Alexandra Bugailiskis
Alexandra Bugailiskis is a Canadian former diplomat from Oakville, Ontario. In March 2022, she retired from Global Affairs Canada after a 39-year diplomatic career. In January 2023, she was appointed Chair of the International Advisory Committee of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, known as the UN's Think Tank on Water, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. In 2025 she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contribution to the Oakville community and she was appointed to the Order of Cnada for her contributions to shaping Canada's foreign policies and her mentoring of Canadian diplomats.
From August 2017 until her retirement, she served as the Canadian Ambassador to the Italian Republic, as well as Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to San Marino and Albania, and as High Commissioner to Malta.
Early life and education
Bugailiskis was born on 9 January 1956 in Hamilton, Ontario. She graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts and from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs with a Master of Arts.Career
Bugailiskis served as the Canadian Ambassador to Italy from August 2017 until December 2021, during which she was also Canada’s Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. In addition to her role in Italy, she was accredited as Ambassador to San Marino and Albania, as well as High Commissioner to Malta.After her retirement in March 2022 from a 39-year diplomatic career with Global Affairs Canada, Bugailiskis was appointed Chair of the International Advisory Committee of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health in January 2023.