Born on November 12, 1951, she embarked on a journey that would redefine the role of women in positions of power and influence. With a Bachelor of Commerce from Cairo University, Class of 1973, Ambassador Faiza laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to obtain a diploma in public administration from Paris in 1977, followed by a master's degree in political science from the University of Geneva in 1989.
Throughout her career, Ambassador Faiza has been recognized for her exceptional contributions. She was awarded the Order of "Rio Branco" and received the first-class Hungarian Order of Merit from Brazil, honoring her remarkable achievements and international influence.
In a historic moment, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential decree appointing Ambassador Faiza as the first female National Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Egypt, a position that had been vacant for 41 years. This groundbreaking appointment reflects her extraordinary capabilities and the recognition of her invaluable expertise in national security affairs.
Ambassador Faiza's remarkable achievements extend beyond her national role. She served as a vital member of the Egyptian defense team under the leadership of Ambassador Nabil El-Araby during the Taba arbitration committee in Geneva in 1987, which resulted in a favorable judgment for Egypt. Additionally, she played a crucial role as a special advisor to Dr. Youssef Boutros-Ghali during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1992.
Her diplomatic contributions continued as she served as Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva from 1999 to the end of 2001. Moreover, Ambassador Faiza became the first Egyptian woman to hold the position of Egypt's Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD).
She assumed the roles of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation in November 2001 and Minister of International Cooperation in 2004. Her dedication to serving her country led her to become the President of the National Committee for Demining and Development of the Northwest Coast in Egypt in 2006, followed by her appointment as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.
Her extraordinary contributions have garnered global recognition. In 2010, Ambassador Faiza was elected as a member of the People's Assembly for the city of Port Said. Additionally, she earned the remarkable distinction of ranking 19th in Foreign Policy magazine's list of the 25 most powerful women in the world in 2012. Her indomitable spirit and leadership were lauded in Sharon Freeman's book "Dialogue with Strong African Women Leaders," where she was recognized among the 11 most powerful women in Africa.
In a moment of well-deserved honor, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi recognized Ambassador Faiza's exceptional contributions during the celebration of Egyptian women and ideal mothers in the year 20/21. This acknowledgment is a testament to her unwavering commitment and enduring legacy as a role model for aspiring leaders.