Mayor Adams Appoints Aissata M.B. Camara as Commissioner of NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs

July 17, 2025

NEW YORK- New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Aissata M.B. Camara as the next commissioner of the Mayor's Office for International Affairs. Camara, a seasoned public servant with nearly a decade of leadership in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs, including currently serving as deputy commissioner for policy and strategic initiatives and chief of staff, will continue working to ensure the city promotes its goals for a more equitable and inclusive society by cultivating critical partnerships with the international community and strengthening New York City's position as a global leader that serves the many international communities that call the five boroughs home.

"New York City is the most diverse city in the world, and each day we welcome New Yorkers and tourists alike from all corners of the globe. The work we do with our international partners is critical to continuing to ensure the five boroughs remains a mecca of global travel and diplomacy, and Aissata M.B. Camara has been at the forefront of that work for almost a decade," said Mayor Adams. "Over the past three years of our administration, Aissata has supported our city's international and immigrant communities from around the world, and I am confident, with her deep expertise and passion for international affairs, she'll build on that important work as commissioner. I also want to thank Edward Mermelstein, who has served New Yorkers well as commissioner since we came into office. Ed has done so much to serve our city and we wish him well in his next endeavor."

"New York is the greatest city in the world. There is no other place on Earth that knows the importance of connecting with people different from you more than we do," said Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. "Similarly, there is no person better positioned than incoming Commissioner Camara to continue the successes of the Office for International Affairs under Commissioner Mermelstein. For years, in multiple administrations, she has championed a bold vision for New York's global standing. After leading the city's emergency diplomatic response to the tragic crashes of the Mexican naval ship Cuauhtémoc and the tourist helicopter over the Hudson, I am confident that she will continue her tireless work for our city and the international community with this well-deserved promotion."

"Serving as commissioner of the Mayor's Office for International Affairs has been one of the great privileges of my life. Under Mayor Adams' visionary leadership, New York City has reclaimed its rightful place as the diplomatic and business capital of the world," saidOutgoing Commissioner Edward Mermelstein."I want to express my deep gratitude to Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack for her steady leadership and support, and to my colleagues across New York City government who inspired me every day with their dedication to public service. I am also proud to hand over the reins to Aissata, a remarkable leader whose intellect and heart inspire everyone around her. I learned something new from her every single day, and I know she will lead this office with grace, excellence, and an unshakable commitment to global partnership."

"For nearly a decade, I have had the honor of serving New York City and working to strengthen its position as a city that builds bridges, fosters international collaboration, and stands as a beacon for people from every corner of the world," said Incoming Commissioner Aissata M.B. Camara. "As an African-born, Muslim woman and a survivor of gender-based violence, my journey reflects the power of resilience and the opportunities this city makes possible. I am grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, my colleagues across city government, and the international community for their collaboration and trust. I remain committed to advancing New York City's international partnerships and ensuring we remain a city defined by connection, hope, and leadership."

About Aissata M.B. Camara

Aissata M.B. Camara is a dedicated public servant and global connector focused on linking local actions with global solutions to address equity, sustainability, and economic development challenges. For nearly a decade, Camara has worked in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs. As deputy commissioner for policy and strategic initiatives and chief of staff, Camara advises city leadership on international policy and manages diplomatic incidents and emergencies involving foreign-born New Yorkers, as well as oversees city protocol, the Diplomatic and Consular Parking Program, and office operations to help ensure the city remains a reliable global partner.

Camara works closely with the United Nations (U.N.), consulates general, permanent missions, the private sector, and international organizations to promote inclusive policies and create opportunities for New Yorkers. Her focus areas include negotiating international policies, encouraging economic development and community engagement, and strengthening the city's role in advancing the U.N.'s goals.

Camara led the development of award-winning programs that have shaped New York's international leadership, including launching the New York City Junior Ambassadors program, which has connected thousands of students and educators with the U.N. She also helped expand the Voluntary Local Review movement, a global framework now adopted by more than 330 cities to track progress on the sustainable development goals.

Camara is a Fulbright specialist and a frequent speaker and moderator at international forums, where she shares insights on subnational diplomacy, gender equity, and inclusive economic growth. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, amNewYork, The Guardian, PBS, Deutsche Welle, and other outlets. She has earned local and global recognition, including receiving the 2023 Bernard M. Baruch College Alumni Changemaker award, inductions into the Most Influential People of African Descent Hall of Fame and under-40 list, the Jo Ivey Boufford Award for Public Service Innovation, and recognition as a Thomson Reuters Trust Conference Changemaker.

