Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya has accepted the invitation to join The Starling Institute as a Member of the Founding Board, effective July 2025.
The Starling Institute is the successor to Project Starling, launched in 2023. It is a new kind of multilateral system platform: a global think-and-do tank and advisory firm. It is dedicated to shifting power to those most affected by global governance decisions. Monitoring today’s global challenges can only be addressed through a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable multilateral system.
Building on the foundation laid by Project Starling, the Institute has organised its work around three core programme pillars:
a. Multilateral reform and modernisation;
b. UN80 reform and the next Secretary-General;
c. Development cooperation and Financing for Development.
Project Starling currently supports the multilateral system by helping governments, civil society, and diverse stakeholders through the creation of ideas, facilitating navigation through the political process, and building alliances and coalitions. The Institute advances this work through rigorous analysis, constructive dialogue, and broad-based stakeholder engagement.
Founded by Minh-Thu Pham and Jacob Harold, the Institute brings together an exceptional group of Independent Board Members, including Nick Grono, Irina Petrova, Robert C. Orr, and Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya. Minh-Thu Pham also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Interim Board Chair, and Elena Bertozzi serves as Secretary, Interim Treasurer, and Deputy Director of the Institute.
Dr Debapriya, through his extensive experience in global development policy, multilateral processes, and South–South cooperation, will contribute towards the Institute’s strategic direction. His background in economic policymaking, international negotiations, and institutional governance will support the organisation as it shapes its programme of work and strengthens its outreach across regions.
The Institute publishes a monthly newsletter, Starling’s Call, which provides timely updates and analysis on multilateral cooperation and global governance challenges. Its first publication was Our Inaugural Newsletter (No. 1, March 2025).
