Fouzia Younis, a senior British diplomat of Pakistani origin, has made history once again by being appointed as His Majesty’s British Consul General to Toronto. She will be leaving her current role as a senior British diplomat in Islamabad to take up her new position soon. She took to Twitter to express her gratitude and privilege for being appointed to the role, stating that it was a special moment as it may be the first time a British Muslim woman has been appointed as the head of a diplomatic post.
She also encouraged girls who are battling prejudice, racism, and sexism to not let anyone dim their power and to change the world.
Younis first made history over three years ago when she was appointed as the director of communications at the British High Commission in Islamabad, becoming the first Pakistani-origin diplomat to hold that position. Younis has a distinguished career in the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with experience in various roles across the globe, including in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. Her appointment to the role in Toronto reflects her skills and expertise in diplomatic affairs, and it marks a significant moment for diversity and representation in the UK’s diplomatic service.
Her achievement is not the first time she has made history. In 2018, she became the first-ever female Muslim director in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her appointment as Consul General to Toronto is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her profession, and it serves as an inspiration for aspiring diplomats, especially women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
She was born in Birmingham to Pakistani parents and is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi. She completed her graduation and masters from the Universities of Birmingham and Cambridge before joining the UK Foreign Service. Younis paid tribute to her father and late mother, who supported her decision to pursue education and career.
She was the communication director for the Pakistan Network and co-chair of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Race Network. Younis has served in various diplomatic assignments, including leading the UK strategic efforts across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, supporting the UK’s security and humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh, and serving in Sri Lanka during the conflict period. Her previous work has been nominated for several awards, including innovation and expertise, and she is a passionate advocate for inclusion.
