Diplomacy Decoded

Alberto Gonzales is an accomplished American lawyer and public servant who made history as the first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, serving from 2005 to 2007 under President George W. Bush. He also served as White House Counsel and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court, contributing to key legal decisions and breaking barriers throughout his career. After public service, he continued to impact the legal field as an educator and advocate.

Teburoro Tito is an I-Kiribati diplomat and former President of Kiribati (1994–2003), now serving as Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. As President, he championed climate change awareness, highlighting the existential threat rising sea levels pose to low-lying Pacific nations. In his diplomatic role, Tito continues to advocate for climate resilience, sustainable development, and the protection of marine resources, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable island nations are heard on the global stage.

Noemí Espinoza Madrid is a seasoned Honduran diplomat who became the first from her country to serve as Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in 2025. With over 30 years of experience, she has focused on advancing regional cooperation, sustainable development, and human rights across the Greater Caribbean. Throughout her career, Espinoza Madrid has championed disaster risk reduction, gender equality, and youth empowerment, while fostering partnerships between governments and international organizations. Her leadership continues to promote inclusive growth and stability throughout the region.

Mark Libby is an American diplomat with extensive experience in European affairs, crisis management, and multilateral diplomacy. He began serving as the United States Ambassador to Azerbaijan in 2023, where he works to strengthen bilateral ties, promote regional security, and support democratic governance. Over his Foreign Service career, Libby has held senior roles at U.S. missions to the European Union and NATO, and served in conflict-affected regions, contributing to U.S. efforts in peacebuilding and transatlantic cooperation. He is a strong advocate for the rule of law, energy security, and human rights. His work continues to advance U.S. strategic interests while fostering stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Maurice Parker is an American diplomat with extensive experience in international relations, public diplomacy, and African affairs. He served as the United States Ambassador to Swaziland (now Eswatini) from 2007 to 2009, where he worked to strengthen bilateral ties, support democratic institutions, and advance public health initiatives. Over his Foreign Service career, Parker held key positions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, including roles focused on consular affairs and regional security. He has been a strong advocate for good governance, human rights, and sustainable development. His work continues to reflect a deep commitment to U.S. strategic interests and global diplomatic engagement.

Tom Daughton is an American diplomat with broad experience in international relations, governance, and development. He served as the United States Ambassador to Namibia from 2014 to 2017, where he focused on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing health and education initiatives, and promoting economic development. Over his Foreign Service career, Daughton held senior positions across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, contributing to U.S. efforts in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and democratic institution-building. He has been a consistent advocate for good governance, human rights, and regional security. His work continues to reflect a strong commitment to U.S. foreign policy goals and sustainable global partnerships.

Sapar Palvanov is a Turkmen diplomat with a strong background in international relations and diplomatic engagement. Since 2022, he has served as the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium, where he works to strengthen political dialogue, economic cooperation, and multilateral ties. Born in Ashgabat in 1989, Palvanov began his career as a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he had earned his degree in 2013. He later held key roles in the Americas Department of the Foreign Ministry, rising to Head of Department in 2018. With deep expertise in diplomacy and regional affairs, he continues to represent Turkmenistan’s interests while fostering constructive partnerships across Europe.

Tom Hushek is an American diplomat with extensive experience in international affairs, conflict resolution, and development. He served as the United States Ambassador to South Sudan from 2018 to 2020, where he worked to support peace efforts, democratic governance, and humanitarian assistance in one of the world’s most fragile states. Throughout his Foreign Service career, Hushek has held key roles focused on South and Central Asia, multilateral diplomacy, and civilian-military coordination. He has been a strong advocate for human rights, inclusive governance, and regional stability. His work continues to advance U.S. strategic priorities while supporting peacebuilding and sustainable development in complex environments.