The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sajina Rai as the Program Director 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, bringing together international affairs, political economy and diplomacy within an interdisciplinary and professionally oriented graduate education framework.
Rai holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy from Tribhuvan University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Pokhara University. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Kathmandu University. She also serves as a Research Fellow at AIDIA, where she contributes to institutional research, academic programming and policy engagement.
Her appointment comes at an important stage in the development of the MIAED program as AIDIA prepares to welcome its first cohort of graduate students.
“We are pleased to appoint Sajina Rai as the Program Director of the MIAED program,” said Sunil K.C., Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDIA. “Her academic background, institutional experience and understanding of the program’s vision will be central to building a rigorous, professionally relevant and internationally connected graduate learning environment.”
As Program Director, Rai will oversee the academic and administrative coordination of the MIAED program. Her responsibilities will include supporting curriculum implementation, coordinating faculty engagement, managing the academic calendar, facilitating student services and ensuring effective coordination between AIDIA and Kathmandu University.
She will also support admissions, orientation, academic advising, internships, guest lectures, policy simulations, research activities and other professional learning components of the program.
“The MIAED program has been designed for students and professionals who want to understand how international affairs, economic change and diplomacy shape institutions, societies and public policy,” K.C. added. “The Program Director will play an essential role in translating that academic vision into a strong and meaningful student experience.”
Rai’s appointment reflects AIDIA’s commitment to building a capable academic leadership team for the program and establishing clear systems for academic quality, student engagement and institutional coordination.
“I am honoured to take on the responsibility of Program Director at an important stage in the development of the MIAED program,” said Sajina Rai. “This program offers a distinctive opportunity to connect academic learning with contemporary policy challenges, diplomatic practice and economic transformation.”
She added that she looks forward to working closely with the Dean, faculty members, Kathmandu University, institutional partners and students to develop an academically rigorous and professionally relevant graduate program.
Rai said the program’s priority will be to create a learning environment where students can engage critically with global and regional developments while developing the practical skills required for research, diplomacy, negotiation, policy analysis and institutional leadership.
The MIAED program is intended to prepare graduates who can critically assess international and regional developments, understand the political and economic forces shaping global affairs and contribute effectively to diplomacy, public policy, research and institutional decision-making.
Through the program, AIDIA aims to connect students in Nepal with scholars, practitioners, diplomats, policymakers and institutions from South Asia and around the world.
About AIDIA
The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs is a Kathmandu-based institution working in the areas of international affairs, diplomacy, political economy, public policy, research and regional cooperation.Established as a think tank, AIDIA is expanding its institutional mandate through graduate education, applied research, policy dialogue and international academic collaboration.
About Kathmandu University
Kathmandu University is one of Nepal’s leading universities, recognised for its academic quality, innovation, research and international outlook.
Established in 1991 as an autonomous, not-for-profit public institution, the university has developed a strong reputation for interdisciplinary education, institutional collaboration and globally relevant academic programs.
Kathmandu University is placed in the 1501+ band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It is also ranked #721–730 in Asia and among the Top 250 universities in Southern Asia by the QS World University Rankings.
About the MIAED Program
The Masters in International Affairs, Economy and Diplomacy is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate program offered by AIDIA in academic collaboration with Kathmandu University.
The program brings together international affairs, political economy and diplomacy, with an emphasis on applied learning through policy discussions, simulations, internships, professional engagement, guest lectures and research.
It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, public policy, international organisations, development institutions, research, strategic affairs, academia and institutional leadership.