Gayan Peiris

About Gayan Peiris

Visionary leader at the intersection of AI, data, and digital public infrastructure, currently directing transformative digital initiatives at UNDP across 170+ countries.I bring 20+ years of global experience across the UN, private sector, and consulting, guiding strategy, scaling digital platforms, and shaping policy frameworks that enable responsible and inclusive AI adoption.At UNDP, I lead AI innovation efforts through our flagship AI Sprint, deploying custom LLMs, co-pilot governance, and national AI strategies while championing global partnerships, digital upskilling, and ethical technology use.I thrive in high-impact environments where digital products solve complex real-world problems. I’m especially passionate about product ecosystems that drive equity, accountability, and measurable development outcomes. Areas of expertise:AI Strategy & Product InnovationGlobal Digital TransformationData Governance & Privacy (GDPR, DPIA)Cloud, AI Platforms & Responsible TechCross-sector Partnerships & Ecosystem Building Currently focused on enabling AI for public good, while exploring future-facing advisory and innovation opportunities with mission-driven organisations and tech leaders.

Experience

1. Director, Data Protection and Privacy Office

   United Nations

   Mar 2026 — Present · NY, US

Education

• Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology - SMU

  Masters in Information Technology, Information Technology

  2006 — 2008

• St Peters College

  College Degree

  1986 — 2010

Skills

• International Project Management
• Capacity Building
• Strategy
• IT Management
• Public Policy
• Data Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Business Analysis
• Program Management
• Research
• Databases
• Ngos
• Integration
• Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos)
• Knowledge Management
• Policy
• Management
• Management Consulting
• Analysis
• Proposal Writing
• Project Management
• International Development
• Disaster Recovery
• International Relations
• Itil
• Leadership
• IT Strategy