WASHINGTON (July 12, 2021)— Aniruddha (Ani) Dasgupta has taken the position as the next President and CEO of WRI. He assumes this role following seven years of leading the organization’s Cities program, part of an over 25-year career focused on urban planning and design, poverty reduction and human development. He becomes just the 4th President in WRI’s nearly 40-year history.
As head of the Cities program, Dasgupta demonstrated a clear commitment to incorporating issues of equity and inclusion into the program, while developing innovative solutions and a collaborative leadership approach.
Dasgupta begins his term at a critical moment in history, as countries look to recharge their economies, as they recover from the pandemic and its human and economic toll.
Following is a statement from Ani Dasgupta, as he begins his role of President & CEO:
“I’m excited to lead WRI’s into its next chapter, as we look to face down the great challenges of our times. I look forward to building on the foundation of those who came before me and to working closely with our staff and partners around the globe. Over four decades, WRI has conducted research and mobilized efforts to develop tangible, lasting solutions for a healthy and thriving environment.
“All countries today face immense challenges of creating jobs and improving human well-being in the face of accelerating climate change. These challenges are taking place under the long shadow of an unprecedented global health emergency.
“I believe that WRI is well positioned to respond and help shift the world in a better direction. We need to mobilize action across all sectors of society to decarbonize the economy to reduce inequity and improve the lives of all people.”
