Born and raised in Afghanistan, Obaid has dedicated his life to building bridges across cultures and creating spaces for dialogue, understanding, and systemic change. A valedictorian of both high school and college, he has won numerous awards for his leadership in conflict resolution, community organizing, policy development, and institutional transformation.

He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Affairs, Economics, and Policy at Columbia University, and has previously served as Head of Teaching Assistants for Fellowships, Policy Director, and Business Partnerships Director, leading initiatives that strengthen institutions and empower communities. A frequent speaker at the United Nations, he is fluent in seven languages with over 1200 professional interpretations and brings a global perspective to his work.

A lifelong lover of tea, Obaid founded teaplomacy as a way to combine his passions for diplomacy, policy, and human connection. Through storytelling over a warm cup of tea, he creates spaces where diverse voices are heard, relationships are built, and ideas are transformed into collective strength. In a world often divided by tension, Teaplomacy offers a peaceful and tangible way to foster understanding and collaboration across borders.