Uzra Zeya, most recently the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights for the U.S. Department of State, has joined the advisory board of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.

Zeya served on the Kroc Institute advisory board in 2020 until she was tapped by the U.S. Department of State for her Under Secretary position, which began in July 2021.

“As the new year begins, I am delighted to welcome Uzra back to our board. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of international peace, which will no doubt enrich our efforts at the Kroc Institute,” said Asher Kaufman, John M. Regan, Jr. Director and Professor of History and Peace Studies.

As a board member, Zeya and others provide advice and guidance to Kaufman and executive staff at the Institute, and support the development of its resources.

“I’m thrilled to return to the Kroc Institute’s advisory board and devote time and energy to its mission to dismantle injustice and sustain peace,” said Zeya. “The Institute’s newly launched strategic plan looks fantastic, and I welcome the opportunity to support its implementation.”

Zeya has more than three decades of diplomatic and leadership experience at the intersection of international peace, security, and human rights.

As Under Secretary, Zeya led global diplomatic efforts to strengthen democracy, advance universal human rights, support refugees and humanitarian relief. Other responsibilities included promoting rule of law and counternarcotics cooperation, fighting corruption and intolerance, preventing armed conflict, and eliminating human trafficking. In December 2021, Zeya was given a concurrent assignment – as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, supporting the humanitarian needs and rights of the Tibetan people to preserve their cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.

Prior to this, from 2019 to 2021, Zeya was the president and CEO of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a non-partisan global network of more than 200 organizations working in more than 180 countries to end conflict by peaceful means. During her 27-year Foreign Service career, she served as deputy chief of mission and chargé 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; political minister-counselor in New Delhi; and deputy executive secretary to Secretaries of State Rice and Clinton. She also served in Syria, Egypt, Oman, Jamaica, and in various policy roles at the Department of State.

Zeya has served as an ex-officio member of the U.S. Institute of Peace Board of Directors and as a Commissioner at the Congressional Executive Commission on China. She also served on several non-profit boards focused on education, women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and digital freedom.

“Uzra’s professional expertise, familiarity with a broad swath of global peace issues, and enthusiasm are such an asset,” said Paddy Mullen, board chair. “The Kroc Institute advisory board welcomes you back and looks very forward to your contributions.”

Originally published by Kate Chester at kroc.nd.edu on January 13, 2025.