Pakistan’s Emerging Role in Geopolitics – A Conversation with H.E. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States

The MPA in Economic Policy Management program at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is pleased to host an interactive conversation with His Excellency Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, titled “Pakistan’s Emerging Role in Geopolitics – A Conversation with H.E. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States.”

The session will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in IAB 1219, and will feature a moderated discussion followed by an open Q&A with students. The conversation will be facilitated by Professor Rumela Sen, Faculty & Director of the Master of International Affairs (MIA), School of International and Public Affairs, affiliated with the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies and the South Asia Institute at Columbia University.

Ambassador Sheikh will engage students in a candid and interactive dialogue on Pakistan’s evolving role in global geopolitics, with a focus on contemporary foreign policy priorities and international engagement. The event is designed as a conversational exchange rather than a formal presentation, and no slides will be used.

This session is open to students enrolled in SIPA’s MPA in Economic Policy Management, MPA in Global Leadership, Executive MPA, Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, and Master of Public Administration in Development Practice programs. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Ambassador and participate in a dynamic discussion on pressing regional and global issues.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and reflects a shared commitment to fostering dialogue on international affairs and cross-regional understanding.

Light refreshments will be available.

Bios:

Speaker: H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh is the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States. A senior diplomat, he has served in key positions within Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in diplomatic postings abroad. His work focuses on strengthening Pakistan–U.S. relations and advancing cooperation in economic, strategic, and political areas.

Moderator: Professor Rumela Sen is Faculty and Director of the Master of International Affairs (MIA) program at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, and is affiliated with the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies and the South Asia Institute. Her research focuses on civil conflict, rebel governance, and political development in South Asia, with fieldwork in India and Nepal and publications including Farewell to Arms (Oxford University Press, 2021).

 

Registration:

• Registration is required to attend this event. Space is limited, and priority will be given based on registration order.
• Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM

After capacity is reached, students will be added to a waitlist. Should additional seats become available, students will be admitted from the waitlist in order of registration time.

No late registrations will be accepted after the deadline.

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (check-in begins at 11:30 AM and runs until 12:00 PM)
Location: IAB 1219

By attending this event, you agree to the following the Rules of University Conduct. ​​​​

We welcome any questions for the speaker you would like to submit in advance of this event.

Questions?
Contact Priscilla Yuen, Assistant Dean, Specialized Degree Programs at phy2104@sipa.columbia.edu

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Co-hosted with: MPA in Development Practice, Environmental Science and Policy Program (MPA-ESP), Executive Masters of Public Administration, MPA in Global Leadership

Contact the organizers