Shombi Sharp is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, a position he has held since November 2021. A national of the United States, he has devoted over 25 years to international development focusing on inclusive and sustainable growth.
Before his current role in India, Sharp held several senior positions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in various countries including Armenia, Georgia, Lebanon, Russia, and the Western Balkans. He started his career with CARE International in Zimbabwe.
Shombi Sharp’s career journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to global development and sustainability. Born in Los Angeles in 1969, his professional path took an international course early on, launching with CARE International in Zimbabwe, where he engaged directly with communities facing development challenges.
His work has covered regions as varied as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, giving him a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of global development issues.
“My aim has always been to work towards growth that leaves no one behind,” Sharp has said, reflecting a principle that underlies all his efforts.
Settling in Delhi as the UN Resident Coordinator since November 2021, he has embraced the city’s vibrant mix of ancient culture and rapid modernisation.
“Delhi just abounds with incredible places to visit, and that’s the joy of living here,” he mentions, highlighting his personal connection to the place that now anchors his impactful work.
His career is not just about administrative roles but a deeply human journey, marked by adaptability, cultural engagement, and a continuous learning mindset that brings life to the numbers and policies he works with.
Bringing Global Agendas to Life Locally
In his current role in India, Sharp’s responsibility is to align the United Nations’ global objectives with India’s national priorities, particularly concerning sustainable development.
India’s position as a major global player in climate action and sustainable growth is crucial, and Sharp emphasises this when he says, “India’s leadership is vital for global climate action.”
Since his appointment, he has worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as with multiple UN agencies, to drive initiatives like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE).
This programme fosters circular economy practices, green manufacturing, and eco-labelling, encouraging sustainable public procurement as a means of reducing environmental impacts while promoting economic inclusivity.
Sharp has been instrumental in shepherding India’s contributions to international forums like COP 28 and the G20, ensuring the country’s commitments resonate within global dialogues.
His approach is collaborative, bringing together government sectors, civil society, and the private sector, reinforcing the notion that sustainable development requires broad participation and localised solutions.
Expertise and Experience Shape Solutions
Sharp’s multifaceted expertise shapes his holistic approach to development challenges. Holding a master’s degree in economics from the University of Colorado and possessing specialised training in HIV/AIDS management from the University of South Africa, he blends technical knowledge with practical field experience.
His past roles with the UN Development Programme in countries like Armenia and Lebanon, where he handled diverse portfolios including governance reforms and health economics, provided him with insight into managing complex crises and development programmes.
Sharp’s leadership in crisis contexts, such as Syrian refugee support in Lebanon, followed by his work addressing urban environmental issues in India most notably air pollution in Delhi reflects his ability to navigate diverse and dynamic challenges.
“I have come to feel like a Dilliwaala… I could spend a lifetime here,” he shares, underscoring his personal investment in India’s socio-economic landscape.
His capacity to synthesize technical expertise with empathetic leadership has made him a pivotal figure in fostering development policies that balance economic growth with social equity and environmental care.
Personal and Cultural Engagement with India
Beyond his professional role, Sharp embraces India’s rich cultural mosaic and the dynamism of its cities, especially Delhi, where he resides.
He shares, “Delhi just abounds with incredible places to visit, and that’s the joy of living here,” highlighting his personal appreciation for the city’s heritage and biodiversity.
Sharp’s connection with India adds a human dimension to his work, enabling him to foster trust and mutual understanding in a country with diverse challenges and opportunities.
His cultural engagement reinforces his belief that sustainable development hinges on context-sensitive solutions shaped by local realities and aspirations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shombi Sharp’s journey is more than a career path it embodies the values of resilience, empathy, and collaborative leadership that are essential for confronting today’s complex global challenges. His work in India demonstrates how sustainable development is achievable when international frameworks are sensitively adapted to local realities.
This aligns strongly with The Logical Indian’s commitment to peace, coexistence, and empathetic dialogue. As India continues to navigate the path of sustainable growth and climate leadership, Sharp’s story invites reflection on what it truly means to serve with purpose and commitment.
It raises a vital question for all citizens: How can each of us contribute to building a greener, more just society that honours both humanity and the planet? This moment calls not only for policy but for heartfelt community action and positive dialogue that encourage unity and shared progress.
