Gilan Ellam, a former assistant to the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently appeared on the Egyptian Television program "Hekawy El Hananim" to share her professional and personal journey. During the first episode of the program, Ellam discussed her entry into the diplomatic corps by chance and her significant contributions to Egypt's diplomatic efforts. She revealed that she initially aspired to work as a teaching assistant at the College of Economics and Political Science.
Ellam's interest in diplomacy began when she saw an advertisement in the Al-Ahram newspaper for diplomatic attachés. She decided to take the exams and was successful. Her mother played a crucial role in encouraging her to pursue this opportunity, despite her father's initial wish for her to become a university professor. Ellam's entry into diplomacy marked the beginning of a distinguished career.
Ellam made history by becoming Egypt's first female diplomat at the United Nations in New York, coinciding with the Camp David negotiations. She contributed significantly to preparing a comprehensive file on Egyptian losses resulting from the Israeli occupation of Sinai. Her work at the UN was a milestone in her career, showcasing her expertise and dedication to Egyptian diplomacy.
In addition to her work at the UN, Ellam participated in efforts related to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Her contributions helped establish an office for the organization in Egypt, attracting international funding for industrial projects. This achievement demonstrated her commitment to promoting Egypt's economic development.
Ellam's diplomatic career also included her appointment as Egypt's ambassador to India. This move was seen as a symbolic gesture of exchanging high-level representation between the two countries. During her tenure, she worked to enhance economic cooperation and secure the importation of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry at competitive prices.
On a personal level, Ellam discussed the challenges faced by women in diplomacy, balancing travel and family life. She praised her late husband's understanding and support for her career, as well as her efforts to maintain a balance between her professional ambitions and family stability. Her experiences offer valuable insights into the life of a diplomat.
The program "Hekawy El Hananim" is produced by the Egyptian Radio and Television Union, with a team led by journalist Amin Khairallah, deputy editor-in-chief of the Radio and Television Magazine. The program aims to share inspiring stories of women who have made significant contributions to Egyptian society.
Key points
- Gilan Ellam was Egypt's first female diplomat at the United Nations.
- Ellam's entry into diplomacy was by chance, inspired by a newspaper advertisement.
- She has held various diplomatic positions, including ambassador to India.
