Abhinav Kumar

About Abhinav Kumar

Presently working with UNESCO in the education department wherein my current focus is to support programme activities relating to the subject of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and; the role of technology in the education discourse. I graduated in 2019 with a Masters in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.I have keen interest in exploring the multidimensional aspects of development pertaining to (but not limited to) equitable quality education, emerging technologies in education, addressing gender inequalities, adolescent health and people with disabilities. Core competencies include project management, qualitative and quantitative research analysis, theory of change, capacity building, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, developing content for ICT in education, resource mobilization, stakeholder management, creating data visualization and infographics.

Experience

1. Programme Coordinator

   UNESCO

   Apr 2022 — Present · New Delhi, IN

   o As the focal point on greening education, I managed and initiated projects to advance climate education and resilience in South Asia. This included coordinating a project in Bhutan to promote environment education in natural sites, developing innovative resource materials and interactive videos on climate change. I also manage state level partnerships for transforming schools into green, climate-resilient institutions by integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curriculum.o Led the development of UNESCO New Delhi\'s flagship annual reports, including \"Rhythms of Learning\", the 2024 UNESCO State of the Education Report for India on Culture and Arts Education, the 2023 State of the Education Report for India on Education to address climate change, titled “Seeds of Change” and the 2022 State of the Education Report for India, focused on Artificial Intelligence in Education, titled “Here, There and Everywhere”. In both projects, we managed project development from inception, including conceptualization, raising financial resources, and providing technical support to research teams. We also established editorial boards, collaborated with government stakeholders in India, and produced online content, such as videos, to support these reports. Notably, we successfully secured a total of in funding for these projects. o Established a strategic collaboration with the Government of Maldives and the Royal Government of Bhutan to launch and oversee a comprehensive national initiative, focusing on the critical intersection of climate change and education within the country. o Collaborating directly with the Chief of Education, UNESCO New Delhi, to develop and implement national education strategies for the South Asia region. Also acted as focal point for managing activities on the Greening Education Partnership and, coordinated UNESCO inputs to G20 Education working group during India’s 2023 G20 Presidency.

Education

• Delhi Public School Noida

  High School Diploma, Business/Commerce, General

  2008 — 2014

• Dyal Singh College, Delhi University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics (Honours)

  2014 — 2017

• Institute of Development Studies

  Master's degree, Development Studies

  2018 — 2019