Keynote Speaker:
Prof. Scott Redford
Scott Redford is Nasser D. Khalili Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology at SOAS, University of London. He has participated in archaeological excavations and/or surveys in Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and the UAE over the past four decades. His area of specialization is the medieval period, roughly the 11-14th centuries, in SW Asia and the eastern Mediterranean. In addition to the United Kingdom, he has also taught in the United States and in Turkey.
Guest of Honor:
Dr. Caroline Faraj
Caroline Faraj, CNN VP and CNN Arabic Editor-in-Chief is an award-winning journalist with over 30 years' experience. She was named winner of the Arab Woman of the year Awards 2022 as a leader in media, and in 2021 she won the Arab Woman Awards/ media category in the UAE.
Based in Dubai, Caroline joined CNN in 2001 and has overseen the content and management of CNN Arabic, which she launched in 2002. She has managed CNN Arabic during a time of great regional upheaval which encompassed the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the rise of Islamist militant group ISIS.
In 2014, Caroline led the site's comprehensive re-launch to embrace rapidly evolving consumer needs.
Caroline is an active Board Member of Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Foundation founded by the world known Surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. She's also a member of the Advisory Boards for City University of London, Zayed University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, University of Wollongong in Dubai and non-government organizations including e7 Daughters of the Emirates, Womanity, Bayes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and WBD International Diversity Council. She was a former board member of International Humanitarian Council, which was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Caroline is an advocate for female enablement and advancement through mentoring people at CNN and across the industry, being an ambassador at Re:Set, The Playing Field, and as a board member of Cass Global Women's Leadership Program.
In celebration of the International Women's Day 2022, Caroline was featured on Facebook's #SheCreates ebook. She has been a judge several times for the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Awards (Emmy Awards) and Hult Prize which is also referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Students" by Noble laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Before joining CNN, Caroline's roles included senior political reporter for Al Rai – the leading Arabic daily newspaper in Jordan, managing editor for English-language newspaper the Jordan Times and regional correspondent for the US Défense News. She also held positions in London and Jordan for some regional TV stations. Caroline also conceived and hosted Jordan's first live morning television talk show Youm Jadid.
Caroline was born in Amman, Jordan. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications – radio and television from Yarmouk University in Jordan, a Master of Arts in International Journalism, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from City University of London. Caroline also received the Distinguished Jordanian medal, awarded by King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan himself during the 2022 celebration of Jordan's Independence Day
