The Codex Secretariat has learned of the untimely passing of the former Codex Contact Point for Egypt, Ahmed M. Elhelw.

The Regional Coordinator for the Near East (CCNE), Khalid S. Al Zhrani, Saudi Arabia said: “Ahmed was like an energy station of the CCNE family. With his presence, he would light us all up with positivity. His contribution to my life as a guide, and to the Codex family as an active Member will always be appreciated.”

Ahmed held a bachelor degree in Agriculture and a Master's in Specialized Nutrition. He had served as a standards and Codex specialist at the Egyptian General Organization for Standardization and Quality since 2012.

Countries across the CCNE region and from all over Codex sent their messages of condolences. Hakim Mufumbiro, Uganda, Regional Coordinator for Africa said: “As well as being extremely active and a key expert in the region he will be remembered especially for fostering close cooperation between the Africa and Near East regions”.

In the Codex Secretariat Ahmed was known for his unlimited and infectious enthusiasm for the technical work he led and for championing capacity building in Egypt and across the region.

Photo credit ©FAO/Codex

Ahmed pictured above in 2019 together with Steve Wearne, United Kingdom.