Lilly Nicholls is a retired Canadian diplomat with 30 years of experience whose work spans across six continents and includes leadership roles in government, the UN, civil society, and academia. She has made important contributions to global affairs and international development, with a special focus on global poverty reduction, social justice, and gender equality initiatives.

She served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh (2022–2024) as well as Canadian Ambassador to Panama (2018–2021). She led the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Research Team that amalgamated and analyzed the evidence base and consultation results for Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

She is presently a Fellow and Professional in Residence at the University of Ottawa’s School of International Development and Global Studies, where she advised the Dean of Social Studies on the establishment of an International Hub.

Dr. Nicholls has a PhD in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She has received five Government of Canada Awards of Excellence and was named among the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2022.