Noopur Desai
About Noopur Desai
Noopur Desai is the Programme Lead for Food Innovation Hubs at the World Economic Forum, where she has worked since 2021. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University and has previously held roles at the World Food Programme and The Rockefeller Foundation.
Work at World Economic Forum
Noopur Desai currently serves as the Programme Lead for Food Innovation Hubs at the World Economic Forum. She has held this position since 2021, contributing to initiatives focused on enhancing food systems globally. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Specialist in the Food Systems Initiative from 2018 to 2021 and as an Intern in the same initiative in 2018. Her work in these roles has been based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Education and Expertise
Noopur Desai earned a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice from Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs, where she studied International Development, Food Systems, Economics, and Public Policy from 2016 to 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in Psychology from FLAME University, completed from 2008 to 2012. Earlier, she attended Saint Ann's High School in Secunderabad from 2006 to 2008.
Previous Experience at World Food Programme
In 2017, Noopur Desai worked as a Graduate Consultant for the Country Strategy, Monitoring and Evaluation team at the World Food Programme. This role was based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and lasted for two months. Her experience there contributed to her understanding of food security and program evaluation.
Career at The Rockefeller Foundation
Noopur Desai was a Graduate Intern for the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation in 2017. This position, which lasted for two months, was located in the Greater New York City Area. Her internship provided her with insights into food systems and innovative approaches to food security.
Professional Background in Research and Consulting
Noopur Desai has a background in research and consulting, having worked as an Associate at Intellecap from 2012 to 2014 and as a Senior Associate at IIX Foundation from 2014 to 2016. Her roles involved conducting research and impact assessments, primarily in Hyderabad, India, and Singapore.