Exploring Global and Local Challenges Through Journalism

Passion for Unseen Stories

I regularly report from various places around the globe, yet my focus remains keenly alternative to bridging America’s deep divides and shedding light on the plight of those overlooked within its borders. My journalistic approach seeks to illuminate stories that might not always capture headlines but are crucial. A significant influence in this direction has been the book ‘Half the Sky,’ co-authored with my wife, Sheryl WuDunn, which centers on women’s empowerment. Another turning point in my career was writing a pivotal article in 1997 that steered Bill and Melinda Gates towards adopting global health as their foundation’s mission.

Personal and Professional Background

Residing on my family’s farm in rural Oregon, where I grew up, has significantly impacted my worldview. Unfortunately, over a quarter of the children I rode with on the school bus have succumbed to issues related to drugs, alcohol, and suicide. These experiences, alongside my education at Harvard and studies as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, have indelibly influenced my perspective. Holding a law degree and having pursued Arabic studies in Cairo, I joined The Times in 1984. My roles included working as a bureau chief in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo, ultimately becoming a columnist in 2001. Notably, my wife and I garnered a Pulitzer Prize for our reportage on China’s Tiananmen Square massacre. Subsequently, I received a second Pulitzer for coverage of the Darfur genocide and an Emmy for a video on the Covid pandemic. My upcoming book, ‘Chasing Hope,’ adds to my body of written work, and when I’m not writing, I engage in backpacking, running (including a brief run for Oregon governor), and producing Kristof Farms hard cider.

Commitment to Journalistic Integrity

My early journalism career in a small town taught me the importance of understanding how reporting can affect individuals. I staunchly support rigorous journalism, but fairness must not be sacrificed. Before critiquing someone in my column, I strive to seek their perspective, often saying, ‘I think I’m going to take a whack at you in my column and would like to hear what you have to say.’ This approach aims to delve into underlying issues and elevate them onto the public stage. Conscious of journalism’s role as a tool for positive change, I adhere strictly to conflict-of-interest standards as outlined in The Times’s Ethical Journalism Handbook.

Contact Information and Latest Works

If you’d like to reach out, my email is [email protected], where I read messages but might sometimes be unable to reply. You can also connect with me through social media channels: Twitter (X) @NickKristof, Facebook as Nicholas Kristof, and Instagram @NickKristof. For anonymous tips, visit nytimes.com/tips.

Credits: Lynsey Addario/Getty Images, Ricardo Nagaoka for The New York Times, September Dawn Bottoms for The New York Times, Trent Bozeman for The New York Times, and Carlos Chavarría.

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