David oversees advocacy and communications at CDRI, orchestrating the organization’s global outreach and elevating its visibility across media, policy forums, and government platforms. He spearheads strategic engagements and crafts compelling advocacy narratives and campaigns, positioning resilience-building as a core priority in national and international agendas.

With nearly two decades of experience across diplomacy, development, and civil society, David has successfully built influential coalitions and shaped policy initiatives across the UK, India, and the Commonwealth. Before CDRI, he served as Senior Political Advisor at the British High Commission in India, overseeing multilateral engagement, policy analysis, and the Global Partnership Programme.

He previously held senior roles at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and Street Games UK, driving strategic partnerships and securing multi-million-pound commitments for development efforts. His expertise spans diplomacy, communications, public advocacy, and development policy.

An accomplished author and speaker, David has contributed to flagship platforms including CHOGM, Raisina Dialogue, and G20 working groups. He holds degrees from Durham and Lancaster Universities and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Arts and a Chatham House member.