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This year’s commemoration is especially significant, coming just a week after a UNSC resolution placed Morocco’s autonomy plan at the heart of efforts to resolve the Sahara dispute.
The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Green March with a new exhibition titled “50 Years of the Green March: A Memory in Motion.”
The exhibition pays homage to one of Morocco’s most defining moments and invites visitors to reflect on the enduring values of peace, unity, and loyalty that continue to shape the nation’s identity five decades after the historic march.
Opened this week, the exhibition combines historical documentation with contemporary artistic interpretation. The exhibition includes an evocative collection of photographs that aims to reaffirm the strength of visual memory and its role in preserving national heritage. This is a key element in Morocco’s ongoing narrative of sovereignty and unity.
A tribute to a defining moment
Organized by the National Foundation of Museums (FNM), the exhibition brings together works by renowned Moroccan photographer Daoud Oulad-Syad and a selection from the Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech (RPM). Together, they offer a visual journey that captures both the emotion and symbolism of the Green March, which represents a cornerstone of Morocco’s modern history.
Nadia Sabri, Director of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, emphasized the exhibition’s importance as a bridge between generations.
“What we can really emphasize is that this exhibition provides both visual and historical archives for the public,” she told Morocco World News.
“It caters to a wide audience, including younger visitors as well as older ones who may have experienced this historic event but do not necessarily remember its key moments, particularly during the march,” Sabri added.
She noted that the exhibition spotlights major figures in the Moroccan photography scene, like Daoud Oulad-Syad, with a photographic series dedicated to the Sahara and the beauty of the desert.
Through Oulad-Syad’s lens, the exhibition moves beyond mere documentation to celebrate the spirit of a nation united under a shared cause. His photographic series dedicated to the Sahara, showcased in the museum’s second gallery, highlights the region’s natural beauty and its deep cultural and emotional connection to the Moroccan people.
The Green March, which took place on November 6, 1975, was a peaceful mass demonstration that changed the course of Moroccan history. Called for by the late King Hassan II, it saw over 350,000 unarmed volunteers, men and women, from all regions of Morocco march southward to reclaim the territory of Western Sahara, then under Spanish occupation.
Carrying Qurans and Moroccan flags instead of weapons, the marchers symbolized Morocco’s unity and commitment to recovering its southern provinces through peaceful means. The event came shortly after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion affirming that Western Sahara was not “terra nullius” (empty land or unclaimed territory) before colonization and that it had historical and legal ties to Morocco.
The enduring significance of the Green March for Morocco
This year’s commemoration carries added significance, as it comes just a week after the United Nations Security Council adopted a new resolution embracing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most “serious and credible” framework for achieving a lasting and realistic political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.
The resolution is widely seen as a diplomatic success for Morocco, as it reinforces international support for its initiative and paves the way for renewed efforts toward a peaceful settlement.
Mehdi Qotbi, artist and President of the National Foundation of Museums, highlighted this connection in his remarks to MWN at the exhibition.
“We are very happy to be celebrating this anniversary today, here at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art … is not only an occasion to mark the anniversary itself, but also to celebrate the diplomatic success achieved thanks to the foresight of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” Qotbi said.
For him, this success “paves the way for a definitive resolution of the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara and for a better future for the entire region.” The Moroccan artist added that the Foundation and the Museum are proud to take part in this “popular enthusiasm for this cause, for this victory at the United Nations.”
Beyond commemoration, the “Memory in Motion” exhibition aims to spark dialogue about the meaning of the Green March in contemporary Morocco. For many visitors, especially younger ones, the exhibition is an opportunity to connect with a pivotal chapter in Morocco’s collective memory.
The exhibition includes an evocative collection of photographs that aims to reaffirm the strength of visual memory and its role in preserving national heritage
A young Libyan scientist has secured a bronze medal at the International Festival of Science and Technology (I-FEST) 2025 in Tunisia after developing a patented natural antibiotic.
