Vina Nadjibulla

Vina Nadjibulla joined the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada as Vice-President, Research & Strategy, in November 2023.

In this role, she leads the organization’s research, policy, and programmatic work on Canada’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific. This includes overseeing APF Canada’s research agenda and flagship programs, including its fellowship and capacity-building initiatives, Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues, and partnerships across Asia. She plays a central role in shaping the Foundation’s strategic direction, strengthening its policy impact, and expanding its presence and networks across the Indo-Pacific.

Vina is a frequent commentator on Canadian foreign policy and Indo-Pacific affairs, with particular expertise in economic security, great power competition, and Canada’s evolving relationships with China and India. Her work focuses on advancing Canada’s diversification agenda, strengthening strategic partnerships in the region, and navigating the intersection of trade, security, and emerging technologies.

With more than two decades of experience in international security and diplomacy, Vina has worked with governments, international organizations, think-tanks, and philanthropic institutions across North America, Asia, and Central Asia. Her work has spanned conflict resolution, human rights, strategic risk, and multilateral diplomacy.

Vina is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia and a Senior Research Fellow at The Soufan Center in New York. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. A Canadian citizen, she was born in the former Soviet Union, raised in Afghanistan, and educated in the United States. Vina is fluent in English, Russian, and Farsi.  

Vina Nadjibulla can be contacted via email at vina.nadjibulla@asiapacific.ca