Hamzah Alkamaly, a graduate of SOAS and a Chevening Alumnus, has made a significant impact in Yemen by empowering the country's future leaders through sport.
From Medicine to Youth Activism in Yemen
“I was raised in Yemen and attended medical school in Cairo, Egypt. In early 2011, while still in school, the Arab Spring took place, and that is when I first became active in public life. I postponed my coursework that year to join fellow activists in Sanaa, protesting against the regime of ex-president Saleh.
During my final year in medical school in 2014, the Houthi militia staged a coup against the Yemeni government. I opposed this militia and began appearing as a political analyst on television shows such as Sky News, BBC Arabic, and Al Jazeera.
Due to my political activism, I was unable to return to Yemen, as the Houthis had issued a death sentence against me. I chose to stay in Cairo, becoming more involved in public affairs, and upon the government’s liberation, I returned to Yemen and was appointed Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in 2017.”
The Role of Sport in Conflict Recovery
“In the early stages of conflict recovery, youth sports and activities were often viewed as a luxury. However, my colleagues and I believed they were essential for recovery, leading us to develop the DDR Strategy—demilitarization, deregulation, and reintegration.
Sports provide young people with a vital alternative during post-conflict recovery, offering an escape to the lingering effects of war and violence. Additionally, sport teaches skills that can help to address the root causes of violence and and reduce the likelihood of future conflict – skills such as teamwork, leadership, commitment, discipline, and handling pressure.
By expanding sports initiatives nationwide, we aim to instil core values in Yemeni youth, including unity, tolerance, respect, and social inclusion. These efforts complement counter-terrorism initiatives that combat extremism in conflict zones and promote youth political engagement. We believe Yemen’s future lies in the hands of its youth, with approximately 70% of the population under 45 years old. Our goal is to empower young people to integrate modern ideas into Yemen’s policymaking.”
Becoming a Chevening Scholar at SOAS
“As a mid-career professional, I sought to enhance my qualifications to empower Yemen’s future leaders. I successfully applied for a Chevening Scholarship and chose to pursue an MSc in Public Policy, Finance, and Management at SOAS, which I had heard was a prestigious and diverse institution.
My experience at SOAS was markedly different from my undergraduate studies. The university’s commitment to values, principles, critical evidence-based thinking, and practical application in the real world set it apart.
I arrived at SOAS with experience, but I quickly learned that experience alone is insufficient without evidence and scientific understanding. My time at SOAS taught me how to address challenges, prioritise policies, and approach problems critically. SOAS does not dictate what to think; it teaches you how to think, encouraging critical listening and diverse perspectives, which benefits both my professional and personal life.”
Experiencing Global Diversity at SOAS
“I anticipated that living in London would immerse me in British culture and society. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse, multinational environment at SOAS, reminiscent of an international airport where one encounters people from various backgrounds and experiences.
SOAS is an inclusive space; my mindset, tolerance, and approach to others have all evolved because of my time there. Despite my extensive travels for work, I have never felt a longing for a place quite like London, largely due to SOAS.
At SOAS, I found a sense of belonging, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
More about SOAS
Established more than a century ago, SOAS University of London provides students wishing to study courses related to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East with a lens through which ‘to interrogate the planetary questions of our time’.
SOAS is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary approach, which combines rigorous research with a commitment to global understanding.
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