Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim received his PhD from the University of Washington in 1968. He is currently a professor of sociology at the American University in Cairo. Dr. Ibrahim has spent much of his career promoting civil society and democratization in Egypt and the greater Arab world. He founded the Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies in 1988 with money from an academic award for his work in the field of sociology. In addition to its own research, advocacy, and development programs, the Ibn Khaldun Center conducts commissioned research, and provides consultation and training services to governmental and non-governmental organizations on issues of public policy. It has become a focal point for national and regional NGOs sharing its mission. Dr. Ibrahim is also the founder of the Arab Organization for Human Rights.