Born on 9 May, 1948, in Hammam Sousse, Tunisia, Kamel Morjane's career has been defined by his service to his country and the global community. Educated in public law and international relations, Morjane's academic path took him from the University of Tunis to the prestigious Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, where he specialised in emergency management and international law.
Kamel Morjane's early career saw him join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1977, where he rose to influential positions, including Director of Personnel and Director for Africa. His commitment to humanitarian work led to his appointment as Tunisia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva in 1996. During this time, he held significant roles within the World Trade Organization, presiding over its dispute settlement body and administrative committees. His international standing grew further when, in 1999, he was selected as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the Democratic Republic of Congo, overseeing crucial peacekeeping efforts during a period of conflict. In 2001, Morjane was appointed Assistant High Commissioner for Human Rights until 2005.
Returning to Tunisia, Kamel Morjane took on national leadership roles, serving as Minister of Defense from 2005 to 2010 and then as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2011. His leadership during a time of political upheaval in Tunisia, including the 2011 revolution, demonstrated his diplomatic skill and commitment to his country’s stability. After the revolution, Morjane founded the political party "Al Moubadara" and continued to play a role in Tunisia's democratic transition.
In addition to his national service, Kamel Morjane remained active in global governance. He has been an Eminent Member of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation and a member of the United Nations Advisory Board on Human Security. In 2018, he returned to government service as Minister of the Public Service and briefly held the position of acting head of the Tunisian government in 2019.
Throughout his career, Kamel Morjane has embodied the principles of diplomacy, peacebuilding, and public service. His life's work, marked by leadership in both national and international arenas, reflects a profound dedication to fostering stability, human rights, and cooperation. His legacy continues to influence Tunisia's political landscape and global humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting imprint on both his homeland and the broader international community.
