After living and working in Pakistan, Nepal and Maldives, finally I was in India – the heart of South Asia, a land of captivating contrasts and diversity.
India is a republic of 1.4 billion people, the largest democracy in the world, and one of the fastest-growing economies, lifting millions out of poverty. It's a place where ancient and modern coexist, where tradition meets innovation. A place where ultramodern highways run alongside traditional farms and where cycle rickshaws share the road with electric vehicles.
Within this landscape of progress, there are stubborn challenges – pockets of deprivation, declining women's labour force participation, and a growing youth population hungry for jobs.
This makes India and its growth story so unique.
I had been waiting for this opportunity – to work with one of the largest UN country teams in the world, lead a diverse portfolio at UNDP, and support India in her incredible journey – embracing its many contrasts as catalysts for progress.