Halima Al-Khazali, 18, from Bayda, claimed third place among 800 international competitors for her invention of an antibiotic derived from wormwood and other herbs. Her achievement adds to Libya’s growing reputation in scientific innovation.
The breakthrough came after five months of rigorous research into a traditional Libyan remedy for dental infections, culminating in Al-Khazali obtaining a patent for her discovery.
This latest success follows her previous gold medal at the Bosnia and Herzegovina Science Olympiad (BOSEPO) 2025, where she finished first among 300 participants.
Al-Khazali’s accomplishments highlight both her exceptional scientific talent and Libya’s potential contributions to global scientific research, making her an inspirational figure for young people across Libya and the broader Arab world.
While the world is hailing New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for his win, his artist wife, Rama Duwaji is now also in the spotlight.
With Zohran Mamdani making history on 4 November after being elected New York’s first Indian-American and Muslim mayor, attention has turned to his wife, First Lady Rama Duwaji.
Duwaji was born in Houston, Texas, in the US but her parents are originally from Damascus, Syria, and she spent most of her childhood in Dubai after relocating there. She returned to the US in 2016.
Dubbed a “modern-day Princess Diana”, the 28-year-old works as an illustrator and animator in Brooklyn, New York, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, then moving to New York City in 2021 to pursue a career in art.
Her work has been featured by Spotify, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, the BBC, Apple, and the Tate Modern in London.
After meeting on dating app Hinge in 2021, while the now-mayor was a member of the state assembly, Duwaji and Mamdani tied the knot in a private Muslim religious ceremony in 2024, followed by a civil ceremony in New York City Hall the following year.
While the illustrator has kept a low profile, reportedly turning down interviews and mostly sharing her work across social media, she paid tribute to Mamdani on Instagram after winning the primary in July.
Mamdani has previously praised his wife as “an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms”.
Pro-Palestine art
Along with Arabic culture and feminist themes, Duwaji frequently uses her art to speak out about current events and politics, including Israel’s war on Gaza and immigration issues, such as the heavy-handed activities of ICE, which has been conducting mass deportation raids in the US since Trump’s appointment.
In May, Duwaji created an animation of a young Palestinian girl holding a large empty pot with the words “not a hunger crisis”, followed by a transition into drawings of several people also holding empty vessels with texts reading “it is deliberate starvation”.
“As I was making this, Israel has been bombing Gaza nonstop with consecutive airstrikes. Keep your eyes on Gaza and support”, the artist said in the caption.
Duwaji had also created an illustration in support of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained by ICE over his activism. She called it “an attack on freedom of speech, and sets a scary f**king precedent for anyone who speaks up for what’s right”.
Following her husband’s win, the artist wore a black top made by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi on stage as he delivered his winning speech. Hijazi’s designs fuse ancient folklore with Arab futurism.
MAGA supporters were also quick to target Duwaji after she publicly mourned the death of Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, who was accused of “celebrating” the 7 October attacks.
Mandani has been quick to defend his wife against “right-wing trolls”, who are “trying to make this race – which should be about [the people] – about her”.
Attacks by right-wingers
Like her partner, Duwaji has also been subjected to attacks from American right-wing personalities and the media, particularly the New York Post, which described the illustrator as “aloof”, claiming she “quietly steered” her husband’s campaign from behind the scenes.
MAGA supporters were also quick to target the artist after publicly mourning the death of Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, who was accused of “celebrating” the 7 October attacks.
Mandani has been quick to defend his wife against “right-wing trolls”, who are “trying to make this race – which should be about [the people] – about her”.
Arabs are known for having had numerous contributions to civilizations—notably in the fields of Mathematics (Arabs invented Algebra), Astronomy (Al-Biruni discussed the earth’s rotation centuries before it was confirmed by Galileo), and Medicine (Al Razi was one of the first to diagnose diseases like smallpox and measles).
But Arab achievements didn’t end in the Golden Age and have continuously evolved to modern fields, so we’re here to round up some of the lesser-known greatest modern achievements by Arabs..
