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Farah Pandith

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Council on Foreign Relations

Washington, US

Farah Pandith

Bjørnulf Østvik

Farah’s Biography

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Farah Pandith is a prominent thought leader with a focus on diversity and equality, geopolitics and international relations. She holds a wealth of experience as a foreign policy expert and global strategist who has held roles with government agencies, think tanks and public and private entities.

Currently, Farah is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Senior Fellow, Future of Diplomacy Project at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School. In these roles, Farah provides in-depth research on foreign policy and analyzes how culture and international relations impact global events.

Farah was a key architect for the Women in Public Service Project, which seeks to close the gender gap in policy and political leadership positions. She continues to serve on the boards of organizations focused on inclusion and diversity, including the Anti-Defamation League & The Aspen Institute's Civil Society Fellowship and the We Are Family Foundation. She was also honored as a Global Peace Laureate by the Muhammad Ali Center.

Her... Farah Pandith is a prominent thought leader with a focus on diversity and equality, geopolitics and international relations. She holds a wealth of experience as a foreign policy expert and global strategist who has held roles with government agencies, think tanks and public and private entities.

Currently, Farah is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Senior Fellow, Future of Diplomacy Project at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School. In these roles, Farah provides in-depth research on foreign policy and analyzes how culture and international relations impact global events.

Farah was a key architect for the Women in Public Service Project, which seeks to close the gender gap in policy and political leadership positions. She continues to serve on the boards of organizations focused on inclusion and diversity, including the Anti-Defamation League & The Aspen Institute's Civil Society Fellowship and the We Are Family Foundation. She was also honored as a Global Peace Laureate by the Muhammad Ali Center.

Her status as an authority on framing global crises stems from her unique background serving as an advisor for three US presidential administrations, including her appointment as the first Special Representative to Muslim Communities in the history of the US. Prior, Farah served as a Sr. Advisor to the Asst. Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs in the State Department and as Director for Middle East Regional Initiatives for the National Security Council.

As a leading voice in cultural intelligence as it relates to foreign policy and international relations, Farah is a sought-after speaker and has received many accolades for her insights and perspective on global issues. In 2019, she published her acclaimed book, “How We Win: How Cutting-Edge Entrepreneurs, Political Visionaries, Enlightened Business Leaders, and Social Media Mavens Can Defeat the Extremist Threat.” moreless

Farah’s Newsfeed

K2 Integrity

FINCast Ep. 37: “Hand-Off” with Will Inboden, Michele Malvesti, and Farah Pandith

Farah Pandith and other foreign policy experts discuss the upcoming book, “Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama”.

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps Welcomes Three New Board Directors

Mercy Corps’ Board of Directors ensures the nonprofit organization adheres to its charitable purposes and mission, guides major strategic decisions and policies, and provides accountability and proper management.

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Farah’s Background

Council on Foreign Relations

Adjunct Senior Fellow

Dec 2014 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations is a non-profit organization that specializes in US foreign policy and international affairs.

Harvard Kennedy School

Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Future of Diplomacy Project

Dec 2014 - Present

Cambridge, MA, USA

Harvard Kennedy School shapes the future of public policy through first-class research and instruction. The institution offers a range of degrees in a variety of subjects including international affairs, politics and economics.

Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Strategic Advisor

Mar 2014 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue was established in 2006 and is now recognized as one of the leading global think tanks committed to executing ideas for combating rising polarisation, hate, and extremism of all forms.

United States Department of State

Special Representative to Muslim Communities

Jun 2009 - Feb 2014

Washington, DC, USA

The United States Department of State is a federal executive department that oversees U.S. foreign policy and international relations. The department is led by the Secretary of State, a member of the Cabinet that is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

United States Department of State

Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs

Feb 2007 - Jun 2009

Washington, DC, USA

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs oversees relationships between the United States and nations of the EU. The department promotes foreign policy under ideals of democracy, human rights and economic prosperity, among others.

