Ambassador Brian Nichols recently delivered a keynote about the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in international affairs at the 35th anniversary celebration of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to the United States in Washington DC. Ambassador Nichols, currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Ambassador Nichols spoke of the deep historical connections between the African diaspora and the Western Hemisphere, noting the diversity that has shaped the region’s strength and resilience. “The strength of our Hemisphere lies in the diversity in the meeting of people and their perspectives,” he said, acknowledging the rich cultural tapestry created by centuries of African influence.
Nichols has championed diversity, inclusion, and racial equity throughout his career. He articulated that these values are not just moral imperatives but essential components of effective foreign policy. “Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a foreign policy goal is not to be separated from the work that we are doing but to be woven into it; integrated into those efforts,” he explained. “It makes us a stronger partner for our allies around the Hemisphere and secures greater security, peace, and prosperity for our region.”
Nichols’ commitment to these principles is evident in his extensive career. Appointed as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs in September 2021, he previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2018 to 2021, where he promoted democracy, rule of law, and human rights. His tenure in Zimbabwe saw efforts to manage the country’s multi-dimensional humanitarian crises exacerbated by corruption, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Before his assignment in Zimbabwe, Nichols served as the U.S. Ambassador to Peru from 2014 to 2017.
Reflecting on his experiences, Nichols remarked, “It has been an incredible ride over 35 years that I’ve been in the foreign ministry. There’s so much work that we have accomplished that I am deeply proud of, but there is so much work to be done.” As he aptly put it, “Bringing all of the skills that the American people have together to support our foreign affairs efforts makes us more competitive, more powerful, and advancing racial and ethnic equity is not just the right thing to do; it makes us a stronger partner for our allies around the Hemisphere.”
Credit: BPIA/ Isaiah Decruise
Ambassador Nichols also discussed the broader geopolitical landscape, contrasting the democratic values upheld by the United States and its allies with the authoritarian approaches of strategic competitors. He cited the recent situation in Guatemala, where the U.S. applied diplomatic pressure to support a free and fair election. “We will advocate for a free media, which is indispensable especially as support for democracy is weakening over the last decade,” he said.
“Understanding that lifting all of these communities will help the nations of our Hemisphere be more prosperous, more stable, more equitable, and more democratic,” Nichols stated. “That is a key reason why we are focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a foreign policy goal.” He pointed out initiatives such as the trilateral partnership on racial justice with Canada and Mexico, and a memorandum of understanding signed with Argentina to tackle these issues.
Amb. Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, delivering a keynote at BPIA's 35th anniversary celebration at the Swiss Ambassador's residence in Washington, DC.@WHAAsstSecty @HP @BMasalosalo @SwissAmbUSA @SwissEmbassyUSA @swissMFA… pic.twitter.com/WbHXM3eTZ5
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Ambassador Brian Nichol concluded his speech by emphatically stating: “I can’t think of a life better spent than in service to your nation and to the global community. And what you are doing matters. You will make a difference for the better in this world…the outcome is not certain, it is not sealed but the work that each of you is doing is making a transformational change for the better in the world. And the world of Black Professionals in International Affairs is vital to that process.”
