Wanonno Iqtyider

Wanonno Iqtyider is an MIA candidate at Columbia SIPA, concentrating in International Security and Diplomacy as part of a dual-degree program with the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy. Born and raised in Japan in a Bangladeshi family, he has developed a strong commitment to bridging cultures, institutions, and policy perspectives. His interests span international security, sustainable development, education policy, and cooperation between Asia and the wider international community.

Before Columbia, Wanonno worked at the Asian Development Bank Institute, supporting research on labor migration and community-based organizations, as well as international policy events and communications. He was also an early member of Onikle, an AI startup, where he developed an interest in the policy challenges surrounding emerging technologies.

Wanonno has been selected to serve as a research analysis intern with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, supporting research on peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Pacific. He hopes to pursue a career within the UN system, particularly in political affairs, peace operations, and initiatives connecting security, development, and technology.