Meet Our Speakers

Apoorva is an International Human Rights lawyer who works as the India Programme Coordinator, Global Initiative G20 at UNCCD. She holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and did her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, India.

Her areas of expertise range from environmental and humanitarian law to development communications and programme coordination. Prior to joining UNCCD, she worked as a Communications and Community Engagement Expert at UNEP and as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of the Indian Parliament. At UNEP, Apoorva was involved in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), and oversaw the Disasters and Conflicts Branch’s communications strategy.

Apoorva’s professional experience extends beyond jurisprudence and communications. She has donned many hats; an actress in the Malayalam film industry, a singer, a voice artist, and a classically-trained dancer. She is also a TEDx speaker and was awarded the “30 under 30” recognition for lawyers and legal influencers by BW Businessworld in 2021.