ANDE Asia Chapters are thrilled to invite you to the fourth session of the ANDE Access & Opportunity Learning Lab, focused on Policy Frameworks to Foster Inclusivity.
This session will focus on policy frameworks that enable inclusion, both internally in organizations and in their external programming. The session will also delve into Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to measure and sustain such initiatives. The panelists will share practical tools and frameworks that organizations can use to create more inclusive spaces. The two-hour session will feature presentations, robust Q&A, and valuable small-group discussions in breakout rooms.
Date: 11 December 2025
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM IST | 3:30 – 5:30 PM ICT
3:30 – 3:40 PM (ICT) Introduction
3:40 – 4:00 PM (ICT) Setting the Scene: Policy at glance – Organizational and programmatic levels by Shamha Naseer, Gender Specialist for the Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub
4:00 – 4:20 PM (ICT) Internal and External Best Practices of Seedstars by Tom Sebastian, Regional Director of Partnerships in Asia and APAC, Seedstars
4:20 – 4:40 PM (ICT) Toolkit by Global Disability Innovation Hub by Shantosh Cumarasurier, Innovation Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub
4:40 – 5:15 PM (ICT) Breakout activities
5:15 – 5:30 PM (ICT) Next steps and Closing
Tom Sebastian, Regional Director of Partnerships in Asia and APAC, Seedstars
Tom Sebastian, serving as the Regional Director of Partnerships in Asia and APAC for Seedstars, is responsible for building impact programs for regional and national partners across Asia. With a career spanning over 17 years, Tom has garnered extensive expertise in sustainability, socio-economic impact, and entrepreneurship development.
His professional journey includes notable tenures at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Asia House, Palladium, and Accenture, where he played pivotal roles in shaping initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global challenges. Tom possesses a wealth of experience in fostering cross-industry collaborations and conceiving both national and international programs geared toward combating climate change and promoting livelihood development. Tom’s commitment to driving positive change is reflected in his varied portfolio of projects and partnerships. His strategic leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in shaping impactful initiatives that resonate across diverse sectors and geographies.
As Regional Director of Partnerships, Tom continues to leverage his extensive network and expertise to forge impactful alliances and advance sustainable development goals across the Asia-Pacific region. He is additionally also the Program Director for the SEED Inclusivity Program supporting founders with disabilities and assistive technology businesses across APAC.
Shamha Naseer, Gender Specialist for the Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub
Shamha works at UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub as the Gender Specialist for the Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific. Previously, she worked with the regional gender portfolio at UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub, focusing on gender-transformative programmatic approaches. She also held various roles at UNDP’s Maldives Country Office, contributing to initiatives on youth engagement and women’s empowerment. Shamha holds a Master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from the University of St. Andrews, UK.
Shantosh Cumarasurier, Innovation Advisor, Global Disability Innovation Hub
Shantosh Cumarasurier is an innovation and venture development professional with a strong track record in driving strategic initiatives, scaling startups, and building high-impact ecosystems. With expertise in market research, venture acceleration, and investment strategies, he has successfully designed and led programs that bridge technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. His experience spans across product development, ecosystem partnerships, and capital mobilization, focusing on inclusive innovation and emerging market opportunities. Passionate about leveraging data-driven insights and stakeholder collaboration, Shantosh works at the intersection of technology, investment, and impact to create sustainable and scalable solutions.