National Security Council | The White House

Director for Middle East Regional Initiatives

Aug 2004 - Feb 2007

Washington, DC, USA

The National Security Council is a platform for the President of the United States to discuss and deliberate national security and foreign policy with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

USAID | United States Agency for International Development

Chief of Staff, Asia Near East Bureau

2003 - 2004

Washington, DC, USA

The United States Agency for International Development, called USAID, is an independent arm of the United States federal government charged with overseeing foreign aid, among other prominent duties.

ML Strategies, LLC

Vice President of International Business

Mar 1997 - May 2003

Washington, DC, USA

ML Strategies is a government relations consulting firm that consults on a range of issues, which include energy, transportation, healthcare, financial services, real estate, education, and telecommunications. The team consists of professionals that have experience in both the public and private sector.

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Farah’s Gallery

Farah Pandith at the Women in the World conference

Farah Pandith giving a talk at a UN Classroom event

Farah Pandith at the women in the World conference

Farah Pandith PBS Interview

Farah Pandith 9/11 museum talk

Farah Pandith spekaing at a conference

Current Board Positions

Mercy Corps

Board of Directors

Nov 2022 - Present

Edinburgh, UK

Mercy Corps is a collaborator, catalyst and an advocate for change. For 40 years and in more than 40 countries, the organization has helped communities forge new paths to prosperity in the face of disaster, poverty and the impacts of climate change.

The Asian American Foundation

Advisory Council

May 2021 - Present

The Asian American Foundation seeks to create better opportunities for those of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage by offering events and promoting equality.

Exponent

Council Member

2020 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Exponent seeks to promote gender equality by bringing together world leaders and decision-makers.

Anti-Defamation League and The Aspen Institute's Civil Society Fellowship

Advisory Committee

2019 - Present

New York, NY, USA

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization that strives to change the world and eliminate discrimination and bias.

The Women in Public Service Project

Advisory Board

2013 - Present

Founded in 2011, the Women in Public Service Project seeks to advance women around the world to positions of influence in in the public sector – including through putting women around the policy and political table.

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy | Tufts University

Board of Advisors

2007 - Present

Medford, MA, USA

The Fletcher School is the graduate school for studies in international affairs at Tufts University. The school’s international affairs masters and doctorate programs are highly ranked and produced professionals that include ambassadors, diplomats and corporate executives.

Institute for Strategic Dialogue

U.S. Board

Washington, DC, USA

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue was established in 2006 and is now recognized as one of the leading global think tanks committed to executing ideas.

America Abroad Media

Board of Advisors

Washington, DC, USA

America Abroad Media is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing reports and analysis on a range of issues from around the world. The organization is committed to high-quality journalism, free exchange of ideas and encouraging critical thinking.

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Previous Board Positions

CSIS Commission on Countering Violent Extremism

Commissioner and Strategic Advisor

Washington, DC, USA

The CSIS Commission on Countering Violent Extremism, CVE, examines and analyzes the best practices for combating the growth of violent extremism at home and abroad.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Chair, Countering Violent Extremism Task Force and Member, Advisory Council

2015 - 2017

Washington, DC, USA

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security works towards improving the nation's security through measures in regards to immigration, customs, anti-terrorism work and other areas of improvement.

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Philanthropy

Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate

Sep 2020 - Present

Louisville, KY, USA

The Muhammad Ali Center seeks to continue Muhammad Ali's ideals of encouraging all people to be the best that they can be through fundraising events and community programs.

We Are Family Foundation

Board of Directors

2014 - Present

New York, NY, USA

The We Are Family Foundation was founded by musician, Nile Rodgers, with the vision to create a global family by encouraging and supporting diversity around the world.

Media

Muslim Americans’ ‘Seismic Change’

Quoted

Sep 2021

Farah is quoted in this article for the New York Times discussing the “seismic change” felt by American Muslims following the attacks that took place on 9/11.

US Troops Are Finally Leaving, But Afghan Women Fear the Taliban's Return

Quoted

Apr 2021

New York, NY, USA

Farah is quoted in this article that covers President Biden's recent announcement of a full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the effects that will have on the female community. “It is unlikely that the Taliban will choose a path that gives women much agency,” says Pandith.

sparks & honey | American Hate

Featured Guest

Mar 2021

New York, NY, USA

In this interview with sparks & honey, Farah discusses the rise of extremism in the United States.

