Opinion. Amed Khan describes himself as a human rights advocate, political activist, financier and philanthropist. He goes to the front lines of humanitarian crises on his own and uses his personal wealth and networks to deliver whatever the communities say they need.

Amed has two decades of experience working in conflict zones and humanitarian relief. Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August of 2021, Amed led extensive efforts to evacuate vulnerable women leaders and human rights defenders from Afghanistan. Khan successfully managed evacuations for over 1,500 Afghan evacuees and funds and provided lodging, food, medical and legal services for them.

He is the founder of Elpida Home, an innovative non-profit in Thessaloniki, Greece, which helps Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghan refugees access humane international protection and dignified essential services they deserve. As the Founder and President of the Zaka Khan Foundation, he also invests in reconstruction projects in Iraq and throughout the surrounding region. Amed also seeks to raise awareness about complex emergencies and human rights violations through international campaigns, media appearances, and creative projects.

Amed held several positions in the United States Government. From 1993-1995, as Special Assistant, he represented the Director of the United States Peace Corps on policy and administrative matters and served as White House Liaison. In 1997, he was Director of Operations for the G-7 Summit of Industrialized Nations. -30-