Sheetal Kumar

As Head of Global Engagement and Advocacy, Sheetal leads GPD’s global engagement and advocacy portfolio across GPD’s policy areas (Trust and Security, Online Content and Emerging Tech) with the aim of shaping global policymaking processes so that they are more open, inclusive and transparent, and lead to policy outcomes that are human rights respecting. 

She oversees global advocacy engagement including the development of policy positions, research and scoping, development and delivery of tailored advocacy strategies, training and capacity building of civil society partners and other stakeholders, as well as relationship building and management across GPD’s policy areas.

Sheetal holds an MSc in Media, Communications and Development from the London School of Economics and an MA in International Relations with French from the University of St Andrews. Her studies there included global internet and communications policy, the evolution of the internet, communication for development, media in the global South and, more broadly, theories relating to power, media and communications and technology.

Promoting participatory, inclusive and democratic policy processes and developing effective communication across communities have always been the focus of Sheetal’s work. Before joining GPD, Sheetal worked for the Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Prior to this, she lived and worked in Senegal for two years where she coordinated communications, provided fundraising support and managed the website for the Senegalese health organisation, Enda Santé. She has also provided support to the Knowledge Management Department of UNESCO West Africa’s regional headquarters, and has worked as a teacher and an editor for the HIV/AIDS charity AVERT. Sheetal speaks English and French.