Domestic Security in the Age of ISIS

Panel Member

Nov 2016

Washington, DC, USA

Farah Pandith sits on a panel with Michael Chertoff and Christopher T. Geldart hosted by The Council of Foreign Relations to discuss domestic security in the age of ISIS.

"Face The Nation" Roundtable: Should The US and EU Declare War On ISIS?

Roundtable

Mar 2016

Washington, DC, USA

Farah and other foreign policy experts and thought leaders discuss a variety of topics about extremism and the position of ISIS in the Middle East.

Combating Islamic Extremism

Podcast Interview

2015

Washington, DC, USA

In this interview, Farah discusses why she believes ISIS and other extremist groups will lose power in the future.

For more media, click here

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Interviews

The Burn Bag Podcast – Dissecting National Security and Foreign Policy

Nov 2021

Farah joins The Burn Bag Podcast to discuss her experiences engaging with Muslim communities, how to combat violent terrorism and how Muslim people and their identities are affected by the surrounding environment in the US and abroad.

How Sept. 11 became a watershed moment for US policies at home and abroad

Sep 2021

Drawing upon her experience serving in several administrations, Farah encourages addressing hate across personal, political and work spaces to combat extremists and the "Us VS. Them" mentality.

Who are al-Qaeda? | Start Here

Sep 2021

In this interview with Al Jazeera, Farah discusses the history of al-Qaeda and the 9/11 attacks, alongside the philosophy and ideology behind the group.

Taliban Hold Same Ideologies, Claim "Positive" Change

Aug 2021

Farah discusses the recent developments of the Taliban and the reactions of the international community.

Three Ways We May Be Less Safe Since 9/11

Sep 2021

Farah discusses the ways that American culture has changed since 9/11, and the reasons why the country might be less secure in recent years.

Did we win the war on terrorism?

Sep 2021

Farah joins other leading experts in a discussion about the changes the world has seen since the events of 9/11, and how current events in the Middle East reflect upon the past.

Who is ISIS-K? Are they working with the Taliban?

Aug 2021

In this interview with Newsy, Farah describes the possible motives behind ISIS-K and the Taliban while giving an expert opinion on the relationship between these groups.

Fault Lines: Combating Extremism with Farah Pandith

Apr 2020

Washington, DC, USA

Farah joins Fault Lines for a discussion about a range of important topics, from how young people can continue to act against extremist ideals to whether or not the country has invested enough resources into soft power.

Farah Pandith, CFR and Author of "How we Win" on fighting extremism

Oct 2019

Washington, DC, USA

Farah talks to CNNi about fighting extremism after the death of ISIS leader Abubakr al-Baghdadi.

What is ISIS's leader trying to say?

May 2019

New York, NY, USA

Farah speaks on the message that is being projected by ISIS leaders to showcase power and strength.

How to Defeat Political and Religious Extremism

Apr 2019

Washington, DC, USA

Farah Pandith, who led the outreach to the Muslim communities after the 9/11 attacks while at the State Department, joins the Foreign Policy podcast.

CBS This Morning Podcast

Apr 2019

New York, NY, USA

Farah Pandith, the first-ever U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities under the Obama administration, joins CBS News' Reena Ninan with why she says nuanced solutions are needed to defeat the threat from extremist ideologies.

PBS NewsHour

Apr 2019

Washington, DC, USA

Farah Pandith joins Anna Nawaz for a PBS NewsHour interview to discuss her book “How We Win” and her thoughts on important policies that governments can enact in the fight against extremism.

The US has been 'lazy on hate,' says terrorism expert

Mar 2019

New York, NY, USA

Farah discusses her new recently released book, titled 'How We Win.'

Social media companies under fire after gunman livestreams massacre

Mar 2019

New York, NY, USA

Farah joins a panel of experts to discuss the 2019 mass shooting in New Zealand.