Originally from the Republic of Guinea, Camara holds a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and social policy from Baruch College and a Master of Public Administration in international public and nonprofit management and policy from New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

"On behalf of the secretary-general and myself, I want to congratulate our long-time partner Aissata M.B. Camara on becoming the new New York City Commissioner for International Affairs," said Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general, U.N."We very much look forward to working with Aissata in her new role and strengthening the bonds between the United Nations and its host city, our home for close to 80 years. The United Nations is a global institution, but it is also an integral part of the fabric of New York City." 

"New York City is a powerful symbol of opportunity and plays a unique role in advancing our shared global aspirations as the host city of the United Nations," saidEmilia Saiz, secretary general, United Cities and Local Governments."Leading its international agenda requires both vision and a deep commitment to inclusive, people-centered diplomacy. I warmly celebrate the appointment of Aissata M.B. Camara, whose leadership reflects passion, purpose, and determination to build a more just, sustainable, and equitable world - a future where women and girls are empowered, and cities work together to drive global progress."

"On behalf of the African Consuls General Group, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Aissata M.B. Camara on her appointment as commissioner for the Mayor's Office for International Affairs for the City of New York. This is a historic milestone, as Ms. Camara becomes the first African-born woman to hold this key position within the city's administration," said Simon Cardy, consul general, South Africa, and head, African Consuls General Group. "Throughout her distinguished career, Commissioner Camara has championed cooperation, built bridges between New York and the world, and empowered communities through inclusive leadership. Her appointment is a powerful symbol of women's leadership and African excellence, and it reflects the values of solidarity, diplomacy, and global friendship that define New York City. We also express our sincere appreciation to outgoing Commissioner Edward Mermelstein for his collaboration with the African diplomatic corps and for providing such exemplary service to New York. The African Consuls General Group looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Mayor's Office for International Affairs under Commissioner Camara's visionary leadership.
"On behalf of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, I warmly congratulate Aissata M.B. Camara on her historic appointment as commissioner for the Mayor's Office for International Affairs," said Maia Bartaia, consul general, Georgia, and president, Society of Foreign Consuls."As we mark the centennial of our society, we celebrate leaders like Commissioner Camara whose vision, integrity, and longstanding partnership with the diplomatic corps continue to strengthen New York City's global ties. We also extend our sincere thanks to former Commissioner Edward Mermelstein for his support of the international community. We look forward to continued collaboration with Commissioner Camara as she leads with purpose and distinction."
"On behalf of the Consulate General of Saint Lucia, and all members of the CARICOM Consular Corps, I would like to congratulate Ms. Aissata M.B. Camara on her appointment as Commissioner for the New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs," said Jeremiah Hyacinth, consul general, Saint Lucia, and consular corps president, Caribbean Community (CARICOM). "As the first African-born Muslim woman to hold this position, Ms. Camara's trailblazing achievement is nothing less than historic. I am delighted at the prospect of a continued, and very productive partnership under her leadership. As deputy commissioner, Ms. Camara had a history of collaboration with the consulate, and support for our efforts. I know that thanks to her dedication, she will remain key to maintaining the strong and dynamic partnership between the Mayor's Office for International Affairs and the CARICOM Consular Corps. I certainly have no doubt that her experience will continue to prove invaluable. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing commissioner, the Honorable Edward Mermelstein, for his leadership and his support of the Caribbean community. We appreciate his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

"On behalf of the Coalition of Latin American Consuls in New York (CLACNY), I extend our warmest congratulations to Aissata M.B. Camara on her appointment as commissioner for the Mayor's Office for International Affairs," said Fabiola Torres, consul general, Paraguay and president, CLACNY. "Her longstanding commitment to global engagement and inclusive leadership is deeply inspiring. We look forward to working closely with her to strengthen collaboration between New York City and the Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic community. We also extend our sincere appreciation to former Commissioner Edward Mermelstein for his support and partnership throughout his tenure and thank him for his dedication to advancing international cooperation across our region."
"As former president of Coalition of Latin American Consuls in New York, I would like to express my gratitude to Commissioner Edward Mermelstein for all the support provided during his tenure by the Mayor's Office for International Affairs to all the Latin American diplomatic missions in New York City," saidAndrés Mejía Pizano, consul general, Colombia, and outgoing president, CLACNY. "We at CLACNY, are also very pleased to know that Aissata, whose leadership we have witnessed over the last few years, will be appointed as new Commissioner for the Mayor's Office for International Affairs. We have no doubt that she will continue to work closely with our consulates to benefit our communities and we wish Edward the best of luck in his future endeavors."

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