Celebrating a Life of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service to the Global Public Administration Community

The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and its specialized entity, the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA), mourn the passing of Dr. Laila El Baradei, a pillar of integrity, academic excellence, and global citizenship in the field of public administration.

A longtime contributor to the IIAS–IASIA community, Dr. El Baradei brought insight, compassion, and rigor to her many roles. As Project Director of IASIA’s Working Group V on Gender, Diversity, and Equity, she championed inclusive governance and brought critical attention to the voices of women and underrepresented populations across all regions of the world. Through her leadership, the working group became a global platform to advance equity and meaningful participation in public administration and policymaking.

A renowned scholar and practitioner, Dr. El Baradei was Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Policy and Administration at the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) at The American University in Cairo. She also served as Acting Dean and Associate Dean of GAPP and was a Faculty Advisor to the prestigious Youssef Jameel GAPP Public Leadership Fellowship.

Her influence reached far beyond her native Egypt. She was a member of the Global Steering Committee for Pi Alpha Alpha, a board member of the ASPA International Chapter (2025), and the 2024 recipient of the International Public Administration Award by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Her commitment to capacity-building, ethical leadership, and sustainable development inspired a generation of scholars, policymakers, and students.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. El Baradei’s family, colleagues, and the many communities around the world whose lives she enriched. Her profound contributions to public service education and her tireless advocacy for just and equitable governance will live on.

May her memory continue to inspire the work we do.