Noor Ouarzazte
Morocco is turning the Sahara Desert into the largest concentrated power complex in the world. The project is currently in progress, due to be complete before the end of 2018.
Arabs in Space
Sultan bin Salman Al Saud became the first Arab in space in 1985 – he was also the first royal astronaut ever. Syrian-born Mohammed Ahmed Faris followed in Al Saud’s footsteps in 1987.
Nobel Peace Prize Winners
Photo credit ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
The Tunisian national dialogue quartet was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 for their role in building a democratic state in Tunisia following the Arab Spring.
Yemeni journalist and activist Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman preceded the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet in 2011 as Nobel laureate—she became the first ever Yemini and Arab Woman to win the Peace Prize, as well as the second youngest ever.
The ‘Father of Femtochemistry”
Femtochemistry is probably something too difficult for most of us to understand—but according to Wikipedia it’s “an area of chemistry that studies chemical reactions on extremely short timescales”. Ahmed Hassan Zewail, and Egyptian-American scientist, is known for pioneering a laser technique that allowed for easier analysis of chemical reactions. He even won a Nobel prize for his work in 1999.
Pritzker Architecture Prize Winners
The late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was an internationally-acclaimed architect, renowned for her sci-fi creations. Having built some of the world’s most innovative spaces. In 2004, she became the first ever woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize—the most prestigious award in architecture.
Inside the first show dedicated to NYC’s Public Library’s Middle Eastern collections .
Outside The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the unmistakable scent of a halal food cart mingles with the sounds of various Arabic dialects, while two marble lions stand guard over Fifth Avenue. Inside, entire worlds are waiting to be discovered — including the often-overlooked stories of New York’s Middle Eastern and North African communities.
“Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City,” the first exhibition dedicated to the Library’s Middle Eastern collections, opened Oct. 4. It will remain on view in the Ispahani-Bartos Gallery until March 8.
Curated by Hiba Abid, the exhibition contains around 60 objects — photos, books, periodicals and audio — dating from the 1850s to 2024. It centers specifically on the library’s own holdings, rather than attempting to tell a comprehensive history of MENA life in New York, Abid tells Arab News.
Drawing from over a century of rare materials the exhibition uses tangible objects to express the intangible: memory, identity and immigrant culture.
“It’s not a love letter. It’s a realistic letter,” Abid says, adding that these communities have long navigated complex questions of belonging, language, and preservation.
“The communities, from the very beginning, were wondering, ‘Where should our kids go to school? If they go to the public New York schools, they would probably lose their language, but we want them to still know Arabic and be aware of our traditions and values,’” she said.
The exhibition is divided into four chronological sections, designed to help guide visitors of all ages, from young children to seasoned scholars.
The first section, “Roads to New York,” focuses on the earliest waves of immigration. One of the first featured figures is Hatchik Oscanyan — later known as Christopher Oscanyan — an Armenian man born in what is now Türkiye. He came to New York in the mid-19th century and sought to educate Americans about the complexity of the Ottoman Empire. He wrote plays and newspaper articles, as well as “The Sultan and His People,” a book that offers insight into the region’s diverse ethnic and religious makeup.
The second section, “A Life in the City,” explores how immigrant communities began to form and thrive in New York, including in what was once known as Little Syria on Manhattan’s Lower West Side — an area that still exists today. They were entrepreneurs who opened restaurants, shops, and began publishing Arabic newspapers.
One of the most groundbreaking was Al-Hoda, founded by Naoum Antoun Mokarzel and his brother Salloum. “In the basement of Al-Hoda Press, they adapted the linotype machine from Latin characters to Arabic characters, which is very hard (because Arabic is) a cursive language,” Abid says. “By this technological innovation, he actually allowed other presses to form and to publish newspapers, periodicals, and books,” which then circulated throughout North and Latin America — and back to the Middle East.
In other words, New York was instrumental in literally building the Arabic press and exporting news to the Middle East.
