Convocation: Zalmay Khalilzad

Zalmay Khalilzad served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush.  He has been involved with U.S. policy makers at the White House, State Department and Pentagon since the mid-1980s, and is the highest-ranking Muslim in U.S. Government in the history of the United States.  Praised for his inclusive tactics, convivial style, and result oriented approach, Khalilzad’s record in the most turbulent areas of U.S. foreign policy earned him broad respect throughout the world.  Khalilzad’s previous assignments included U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, wher he played a significant role in facilitating both countries’ constitutions, elections and formation of government.  He is currently a counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and president of Khalilzad Associates, an international business consulting firm based in Washington D.C.  His first-hand knowledge and experience as a statesman in the world’s important hotspots give him unparalleled insights into the global issues of security, terror, extremism, state building, peace negotiation, and energy.  Ambassador Khalilzad assesses the challenges the United States faces in the changing global landscape and their implications for the American people and effective U.S. strategy for the future in his presentation titled "U.S. Global Leadership."