Why Young Muslims Need To Hear From Former Extremists

Mar 2019

New York, NY, USA

Farah speaks on the current war on terrorism.

Google Zeitgeist

May 2012

Farah is interviewed on what abilities today’s youth is missing, while she elaborates on the concept of a ‘youthquake’.

CVE Toolkit

The Khan Academy and Aspen Security Group host a discussion, where Farah Pandith provides a toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism.

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Publications

Domestic Terrorist Plots Against the U.S. Government: How Serious is the Threat?

Co-Author

Mar 2021

Farah, in this article for the Belfer Center, speaks on how America, as a nation, can continue to change current radical ideology and environment to dissuade extremism and violence in the future.

What Does the Taliban Takeover Mean for Afghanistan and the Region?

Co-Author

Aug 2021

In this article published by the Belfer Center, Farah examines the ramifications of takeover of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

How 9/11 Changed TV, Art, Sports, Education...

Author

Sep 2021

In this article for the Washington Post, Farah discusses the impact the events of 9/11 had on Muslim people as the public began to regard them differently, and how, 20 years later, opinions have begun to shift once more.

The world was changed by bin Laden’s horrific plan

Author

Sep 2021

Farah examines the long-lasting effects of the 9/11 attacks and discusses how the events shaped international relations, modern policy-makers and human experiences.

The U.S., Muslims, and a Turbulent Post-9/11 World

Author

Sep 2021

By examining data and shifting opinions, Farah discusses the rise in anti-Muslim sentiments post-9/11, and how politicians sought to rectifying relations create an inclusive nation that has been accepting to all races and ethnicities. She also takes a look at recent policies and efforts to diminish discrimination.

Ending the Worst American Tradition: 20 Years After 9/11

Co-Author

Sep 2021

In this reflection of 9/11, Farah gives an overview of the impact of the events by examining important topics including the treatment of Muslims, political relationships and the change in the ways that homeland security handles threats to the nation.

Radicalization in America Requires A New Plan: Biden Has A Good One

Author

Jun 2021

Farah examines the impact of a new terrorist group, QAnon, which uses the Internet to incite violence, and how the United States is working to combat attacks. These new strategies aim to create a more secure society that is able to spot disinformation from hostiles, among other important steps.

What Does the Taliban Takeover Mean for Afghanistan and the Region?

Featured

Aug 2021

Farah offers her opinion in a quote for the Belfer Center, discussing the possible results emerging from the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan. She also warns Americans and those in other nations to remain vigilant in the face of the new Islamic State.

‘How We Win: How Cutting-Edge Entrepreneurs, Political Visionaries, Enlightened Business Leaders, and Social Media Mavens Can Defeat the Extremist Threat’

Author

Mar 2019

In her book, Farah calls for a comprehensive approach that encourages business leaders, policy experts, communities, healthcare professionals and youth to engage with the issue and collaboratively combat the threat.

Teen terrorism inspired by social media is on the rise. Here's what we need to do.

Co-author

Mar 2021

New York, NY, USA

Farah discusses how, in recent years, a new era has emerged through the use of social media. Recruitment has become easier through these channels, and Pandith says we have missed emerging trends in the past, which leads to a need for counterterrorism professionals to urgently renew their vigilance implement new countermeasures.

Countering Violent Extremism: Three Moves Biden Should Make Now

Co-author

Jan 2021

Washington, DC, USA

Farah Pandith and Jacob Ware discuss a broad-based strategy that the US can implement to fight against violent extremism. The brief presents three items the Biden administration can focus on: shrinking the pool of recruits; renewing partnerships; and empowering communities.

Biden Should...

Contributor

Jan 2021

Washington, DC, USA

For 'Biden Should...' Washington Post Magazine asked writers from left, right, and center to offer creative ideas for the next president — not necessarily the obvious policy measures at the forefront of political discussion. Farah shared her ideas on how President Biden, and we as citizens, can develop a clear plan to repair civil society.

