Afghan Biographies

Saikal, Mahmoud Mahmood


Name Saikal, Mahmoud Mahmood
Ethnic backgr. Tajik
Date of birth 1962
Function/Grade Ex Ambassador
History and Biodata

2. Previous Functions of Mahmoud Saikal:
First Secretary later Minister Councellor Japan 1993-1994,
Honorary Consul for Afghanistan in Australia (1994-2002),
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Afghanistan to Australia and New Zealand (2002-2005),
Deputy Minister Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( 2005-2006),
UNDP Adviser to Afghanistan National Development Strategy (2006-2008)
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Dehsabz City Development Authority (2008-2009)
Senior Adviser of Dehsabs-Barikab City Development Authority (2009- till now)
Convener of Afghanistan Policy Group (APG), led a major regional track II process between Afghanistan and its neighbors, facilitated by the prominent German think tank FES (2012-2015)
Senior Adviser to the CEO Dr.Abdullah (20150129-20151027)
Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations (20151028-20181231)

3. Biodata:
Mahmoud Saikal Saiqal is a Tajik/Pashtun and was born 1962 and raised in Kabul. He graduated with First Class French Baccalaureate from Lycee Esteqlal of Kabul. He is a graduate of both the University of Sydney and University of Canberra, with a Master in International Development from Deakin University. He served as a Project Architect and Senior Architect with Robert Peck von Hartel,  Trethowan, Cox Architects and Planners and Bligh Voller Nield Pty Ltd. In the field of development, since late 2006, he has been serving as Senior Advisor to major development programs/projects in Afghanistan, working with international agencies including JICA, UNDP and the World Bank. He has worked as senior Architect with Australian Government. He was a visiting fellow at Asia- Pacific College of Diplomacy, Australian National University (2007-2010). He has also lectured at the University of Canberra.

Saikal is a political activist campaigning for democratization, rule of law, institutionalization / systemization, quality governance and civil political rights. He is a frequent speaker at national and international forums.

Mahmood Saikal was Karzai’s former ambassador to Australia and later deputy foreign minister. He resigned because of corruption in the ministry. When he complained to President Karzai, he said "We will take of care of it," but two months later when nothing had happened, Saikal resigned, writing to Karzai: "I cannot be part of a corrupt government. I really do not want to bring myself down to this level."

Mahmood Saiqol has been nominated by the CEO Dr. Abdullah as Water and Energy Minister.(20150112) He holds an Australian Passport. Saiqal opted out of cabinet and no replacement has been nominated yet.(20150120) According to a decree Mahmood Saiqal, has been hired as special envoy of CEO Dr. Abdullah.(20150129)  In August 2015, he presented the Key Priorities and Work Plan for Afghanistan‟s Chief Executive Office to the Afghan Council of Ministers.
Ambassador Saikal is the recipient of a “First Class Merit Award” from the President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and “Best Ambassador Award” from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. He has also been presented an “Honorary Membership Award” by Rotary International.

It is said he holds Australian citizenship.

Saikal is married with a son specializing in international development and a daughter practicing law.

He is fluent in English, Dari and Pashto and familiar with French and Arabic languages.

 

Last Modified 2019-05-10
Established 2010-09-28