The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed as the Dean of the Masters in International Affairs, Economy and Diplomacy (MIAED) graduate program.
The MIAED program will be offered by AIDIA in academic collaboration with Kathmandu University (KU), bringing together international affairs, political economy and diplomacy within an interdisciplinary graduate education framework.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed is a Professor of International Relations and is associated with the Centre for Alternatives (CA), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. His appointment marks an important step in AIDIA’s transformation from a dedicated think tank into an institution that combines policy research with graduate education, said Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDIA Sunil K.C., announcing the appointment.
“We are honored to welcome Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed as the Dean of the MIAED program,” he said, adding that Prof. Dr. Ahmed’s academic leadership and extensive engagement with international affairs will be central to building a graduate program that is intellectually rigorous, globally connected and closely aligned with the policy challenges facing Nepal, South Asia and the wider international community. “The MIAED program has been designed to prepare a new generation of policy professionals, diplomats, researchers and institutional leaders.”
Prof. Dr. Ahmed’s appointment reflects our commitment to academic excellence, regional cooperation and a learning environment that connects theory with real-world policy practice,” K.C. added.
As Dean, Prof. Dr. Ahmed will provide academic leadership to the program, guide curriculum development, support faculty engagement and contribute to building national and international academic partnerships. He will also help strengthen the program’s research, policy dialogue and professional learning components.
“I am pleased to join AIDIA at an important stage in its institutional journey,” said Prof. Dr. Ahmed commenting on his appointment. “The MIAED program offers a timely platform for students to understand the increasingly interconnected nature of international affairs, economic transformation and diplomacy,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to working with AIDIA, Kathmandu University, faculty members and students to develop a distinctive and internationally relevant graduate program.
The MIAED program is intended to develop graduates who can critically analyze global and regional developments, understand the political and economic forces shaping international relations, and engage effectively in diplomacy, negotiation, research and public policy.
Through the program, AIDIA aims to create a graduate learning platform that connects Nepal with scholars, practitioners and institutions from South Asia and across the world.
About AIDIA
The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) is a Kathmandu-based institution working in the areas of international affairs, diplomacy, political economy, policy research and regional cooperation. Established as a think tank, AIDIA is expanding its institutional mandate through graduate education, applied research and international academic collaboration.
About Kathmandu University
Kathmandu University (KU) is one of Nepal’s leading universities, recognised for academic quality, innovation, research and a strong international outlook. Established in 1991 as an autonomous, not-for-profit public institution, KU has built a reputation for delivering globally relevant, interdisciplinary education.
Its growing international standing is reflected in major global rankings. KU is placed in the 1501+ band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with particularly strong performance in international outlook. It is also ranked #721–730 in Asia and among the Top 250 universities in Southern Asia by the QS World University Rankings.
Through its academic collaboration with AIDIA, Kathmandu University brings institutional credibility, academic rigour and international recognition to the MIAED program.
About MIAED Program
The Master of International Affairs, Economy and Diplomacy (MIAED) is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate program offered by AIDIA, in academic collaboration with Kathmandu University. The program combines international affairs, political economy and diplomacy, with a strong focus on practical learning through policy discussions, simulations, internships, guest lectures and research. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, public policy, international organizations, development partners, research and strategic affairs.