Secretariat

Ratnesh has more than three decades long experience at the National, State and District level in designing, financing, implementing, and evaluating development interventions to reach out to the unreached social groups in challenging geographies in India. His domain expertise include financial inclusion, enterprise promotion and development, poverty alleviation, women empowerment and inclusive growth. He has provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Rural Development, and NITI Aayog, Government of India as well as social sector departments in UN focus states.

He has successfully built multi stakeholder platforms for improving access to development sector policies and programmes through Enterprise Development, Microfinance, Financial Inclusion, and Public Finance Management across Small Industries Development Bank of India, United Nations Development Programme. He joins UNGC NI from India’s leading think tank on Public Finance – National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, where he worked as a Senior Fellow.

Ratnesh has completed his Master’s degrees from University of Manchester (Development Finance) and University of Delhi (both M.A. and M.Phil in Sociology). He completed his graduation in Economics and Mathematics from Delhi University.

Email id– ratnesh@globalcompact.in

Mr. Deep Chandra Papnoi is a Postgraduate in Social Work from Indore School of Social Work, DAVV, Indore. He has more than 20+ years of professional experience in the development sector and has diverse experience of working with NGOs, UN Agencies, Business Chambers and Corporates for developing their sustainable agenda through aligning 17 SDGs and 10 Principles of UNGC into their core business practices. He has a wide experience in all SDGs goals and expertise in Gender Equality, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation and Partnership for the Goals.

He has a rich experience in Corporate Governance, Project Management, Resource Mobilization, Monitoring & Evaluation, Human Resources Development, Networking, Liasoning with government agencies/civil societies/corporations, coordinating board meetings along with strategic partnership management with several local chapters. He has excellently contributed to sustainability trends implementations. His skills also include mobilizing corporate sponsorships, business development and efficiently coordinating major national and international-high level events.

Email id– deep.papnoi@globalcompact.in

Dr. Somnath is an accomplished development leader and academic practitioner with over 24 years of impactful experience spanning Public Health, Sustainability (ESG), Gender Equality, Child and Youth Development, Business Integrity, Policy Advocacy, Public-Private Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement. His expertise extends to working with governmental bodies, private sectors, NGOs, and renowned UN organizations, where he has successfully delivered transformative results.

Recognized for his strategic vision and leadership, Dr. Somnath has driven initiatives fostering sustainable development, ethical business practices, and societal progress. His contributions include advancing policy advocacy, promoting transparency and integrity in business, and developing sustainable public-private partnership models. He is highly skilled in communication and adept at forging consensus among diverse stakeholders to achieve organizational and societal goals.

Dr. Somnath’s academic credentials include a PhD in Management and Master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Social Work (MSW), Sociology, and Rural Development. He has also earned certifications in Public Policy & Compliance and Sustainability (ESG). His extensive work includes project implementation and management, capacity building, resource mobilization, team building, stakeholder management, and establishing ethical business practices, making him a distinguished leader in organizational development and governance.

As Deputy Director at UN GCNI, Dr. Somnath leads key ESG, Public Health, and Business Integrity initiatives, emphasizing good governance, ethics, transparency, and accountability. His resource mobilization and partnership development efforts have consistently advanced the organization’s mission and impact.

“Dr. Somnath has made significant contributions through his research and publications, including:”

• Best Practice Compendium on Anti-Corruption for Healthcare
• The Evaluation of Health Systems in India: Decoding the Impact on Health Governance, Transparency, and Infrastructure
• SDGs Assessment and Sustainability Framework
• Framework for Governance of Smart Cities
• Public-Private Partnership Handbook
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Toolkits for Government and Private Sectors
• Maternal and Child Health Management in Urban and Slum Communities
• Soft Skills Training Toolkit for Health Workers
• Single Window Model for Social Protection for PLHIVs, High Risk, and Marginalized Populations
• Factors Affecting the Social and Economic Conditions of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Delhi

Dr. Somnath’s contributions have been recognized by the Government of India and global organizations, highlighting his dedication to strengthening healthcare systems, promoting sustainability and sustainable practices, and fostering integrity across sectors. He remains committed to addressing national and global challenges, leveraging his expertise to drive impactful change.

