Bekeh Ukelina Email & Phone Number

I am an accomplished scholar, educator, and international development professional with over a decade of experience in sustainable development, cultural heritage management, and program implementation, particularly in Africa. Currently, I serve as a Professor of History and Africana Studies at the State University of New York, where I also direct the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies. My work promotes sustainable growth, gender equality, and cultural heritage preservation through impactful teaching, research, and community engagement.My expertise spans project management, policy analysis, grant writing, and strategic planning. I have a proven track record of securing funding for and managing large-scale development initiatives. As an active member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Scientific Committee on Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites, I promote the preservation and conservation of heritage and integrate cultural heritage into sustainable development practices.Key projects I have led include the Netzero Sustainable Housing Demonstration Center in Abuja, Nigeria, focusing on climate resilience and sustainable architectural design, and the Premier Building at Hope Waddell Training Institution Calabar, a wooden architecture restoration project. These initiatives have enabled me to foster cross-cultural collaborations, capacity building, and the localization of development goals, ensuring that all stakeholders, from local communities to international partners, are engaged and heard.I am passionate about advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in culture, gender equality, climate action, and quality education. I am always eager to connect with fellow professionals and institutions working to make a difference in these fields.