About Me
Professional Profile
Hello, I am Dr Sunoor Verma, a senior international development and humanitarian specialist passionate about making a difference. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to advise prestigious organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, HUG-Geneva, and Cambridge University on Strategy, Leadership Communication, Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization.
I’ve led operations in Southeast Europe for the European Centre for Minority Issues and supported Track II peace processes in Macedonia, Kosovo, and Sri Lanka. I have been actively involved in emergency responses to Tsunamis, Avian Influenza, and, most recently, COVID-19.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to cultivate partnerships. I’ve curated partnerships with parliamentarians in Malaysia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and Nepal, fostering collaboration and driving positive change.
As an Executive Director, I firmly established the Geneva Health Forum on the global map, showcasing its importance as a premium health policy dialogue arena. Additionally, I’ve shared my knowledge and expertise as a Global Health practitioner at Boston University for five years.
Education, especially for the girl child, is a cause close to my heart. That’s why I’m deeply involved as the series editor of the Namaste Series, a collection of inspirational story books from the Global South.
In a previous career chapter, I practised cardiothoracic surgery, bringing a unique perspective to my work in international development and humanitarian efforts.
I’m passionate about what I do and committed to making a positive impact wherever I go. I would love to connect with you if you’re looking for a strategy consultant with expertise, experience, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Let’s work together to create positive change in the world.
Consultant, not Contractor
In today’s world, there is frequently confusion between the phrases “consultant” and “contractor.” However, I specialise in delivering consulting services to help organisations and their executives progress their ambitions. My primary focus is adding value to existing initiatives or launching new events, projects, or programmes. It’s vital to highlight that I don’t undertake ‘contractor work,’ which usually entails simply addressing labour shortages within an organisation without proposing new strategic initiatives.
Moderator, not MC
I take tremendous delight in moderating high-voltage discussions. As a moderator, I prioritise representing the audience’s interests to ensure they get the most out of the debate. Before moderating any conversation, I devote significant time and effort to preparation, frequently exceeding that of the invited panellists. While I may not be the most obvious candidate for entertainment roles such as Master of Ceremonies (MC) or other ornamental roles, I am committed to enabling engaging and meaningful talks.
Speaker, not Appeaser
Being invited to speak is a fantastic honour that I sincerely appreciate. I accept invitations when I believe I can add value as a practitioner by sharing global insights and encouraging fresh thinking. Before accepting any invitation, I fully understand the event’s goal. My goal is always to spark fresh thoughts and push the envelope for each attendance rather than simply contributing to the noise or pleasing the audience.
Producer, not Replicator
I enjoy making forward-thinking, solution-oriented documentary films. These documentaries cover various topics such as sports and leadership, family philanthropy, and the oral histories of organisations and visionaries. They are filmed in exciting settings like Singapore, Australia, India, and Morocco. They are essential to my consulting firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, “Go! Inspire.”
Personal Philosophy
In my personal and professional lives, I’ve followed my parents’ guiding principle: one’s place of birth is not the destination but the starting point. While my medical career began as a cardiac surgeon, I’ve expanded into humanitarian outreach, strategic planning, communications, partnerships, entrepreneurship, and resource mobilisation. Just as the body’s systems work efficiently through healthy interaction, I believe that the success of any team, organisation, or government depends on collaboration and interconnection.
Values
Connection: I am committed to establishing strong linkages between the public, private, civic, and governmental sectors. I help my clients and the communities they serve by planning, negotiating, and implementing strategic relationships.
Innovation: Using my analytical talents and a sharp eye for opportunity, I propel projects forward through strategic planning, communications, collaborations, and resource management to ensure inventive answers to every obstacle.
Education: I am enthusiastic about knowledge and its ability to inspire future generations. I enjoy participating in educational projects by serving as a lecturer, moderator, panellist, and public speaker in various capacities.
Initiative: I am proactive in putting significant programmes and projects into action. From grantmaking and political discussion to capacity building, policy formulation, conflict resolution, income generation, and peacebuilding, I am dedicated to making a positive difference in every endeavour.
Philanthropy: Motivated by my vision of a harmonious, global, interconnected world, I actively support marginalised and disenfranchised groups. I raise awareness of their needs by conceptualising and producing documentaries that contribute to sound change and social justice.