Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is set to deliver remarks on "Increasing American Diplomatic Power" at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs on Thursday, October 31. He will focus on the progress achieved under the State Department's Modernization Agenda, a significant initiative led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This agenda aims to equip the department and its workforce with necessary tools and resources to handle global challenges in the 21st century.

During this event, Deputy Secretary Verma will release a white paper he authored, detailing how the State Department has renewed itself to tackle new realities and fulfill emerging missions. Following his speech, Verma will engage in a discussion with Eric Rosenbach, Director of the Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program at the Belfer Center.

The event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 31. Interested participants are encouraged to register for this virtual event. After its conclusion, it will be available for viewing on the Belfer Center’s YouTube channel.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Sarrah Qureshi at squreshi@hks.harvard.edu. Deputy Secretary Verma can be followed on Instagram and X under @DepSecStateMR.