Reflections on 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage

Contributing Writer

Aug 2020

Northampton, MA, USA

Full civic engagement, Farah writes, begins at the ballot box. In this piece, she discusses the ever-increasing importance of voting, notably in an age of global interconnectivity where the actions of every single person have increased meaning.

"Trump's reaction to Black Lives Matter and the pandemic has destroyed U.S. credibility abroad"

Writer

Jun 2020

New York, NY, USA

Farah discusses how domestic issues can affect the standing of the U.S. on the world stage. The U.S. used to be a model for the rest of the world, she says. However, through an analytical lens focusing on President Trump's reaction to BLM protests, she says that's no longer true.

"We Need to Save the World’s Lungs and its Heart"

Writer

Nov 2019

London, UK

Farah, during this interview with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, states that, in order to shape the ideological battlefield and combat terrorist recruitment, the nation needs to refocus on the younger generation.

"Making Government Work for CVE"

Author

Nov 2018

Cambridge, MA, USA

This piece was written for the Global Terrorism Index 2018 published by the Institute for Economics and Peace and republished by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School.

"A Marshall Plan for America"

Contributing Writer

Oct 2017

Washington, DC, USA

In this special features of the Washington Post titled "Fix this democracy — now 38 ideas for repairing our badly broken civic life", Farah shares her thoughts on a domestic Marshall Plan dedicated to rebuilding a nation of “good citizens.”

Turning Point: A New Comprehensive Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism

Contributor

Nov 2016

Washington, DC, USA

As commissioner and advisor to the CVE Commission co-chaired by Leon Panetta and Tony Blair, Farah's insights contributed to the first of its kind bipartisan report. She highlights the role of identity and complexities of radicalization models that don't effectively predict who will become a terrorist.

HSAC Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Subcommittee Final Interim Report

Contributing Writer

Jun 2016

Washington, DC, USA

As Chair of the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Task Force of the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council, and member of the advisory council, Farah contributed to the research and writing of this report.

The World Needs a Long-Term Strategy for Defeating Extremism

Writer

Dec 2015

New York, NY, USA

Farah uses her extensive experience to discuss the ways in which the U.S. and western world can develop long-term strategies to combat extremism. Notably, she writes, "we must get serious about destroying the ideological extremist narratives."

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Memberships

National Security and Defense Program

Program Expert

Washington, DC, USA

In the midst of international conflict, the National Security and Defense Program at the Council on Foreign Relations seeks to advise leaders and citizens about the possible threats facing the nation.

Awards & Recognition

James Madison Award for Public Good

Recipient

Apr 2022

Farah was named as the 2022 recipient of theJames Madison Award for Public Good after giving a talk at the Madison Vision Series about how to combat hate and terror in the world.

Tufts University

Honorary Doctor of Laws

2018

Medford, MA, USA

Farah received an honorary LL.D. for her various career achievements.

Mount St. Mary's University

Doctor of Humane Letters

2017

Emmitsburg, MD, USA

Mount St. Mary's University is Catholic university located in Emmitsburg, offering a wide range of degrees in liberal arts studies.

The Smith College Medal

Honoree

2014

Northampton, MA, USA

The Smith College Medal is awarded to its alumnae, that trustees of the college wish to recognize, for incorporating principles of a liberal arts education in both their lives and careers.

National Campus Leadership Council

Presidential Legacy Award

2017

Washington, DC, USA

Farah Pandith was honored along with Vice President Biden with the Presidential Legacy Award. She was honored as former Smith College body president as an example of the trajectory student leaders can follow in their career after graduation and work on fighting racism.

European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Ring of Tolerance

Salzburg, AT

The Ring of Tolerance is awarded to individuals that encourage tolerance and understanding between cultures and nations. The academy recognizes individuals from the three Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, who demonstrate an active commitment to justice and peace between the cultures.

Tufts University

Alumni Distinguished Achievement

Medford, MA, USA

The Alumni Distinguished Achievement is presented to alumnae, who have made major societal, professional, or educational contributions as respected leaders in both their field and their communities.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Public Service Award

Lowell, MA, USA

Farah was recognized with the Public Service Awards by the University of Massachusetts Lowell for her distinguished contribution and efforts in public service.

