AMB. DR. SARMILA PARAJULI DHAKAL

Amb. Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal is a distinguished Nepali diplomat, scholar, and international affairs strategist with an accomplished record of advancing Nepal's diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people relations across the Gulf region and Europe. Renowned for her visionary leadership, inclusive diplomacy, and commitment to Nepal’s diplomacy, she has made significant contributions to strengthening Nepal's global engagement through innovative diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and soft-power initiatives. As Nepal's First Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Sultanate of Oman and subsequently Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr. Dhakal successfully elevated bilateral relations, promoted Nepal's economic and cultural interests, strengthened diaspora engagement, and enhanced Nepal's visibility on the international stage. Her diplomatic approach combines strategic foresight, humanitarian leadership, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation. Widely recognized as a champion of people-centred diplomacy, digital diplomacy, and technology-driven international engagement, she continues to contribute to policy dialogue, thought leadership, and global cooperation through her leadership of diplomatic and policy institutions. CURRENT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS President I. Ambassadors Club Nepal A prestigious non-partisan platform bringing together resident and non-resident Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, diplomats, policymakers, and global leaders to promote international understanding, diplomatic engagement, and strategic cooperation. President II. International Relations & Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) A leading non-profit and non-partisan Nepal-based think tank dedicated to advancing policy research, strategic dialogue, diplomacy, international relations, peacebuilding, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. President III. The Diplomat Nepal Nepal's first-ever diplomatic magazine, exclusively dedicated to promoting informed discourse on diplomacy, foreign policy, international affairs, development, and global governance. President IV. Diplomatic Academy Nepal (DAN) Diplomatic Academy Nepal DAN is a premier professional training and academic institution dedicated to cultivating excellence in international relations by merging traditional statecraft with cutting-edge digital literacy to equip future Diplomats, Negotiators, and Global Leaders. DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal (May 24th 2017 - October 12th 2021) I. Sultanate of Oman Served as Nepal's Ambassador with accreditation to the Sultanate of Oman, where she significantly strengthened bilateral relations, labour diplomacy, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and diaspora engagement. Major Contributions: • Led negotiations and facilitated several bilateral understandings and cooperation initiatives between Nepal and Oman. • Successfully advanced the acquisition and development of Embassy-owned land for the construction of a permanent Nepali diplomatic complex and model Nepali residence in Oman. • Strengthened labour diplomacy mechanisms to better protect the welfare, rights, and interests of Nepali migrant workers, combating Human Trafficking. • Expanded cooperation in trade, tourism, education, investment, and people-to-people relations. Humanitarian Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic Dr. Dhakal demonstrated exceptional diplomatic leadership during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Key achievements included: • Coordinating emergency assistance and welfare support for thousands of Nepali nationals stranded in Oman. • Facilitating the supply and distribution of oxygen cylinders and critical medical assistance to vulnerable Nepali communities in Nepal in coordination with the Nepali Community in Oman. • Leading large-scale repatriation efforts and arranging return flights for Nepali citizens at significantly reduced costs, well below prevailing market rates during the crisis. • Working closely with Omani authorities, community organizations, employers, and international partners to ensure the safety and welfare of Nepali migrant workers. Her extraordinary humanitarian service earned widespread appreciation from the Government of Nepal, the Nepali diaspora, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders, establishing her reputation as “Active Ambassador” and “People's Ambassador”. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal II. Kingdom of Spain As Nepal's Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Dhakal successfully deepened bilateral cooperation, promoted cultural diplomacy, enhanced multilateral engagement, and strengthened Nepal's profile throughout Europe. Major Contributions: • Expanded diplomatic engagement between Nepal and Spain across multiple sectors. • Promoted Nepal's tourism, culture, investment opportunities, and development partnerships. • Strengthened cooperation with international organizations and diplomatic missions accredited to Spain. • Enhanced Nepal's visibility through strategic cultural and public diplomacy initiatives. Landmark Cultural/ Tourism/ Technological Diplomacy Initiative Organized and hosted one of Nepal's most significant cultural diplomacy events in Spain at Madrid's renowned horse racing venue, attracting more than 4,000 participants. The event showcased: • Nepal's rich cultural heritage • Traditional and contemporary Nepali music • Tourism potential • Nepal-Spain friendship and people-to-people engagement • Nepa-Spa Formation: Nepali Children adopted by Spanish families to unite them with their roots. The initiative received significant recognition for strengthening Nepal's cultural presence in Europe and promoting Nepal's soft-power diplomacy. Technological, Sports, and Health • Hosted Event in the presence of 50+ Tech Giants in Spain and the EU, advancing and promoting Nepal as a Tech Hub, attracting Data Centers and Innovation. Regional Diplomatic Leadership Elected as Dean of the Asia-Pacific Ambassadors Group in Spain, elected by 21 Ambassadors of the Asia-Pacific Region, reflecting the confidence of fellow diplomatic representatives and recognizing her leadership in fostering regional diplomatic cooperation and dialogue. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND POLICY CONTRIBUTIONS International Relations & Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) Under her leadership, IRGDD has emerged as a respected platform for policy dialogue, research, and strategic engagement on: • International Relations • Foreign Policy • Economic Diplomacy • Diaspora Diplomacy • Climate Diplomacy • Technology Diplomacy • Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution • Small States Diplomacy • Women's Leadership and Global Governance • Rights of the Landlocked Countries ADVOCACY FOR SOFT POWER AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY Dr. Dhakal is widely recognized as one of Nepal's leading advocates of soft power diplomacy and technology-enabled international engagement. Her work emphasizes: • Cultural Diplomacy • Public Diplomacy • Digital Diplomacy • Innovation and Technology Partnerships • Economic Diplomacy • Knowledge Diplomacy • International Education Cooperation • Sustainable Development Partnerships • Developmental Diplomacy She actively promotes Nepal's global image through culture, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and international dialogue. EDUCATION Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Dissertation: The Representation of Women in the Vedas and the Bible: A Comparative Study Nepal Sanskrit University Prak Shastri - Sanskrit Nepal Sanskrit University Master of Arts (English Literature) Tribhuvan University Business Studies University of Wollongong, Dubai Executive Course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) The Power, Madrid, Spain LANGUAGE Nepali English Hindi Bengali Spanish HONOURS AND RECOGNITIONS Suprabal Janasewa Shree Conferred by the President of Nepal (2019) - Awarded in recognition of distinguished public service and significant contributions to Nepal and its people. Notable Recognition: • Widely recognized as a "People's Ambassador" for her humanitarian leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. • Celebrated for advancing Nepal's cultural, economic, and public diplomacy across the Gulf region and Europe. • Respected thought leader in diplomacy, international relations, and strategic global engagement. AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Diplomacy and Foreign Policy • Economic Diplomacy • Public and Cultural Diplomacy • Diaspora Diplomacy • Digital and Technology Diplomacy • International Relations • Strategic Communications • Leadership and Institution Building • International Development Cooperation • Peacebuilding and Global Dialogue PERSONAL Dr. Dhakal is an avid reader, writer, public speaker, and advocate for gender equality, women's leadership, youth empowerment, diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable development. She is married to Mr. Bimal Dhakal and is the proud mother of a daughter and a son. Her career reflects an enduring commitment to advancing Nepal's interests through diplomacy anchored in intellect, empathy, innovation, and transformative leadership.