Speakers

• Abha Mishra Head of Office, UNDP - Odisha
  

  Abha Mishra

  Head of Office, UNDP - Odisha

  An accomplished development leader with over 35 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, governance, housing, livelihoods, and inclusive development. With a Master’s degree in Development Anthropology, they bring extensive expertise in institutional strengthening, policy integration, and grassroots implementation. Since the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, they have worked closely with UNDP to advance India’s disaster resilience agenda. Currently serving as Head of Office, Odisha – UNDP, they lead large-scale initiatives in rural housing, disaster management, coastal resilience, waste management, and livelihood promotion in partnership with government stakeholders.

• Dr. Tathagata Chatterji Professor, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar
  

  Dr. Tathagata Chatterji

  Professor, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar

  Dr. Tathagata Chatterji is a Professor of Urban Management and Governance at XIM University, Bhubaneswar, where he concurrently teaches at both the School of Human Settlements and the School of Governance and Public Affairs. Broadly within the area of urban governance, his research interests include urban policies and institutions; digital technology applications in urban management; climate governance and social inclusion; and urban economy and informal livelihoods. A recipient of the Gerd Albers Award (2016) from ISOCARP (International Society of City and Regional Planners), Dr. Chatterji has written extensively on urban policy and governance in an international context. Presently, he is co-editing a book, City Economies in the Global South: Growth, Inclusion, and Sustainability, to be published by Routledge. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning and Governance from the University of Queensland, Australia.

• Preeti Prada Panigrahi Director, Socratus Foundation
  

  Preeti Prada Panigrahi

  Director, Socratus Foundation

  Preeti Prada Panigrahi is a senior public policy and equity-focused leader with over 17 years of experience driving evidence-based policy and large-scale development programs across India and other low- and middle-income countries. Currently serving as Director, Programs & Partnerships at Socratus Foundation for Collective Wisdom, she specializes in translating research into actionable policy, building strategic partnerships, and leading multi-stakeholder initiatives. Her expertise spans climate resilience, urban systems, and inclusive governance, complemented by academic training from the London School of Economics and Harvard University.

• Sneha Mishra Secretary, Aaina
  

  Sneha Mishra

  Secretary, Aaina

  Sneha Mishra (MSW, LLB, DNHE) is a distinguished social worker and activist from Odisha with over two decades of experience advancing the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities. Founder of Aaina, she has led impactful initiatives on child rights, disability inclusion, menstrual health, and gender equality. A former Board Member of the National Trust, Government of India, and past President of OPSWA, she is a nationally recognized trainer on child rights, disability rights, and the POSH Act, and has authored several research papers and studies.

• Umi Daniel Policy Advisor, Migration & Climate Studies
  

  Umi Daniel

  Policy Advisor, Migration & Climate Studies

  Director, Aide et Action, South Asia, Migration Information & Resources Centre
  Mr. Umi Daniel and Aide et Action has been at the forefront in strategizing policy interventions for migrant workers in states of Odisha, Kerala and Maharashtra. Mr Umi Daniel is an expert in shaping such inter-state policy interventions, implementing creative solutions and advocating for the basic rights and welfare based initiatives for seasonal migrants.