Ashirbad S. Raha, an ENERSIDER Top-50 Next-Gen Energy Leader, is a strategic communications leader with close to two decades of shaping public narratives on climate, energy, and policy across South Asia. As Regional Director of Communications at the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC India), he led brand-building and outreach that positioned EPIC India as a leading voice on energy and environmental economics across South Asia. His campaigns strengthened media and policy presence in 15+ languages across 3+ countries, grew digital engagement tenfold, and generated 3,500+ earned media stories; his films screened at COP27 and COP28.

He also supports strategic outreach for the University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG)‘s flagship initiatives like the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) and the Emissions Market Accelerator (EMA) in the region. Previously at the International Committee of the Red Cross and The Climate Group, he used evidence, advocacy, and storytelling to influence policy and build communications capacity.

A former Times of India journalist, he curates Evidence Edit – a series that translates climate and energy research for policymakers. He has completed short executive education courses (online) through Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Columbia, and is committed to building a new generation of evidence-led communicators for just, science-based climate action.