Nilmini Rubin

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Project on Prosperity and Development
Nilmini Rubin

Nilmini Rubin is an executive vice president at Tetra Tech where she leads unit implementing energy and internet infrastructure projects in developing countries.
Previously, Nilmini served as the Senior Advisor for Global Economic Competitiveness at the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee where she directed technology, energy, trade, and economic policy. On behalf of Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), Nilmini spearheaded bipartisan legislation by the House of Representatives to promote internet access in developing countries. She drove unanimous passage of a law to increase access to electricity in Africa that serves as the framework for the United States’ Power Africa initiative. She also served as a Senior Professional Staff Member at the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) where she led efforts on international finance, economic growth, and anti-corruption, the Director for International Finance and the G-8 at the National Security of the White House during the George W. Bush Administration where she helped secure agreements on non-proliferation, international health and foreign aid. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Internet Governance Forum – USA Steering Committee, the World Economic Forum Experts Network and Internet For All Working Group, Young Global Leaders Alumni Steering Committee, Leadership Now Project and the Academy of the Global Teacher. Nilmini’s work has been highlighted in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Politico, Yahoo! and numerous international publications. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with her MBA in 1999 and her BA in Economics and Development studies in 1994.

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Countering Asian and Asian American Discrimination as a Dimension of Foreign Policy

CSIS is pleased to host this discussion during AAPI National Heritage Month. CSIS affiliates and career government officials will recall their own experiences as Asian Americans working in foreign policy.

Event by Masao Dahlgren , Jason Chung , Nilmini Rubin , Michael J. Green , Nicole Breland Aandahl , Colonel Jenny McGee , and Jessica Lee — May 25, 2021

Photo: CSIS

Fortifying Power Africa

As the Biden administration develops policies and priorities for renewed engagement with Africa, there is an urgency to reexamine and revamp U.S. signature initiatives. Power Africa, an interagency initiative coordinated by the USAID, is at the top of the to-do list.

Event by Nilmini Rubin , Judd Devermont , Katie Auth , and Kate Steel — March 24, 2021

Photo: MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images

Beyond Technology: The Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Developing World

Please join us for the public launch of our report "Beyond Technology: The Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Developing World" which looks at how these 4IR technologies might affect us in various ways as we simultaneously plan for the eventual Fifth Industrial Revolution.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Nilmini Rubin , Steven Zausner , Mikael Ekman , and Maiko Nakagaki — May 21, 2019

Beyond Technology: The Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Developing World

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is limitless in its reach across every aspect of our lives. This new CSIS report looks at how these 4IR technologies might affect us in various ways as we simultaneously plan for the eventual Fifth Industrial Revolution.

Report by Daniel F. Runde , Erol Yayboke , Romina Bandura , Nilmini Rubin , MacKenzie Hammond , and William A. Carter — May 21, 2019

Photo: hvostik16/Adobe Stock

Beyond the Water's Edge

Watch the launch of a new CSIS report on congressional motivations on foreign policy and discussion with Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Ted Yoho (R-FL) on bipartisan efforts to strengthen U.S. foreign assistance tools.

Event by Nilmini Rubin , Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) , Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL) , Louis Lauter , and Kathleen H. Hicks — September 26, 2018

What Lessons Can Be Learned from Power Africa?

Described as an initiative that brings “together technical and legal experts, the private sector, and governments from around the world to work in partnership to increase the number of people with access to power”, Power Africa has been an attempt to work more effectively between various government agencies. 

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Sarah Ladislaw , Jennifer G. Cooke , Nilmini Rubin , Nilmini Rubin , Mima Nedelcovych , Katherine Steel , Leocadia Zak , and Del Renigar — November 9, 2017

Domestic Resource Mobilization's Changing Global Landscape

Please join the Project on U.S. Leadership in Development for a Chevron Forum on the changing policy landscape of domestic resource mobilization (DRM) in development.  DRM allows governments to raise revenue to fund independent development priorities.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Nilmini Rubin , Eric Postel , Casey Dunning , Nilmini Rubin , and Ian Gary — December 16, 2016