“Higher education strategist and global affairs professional working at the intersection of international affairs, technology, and education. Focused on diplomacy, ethical AI, and innovative learning, I combine strategic insight and digital expertise to advance inclusive, future-ready communities.”
Education, Innovation, and Public Engagement
Surender Hastir, MAHEP (Member of the Association of Higher Education Professionals), is a higher education strategist and certified UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) Independent Appraiser of Government Education Plans, with internationally recognized professional certifications from institutions and organizations including Harvard, MIT, Oxford, the IMF, and WIPO.
An active member of the Academic Council on the United Nations System, the International Leadership Association, and the American Association of University Administrators, he is also affiliated with the American Economic Association and the National Press Club. He created Quick March Smart Search & Reference, an innovative knowledge-access platform serving students and institutions worldwide.
As Web Publisher & Editor at CitiTimes.com, and drawing on more than 19 years of experience with GlobalGiants.com, Surender brings a global perspective and a distinctive blend of higher education, cultural insight, international relations, and digital publishing expertise to knowledge dissemination, content curation, and public engagement.
Professional and Continuing Education Credentials
In addition to his formal education, Surender Hastir has pursued extensive professional and continuing education in strategic intelligence, geopolitics, public policy, economics and finance, higher education, artificial intelligence, leadership, law, technology, entrepreneurship, and data analysis. His credentials include certificates and specialized training from globally recognized institutions and organizations, including the World Economic Forum, International Monetary Fund (IMF), UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), WIPO Academy, IBM, Microsoft, Harvard University and its professional schools, MIT, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, the University of Oxford, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan, Delft University of Technology, and Trinity College. This broad, interdisciplinary learning reflects a sustained commitment to professional development and brings an internationally informed perspective to his work across higher education, global affairs, technology, and digital strategy.
Professional Memberships
Member, American Association of University Administrators AAUA
Member, International Leadership Association, Washington, DC.
Member, American Economic Association.
Member, Academic Council on the United Nations System.
Member, National Press Club, Washington, DC.
Member, Association of Higher Education Professionals (UK).
Pro Member, World Economic Forum.
Recent Certifications earned include:
Strategic Intelligence Impact Certificate
AI-Driven Leadership Masterclass Series 2025
World Economic Forum
Strategic Intelligence Impact Certificate
Navigating Geopolitical Risk Masterclass Series 2025
World Economic Forum
IMF Academic Certificate
Financial Programming and Policies
International Monetary Fund
IMF Academic Certificate
Financial Market Analysis
International Monetary Fund
Professional Training Certificate
Independent Appraisal of Education Plans
UNESCO — International Institute for Educational Planning, Paris.
The UN’s dedicated institute for educational policy and management.
The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), headquartered in Paris, is the sole entity within the United Nations system dedicated exclusively to educational policy, planning, and management. Through specialized training, technical assistance, applied research, and knowledge dissemination, IIEP supports governments worldwide in strengthening their education systems. Upholding its mandate, IIEP remains committed to advancing excellence in educational governance and fostering sustainable development through education.
WIPO Academy Certificate
General Course on Intellectual Property
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy, Geneva, Switzerland.
Professional Certificate
Foundations of AI
IBM
Academic Certificate
AI: Master the Basics
IBM Skills Network
Academic Certificate
AI Prompt Engineering
IBM
Academic Certificate
Generative AI
IBM
Professional Certificate
Generative AI for Data Engineering
IBM
Academic Certificate
AI for Workplace Productivity
Microsoft
Academic Certificate
AI for Everyday Tasks
Microsoft
Professional Certificate
Leadership & Communication
Harvard University
Professional Certificate
Leading in a Remote Environment
Harvard University
Professional Certificate
Retail & Omnichannel Management
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College (Ivy League)
Academic Certificate
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Academic Certificate
Leadership: Creating Public Value
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Academic Certificate
American Government
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Academic Certificate
Leaders of Learning
Harvard University Educational Leadership
Academic Certificate
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Harvard Business School
Academic Certificate
Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning & Teaching
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Academic Certificate
Contract Law
Harvard Law School
Academic Certificate
Structuring Successful Business Deals
Cornell Law School
Academic Certificate
Understanding Economic Development
Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Academic Certificate
Solving Public Policy Problems
Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley
Academic Certificate
Creating Powerful Political Messages
Delft Institute of Technology, Netherlands
Academic Certificate
Distinguishing between Fake News, Facts, and Alternative Facts
Department of Communication Studies, University of Michigan
Academic Certificate
Design Thinking for Leading and Learning
MIT Teaching Systems Lab
Academic Certificate
Data Visualization
Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut
Current activities include …
Publisher & Editor: GlobalGiants.com.
GlobalGiants.com is an international online news magazine dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, highlighting the richness of the arts and sports, and promoting cross-border learning and creativity. With a global readership, it also serves as a platform that connects brands with diverse audiences worldwide. The ISSN International Center in Paris, France, has officially assigned the publication an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
GlobalGiants.com is also a proud member of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), a coalition of leading media organizations, technology companies, and academic institutions working together to establish open industry standards for content authenticity and provenance. The initiative is designed to strengthen trust and accountability in digital media.
CAI’s membership includes globally recognized entities such as Adobe, AFP, AP, BBC, Canon, Gannett, Microsoft, Nikon, The New York Times, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, TruePic, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Leica Camera, USA Today, and the University of Helsinki. Collectively, they are advancing efforts to build a more credible and transparent media ecosystem.
Designer and Administrator: QuickMarch.com.
Quick March Smart Search & Reference, developed by Surender Hastir, is an advanced search engine and reference aggregator designed to streamline access to authoritative information. By systematically consolidating data from trusted sources, it provides users with a comprehensive view on a single, convenient platform. Serving the diverse needs of students, educators, scholars, and academic institutions worldwide, this resource fosters informed decision‑making, enhances learning, and strengthens global academic connectivity.
Publisher & Editor: CitiTimes.com.
CitiTimes, guided by the tagline “Smart Stories, Stylishly Told,” is committed to delivering impactful cultural journalism. Its mission is to foster meaningful intercultural dialogue while celebrating the rich diversity of arts, sports, education, and creativity across the globe.
Upholding the highest editorial standards, the magazine offers a carefully curated selection of insightful articles, striking photography, and thought‑provoking commentary. Each feature is crafted to engage a broad and diverse readership, inviting audiences to discover and appreciate the perspectives that shape and enrich our global community.
Publisher: AmericaVista.com
Surender is actively redesigning the website to enhance functionality and the user experience.
Surender is actively contributing to the enhancement of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
UNESCO established the Creative Cities Network (UCCN) to encourage collaboration among cities that view creativity as essential to sustainable urban development. With 246 cities currently participating, the network fosters an environment that prioritizes local growth plans and creativity in cultural industries. By actively cooperating globally, these cities enhance their creative initiatives and contribute to a vibrant international community focused on shared cultural development.
Founding Member: IAU (International Association of Universities) Internationalization Experts LinkedIn Group.
Surender Hastir 