Thunderbird director general and dean recognized for global impact, leadership and vision

Sanjeev Khagram, director general and dean of the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, has been recognized for his visionary leadership and global and digital impact, receiving two prestigious awards this month: the 2023 Global Citizen Award and 2023 Global Envoy Award. 

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Phoenix Sister Cities, Inc. honored Khagram with the City of Phoenix Global Citizen Award at the Mayor’s International 2023 event on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Republic National Distributing Company. 

The Global Citizen Award recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates tireless and selfless commitment to their community and inspires others to take action and do more. Specifically, awardees exemplify global citizenship through their leadership and vision; promote international understanding; contribute to advancing the city of Phoenix as a global leader; and serve as a proud representative of their nation while remaining respectful of the diversity of others.

“Dean Khagram is incredibly deserving of this year’s Global Citizen Award. His tireless dedication to fostering international cooperation and advocating for Phoenix on the global stage has made tangible, positive impacts in our community and on our economy,” Gallego said. “As our city continues growing into a world hub for a whole host of industries, I feel fortunate to have Dean Khagram by my side to keep building on our momentum.”

Khagram was also named recipient of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations’ prestigious 2023 Global Envoy Award, which recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of the committee, demonstrating exceptional leadership in fostering meaningful connections across the globe. 

“The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations is elated to honor our dear friend, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, as our 2023 Global Envoy awardee. Dr. Khagram epitomizes the value proposition of PCFR — to bring Arizona to the world, and the world to Arizona — and he has dedicated his career to creating the conditions for a more innovative, more prosperous and safer world,” said Luke Wenz, president of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations.

“Under Sanjeev’s leadership, Thunderbird has become a catalyst for Arizona’s international community to collectively make the case for Arizona’s unparalleled capacity to lead on the global stage. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, for his friendship and for his service as a member of our board of directors — and we look forward to celebrating him next month,” Wenz added.

The committee notes Khagram’s distinguished career accolades that earned him such recognition in addition to his world-renowned leadership of Thunderbird over the past five years, including leading initiatives such as the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre and the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency, as well as being recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. 

"When Dr. Khagram first arrived at Thunderbird, we learned about his vision for the school and the impact it could have on the global community. It has been a marvel to watch his aspirations become a reality, and bring organizations like ours along for the ride,” said Tina Waddington, executive director of Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. “Dr. Khagram has not only served as a director on our board, but gone above and beyond to support PCFR, raising the bar on what it means to be a good community partner. I am very grateful for his mentorship and friendship and look forward to celebrating him next month."

Under Khagram’s tenure, the partnership between the committee and Thunderbird has deepened and contributed significantly to Phoenix and Arizona’s recognition around the world as globally inclusive and innovative destinations. Khagram will be honored with the award during the committee's annual holiday party on Nov. 17 at Thrive Services Group in Phoenix.

"I am humbled and immensely honored to receive these two prestigious awards, which recognize not only me but even more so our incredible global team at Thunderbird for their dedication and service,” Khagram said. “These recognitions are powerful evidence of our vision of advancing inclusive and sustainable prosperity and peace worldwide, and our commitment at Thunderbird to be a partner of choice to make Phoenix a premier global city and Arizona a world-class state for the 21st century."