We announce with deep sadness the passing of Ambassador Ahmad Kamal, an eminent diplomat of Pakistan, who served as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 in New York.

In his 40 year-long career as a professional diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Ambassador Kamal served with distinction and held diplomatic postings in India, Belgium, France, Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia and Republic of Korea and had a decade-long assignment as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

At the United Nations Ambassador Kamal was elected to high posts, notably as Vice President of the General Assembly, President of the Economic and Social Council, Chairman of the Consultations on the Role of NGOs at the United Nations, Chairman of the Working Group on Informatics, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute of Training and Research, and a member of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. Ambassador Kamal served as a special advisor to the UN Secretary-General from 2011 to 2016. He was a Senior Fellow of the United Nations Institute of Training and Research and responsible for training of diplomats posted to the United Nations. He was Founding President and CEO of The Ambassador's Club at the United Nations and also served as a Board Member of the International Association of Permanent Representatives. Throughout his distinguished career, Ambassador Kamal was widely recognized for his exceptional diplomatic skills and his tireless efforts in bridging cultural divides. With a keen understanding of geopolitical dynamics, he navigated intricate negotiations and mediated conflicts, always seeking peaceful resolutions and promoting dialogue.

Ambassador Kamal was a graduate of the Paris Institute of Political Studies (better known as Sciences Po) and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, USA. He was also a Carnegie Foundation Fellow at the London School of Economics.
He was author of several important publications, on disarmament, management, multilateralism, global economic issues and on the technical aspects of informatics and information technology.

He was an Honorary Visiting Professor at several universities in the United States, and a member of the board of trustees of Fairleigh Dickinson University. He received numerous honors in Pakistan and several other countries.

Within his personal sphere, Ambassador was a pillar of strength and love for his family and friends. His unwavering support, great sense of humor brought joy and comfort to those he held dear. Ambassador Kamal’s compassion extended far beyond his inner circle. He helped the needy and marginalized, tirelessly advocating for their rights and wellbeing.
Ambassador Kamal’s ability to connect on a human level, with leaders, friends, family or the needy defined his character. He leaves behind a legacy of brilliance and compassion, reminding us of the power of the human touch in creating a more caring and inclusive society. While we mourn the loss of an exceptional diplomat and an extraordinary human being, let us celebrate his life and legacy. May his unwavering commitment to peace and understanding continue to inspire us and may his soul rest in eternal peace.“Through compassion and diplomacy we can build bridges of understanding that pave the way for a brighter future”
Ambassador Ahmad Kamal (1938-2023)