Siddique, appointed as envoy to the Fiji Islands, made history as the first South Asian American and Muslim US Ambassador serving as Chief of Mission anywhere. President Joe Biden intends to nominate him to the National Security Education Board (NSEB), which guides the National Security Education Program.
As the inaugural American Muslim US Ambassador to lead as Chief of Mission, Siddique joins six Presidential appointees on the 14-member NSEB, comprising experts from various sectors. The announcement was made by the White House on March 22.
Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Siddique views the opportunity to serve on the NSEB as a significant honor, emphasizing his commitment to serving the American people.
The NSEB oversees initiatives like the David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships, designed to bolster the nation’s capacity to engage effectively with foreign cultures and languages.
Originally appointed by President Bill Clinton, Siddique served as US Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji Islands from 1999 to 2001, concurrently accredited to Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru. Following his MBA from Indiana University, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, achieving success in Washington, D.C.
Active in the Democratic Party and national politics, Siddique was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Board of Governors of the East West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2011. He currently serves as a strategic advisor to multinational organizations and holds positions on various boards, including the Atlantic Council.
A native of Bangladesh, Siddique resides in McLean, Virginia, with his wife Catherine. He recently published his memoir titled “Leaps of Faith: An Immigrant’s Odyssey of Struggle, Success and Service to his Country.”