Abid emphasizes how vital the library’s historical collections are to telling these stories.
“The library has been collecting these materials since the late 19th century,” she says, adding that many of them have been digitized, enabling audiences to interact with them in a new way.
The third section, “Impressions,” flips the gaze, revealing how Middle Eastern immigrants perceived New York and the US.
“Many immigrant groups embraced American values… but many (Arabs) actually didn’t like New York and didn’t like American values and left after a few years here or after a few months.” The exhibit highlights these ambivalences and the tensions of assimilation.
The final section, “In Our Own Skin,” is the most contemporary and, for Abid, the most personal. It includes raw, vulnerable stories that reflect racial identity, Islamophobia, and resistance. Among the most powerful pieces is the short documentary “In My Own Skin,” directed by Jennifer Jajeh and Nikki Byrd, which features interviews with five Arab women in New York, and was filmed just one month after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“The interviews are absolutely amazing. Every time I talk about it, I have goosebumps,” Abid says. “The way they talk about it — it is still very relevant today, as if nothing changed much, except that we’re probably more powerful because we are aware of this and we know how to organize and to fight back. We have the vocabulary now, and the community.”
That spirit of organization is embodied by Malikah, a grassroots collective founded by Rana Abdelhamid in 2010 as a self-defense class for Muslim women on Steinway Street in Queens. The movement has since expanded into a larger project of empowerment, healing, and solidarity — and is featured in the exhibit’s final section. The powerful sound of the athan, or call to prayer, has been important to this cultural shift.
While images of the Statue of Liberty — based on an Egyptian woman — didn’t make the cut, but Abid stresses its significance on each guided tour. On this occasion, though, she wanted to focus the visitors on lesser-known gems.
Having lived in New York for the past four years as a Tunisian immigrant who spent much of her life in France, Abid says she finds New York to be more diverse than anywhere else she has ever lived.
“I live on Atlantic Avenue in the Syrian corner. The things I witnessed here and in Middle Eastern parts of New York, like Astoria, I could never see anywhere else — even Paris,” she says. “When you go to the exhibition, you actually think, ‘Damn! We actually did a lot. And we’re here, you know—we’re here.
“It shows how New York was central to all of these struggles and how New York — thanks to its MENA community — was actually connected and aware. It puts New York on a global map, you know? I think New York is incredible terrain for this. It’s the space for it. That’s what this show is about, ultimately.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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A poster from 1920 promoting Columbia Syrian Arabic Records — Columbia was one of the major American record labels to recognize the commercial potential of ethnic music markets in the US. (Courtesy of The New York Public Library)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Rana Taha of Jordan as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tunisia, with the host Government’s approval, effective 19 June 2025.
Ms. Taha has over 20 years of diverse experience working for United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, and UN peacekeeping and special political missions. Prior to her appointment as Resident Coordinator in Tunisia she served as a Team Leader and the senior Peace and Development Advisor for the United Nations in Kenya.
From 2015 to 2019, she held several positions in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO) at UN headquarters, where she managed the Middle East/North Africa Regional Programme for Peacekeeping and Special Political Missions.
Ms. Taha served in UN missions in Lebanon (UNIFIL, UNSCOL) and Sudan (UNMIS and UNAMID), including as a Special Assistant and Advisor to successive representatives of the Secretary General from 2007 to 2015.
From 2003 to 2007, she served as the representative for Interpeace and the Programme Manager at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Earlier in her career, she was a research fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Switzerland from 2001 to 2002.
She holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Public Policy from McMaster University and a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Jordan. Ms. Taha is married with one son.
source/content: unsdg.un.org / UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) – (headline edited)
Ten months after her win in Bangkok, the 21-year-old tells Arab News about the sport, balancing studies and training, and the development of women’s boxing in the Kingdom.
The end of 2024 will always hold special memories for Yara Al-Amri. In December last year the young boxer made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to win an Asian medal in boxing — a new milestone for the Kingdom’s fast-growing women’s sports scene.
