human rights promotion in Morocco and the Arab world

• Pan-African Humanitarian Award (2017), recognized for peace advocacy and youth leadership in Africa

• Membership in prominent global bodies such as the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue Between Cultures and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court

Zakaria El Hamel’s episode in the documentary series “Voices for Humanity” has reached an audience in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. This exposure made him the most outstanding Moroccan human rights and peace activist on the global stage, amplifying his message of peace, tolerance, and human dignity beyond Morocco’s borders. The documentary brought international visibility to his grassroots work, inspiring greater engagement among youth and peace advocates worldwide.

Zakaria El Hamel continues to inspire and mobilize a worldwide community to imagine a world where dialogue overcomes division and where youth have the opportunity to build a just, peaceful, and harmonious future.