Lakshmi Puri

Lakshmi Puri is a renowned Indian diplomat who has made significant contributions to the field of international relations and women's rights, working closely with organizations such as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and the International Labour Organization. She has been a strong advocate for gender equality and has worked tirelessly to promote the rights of women and girls around the world, often collaborating with influential figures like Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Michelle Bachelet. Her work has taken her to various parts of the globe, including New York City, Geneva, and Nairobi, where she has engaged with entities like the United Nations General Assembly and the African Union. Through her efforts, she has helped to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

● Early Life and Education

Lakshmi Puri was born in India and pursued her higher education at the University of Delhi and the Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she studied international relations and economics, much like notable alumni Manmohan Singh and Amartya Sen. She also holds a degree in law from the University of London, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in human rights law and international humanitarian law, similar to experts like Mary Robinson and Navanethem Pillay. Her educational background has enabled her to work effectively with institutions like the European Union, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Puri's early life and education have been influenced by prominent figures such as Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who have shaped her perspective on global governance and social justice.

● Career

Lakshmi Puri began her career as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service, where she served in various capacities, including as the Ambassador of India to Switzerland and the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva, working closely with organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She has also worked with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund, where she has collaborated with experts like Helen Clark and Anthony Lake. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to the field of international relations, including her work on disarmament and non-proliferation, which has involved engagement with entities like the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Conference on Disarmament. Puri has also been a strong advocate for human rights and has worked to promote the rights of refugees and migrants, often partnering with organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration.

● United Nations Work

Lakshmi Puri has had a distinguished career at the United Nations, where she has served as the Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, working under the leadership of Ban Ki-moon and António Guterres. She has been a key player in the development of UN Women and has worked to promote the rights of women and girls around the world, often collaborating with entities like the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. Puri has also been involved in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, which has involved partnership with organizations like the World Bank and the International Labour Organization. Her work at the United Nations has taken her to various parts of the globe, including New York City, Geneva, and Addis Ababa, where she has engaged with institutions like the African Union and the European Union.

● Awards and Recognition

Lakshmi Puri has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the field of international relations and women's rights, including the Padma Shri award from the Government of India, which is one of the highest civilian honors in India, bestowed upon individuals like Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel. She has also been recognized by organizations such as the International Women's Media Foundation and the Global Women's Leadership Network, which have honored her alongside notable figures like Malala Yousafzai and Hillary Clinton. Puri's work has been acknowledged by world leaders like Barack Obama and Angela Merkel, who have praised her efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, which are key priorities of the United Nations and the G20. Her awards and recognition are a testament to her dedication to promoting the rights of women and girls around the world, often in collaboration with entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

● Personal Life

Lakshmi Puri is married to Hardeep Singh Puri, a former Indian diplomat and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, who has served in various capacities, including as the Ambassador of India to Brazil and the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva. The couple has two children and resides in New Delhi, where they are involved in various social and cultural activities, often supporting organizations like the Indian Red Cross Society and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Puri is also an avid reader and enjoys classical music and dance, which has been influenced by her cultural heritage and her experiences living in India, Switzerland, and Brazil. Her personal life is marked by a strong commitment to public service and a passion for promoting social justice and human rights, which is reflected in her work with institutions like the United Nations University and the Indian Institute of Technology.