Renowned IAS officer Sonal Goel has been honored with the prestigious D-20 Leader of Influence and Changemaker Award at an international conference held in Oman. The award, presented by the Gulf Skill Pioneers, recognizes her outstanding contributions to global leadership, policy-making, and her dedication to sustainability and human capital development.
The conference, titled ‘Sustainability in Human Capital and Global Leadership,’ brought together over 300 corporate leaders, policymakers, bureaucrats, and educators from around the world, including representatives from the USA, Germany, Indonesia, the UAE, and Oman.
2008 batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre, Ms Goel, who currently serves as the posted as Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan in New Delhi, was lauded for her remarkable work in both domestic and international policy-making.
In her acceptance speech, Goel expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing that it was not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective intelligence and strength of Indian women. “This honor is dedicated to the entire women power of India. It reflects the intelligence and determination of Indian women globally,” she said.
Goel also highlighted the importance of education and skill development in shaping a sustainable future. Drawing inspiration from India’s Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Oman’s investment in STEM education, she spoke on how these efforts contribute to long-term societal growth. Additionally, Goyal focused on key leadership values such as inclusiveness, gender equality, and emotional intelligence, essential for addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality.
Throughout the event, she advocated for collaboration between nations to tackle these issues, pointing to the growing cooperation between India and Oman in the renewable energy sector as an example of sustainable partnership on a global scale.
A Trailblazing Career
Ms Goel’s rise in the Indian Administrative Service is nothing short of inspiring. Joining the IAS in 2008 with the 13th rank in the UPSC exams, she initially served as Assistant Collector in Tripura. Known for her resilience and dedication, Goyal has held multiple important roles in governance, making significant contributions to policy reforms and leadership development.
Her remarkable achievements also serve as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants. In recent social media posts, she shared her journey of perseverance, recounting how she overcame setbacks during her first attempt at the UPSC exam, eventually securing a top rank in her second attempt.
Goel’s latest award further strengthens her reputation as a role model and a changemaker, dedicated to fostering a better future through education, leadership, and sustainable practices.
