Shlomo Ben-Ami Keynote Speaker

Shlomo Ben-Ami is a historian, former politician, and diplomat who has held many important positions in Israel and abroad. As a speaker, he is sought-after for his knowledge and insights on international affairs. His years of experience have given him a unique perspective on the world’s challenges.

Shlomo is a co-founder and Vice-President of the Toledo International Centre for Peace. The organisation supports democratic principles and upholds human rights to help prevent and resolve violent international or intranational conflicts.

Shlomo is perhaps best known for his time as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role he occupied following his 1999 appointment as Minister of Public Security in charge of the Israel Police. He served on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee after his 1996 election to the Knesset. He also served as a special advisor to Colombia’s President Santos, forming part of the team that negotiated peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Before joining politics, Shlomo held the positions of the Israeli ambassador to Spain and dean of Tel-Aviv University’s School of History, where he published the major biography of General Primo de Rivera.

Along with his recognition as one of the respected political figures, Shlomo is also an accomplished author. He is the author of Fascism from Above (1983), the Primo de Rivera biography,  Fascism from Above and Scars of War, and Wounds of Peace (2006). His other published works include A Front Without a Homefront (2004) and Prophets without Honor (2022). He’s also the author of several books published in French and Spanish and a frequent contributor to the non-profit media organisation Project Syndicate.

Shlomo was on the International Crisis Group board from 2006 to 2010 and is currently a senior adviser for the organisation.

Shlomo is a respected authority on international politics and a veteran of Israeli politics. As an international speaker, he has addressed audiences worldwide and is sought-after for his unparalleled understanding of the Middle East and its relations with the West.