In this inaugural episode of In the Room: Decision-Makers, Mani A. Jad sits down with H.E. Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, for a conversation exploring Palestinian diplomacy, governance, statehood, and regional peace during a defining moment for the region.
Taking place amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, wider regional escalation, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and renewed diplomatic initiatives, the discussion examines how Palestine is navigating a rapidly evolving regional and international environment, including questions around the future of the two-state solution, regional engagement, reconstruction, and the role of younger generations in shaping future political conversations.
H.E. Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine. A respected academic, policy expert, and human rights advocate, she has held senior leadership positions across Palestinian higher education, civil society, and government for more than three decades. Her work has focused on governance, human rights, Jerusalem affairs, institutional development, and women's participation in public life. She holds a Ph.D. in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Sc. from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
Guided by Mani A. Jad, the Founder and Executive Director of IMEO. She works closely with IMEO’s Board of Advisors and staff to shape and execute the organization’s mission. She also cultivates strong partnerships with international and local donors, driving impactful projects that aim to create connections between the East and the West. Mani’s leadership at IMEO is rooted in over two decades of experience at UCLA’s Center for Middle East Development, where she co-founded and helped grow an internationally acclaimed peace-building dialogue program. As Deputy Director and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, her strategic vision and operational expertise played a pivotal role in advancing the Center's purpose and global influence.
