Democracy, Human Rights, and U.S. Foreign Policy: A Conversation with Under Secretary Uzra Zeya

This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.

Join Global Minnesota and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for a wide-ranging discussion of U.S. efforts to promote democracy and protect human rights around the globe.

As Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya leads global diplomatic efforts to strengthen democracy, advance universal human rights, support refugees and humanitarian relief, promote rule of law and counternarcotics cooperation, fight corruption and intolerance, prevent armed conflict, and eliminate human trafficking. In addition, she serves as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, leading U.S. efforts to support the human rights and meet the humanitarian needs of the Tibetan people and preserve their unique cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.

About the Speaker:

Uzra Zeya was sworn as Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights by Secretary Blinken July 14, 2021.  She leads global diplomatic efforts to strengthen democracy, advance universal human rights, support refugees and humanitarian relief, promote rule of law and counternarcotics cooperation, fight corruption and intolerance, prevent armed conflict, and eliminate human trafficking.  In December, 2021, Secretary Blinken announced her designation to serve concurrently as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, for which she leads U.S. efforts to support the human rights and meet the humanitarian needs of the Tibetan people and preserve their unique cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.  

Under Secretary Zeya brings to these roles over three decades of diplomatic and leadership acumen at the intersection of international peace, security, and human rights.  From 2019 to 2021, she served as president and CEO of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a non-partisan global network of more than 130 organizations working in more than 180 countries to end conflict by peaceful means.  During her 27-year Foreign Service career, Zeya served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires in Paris; Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of State; and served in Syria, Egypt, Oman, Jamaica, and in various policy roles at the Department of State.  Zeya speaks Arabic, French and Spanish.

Presented in partnership with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Relations Minnesota.

ASL interpretation provided. If you require an accessibility accommodation, please contact our Program Director Tim Odegard at [email protected].