The British Ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG is a formidable diplomat who has dealt with some of the most pressing challenges of our time: peace to end the Bosnian war, confronting Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the future of Afghanistan.

She began her diplomatic career in 1981 and spent the next four decades traversing the globe.

Her diplomatic posts included tough assignments like coordinator in the Balkans, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador to Afghanistan, Director General for Political Affairs and C.O.O of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and for the last four years the UK’s Ambassador to the US overseeing our Special Relationship. Amb. Pierce was the first woman appointed by her government both to the UN and the US Post. 

In 2018, she received the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for her very significant non-military service to the UK.  

During her time at the United Nations, she led the “Friends of Afghanistan” group– to support Afghanistan’s nascent democracy and the rights of Afghan women. 

Amb. Pierce has been unflinching in her commitment to gender equality: she has spoken out in support of survivors of sexual violence, for equality for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and of women’s participation in politics, education, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. She is an effective negotiator as well as a warm and inviting diplomat with whom the Institute has had the pleasure of working for many years.

Despite the many challenges Amb. Pierce has seen throughout her notable career, she remains an optimist, “ I think if you’re not an optimist, then what are you going to get up and do the next day? You have to believe a way through could be found” she continues “[regardless of the circumstances] we can do something about it, even if it’s only a small thing. And that might change the dynamic, and then that gives you something to build on.”

 Amb. Melanne Verveer, executive director of Georgetown’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security, presented the Trailblazer Award to Amb. Pierce alongside our Georgetown Ambassadors for Women, Peace and Security at a private dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC on Monday, September 30, 2024.