Islamabad (TDI): Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri, Mission Director USAID Pakistan, has been honoured with the prestigious Global Ambassador Award 2024 in recognition of her outstanding efforts to promote broad-based, climate-resilient economic growth, and advance health and education in Pakistan.
The Diplomatic Insight Group, a global public diplomacy institution in Pakistan, awarded Somvongsiri with the 6th Global Ambassador Award for her significant contributions to the social development in Pakistan.
The 6th Global Ambassador Awards Ceremony 2024 took place in Islamabad, with the presence of Ambassadors, diplomatic corps, Parliamentarians, government officials, business leaders, academics, media, and civil society members.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Dr. Farhat Asif, Chairperson of the Diplomatic Insight Group, welcomed distinguished guests and underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting global collaboration and diplomacy.
The award was received by Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director Riphah Insitute of Public Policy at Riphah International University Islamabad, on behalf of Somvongsiri.
Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri, a career member of the USAID Senior Foreign Service, assumed the role of Mission Director for USAID/Pakistan in August 2023.
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Her appointment comes at a crucial time, as USAID’s 2023-2028 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) focuses on fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Pakistan.
Under her leadership, USAID/Pakistan is working to promote broad-based, climate-resilient economic growth, strengthen democratic governance, and advance health and education, all while emphasizing gender equality and social inclusion.
Somvongsiri brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as USAID Mission Director in Tanzania from 2021-2023 and Deputy Mission Director from 2019-2021.
Her expertise in governance and humanitarian assistance was further honed as Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance from 2017-2019.
Throughout her career, she has served as a Democracy, Rights, and Governance Officer in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Washington, contributing to significant democratic and humanitarian advancements in these regions.
With a deep commitment to development and international cooperation, Somvongsiri’s leadership is driving key USAID initiatives in Pakistan.
These include the promotion of inclusive economic growth, especially through empowering women, and advancing democratic systems that are representative and accountable. Her work aligns with USAID’s strategy to build climate resilience, assist in flood recovery efforts, and enhance conflict sensitivity, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Pakistan.
Somvongsiri’s journey in development began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal from 1997-1999.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Letters from the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s in International Relations from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
A 2017 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College, she also holds a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy.
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Fluent in Thai, Spanish, Nepali, Bahasa Indonesian, Russian, and Kiswahili, Ms. Somvongsiri’s linguistic abilities enhance her capacity to work across diverse cultures, furthering USAID’s mission of sustainable development.
Her dedication to inclusive development and gender equity in Pakistan is key to implementing USAID’s vision for a healthier, more educated population with a stronger, more accountable governance system.
