Mohammad Hossein Adeli
Encyclopedia
Seyed Mohammad Hossein Adeli (Persian : سید محمد حسین عادلی) born in 1953 in Ahvaz (Persian: اهواز ) is an Iranian
politician
, diplomat
, economist
and academic. He is the Chairman and CEO of Ravand Institute
as well as the Chairman of Amin Investment Bank
.
, University of New York
, The New School
in New York
, and also studying in New Delhi
, before earning his double Ph.D in Economics
and Business Administration from the University of California
. He is married to Khadijeh Aryan, a Senior Lecturer in Allameh Tabatabaii University
teaching psychology
. They have a daughter and two sons.
. Beginning his career teaching at various universities in Tehran
, at age of 27 he became the Director General of the Economic Affairs Department in Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Five years later, he became special advisor to the Foreign Ministry. In the following year, he acted as advisor to the Minister of Petroleum. Adeli went on to represent Iran at various OPEC
meetings. He is the only person within the Middle East region to be a permanent member of the World Economic Forum
circle.
between 1986 and 1989, during which he played a key role in revitalising Iranian and Japanese business/political relations. Soon thereafter, at the age of 36 he was appointed Governor of Central Bank of Iran. Adeli is credited a pioneer of the economic reform package during the critical years of reconstruction following the Iraq-Iran War. Through a series of macroeconomic adjustments, Adeli delivered strong and sustained results by dramatically improving the foreign exchange and monetary policy
.
Adeli’s diplomatic career progressed through his appointment as Iranian Ambassador to Canada in 1995. At the end of his term in 1999, Adeli was nominated as Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs and the Chairman of the Coordinating Council for Foreign Economic Relations until 2004. During these years, Adeli initiated two special committees for Reconstruction of Afghanistan and Reconstruction of Iraq
through a series of multilateral arrangements, and filled the role of Secretary General for both Committees.
As his last official post, he served as Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of Iran to the United Kingdom
. At his time, he along with John Curtis
and several others lobbied with Iranian Government to borrow 80 items for a new exhibition named “The Forgotten Empire”.
, the G15
, the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
and the European Union
. He has received many awards including a distinction by the Economic Cooperation Organisation Secretary General for "Special Recognition and Appreciation" for his contribution and proposition of the name ECO. He also won the Crans-Montana Development and Peace Award in 2002 in Geneva
.
Adeli has also received special recognition for various activities including: spearheading monetary reforms as Central Bank Governor; innovation of a new Islamic banking
financial instrument called “Participation Paper”, now widely used in Iran and other Islamic countries under the name of Sukuk
; initiating the law for Official Development Assistance of Iran which aims to contribute to the development of least developing countries; initiating Economic Diplomacy for the first time in Iran; initiating Economic partnership with Africa
through Iran–Africa economic summit; being head of Coordination for assistance to Iraqi reconstruction, and Coordination for assisting Afghanistan reconstruction through international organization. He has been a frequent guest speaker at many prestigious international conferences, including OPEC
, South-South Cooperation, United Nations
, World Economic Forum
, Islamic Banking and Finance, World Bank
, International Trade Centre
and International Monetary Fund
as well as major investment banks such as Goldman Sachs
.
Throughout his career, he established a strong network of academic, corporate and diplomatic contacts. These connections and associations have provided Ravand Institute with access to global leaders, policy-makers, corporate executives, NGOs, businesspeople, academics and the media. Committed to the promotion of understanding and partnership, Ravand Institute organises international conferences and seminars, where such bodies and organisations can contribute to regional and global debates. However, Ravand’s think tank
is also a ‘do-tank’ in its capacity to conduct research on salient policy issues; to provide strategic advice at the governmental level; to consult with corporate entities in the fields of energy, finance and industry; and to design customised instructional workshops in a broad range of disciplines.
Iranian peoples
The Iranian peoples are an Indo-European ethnic-linguistic group, consisting of the speakers of Iranian languages, a major branch of the Indo-European language family, as such forming a branch of Indo-European-speaking peoples...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, diplomat
Diplomat
A diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
, economist
Economist
An economist is a professional in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy...
and academic. He is the Chairman and CEO of Ravand Institute
Ravand Institute
The Ravand Institute for Economic and International Studies is the first Iranian think tank of its kind. It is an independent, private, non-partisan, non-governmental organization focusing on important policy issues facing Iran...
as well as the Chairman of Amin Investment Bank
AminIB
AminIB, also known as Amin Investment Bank, is a major Iranian banking establishment offering commercial and investment banking services. The company was established in 2007 as part of the government's economic reform of the banking system....
.
Personal life and education
Hossein Adeli is one the few Iranian politicians to have a truly international background, having studied at University of TehranUniversity of Tehran
The University of Tehran , also known as Tehran University and UT, is Iran's oldest university. Located in Tehran, the university is among the most prestigious in the country, and is consistently selected as the first choice of many applicants in the annual nationwide entrance exam for top Iranian...
, University of New York
University of New York
University of New York may refer to:*University of New York in Prague, Czech Republic*University of New York Tirana, Albania* University of New York, fictional university on the American television series Felicity , modelled on New York University-See also:*There is no institution of higher...
, The New School
The New School
The New School is a university in New York City, located mostly in Greenwich Village. From its founding in 1919 by progressive New York academics, and for most of its history, the university was known as the New School for Social Research. Between 1997 and 2005 it was known as New School University...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, and also studying in New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
, before earning his double Ph.D in Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
and Business Administration from the University of California
University of California
The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...
. He is married to Khadijeh Aryan, a Senior Lecturer in Allameh Tabatabaii University
Allameh Tabatabaii University
Allameh Tabatabai University , is a public university in Tehran, Iran, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sciences, Research and Technology...
teaching psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. They have a daughter and two sons.
