A Conversation with Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez

Join us for a fireside conversation with Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns on U.S.–Philippine relations, regional dynamics in Southeast Asia, and the role of diplomacy in advancing shared priorities. Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” del Gallego Romualdez has served as Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States since 2017 and was reappointed in 2022. He previously served as a special envoy of the Philippine President to the United States and participated in Philippine business delegations to the United States, China, Japan, and New Zealand. Ambassador Romualdez has extensive experience in media and business, including as CEO of Stargate Media Corporation, Publisher of PeopleAsia magazine, and President of the Manila Overseas Press Club. He is also a columnist for The Philippine Star. In 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte conferred upon him the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening U.S.–Philippine relations and promoting trade and investment. Ambassador Nicholas Burns is the Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations at Harvard Kennedy School and the Founder and Faculty Chair of the Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft. Burns served as U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from 2021 to 2025. Speakers and Presenters Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador; Nicholas Burns, Ambassador