Diedrah Kelly

Diedrah Kelly (B.A. Hons., Political Science and Central, Eastern European and Russian Area Studies, Carleton University, 2001) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2001 and has since built a distinguished career as a Canadian diplomat. She was appointed Executive Director of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in December 2023 and is based in Manila, Philippines. In this role, she leads Canada’s efforts to expand agri-food trade, strengthen food security, and build strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. 

 

Diedrah brings more than 20 years of international experience, including senior roles both abroad and in Ottawa. Most recently, she served as Consul General of Canada in Mumbai, India (2022–23), and prior to that as Canada’s Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, Indonesia (2018–21). 

 

Diedrah’s diplomatic postings include serving as Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada in Ghana (2011–14), Head of the Embassy Office in Astana, Kazakhstan (2007–10), and Consul and Political Counsellor at the Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina (2004–07). 

 

In Ottawa, Diedrah has held multiple senior positions, including Head of the Policy and Programming Unit in the Threat Assessment and Intelligence Services Division, Senior Nuclear Adviser and Program Manager in the Global Partnership Program, and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Global Affairs.