Meet Our Team

Professional overview

Dr. Eluri has served with distinction in India’s security and administrative agencies, where he contributed to policy development, inter-agency coordination and international cooperation on security, counter-terrorism and related governance issues. Combining practical experience with academic rigour, he brings a policy-oriented approach to diplomacy that emphasises rule-based solutions, human rights and sustainable development.

United Nations participation & multilateral engagement

• Sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women (New York), contributing to discussions on gender equality and empowerment.
• UN General Assembly side events and SDG-weekend high-level meetings focused on accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Multilateral dialogues and panels addressing climate diplomacy, sustainable development, global peacebuilding and humanitarian cooperation.

Through these engagements he has fostered partnerships among governments, international organisations, civil society and academic institutions, particularly across Asia, Europe and Africa, to advance collaborative solutions for development, resilience and peace.

Diplomatic engagement & cultural diplomacy

As a practitioner of cultural diplomacy, Dr. Eluri advocates for soft-power approaches that build mutual understanding and long-term partnerships. He has led and coordinated delegations, intergovernmental dialogues and cultural exchange programmes that promote intercultural understanding, capacity building and people-to-people links. His diplomacy stresses inclusive development, education and the role of culture in conflict prevention and reconciliation.

International Police Commission (IPC) — Global Command / IPC IGO responsibilities

• Strengthening international law-enforcement cooperation, cross-border investigations and information exchange.
• Supporting peacekeeping and security capacity-building initiatives aligned with UN principles.
• Promoting the development of global security frameworks that respect human rights, judicial oversight and rule of law.
• Facilitating partnerships between policing agencies, international organisations and community stakeholders to enhance safety, resilience and crime-prevention strategies.

Leadership at ICCDR

• Cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation initiatives.
• Multisectoral partnerships for UN SDG implementation.
• Educational and exchange programmes, fellowships and capacity-building for emerging leaders.
• Recognition and awards that honour contributions to peace, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Scholarship, speaking & advisory roles

Dr. Eluri combines scholarship and practice: he publishes and speaks on international law, security trends and diplomacy, and advises governmental and non-governmental bodies on policy, programme design and international engagement. His research background informs ICCDR’s evidence-based programmatic approach and advocacy.

Values & vision

• Peaceful resolution of conflicts and multilateral dialogue.
• Upholding international law, human dignity and inclusive governance.
• Empowering communities through education, cultural exchange and sustainable development.

He continues to build bridges between nations, institutions and communities—advancing a vision of collaborative global governance in which diplomacy, culture and development work together to secure a safer, fairer and more sustainable future.

Ashraf Syed is a distinguished technology strategist and global governance advocate. He represents ICCDR at high-level multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, World Bank Group, and International Monetary Fund.

He leads ICCDR initiatives in Responsible AI governance, digital equity, climate-resilient innovation, and youth empowerment, engaging world leaders, policymakers, and civil society across high-level global forums.

In addition to his diplomatic leadership, Ashraf Syed is a multi-award-winning technologist, widely recognized for pioneering scalable digital solutions in public health.

Mr. Syed is a published researcher in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He has contributed in multiple capacities, including judge, Session Chair, Reviewer, and Speaker, to leading IEEE, Springer, and ACM journals and conferences.

Through his leadership at ICCDR, Ashraf Syed continues to advance a vision of ethical AI governance, global digital equity, youth empowerment, climate technology, and diplomacy for peace and development, strengthening bridges between nations, technology communities, and international institutions.

A distinguished healthcare professional, Dr. Suneetha is an eminent physical therapist specializing in children’s ADHD and a fellow in neurological rehabilitation, with over two decades of experience in clinical practice and community-based health initiatives. She is internationally recognized for her advocacy in pediatric neurodevelopmental care and inclusive health systems.

As a global voice for gender equity in the digital age, Dr. Suneetha actively champions the development of international AI safety and cyber-protection standards for women and girls, ensuring a secure and equitable digital future. Her leadership extends to advancing women’s empowerment, access to education, and inclusive digital transformation in emerging regions.

With a strong record of humanitarian engagement, Dr. Suneetha has played a pivotal role in strengthening women's participation and leadership in international governance and diplomacy. She has represented ICCDR at high-level ECOSOC dialogues and engagements with the UN Secretary-General, contributing to strategic global discussions on gender, youth leadership, and the governance of ethical technology.

Through her work, Dr. Eluri continues to promote a vision of equitable development, ethical technology adoption, and human-centered diplomacy, building bridges between global institutions, civil society, and communities to advance peace, dignity, and sustainable progress worldwide.

Dr. K. I. Varaprasad Reddy founded Shantha Biotechnics in Hyderabad in 1993, driven by a determination to prove India's capability in advanced biotechnology. An electronics engineer and former defence scientist, he ventured into biotechnology without formal training in the field, determined to challenge the Western monopoly over life-saving biological products. Through collaborative research with Osmania University and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), his efforts culminated in 1997 with the launch of Shanvac-B, India's first indigenously produced recombinant DNA Hepatitis B vaccine.

Shantha Biotechnics transformed the pharmaceutical landscape by offering the vaccine at approximately $1 per dose, compared with the prevailing import cost of around $35 per vial, making it accessible to millions across developing nations and compelling multinational competitors to reduce their prices globally. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to biotechnology, affordable healthcare, and India's scientific advancement, Dr. K. I. Varaprasad Reddy was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. His pioneering work remains a landmark achievement in Indian innovation, self-reliance, and accessible healthcare.

Sri D.R. Kaarthikeyan is a highly distinguished, retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1964 batch who served as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Director General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

He is most globally recognized for leading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that successfully cracked the complex investigation of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian Civil Services and public service, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2010.