The 21-year-old fighter earned a bronze medal at the Asian Elite Championships in Bangkok, competing in the 52-kilogram category in her first international appearance.
She told Arab News: “It was my first international appearance, which was the toughest part — competing outside my country without my home crowd and coaches.”
The win was historic not only for Al-Amri, but for Saudi sport. “This changed my life, as I wrote history for Saudi Arabia by winning the first Asian medal in women’s boxing,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have champions, but the sport is still new in our country. Despite starting later than many nations, we quickly reached their level and proved we can compete and succeed.”
Based in Riyadh, Al-Amri trains under Ali Al-Ahmari at Al-Shabab Club. Standing 174 cm tall, the right-handed orthodox fighter has built a record of 27 fights, with 23 wins and four losses, and holds seven Saudi national titles.
Her path into boxing began unexpectedly. “I first started boxing as a fitness exercise, but soon felt I truly belonged in the sport,” she said. “I’ve always loved challenge and competition, and boxing gave me exactly that. In the ring, it’s just me, my mind, and my hands. Boxing completely changed my lifestyle, making me more disciplined and committed.”
Al-Amri describes the sport as a test of focus as much as strength. “You have to be patient, strategic, and intelligent. Every movement matters.”
Outside the ring, Al-Amri is pursuing a university degree, juggling training sessions and academic deadlines.
“As a university student, my days are always a challenge,” she said. “I train twice a day — morning and evening — while balancing my classes, studies, and daily tasks. My schedule is packed, but I make sure to manage both my academic and athletic commitments.”
Her discipline extends beyond boxing. Earlier this year, she completed the Riyadh Half Marathon, describing the 21-kilometer run as “pure challenge and joy.”
After nearly 30 fights, Al-Amri has learned to embrace both victory and loss. “The biggest lesson I learned from a loss is never leaving the result to the judges,” she said. “The fight must be clear — you have to showcase your skills so strongly that there’s no doubt.
“Injuries and defeats also taught me resilience,” she added. “I always say: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Before a fight, I’ve learned to control nerves and pressure. It’s natural to feel it, but once I step into the ring, everything switches off — I focus only on my opponent.”
Al-Amri credits her success to the support around her. “My family has been my first and strongest supporters, from the beginning until today. Their belief in me gave me strength,” she said.
She also praised the institutions enabling women’s boxing to grow. “I deeply value the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — from our wise leadership to the ministry of sports, the Olympic Committee, the Saudi Boxing Federation, clubs, coaches, and the people. This collective support has been a huge force behind my journey.”
That system, she said, has helped turn a once niche pursuit into a recognized sport for Saudi women.
“My goal is to achieve as many titles as possible — national, regional, continental, and international,” Al-Amri said. “With God’s will, these achievements will come.”
She believes the next generation of Saudi women boxers will go even further. “Women’s boxing in Saudi Arabia has developed tremendously,” she said. “Clubs and coaches are now available across the country, teams are formed, and the determination of Saudi women is stronger than ever. We are capable of competing, representing, and making the sport grow even bigger.”
In only two years, Al-Amri has collected nine gold medals, seven national titles and two bronzes, combining athletic performance with academic success and public recognition.
Her rapid rise mirrors Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation under Vision 2030, which continues to expand opportunities for women in professional sports, from football and judo to boxing and beyond.
Al-Amri said her journey shows what happens when opportunity meets belief. “Boxing gave me strength and purpose,” she said. “It made me realize that nothing is impossible when you work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself.”
As she continues to train for upcoming championships and sets her sights on future world competitions, Al-Amri’s mission is simple: to raise Saudi Arabia’s flag on the global stage.
From her first punch in a Riyadh gym to her medal podium in Bangkok, Yara Al-Amri’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and proof that Saudi women are not just entering the ring, they are redefining it.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Yara Al-Amri salutes the crowd after her victory, becoming the first Saudi woman boxer to claim an Asian medal. (SUPPLIED)
Tunisian scientist Emna Harigua receives national recognition for her AI-powered drug discovery platform.
