Dr Seppe Verheyen is the Director of the Interfaith Institute department at the Abrahamic Family House (AFH) in Abu Dhabi, where he leads strategic work across research, learning, dialogue, and partnerships to advance peaceful coexistence, human fraternity, and intercultural understanding. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, advising senior leadership on strategy, institutional priorities, and executive decision-making, while driving cross-functional initiatives that strengthened the Academy’s role in the diplomatic ecosystem. He also held positions as Innovation and Special Initiatives Manager and Senior Research Fellow, contributing to institutional development, thought leadership, and innovation in diplomatic practice. Earlier, he served at the American University in the Emirates as Director of the Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Director of the International Office. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned his PhD from Trinity College Dublin and previously worked with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU. He is a frequent speaker on diplomacy, leadership, innovation, and professional skills development.