Ambassador Manav Sachdeva: A Diplomat, Humanitarian, and Poet Shaping Global Change

Ambassador Manav Sachdeva is a distinguished Indian-American academic, UN Poet Laureate, and United Nations Emergency Advisor. With nearly two decades of experience in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, he has played a key role in global policymaking, crisis management, and cultural advocacy.

Since November 2023, Ambassador Sachdeva has been serving as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for President Zelenskyy’s Grain from Ukraine Programme, a humanitarian initiative aimed at addressing food security crises. Simultaneously, he is a Senior Policy Advisor and Emergency Expert Personnel at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where he is deployed at short notice to respond to critical global emergencies. His expertise spans governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in conflict and post-conflict regions.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to global humanitarian work, Ambassador Manav Sachdeva was honored with the Alumni Service Global Award from the University of California and the California Legislature Award in May 2024. These prestigious accolades acknowledge his dedication to international diplomacy, humanitarian relief, and policy reform.

With an extensive career at the UN and UNDP, Ambassador Sachdeva has worked in multiple high-stakes environments, including Afghanistan, Liberia, Kosovo, Guyana, Ukraine, and several other conflict-affected nations. His work has centered on rebuilding war-torn societies, fostering democratic governance, and implementing policies that empower marginalized communities.

Originally from Ludhiana, India, Ambassador Manav Sachdeva pursued graduate studies at Harvard, Columbia, and the University of California, equipping him with a strong academic foundation that complements his professional endeavors. His passion for learning and cross-cultural understanding has shaped his approach to diplomacy, allowing him to bridge gaps between diverse communities and drive impactful change.

Beyond his diplomatic and humanitarian roles, Ambassador Sachdeva is a celebrated poet and writer, known for using literature as a tool for social change. Under his pen name, Maasoom Shah, he has authored several thought-provoking pieces that explore themes of identity, conflict, and resilience. His work has been featured in The Tribune, The Indian Express, CNN News18, India Today, The Huffington Post, The Hindu, The Quint, and The New York Times/International Herald Tribune. His ability to merge diplomacy with the arts makes him a unique global voice advocating for peace and cultural preservation. Through his poetry and literary contributions, he sheds light on the human cost of war and displacement while inspiring hope and unity.

Ambassador Sachdeva balances his professional commitments with a fulfilling personal life. Based in New Delhi, he shares his journey with his wife, Nigora; daughter, Anarkali; and son, Darius. His deep-rooted values in family, education, and service continue to drive his mission of creating a more equitable and compassionate world.

As he moves forward in his career, Ambassador Sachdeva remains committed to his vision of leveraging diplomacy, literature, and global initiatives to foster peace, sustainability, and social justice on a worldwide scale.