Tunisian researcher Emna Harigua has been honoured with Tunisia’s 2025 Best Female Scientific Achievement Prize for her innovative drug discovery work powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
In recognition of women’s essential contributions to science and innovation, Harigua, who holds a doctorate in biomathematics, bioinformatics and computational biology, was awarded the prestigious prize by Tunisia’s Ministry of Family, Women, Children and Seniors as part of the celebrations for the country’s National Women’s Day, observed on August 13. Her achievements include leading research in AI-powered drug discovery through a national node in the Global South AI for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network, a global initiative supported by IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Harigua, a scientist at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia, and principal investigator of the BIND project (Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence for Infectious Diseases), is leading an AI-powered platform that accelerates research against some of the world’s most persistent infectious agents that pose health risks.
Her research targets neglected tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and malaria, combining bioinformatics, AI and experimental validation to shorten the drug discovery timeline and reduce costs. The BIND project has already identified nine novel anti-Leishmania drug candidates, with three now in pre-clinical validation. In addition, the team launched CidalsDB, an open-access AI platform for drug identification, marking a step forward in global efforts toward open science and collaborative health research.
“This award is not just a personal milestone — it’s a recognition of the potential of African-led science to tackle global health challenges,” said Harigua.
Beyond her lab, Harigua is a strong advocate for building Africa’s capacity in computer-aided drug discovery and ensuring that cutting-edge technologies serve the health needs of African communities. Her work — presented recently at the International Science Council during a workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on the impact of emerging technologies on science systems — underscores a vision where innovation, collaboration and inclusion drive the future of medical research.
source/contents; idrc.crdi.ca (Intl Develop Research Centre, Canada) – (headline edited)
Dr. Andilyat Mohamed is a dedicated Comorian scientist who has been actively engaged in plant ecology, specifically in phytogeography, since 2007, accumulating 16 years of experience in Comorian plant formations. She expanded her focus to marine and coastal ecosystems in 2012, concentrating on mangrove algae and seagrass. As a university professor, she delivers lectures and practical work in applied plant ecology and general botany, using special mangrove field trips to demonstrate the theory and practice of different types and their roles to students at the Faculty of Science.
In 2010, Dr. Mohamed established the National Herbarium at the University of the Comoros, where 98% of the staff are women. She also initiated the Comoros mangrove house in partnership with a local village women’s association called “JEUNE FILLE DE DOMOIBOINI .” As the national focal point for the Comoros in the WIOMN network on mangroves in WIOMSA, she authored the first publication of the 23 localities hosting mangroves on the island of Ngazidja as part of her doctoral thesis.
Currently, Andilyat is concentrating on the restoration and assessment of blue carbon in the mangroves of the Comoros, searching for a specific algorithm corresponding to the particular characteristics of amphibious Comorian ecosystems dominated by a recent lava flow substrate as part of her Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR).
Tell us, what led you to pursue a career in marine/ocean science?
What pushed me to pursue a marine career was the fact that I read the bibliography of an official document printed in 2002 that said there were 5 mangrove sites on the island of Ngazidja. However, when I supervised a master’s student in 2012, we worked on 7 sites, and I knew that there were others. In 2016, I used remote sensing to find out for the first time that the island has mangroves in 23 localities and that the ecosystems had been reduced and divided into several sites by lava flows. Since then, I’ve been working closely with the islands’ conservationists.
As a marine/ocean professional, what critical lessons have you learned? Share your insights and experience with others who aspire to become experts in this field.
Mangroves are more capricious than humans, they are mute but shout loudly in the silence by releasing CO2 when under anthropic pressure or by trapping carbon when conserving and protecting the site.
In celebration of International Women’s Day theme “Invest in Women, accelerate progress”, what progress do you envision for women in the Western Indian Ocean region?