Boston Magazine

Top Thinker

2014

Boston, MA, USA

Farah was is recognized by Boston Magazine as one of the Top Thinkers in the Scientists and Thinkers category of the magazine’s Power Class of visionaries, idealists and thinkers.

Washingtonian

100 Most Powerful Women

2011

Washington, DC, USA

In 2011, Farah was named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women in the International Power category alongside other female international powers, including Rima Al-Sabah and Chan Heng Chee.

NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards

NDTV Profit Award for Excellence in International Governance

2010

New Delhi, IN

NDTV’S Profit Business Leadership Awards recognizes some of Indian’s most distinguished and dynamic leaders that have made significant contributions across the world. Farah Pandith was awarded an NDTV Profit Award for Excellence in International Governance during a special award category for Americans with Indian origin during Obama administration.

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Academic Appointments

Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics

Spring Fellow

Feb 2014 - Jun 2014

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics is a division of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. The institute connects academia with politics and public affairs in order to promote and improve public service for the benefit of society.

Speaking Engagements

The State of the State Department & Public Diplomacy

Featured Speaker

Jun 2022

Boston, MA, USA

Presented by WorldBoston, the annual State of the State Department program focuses on Public Diplomacy, and its relevance in a time of global challenges to democracy.

Mandiri Investment Forum

Panel member

Feb 2023

Mandiri Investment Forum (MIF) is Indonesia’s biggest annual investment forum, with panels and keynotes held across five days. Farah Pandith took part in a panel titled 'Rising Geopolitical Tensions: How Should We Anticipate?'

The Future of US-Asia Relations: Building Balanced Engagements Amid Global Transformations

May 2022

As part of the Milken Institute's 2022 Global Conference, Farah was a featured speaker for a panel titled "The Future of US-Asia Relations: Building Balanced Engagements Amid Global Transformations."

Fighting the Rise of Hate

Featured Speaker | Madison Vision Series

Apr 2022

Harrisonburg, VA, USA

At James Madison University, Farah Pandith led a discussion about the importance of combating hate in the world. She also was honored with the 2022 Madison Award for the Public Good.

Renewing America Series: Countering White Supremacist Violence

Presider

Mar 2022

Farah presided over this meeting as part of CFR's "Renewing America" series, which discussed issues including how forms of hate have grown in present society and how these acts of hate have become large-scale acts of violence in the world.

Countering Antisemitism Inaugural Summit

Featured Speaker

Mar 2022

Farah joins the Countering Antisemitism Inaugural Summit for the Palm Beach Synagogue alongside other thought leaders.

9/11, 20 years later: Legacies and lessons

Featured Speaker

Sep 2021

Farah joins a panel titled ‘Lessons for U.S. foreign policy and America’s role in the world’ at the Brookings Institution’s event on the legacies and lessons of September 11.

The Changing Landscape of Terrorism in the United States

Featured Speaker

Sep 2021

Farah discusses the post-9/11 rise of far-right violence and what this can teach us about the current fight against domestic terrorism.

Social Realities of Indian Americans: Findings From the 2020 Indian American Attitudes Survey

Featured Speaker

Jun 2021

Farah joined a panel of leading experts in this discussion co-hosted by Carnegie and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).

Nationalism Around the World

Presider

May 2021

Farah served as a presider for this panel at the Conference on Diversity in International Affairs 2021 presented by the Council of Foreign Relations.

The Rise of Nationalism at Home and Abroad

Featured Speaker

Mar 2021

Farah joins a group of distinguished panelists to discuss the causes of the rise of nationalism, both at tome and abroad, and whether this rise is an aberration or will be the standard moving forward.

Global Ties U.S. Leadership: National Meeting

Keynote Speaker | Opening Plenary

Mar 2021

Farah Pandith and Donald Lassere, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, served as keynote speakers at the Global Ties U.S. 2021 National Meeting. Their Opening Plenary conversation explored building local and global networks to foster dialogue, uplift diverse voices, and advance social justice through civility, inclusion, and international exchange programming.

