For the first time, an African woman will lead the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Aissata M.B. Camara, a seasoned public servant with nearly 10 years of leadership in the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, as the next commissioner of the Office on Thursday.
Originally from the Republic of Guinea and now living in New York City, Camara is currently deputy commissioner for policy and strategic initiatives and chief of staff at the Office, where she advises the city on international policy while managing diplomatic incidents and emergencies involving foreign-born New Yorkers. In this role, she also leads city protocol, the Diplomatic and Consular Parking Program, and office operations to ensure that New York City continues to be a reliable global partner, a statement from the NYC Mayor’s Office said.
As Camara takes over as head of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, she will lead the office’s mission to serve as the primary liaison between New York City and the diplomatic community, consular corp., and the United Nations.
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Specifically, she “will continue working to ensure the city promotes its goals for a more equitable and inclusive society by cultivating critical partnerships with the international community and strengthening New York City’s position as a global leader that serves the many international communities that call the five boroughs home,” the statement from the NYC Mayor’s Office explained.
As an African and a Muslim woman who survived gender-based violence, her journey from Guinea, West Africa, to her current role in New York City is a testament to the power of determination. She was able to make it in an enabling environment in New York City that fosters growth and development by providing numerous opportunities and resources.
Hence, in her current role, Camara has collaborated with the United Nations, Consulates General, Permanent Missions, the private sector, and international organizations to enhance inclusive policies and create opportunities for New Yorkers. She has helped in negotiating international policies, enhancing economic development and community engagement, and strengthening New York City’s role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the statement said.
Described as a dedicated public servant and global connector, Camara helped create and lead award-winning programs that have greatly impacted New York City’s international leadership. She unveiled the NYC Junior Ambassadors program that has linked thousands of students and educators in New York City to the United Nations. She further helped grow the Voluntary Local Review movement, a global framework that has been adopted by over 330 cities to track SDGs progress.
“For nearly a decade, I have had the honor of serving New York City and working to strengthen its position as a city that builds bridges, fosters international collaboration, and stands as a beacon for people from every corner of the world,” Camara said after her new appointment as she takes over from Commissioner Edward Mermelstein as head of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.
“As an African-born, Muslim woman and a survivor of gender-based violence, my journey reflects the power of resilience and the opportunities this city makes possible. I am grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, my colleagues across city government, and the international community for their collaboration and trust. I remain committed to advancing New York City’s international partnerships and ensuring we remain a city defined by connection, hope, and leadership,” she said.
Camara holds a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and social policy from Baruch College and a Master of Public Administration in international public and nonprofit management and policy from New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
A Fulbright specialist and a frequent speaker and moderator at international forums, including the United Nations, Camara speaks on subnational diplomacy, gender equity, and inclusive economic growth. Having earned global recognition, her past honors include being inducted into the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Hall of Fame and under-40 list and being a recipient of the 2023 Bernard M. Baruch College Alumni Changemaker award. She also received the Jo Ivey Boufford Award for Public Service Innovation and was recognized as a Thomson Reuters Trust Conference Changemaker.
Emilia Saiz, secretary general, United Cities and Local Governments, said of Camara’s appointment, “I warmly celebrate the appointment of Aissata M.B. Camara, whose leadership reflects passion, purpose, and determination to build a more just, sustainable, and equitable world — a future where women and girls are empowered, and cities work together to drive global progress.”