Comorian women are fortunate to be among the few countries where inheritance is matrimonial. This gives them authority and independence in social activities. It is with this vision that I am working with my team to ensure the survival of the mangroves of the Comoros. I started by joining forces with the Jeune Fille Association.
Sara Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is many things—a student, a scientist, an ASM Young Ambassador—but, above all, she is unstoppable. Amid ongoing socio-political upheaval and conflict in her home of Sudan, she is determined to advance her own microbiology journey and ensure others can do the same.
“The challenges I’ve faced have ultimately shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable microbiologist,” Albagir Abdalla Mohammed said. “These experiences have strengthened my commitment to making science accessible to those in resource-limited settings and finding innovative ways to promote scientific development, even in the face of adversity.”
Her penchant for tackling scientific challenges predates her academic activities. As a child, Albagir Aballa Mohammed wanted to find treatments for “untreatable” diseases, though it was during her high school biology classes—where she learned about the intricate complexities of the human body—that her interest in health sciences blossomed. She took that interest and ran with it, going on to pursue a degree in medical laboratory sciences at the University of Khartoum.
Albagir Abdalla Mohammed began her college career by diving head-first into disciplines ranging from hematology to clinical chemistry, though medical microbiology and immunology really drew her in. “I became particularly interested in how such tiny beings [i.e., microbes] could have massive impacts on global health systems. This contrast between the micro and the macro fueled my desire to understand how microbiology could contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems,” she shared. Her experience training in laboratories at Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital—one of Sudan’s largest hospitals for liver diseases, including those caused by microbes like hepatitis B virus—solidified her decision to specialize in medical microbiology.
But, as certain as Albagir Abdalla Mohammed was about her chosen educational path, external circumstances have made the road difficult to navigate. The Sudanese December Revolution shut down the education system in Sudan for almost 2 years; the COVID-19 pandemic tacked on another year. Then, in April 2023, as Albagir Abdalla Mohammed neared the end of earning her degree, conflict broke out in her home of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. The conflict has displaced over 10 million people, with Albagir Abdalla Mohammed—who was forced to relocate to a rural area—among them.
“Over the past year and a half, I’ve faced ongoing disruption, displacement and uncertainty,” she shared. “This was an especially difficult time, as I was so close to completing my education and reaching my long-awaited goal of graduation. My academic journey, originally planned to take 4 years, [has] stretched into over 6 due to these repeated interruptions.”
Yet, for each obstacle thrown in her path, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed has found ways to continue her scientific development. “I refused to let my educational journey come to a complete halt. I have continued learning, even under challenging conditions with poor internet connectivity in the rural area I’m in,” she said, noting that she has completed various online programs and specializations in public health, epidemiology and data analytics.
What’s striking about Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is that she is not just concerned about her own scientific advancement. She is also invested in the future of countless scientists facing similar circumstances. When universities in war-affected regions of Sudan closed, she watched as her peers lost hope and disengaged from their academic paths. For Albagir Abdalla Mohammed, this was a call to action. “I was determined to keep microbiology alive in Sudan, even amid these challenges.”
Fueled by this determination, she founded MicroGen, an online initiative aimed at empowering early-career microbiologists in Sudan through career guidance, professional development and capacity-building opportunities. Now with a community of 5,000 students and professionals from over 50 Sudanese universities and institutions, MicroGen has hosted informational sessions about various microbiology career paths, highlighting connections between the diverse scientists, disciplines and roles spanning the microbial sciences.
Such interconnectivity has been foundational to Albagir Abdalla Mohammed’s efforts. She considers a strong network of peers and collaborators instrumental for navigating obstacles and creating new opportunities, and credits the ASM Young Ambassador program, with its vast global community of scientists, with helping her build that network. As Young Ambassador to Sudan (an appointment she considers one of the most pivotal moments of her career), Albagir Abdalla Mohammed has focused on leveraging her platform to “increase the engagement of Sudanese microbiologists within ASM and promote its mission of advancing the microbial sciences.”