CFF Live with Farah Pandith

Featured Talk

Jan 2021

Farah Pandith, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Valmiki 'Val' Mukherjee, Chairman and Founder of the Cyber Future Foundation, to share her expertise on fighting extremism. Notably, Farah outlines innovative approaches the entire cyberspace community and industry can embrace to meet some of their most pressing issues.

Discussion with Najah Al-Otaibi: Religious Education Reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Panel Member

Nov 2020

Farah Pandith, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, will join a panel at this event presented by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and Atlantic Council. The panel will discuss the development and implementation of policies aimed at reforming religious education in Saudi Arabia.

From Al Qaeda to QAnon: The Rise of Hate and Extremist Ideology Post 9/11

Panel Member

Sep 2020

Cambridge, MA, USA

Farah joined a panel to discuss what lessons the US and western world have learned from 9/11, the progress in the fight against extremism, and the rise of violent far-right extremists surging in the 21st century. The panel also explored what can be done on a city, national, and international level to stop the rise of hate and extremism.

The Tortoise G7bn Summit: What do people of the world need from their leaders now?

Panel Member

Sep 2020

London, UK

Farah joined a group of experts on a panel titled "Good information - How do we hold misinformation to account?". Among the many topics discussed were the presence of conspiracy theories in the larger public discourse, the role of social media in the dissemination and monitoring of misinformation, and how misinformation could affect future elections.

Asia's Geopolitical Chessboard - Avoiding Checkmate

Panel Member

Sep 2019

Singapore, SG

During this panel at the Milken Institute Asia Summit, Farah joins other experts to speak on relations between the United States and China as well as the trade war and the Belt and Road Initiative along with other current issues in Asia.

Asia Summit 2019

Speaker

Sep 2019

Singapore, SG

Farah Pandith joins Parag Khanna for a talk titled "Fighting For Global Security".

Defeating Extremism: How We Win

Speaker

Jul 2019

Aspen, CO, USA

Farah discusses ongoing developments in the fight against extremism and her ideas on new ways to approach this fight.

Young Professionals Briefing: Combating Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Our Communities

Speaker

Jun 2019

New York, NY, USA

Speaking with Astri Kimball Van Dyke, Senior Counsel at Google, at this event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, Farah Pandith discusses how to organize a diverse stakeholder group to combat violent extremism.

Belfer Center | Aspen Ideas Festival

Panel Member

Oct 2016

Aspen, CO, USA

Farah sits on a panel at Aspen Ideas Festival to discuss the following question: ‘How Big of a Threat is Terrorism to World Order?’

Battling Global Extremism: What Next

Speaker

Sep 2018

Washington, DC, USA

Tony Blair, Farah Pandith, and Frances Townsend speak at the Council on Foreign Relations event, Battling Global Extremism: What Next? They discuss the challenges of facing extremism and exchange ideas on approaches to overcome these extremist threats.

MSMU Commencement

Commencement Speaker

May 2017

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Farah was the Commencement speaker at the 2017 Mount Saint Mary's University graduation. Mount Saint Mary's University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university.

Women in the World Summit

Panel

2016

New York, NY, USA

Farah talks about the global millennial Muslim generation and the growing voices of diverse, passionate millennial Muslim women.

The Ad Club | Women's Leadership Forum

Speaker

Mar 2014

Boston, MA, USA

Farah speaks at the AD Club’s 2014 Women’s Leadership Forum and shares her journey as the first-ever Special Representative to Muslim Communities in US history.

TEDx | Viral Peacemaker

Speaker

Aug 2013

Boston, MA, USA

In her TedxBoston talk, Farah shares her insights and offers solutions on the global identity crisis experienced by Muslim youth – and why it matters to building resilience.

For more speaking engagements, click here

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Farah’s Education

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy | Tufts University

Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy | M.A.L.D

1993 - 1995

Smith College

Bachelor of Arts | Government and Psychology

1986 - 1990