Fadia Daibes-Murad (PhD)

Dr Daibes-Murad was a water law expert who studied at the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science.

She was awarded the Edberg Award 2005, presented at a special awards ceremony in Stockholm. The award recognized her contribution to peace in the Middle East through her work on water law, including using water as a catalyst for peace in the Middle East.

"I came to Dundee for a conference, when I was eight months pregnant, and thought it was fantastic – I was determined to study here. I came for a year when my youngest child was six months old, leaving the other kid with my husband at home – my Mum came to help with the baby. But then I upgraded to a PhD – I divided my time and did a lot of studying via video conferences and covered a lot of miles between Dundee and Palestine. I finally finished in 2004.

I knew my degree would guarantee me a good job, so I started working with the Palestinian Water Authority and worked there for eight years on building this institution. I have now got several roles, I work freelance as a water law and policy consultant, and I'm heavily involved in shaping the future of water law in the Middle East including working on resolving the water conflict between Israel and Palestine.

I’m recognized as an international expert, partly because my degree is from Dundee which is a highly respected University. I have been totally accepted as a woman – probably because of my qualifications. People realize that they have to discuss issues with me as a professional.

I also work with the people of Iraq through the UN ESCWA, helping train elected women with decision-making powers on how to solve water law issues.

My work is hard, but it's varied and so rewarding and I think myself lucky to be doing these jobs."

Dr Daibes-Murad tragically died in a car crash in 2009; she had been travelling back to Ramallah from a meeting of the World Water Forum in Turkey.

Prof Patricia Wouters, Centre Director said "Fadia was one of a kind, truly special.  Her combination of integrity, brilliance, grit and not-a-little natural charm, made her a role model for lawyers and activists alike, both in Palestine and around the world. I had been speaking to her on the phone on the day of her death; and the tragedy of her death still stays with me now. Her work will not be forgotten and we are proud to have her as an alumnus of the Dundee UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science".

There are many other tributes to her online, e.g.: "In Memory of Fadia Diabes Murad" and "Fadia Diabes Murad: In Memoriam."