Paris, 8 September 2026 – The Sudan Policy Advisory Group (SPAG) has announced the election of Saeed ZAKI as President of the organisation, following its first ordinary General Assembly held on 1 September 2026.
ZAKI’s election comes as the Group continues to consolidate
its institutional structure following its establishment in the French Republic,
while advancing its work in strategic planning, public policy, institutional
development, capacity building and innovation.
ZAKI has been involved with the Group since its launch as an
initiative in 2022 and has contributed to its development as an independent,
non-partisan platform bringing together Sudanese expertise around issues
related to public policy and long-term institutional and development
priorities. Today, the Group operates as an independent, non-profit policy and
advisory association registered in Paris under the French Law of 1 July 1901.
As President, ZAKI will provide strategic leadership to the
Group, support its programmes, projects and expert networks, and help
strengthen its institutional partnerships and flagship initiatives, in
accordance with its Statutes and approved governance framework.
Speaking before the General Assembly following his election,
ZAKI said: “I assume this responsibility with a clear conviction that the
value of the Group must rest on the quality of its work, the integrity of its
institutional system, and the collective expertise of our dedicated team. Our
mission is to build a serious and independent research and knowledge platform
capable of developing evidence-based solutions, strengthening institutional
capacities, and contributing constructively to Sudan’s future.”
He added: “The next phase should focus on establishing
the foundations and methodological standards for our pillars of work. Our
responsibility now is to translate this into research, solutions, practical
initiatives and spaces that enable Sudanese expertise around the world to
contribute meaningfully to recovery and sustainable development efforts.”
ZAKI’s professional background spans a number of areas,
including international relations, strategic communications, institutional
development, work with international organisations, academia and youth
leadership, with experience linked to development and the Sustainable
Development Goals.
He previously served as Secretary-General of the
International Youth Federation and also worked as a communications adviser
within the United Nations system. He was additionally selected to represent
Sudan and the African continent in connection with the International Olympic
Committee.
ZAKI holds a postgraduate degree in Communication Sciences
from the Sudan University of Science and Technology. His professional
experience also spans strategic communications, advisory work, institutional
management and international relations.
Commenting on his election, Zeinab Osman, Secretary-General
of the Group, said: “The election of the President marks an important
institutional moment as the Group moves from establishment towards
implementation. The priority now is to ensure that our governance arrangements
support effective programmes, sound institutional management and serious work
in research, innovation and capacity building in the public interest.”
The Group will also continue strengthening its governance,
accountability and internal management systems, alongside the expansion of its
activities in research, policy and capacity building.
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Sudan Policy Advisory Group (SPAG) is an independent, non-partisan policy and advisory organisation bringing together professionals, researchers, academics and specialists to advance strategic thinking, public policy, institutional development and capacity building, with a primary focus on Sudan and relevance to transitional and post-conflict contexts.
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For further information, interview requests or media enquiries, please contact: Communications Team, Sudan Policy Advisory Group, Email: info@sudanadvisory.org | www.sudanadvisory.org