Email id– somnath.singh@globalcompact.in

Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey is a pioneer in promoting Responsible Business Conduct in India, he has previously worked with organizations like Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) where he played role of a catalyst in several new initiatives, and has authored/co-authored seven notable books on CSR & ESG and introduced various innovative models and strategies. With over two decades of stint across various sectors, including Ministries, Civil Society Organizations, Academic Institutions, Corporates, and Consulting Firms, Dr. Atrey is recognised as a distinguished scholar, versatile professional and a key expert in the areas of Sustainable Development, Responsible Business Conduct, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental-Social-Governance, Sustainable Finance, Business & Human Rights, Brand Building and Impact Leadership.

He holds a Doctorate in Corporate Social Responsibility and Master’s degrees in Economics, Business Administration, International Law & Diplomacy, Social Work, Human Rights, International Humanitarian & Refugee Laws, and Sustainability Science.  

Email id– raviraj.atrey@globalcompact.in

Abhishek Chandra has an experience of 5+ years in the social impact sector wherein he has worked with multiple players within the ecosystem. He worked with Tata Trust and Government of Bihar based from an aspirational district collaborating towards making it ODF. He has worked at Piramal Foundation and Samhita Social Ventures engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders such as implementation partners, CSR departments of multinational companies, bilateral organisations and delivering projects across thematic areas of skilling, education, healthcare, sports, WASH amongst others. 

He holds a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Email id– abhishek.chandra@globalcompact.in

Arya Dev is a law graduate from Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. He possesses a legal experience of over 7 years and has appeared before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court and the Patna High Court. He has previously practiced as an Associate Advocate in the chambers of Late Mr. Hari Shankar (Advocate – on –record, Supreme Court of India) and as a Junior Counsel to Mr. Dhruba Mukherjee, Additional Advocate General in the Patna High Court. He has rendered his professional services mainly in cases relating to criminal, service, and constitutional matters.

Though having a considerable legal experience in areas of litigation and other juridical matters, his heart lies in legal research, policy advocacy, and stakeholder strategizing. He is a strong advocate of a principled approach to sustainable and socially responsible corporate policies. United Nations Global Compact Network India provides an apt platform for his aspirations by catalyzing corporate sustainable actions into UN Goals like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Email id– arya.ceget@globalcompact.in

Nancy is a seasoned public policy professional with more than eight years of experience in research and communications.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Gender and Development Studies, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Political Science from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. She has also earned two Postgraduate Diplomas in Human Rights and Environmental Law and Policy.

Nancy’s professional path has been distinguished by her partnerships with esteemed organizations, including CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project), Centre for Policy Research, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies, Lok Bharti Education Society, SaveLIFE Foundation, and NASSCOM Foundation, among others. Her extensive experience covers a diverse spectrum of vital domains, such as gender-related issues, social challenges, healthcare, and environmental matters.

Email id– nancy.dcruz@globalcompact.in

Vidushi is a business management professional with over three years of experience working with different government bodies to drive their projects and manage policy insights. Completing her Executive MBA from IIM Bodhgaya, she is skilled in Client Relationship Management, Marketing and Policy Management.

Having a passion for contributing her best to social development, led her to a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work and can be found occasionally working with different NGOs based in Delhi. Contributing to a social cause of Gender Equality, she was also a part of the UN HeForShe Delhi Youth Voice Event. After graduating with History Honours from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, she did her Master’s in International Relations wherein she worked on China as her expertise.

Being a Research-oriented student, she holds two Publications under her name, one on the Sagarmala Project and another on the role of FMCGs in Covid. She has also worked as a Research Analyst Intern in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry for the New Education Policy in India.

Currently, she is working as an Assistant Manager at UN-GCNI managing partnerships and engagements. 

Seerat holds an Engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology Srinagar in Electronics & Communication. In her role as a student, she has worked on projects with core emphasis on the use of Technology in Sustainability. She has a wide research experience in the field of Precision Agriculture with JNU. Her Qualifications are reinforced by an MBA (Sustainable Development & Management) from the noted Nalanda University, Rajgir Bihar.

She is working with academicians from HBS & World Bank on research related to Climate Change in the megacities of India and its affect on mental health. She has also worked with IOCL on the research themed over ESG evaluation.

She specializes in Climate Change & Management, Sustainable Urbanization & Development, Agriculture & Technology, Sustainable Business Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainability, Wireless & Data Communication. She has a standard understanding of Public Administration & International Relations. Apart from this, she has volunteered for various social organizations and spearheaded various social- scientific programs specially related to Education of underprivileged students in the valley of Kashmir. Currently at Global Compact she is working as a Membership Officer therefore, supporting the vision, mission & aims of GCNI.

