AFP Spotlight: Dr. Leyla Mammadli

Dr. Leyla Mammadli is a distinguished diplomat, educator, and advocate for peace whose work is dedicated to advancing global cooperation through cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development. As the Founder and CEO of CDDF and a UN Women Peace Ambassador in Azerbaijan, she has spent more than a decade building bridges across communities, fostering international partnerships, and promoting initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen social cohesion.

With extensive expertise in international relations, peacebuilding, nonprofit leadership, and cross-cultural engagement, Leyla has led and supported programs that advance mutual understanding, inclusive development, and global citizenship. A scholar of International Law and a graduate of the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), she combines academic excellence with practical leadership in addressing complex international challenges.

For over ten years, Leyla served as an Adjunct Professor at Baku State University and Khazar University, mentoring future leaders and inspiring the next generation of changemakers through education and international engagement.

Now based in Washington, D.C., Leyla continues to champion peace, dialogue, and collaboration across borders. Fluent in Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian, and currently studying Italian, she brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to fostering understanding among diverse cultures and communities worldwide.