Eric Garcetti to Deliver Keynote Address at SIPA’s 2026 Class Day

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New York, NY — March 23, 2026: Eric Garcetti, who previously served as the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles and as US Ambassador to India and is a distinguished alumnus of Columbia SIPA, will deliver the keynote address at SIPA’s 2026 Class Day ceremony on May 21, 2026.

Garcetti is currently ambassador for global climate diplomacy for the UN Climate Change Conference 2025 (COP30) in Brazil and has built a career at the intersection of public service, diplomacy, and global engagement. His work on urban policy, climate initiatives, and international partnerships has positioned him as a prominent voice on the global stage.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs as this year’s graduation speaker, an honor my 22-year-old self could never have imagined,” Garcetti said. “For me, SIPA is the nation’s leading school for connecting knowledge, practice, and public service at home and abroad. It’s where I studied with professors who helped shape the postwar world, built lasting friendships with extraordinary classmates from across the country and around the globe, and where internships, both domestic and international, helped shape the course of my future.”

A former Rhodes Scholarship recipient and Navy Reserve intelligence officer, Garcetti earned his Master of International Affairs (MIA) from SIPA before pursuing a career that has spanned local government, national politics, and international diplomacy. As mayor of Los Angeles, he focused on economic growth, sustainability, and expanding opportunities in one of the world’s most diverse global cities. As US ambassador to India, he worked to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and India on issues including economic cooperation, climate, and regional security.

“We are pleased to welcome Eric Garcetti back to SIPA at a time when our students are preparing to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape,” said SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo. “His career across city leadership and international diplomacy reflects the range of paths a SIPA education can open. We are proud to have him return to campus to address the Class of 2026.”

SIPA’s Class Day ceremony brings together graduates, families, faculty, and alumni to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and to mark their entry into SIPA’s global alumni community of more than 26,000 members across over 160 countries.