Media & Journalism

Hira Sarwar

Researcher & Editor-in-Chief

World Affairs Insider

Islamabad · English, Urdu, Punjabi

Biography

Hira Sarwar is a Pakistani journalist, researcher, foreign policy analyst, and cultural diplomat serving as Editor-in-Chief of World Affairs Insider (WAI), an Islamabad-based digital media platform. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Karachi, with research focused on cultural diplomacy as a tool of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Her areas of expertise include international relations, foreign policy analysis, public and cultural diplomacy, strategic studies, cultural heritage, climate diplomacy, gender equality, and sustainable development. She is committed to promoting Pakistan’s positive international image, strengthening intercultural understanding, and advancing research-driven dialogue on global affairs, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

Areas of expertise

• International Relations
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Cultural and Public Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Journalism
• Strategic Studies
• History and Cultural Heritage
• Civilizational Studies
• Climate Diplomacy
• Gender and Women’s Empowerment
• Sustainable Development
• Peacebuilding
• and Cultural Industries

Key achievements

• Pioneer in Cultural Diplomacy Research: Authored the 2013 master’s thesis “Cultural Diplomacy: A Neglected Tool of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy,” exploring cultural diplomacy as an instrument of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
• International Publications and Research: Contributed research and scholarly chapters on cultural diplomacy, Pakistan’s international relations, CPEC, women’s issues, and cultural industries.
• ISSI NextGen Security Expert of South Asia 2024: Recognized for engagement with regional security and strategic affairs.
• Journalist of the Year 2025: Recognized by Youth Parliament Punjab for journalistic contributions.
• Khadijah Award – Most Empowered Woman: Recognized for resilience, empowerment, and professional contributions.
• International Fellowship and Professional Development: Selected for initiatives including the AWE program supported by the U.S. Embassy/State Department and a UNITAR research fellowship focused on women’s leadership and disaster risk reduction and UNICEF Media Fellowship.

International experience

Asia

As Editor-in-Chief of World Affairs Insider (WAI), Hira works to strengthen Pakistan’s international image, promote diplomatic relations and advance international cooperation through journalism and research. She has participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), supported by the U.S. Embassy, and is a UNICEF Media Fellow focusing on gender equality and child rights. As a UNITAR Research Fellow, she engages with research related to women’s leadership and disaster risk reduction. She has presented and contributed research at international conferences on cultural diplomacy, foreign policy, regional security, women’s empowerment, climate diplomacy and sustainable development.

Engagement interests

Speaker · Panelist · TV / Radio · Podcast · Mentor · Training

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