Email id– seerat.tajamul@globalcompact.in

Neeta is a Public Health professional with over four years of experience in the development sector in project planning and implementation, program management, evaluation and research, networking and partnership. She is also a practicing lactation and nutrition counselor.

Prior to GCNI, she has headed all programs in Adharshila NGO, Delhi and worked with Govt. of Madhya Pradesh as Chief Minister’s Fellow, where she has worked as part of the district administration in Damoh, on the Aspirational Districts program by NITI Aayog and various Govt. schemes and policies covering issues of Good Governance, Education, Health, Public Service Delivery, etc.

She holds a Masters degree in Social Work with a specialization in Public Health from TISS, Mumbai. She also holds certificates in Rural Development (IGNOU), Lactation education (BeginEd India), Maternal and Child Nutrition (IIPH) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (GGSIPU, Delhi).

Currently, she is working as a Programme Officer at UN GCNI.

Email id– neeta.aggarwal@globalcompact.in

Mallika has obtained her postgraduate degree in Sociology from Ambedkar University, and has special interest in the domain of Gender Studies, Social Development and Labour Policies. Her post graduate thesis was focused around the thematic of Gender, Work and Labour which explored the socio-cultural dimensions of Sexual Labour and the narrative of social marginalization associated with the profession.

Her academic background, combined with extensive experience in the social development sector has equipped her with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of grassroot narratives. With a history in social research, she has worked with different organizations on several projects pertaining to Child Rights, Skill Development, Women Empowerment and Livelihood Generation.

Prior to UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), she has worked closely towards the identification and addressal of social risks and impacts associated with labour policies, livelihood rehabilitation and resettlement and gender issues. She also has volunteer experience with different non-governmental organizations like Azad and Hemkunt foundation, predominantly working towards challenging gender narratives and working with women on-ground.

Currently, Mallika serves as a Programme Officer at UN GCNI.

Email id– mallika.gandhi@globalcompact.in

Yogita Singh is a dedicated professional with nearly three years of experience in research, project management, and communication. She currently serves as a Programme Officer at UN GCNI. Previously, Yogita led the Bharat Pravah project at the Institute for Governance, Policies, and Politics (IGPP), a prestigious program supported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Her work involved in-depth secondary research, project design and execution, and key-client communication. She has also contributed to field-level projects in Odisha under CFD, focusing on socio-economic development and community engagement. At HelpAge India, she worked as a Data Consultant on a cross-national study analyzing access to urban services for the elderly, demonstrating her ability to handle sensitive fieldwork and collaborate on global research initiatives.

Complementing her professional endeavors, Yogita has volunteered with organizations like Underprivileged Advancement by Youth (UPAY) India and Spero Foundation, gaining valuable experience in event logistics and administrative management. With a strong academic foundation in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics and Maitreyi College, her research spans diverse topics such as women’s health, consumer behavior, and social equity. Skilled in project management, primary and secondary research, and documentation, Yogita combines her academic insights and field expertise to drive meaningful social impact.

Email id– arunima@globalcompact.in

Arunima RJ is a social work professional with 3 years of experience in program management, community mobilization, and advocacy. Her work has had significant impact in areas such as child protection and care, education, women and child empowerment, and SDG-focused rural development. She excels in optimizing project outcomes, leading advocacy efforts, mobilizing communities, and managing teams and resources, including extensive work on CSR projects.

Arunima RJ holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kerala (Sociology Department, Karyavattom Campus), specializing in Medical and Psychiatry, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language (SN College Chempazhanthi, University of Kerala). Her special interest in community-led social change and strengthening grassroots systems is reflected in her research thesis and dissertation publication focusing on human rights movements at the local-self government level, with special participation of the community and youth. She currently works as a Program Officer at the UN GCNI.

Email id– arnab.chakraborty@globcomact.in

Hari Raj Singh joined UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) as an Administrative Assistant in December 2011. Prior to this, he worked as Operations Executive in AEGIS, a leading BPO in Gurgaon, and as an operator for 7 years at Spatter Cure Enterprises in New Delhi. Mr. Raj completed his formal education in Welding and Fabrication (Diploma) from Jamia Millia Islamia University in 2006 & graduated from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi in 2018.