Political and academic career
Adeli was educated in Dar ul-Funun (Persian: دار الفنون ) in TehranTehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
. Beginning his career teaching at various universities in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, at age of 27 he became the Director General of the Economic Affairs Department in Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Five years later, he became special advisor to the Foreign Ministry. In the following year, he acted as advisor to the Minister of Petroleum. Adeli went on to represent Iran at various OPEC
OPEC
OPEC is an intergovernmental organization of twelve developing countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. OPEC has maintained its headquarters in Vienna since 1965, and hosts regular meetings...
meetings. He is the only person within the Middle East region to be a permanent member of the World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
circle.
Diplomatic career
Adeli’s diplomatic career began with his appointment as Iran’s Ambassador to JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
between 1986 and 1989, during which he played a key role in revitalising Iranian and Japanese business/political relations. Soon thereafter, at the age of 36 he was appointed Governor of Central Bank of Iran. Adeli is credited a pioneer of the economic reform package during the critical years of reconstruction following the Iraq-Iran War. Through a series of macroeconomic adjustments, Adeli delivered strong and sustained results by dramatically improving the foreign exchange and monetary policy
Monetary policy
Monetary policy is the process by which the monetary authority of a country controls the supply of money, often targeting a rate of interest for the purpose of promoting economic growth and stability. The official goals usually include relatively stable prices and low unemployment...
.
Adeli’s diplomatic career progressed through his appointment as Iranian Ambassador to Canada in 1995. At the end of his term in 1999, Adeli was nominated as Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs and the Chairman of the Coordinating Council for Foreign Economic Relations until 2004. During these years, Adeli initiated two special committees for Reconstruction of Afghanistan and Reconstruction of Iraq
Reconstruction of Iraq
Investment in post-2003 Iraq refers to international efforts to rebuild the infrastructure of Iraq since the Iraq War in 2003.Along with the economic reform of Iraq, international projects have been implemented to repair and upgrade Iraqi water and sewage treatment plants, electricity production,...
through a series of multilateral arrangements, and filled the role of Secretary General for both Committees.
As his last official post, he served as Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of Iran to the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. At his time, he along with John Curtis
John Curtis
John Charles Keyworth Curtis is an English footballer. He is a versatile defender who can play anywhere along the back four or even as a defensive midfielder.-Career:...
and several others lobbied with Iranian Government to borrow 80 items for a new exhibition named “The Forgotten Empire”.
Awards and recognition
Adeli has also been active in regional and international groups and organisations, including the D-8Developing 8 Countries
The Developing 8 are a group of developing countries with large Muslim populations that have formed an economic development alliance. It consists of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.-History:The D-8 was founded by Necmettin Erbakan, former Turkish Prime...
, the G15
G15
The Group of 15 was established at the Ninth Non-Aligned Movement Summit Meeting in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in September 1989.This informal forum was set up to foster cooperation and provide input for other international groups, such as the World Trade Organization and the Group of Eight...
, the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
The Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation , initially known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, is an international organization with 18 member states...
and the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
. He has received many awards including a distinction by the Economic Cooperation Organisation Secretary General for "Special Recognition and Appreciation" for his contribution and proposition of the name ECO. He also won the Crans-Montana Development and Peace Award in 2002 in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
.
Adeli has also received special recognition for various activities including: spearheading monetary reforms as Central Bank Governor; innovation of a new Islamic banking
Islamic banking
Islamic banking is banking or banking activity that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. Sharia prohibits the fixed or floating payment or acceptance of specific interest or fees for loans of money...
financial instrument called “Participation Paper”, now widely used in Iran and other Islamic countries under the name of Sukuk
Sukuk
Sukuk is the Arabic name for financial certificates, but commonly refers to the Islamic equivalent of bonds. Since fixed income, interest bearing bonds are not permissible in Islam, Sukuk securities are structured to comply with the Islamic law and its investment principles, which prohibits the...
; initiating the law for Official Development Assistance of Iran which aims to contribute to the development of least developing countries; initiating Economic Diplomacy for the first time in Iran; initiating Economic partnership with Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
through Iran–Africa economic summit; being head of Coordination for assistance to Iraqi reconstruction, and Coordination for assisting Afghanistan reconstruction through international organization. He has been a frequent guest speaker at many prestigious international conferences, including OPEC
OPEC
OPEC is an intergovernmental organization of twelve developing countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. OPEC has maintained its headquarters in Vienna since 1965, and hosts regular meetings...
, South-South Cooperation, United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
, Islamic Banking and Finance, World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
, International Trade Centre
International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.The following statement about the ITC is taken verbatim from its website, and reflects the ITC's official view of its own functions:...
and International Monetary Fund
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
as well as major investment banks such as Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is an American multinational bulge bracket investment banking and securities firm that engages in global investment banking, securities, investment management, and other financial services primarily with institutional clients...
.
Creation of Ravand Institute
After leaving the government, Adeli founded the Ravand Institute for Economic and International Studies, Iran’s first private, non-governmental, non-partisan research centre. He is the Founder and currently Chairman and CEO of Ravand Institute.Throughout his career, he established a strong network of academic, corporate and diplomatic contacts. These connections and associations have provided Ravand Institute with access to global leaders, policy-makers, corporate executives, NGOs, businesspeople, academics and the media. Committed to the promotion of understanding and partnership, Ravand Institute organises international conferences and seminars, where such bodies and organisations can contribute to regional and global debates. However, Ravand’s think tank
Think tank
A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...
is also a ‘do-tank’ in its capacity to conduct research on salient policy issues; to provide strategic advice at the governmental level; to consult with corporate entities in the fields of energy, finance and industry; and to design customised instructional workshops in a broad range of disciplines.