To say she has been successful in this mission is an understatement. A free online Bioinformatics Workshop she organized in the summer of 2024 attracted a whopping 1,144 participants—over 700 from Sudan and the rest from 32 other countries—and resulted in 865 new ASM members. Albagir Abdalla Mohammed designed the workshop to meet the needs of Sudanese microbiologists who are unable to conduct lab-based research. “By focusing on in silico research, participants were empowered to use computational tools to simulate biological processes, analyze large datasets and conduct meaningful research without the need for fully equipped laboratories,” she said.
Feedback from the event, where participants learned everything from how to analyze microbial genomes, to the ins and outs of bioinformatic data interpretation, was overwhelmingly positive. One participant from Sudan wrote that the workshop was “comprehensive and nicely delivered, even with the war running in the background,” adding that they no longer “feel really stuck, nor [that] the world is steps ahead of me.”
For her part, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed learned that “with the right approach, it is possible to sustain research momentum even in the most difficult circumstances, and that the scientific spirit of curiosity and perseverance can thrive in adversity.”
In many ways, she embodies this spirit of curiosity and perseverance. This is evident not just from her work with MicroGen and the ASM Young Ambassador program, but also from other endeavors. Case in point: Albagir Abdalla Mohammed was behind the effort that led to a collaboration between the non-profit organizations HealthGoes Global and Partners for World Health . The partnership resulted in the shipment of over $340,000 worth of essential medical supplies to aid Sudan’s overwrought health care system. She was also recently appointed a Champion for the Microbiological Society in the U.K. and is currently organizing Sudan’s first national symposium on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), aimed at fostering collaboration among Sudanese microbiologists and health care professionals to address the AMR crisis.
The throughline here? Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is a force, a passionate science advocate. She may be early in her career, but that hasn’t stopped her from taking on leadership roles to enact change. She encourages other future and early-career scientists to adopt a similar outlook.
“Never underestimate your abilities and know that leadership isn’t confined to titles or seniority; it’s about how you contribute, collaborate and support others, regardless of your career stage,” she said. “Often, early-career scientists feel they need to wait for a certain level of experience or recognition before stepping into leadership roles, but that’s not the case. Leadership comes from taking initiative, sharing your ideas and offering guidance—even as a student or young professional.”
Still, while showing initiative as a young scientist is crucial for advancement, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed acknowledged barriers that can slow forward motion. She pointed specifically to the limited number of mentorship and training opportunities for undergraduates like her, as many are geared toward graduate students and advanced professionals. Investments in these advanced scientists is imperative, she noted, but such focus means young scientists at formative stages of their development can get left behind. This is felt strongly in countries like Sudan, where political instability and conflict can extend an undergraduate degree to 6-8 years.
“These delays hinder access to mentorship and resources, and the lack of available opportunities further reinforces these existing barriers, leaving talented students behind and limiting their ability to participate in the global scientific community,” Albagir Abdalla Mohammed explained. “Addressing this gap is essential to fostering a truly inclusive STEM field. Empowering undergraduates, particularly those from underrepresented regions, will not only cultivate diverse talent, but also enrich the global scientific dialogue with fresh perspectives and ideas,” all of which are paramount for propelling science forward to solve big problems.
To that end, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed, who is Sudanese, Muslim, identifies as African and speaks Arabic as her native language, considers diversity in all its forms the cornerstone of innovation. She advised scientists at every career stage to view their background as an asset, not a limitation, highlighting that all the pieces that make her who she is have inspired her work. “My faith emphasizes the values of compassion, community and social responsibility, motivating me to uplift marginalized voices and create inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” she shared.
It doesn’t take much to see that Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is a bright light—and the future of microbiology is brighter because of her. Wherever her path takes her next, one thing is certain: she won’t give up. And she encourages other young scientists not to give up either. “The journey in science will likely present challenges, including systemic barriers, limited resources or unexpected disruptions. In those moments, persistence and resilience are key. Let the obstacles you face shape you into a stronger, more adaptable version of yourself.”