Email id– admin@globalcompact.in

Experienced biodiversity conservation professional with over 4 years of experience in wildlife conservation, environment, and climate change, she currently works as a technical specialist (biodiversity) with the UN GCNI at their Centre for Business Leadership on Nature Restoration in Chennai.Throughout her professional journey, she has collaborated with esteemed organisations in India such as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). During her professional journey, she has demonstrated expertise in project leadership and implementation, stakeholder engagement, conducting outreach programs, field data collection, report writing, Geographic Information System (GIS), data analysis, and providing various scientific inputs.She has completed post-graduation in zoology from the University of Madras with a strong academic grounding in ecology, avian biology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. During her last project with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), she led the implementation of the Pan-India Assessment of the Critically Endangered Jerdon’s Courser under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (IDWH).

I am a public policy and development sector professional with experience in CSR strategy, grant writing, and project management. I have worked with organizations in India and the UK on initiatives spanning sustainability, water management, and community development. My background includes securing blended finance for grassroots projects, conducting policy research on sustainability and circular economy frameworks, and delivering actionable insights for private-sector and social impact stakeholders. I am passionate about creating scalable, community-centered solutions that align with corporate responsibility and sustainable development goals.

Email id– rishabh.chopra@globalcompact.in

I hold a Master’s degree in Extension Education and Communication Management, with research focused on the Knowledge, perception, vulnerability, socio-economic impact and adaptive capacity of farmers towards climate change. I bring academic depth and hands on field experience to the intersection of sustainability, climate change and rural livelihoods.

Actively involved in research and outreach, I have published in reputed journals on topics ranging from COVID-19’s impact on mental health to organic farming and women’s empowerment in agriculture. I have participated in national and international workshops, conferences and training programmes on climate-resilient agriculture, IPR, value chains and agri-entrepreneurship. I have also contributed to community training, organized farmer engagement events and developed research tools for knowledge test and vulnerability index assessment and policy recommendations. As a development professional, my interests lie in sustainable agriculture, gender inclusion, mental well-being in farming communities and extension strategies that are participatory and impact driven.

Email id– apoorva.singh@globalcompact.in

Prajjwal is a passionate Ornithologist holding dual Master’s degree from two renowned institutions, Nalanda University, Rajgir, and SACON, Coimbatore, both recognized as Centers of Excellence by the Government of India. He has been trained in Environmental studies from an array of perspective ranging from Wildlife Science, Ecology, Economics to the Social arena of conservation biology. His research experience transcends from performing economic valuations of ecosystem services to leading project for ecological understanding of inter-species interaction leveraging the use of cutting-edge technologies.

He has worked with forest-edge indigenous communities mapping their aspirations and vulnerability while understanding the coexistence complexities with existing wildlife amid changing climate. He has also contributed to the long-term biodiversity monitoring program in Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu, Leading the Avifaunal survey during the first quarter of 2025. He specializes in TNFD, Conservation biology, Restoration ecology, Human–Animal conflict, Alternate livelihood programs, Ecological data analysis and the Impact of Climate change on Biodiversity and Society. Currently he is working as Project Officer – C at Center for Business Leadership on Nature Restoration, UN Global Compact Network India.

Email id– prajjwal.kumar@globalcompact.in

Program Officer (ESG & Sustainability)
Arnab Kanti Chakraborty is a sustainability and policy professional with diverse experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG strategy, project proposal development, and multi-stakeholder coordination. He has worked across public health, gender equity, water access, and livelihood interventions, contributing to impactful projects in both urban and rural India. His current work is focused on advancing corporate sustainability practices through capacity building, policy engagement, and convergence models under SDG frameworks.
Arnab holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice from the TERI School of Advanced Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Cotton University. He has collaborated with state governments in Odisha and Assam, supporting clean water access initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and gender-inclusive development planning. His professional experience spans field-level implementation.

Email id– arnab.chakraborty@globcomact.in

Amol has obtained his Master’s degree in Development Policy, Planning and Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Tuljapur. He holds a special interest in the areas of inclusive governance, tribal development, and decentralised planning. His Master’s thesis focused on the socio-economic conditions of construction workers in Latur, highlighting issues around informal labour, livelihood insecurity, and the lack of social protection mechanisms in urbanising regions. His academic foundation, combined with field-based learning, has equipped him with a grounded understanding of development processes and community-level governance. As part of his fieldwork, he worked with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) on the K-SMART project, supporting initiatives on digital governance and urban service delivery. He has also engaged with tribal communities in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, studying issues of education, healthcare, and livelihoods among Warli, Katkari, Kokana, and Koli communities. His work includes examining the impact of legislations such as the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA), along with an internship focused on Dalit and Adivasi rights in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), Pune.