Dr Vasanti Rao
Dr. Vasanti Rao is a leading voice in environmental advocacy, policy reforms, and communication for change. With 32+ years of experience at the intersection of research, policy, and advocacy, she promotes planetary well-being, social equity, regenerative policies and programs.
About
Director General, Centre for Media Studies (CMS)
Founder, CMS VATAVARAN (Asia's largest green film festival and advocacy platform)
Global Co-Chair of IUCN #NatureForAll
Global Co-Chair of IUCN #NatureForAll and Steering Committee Member for IUCN CEC.
Policy Analyst and Media Strategist
Specialises in behavioral research, policy studies, sustainability advocacy, and social & behavior change communications (SBCC).
Resume
Researcher. Strategist. Changemaker.
Dr. Vasanti began her journey in media research and rose to lead global conversations on sustainability and social equity.
With a PhD from JNU and an MBA from FMS Delhi, she possesses strong academic credentials.
Vision & Mission
Dr. Vasanti envisions a healthy world where every child is loved and fully nurtured.
Mission: To inform policy and programs, amplify unheard voices, and leverage communication technologies & techniques for planetary wellbeing.
Initiatives
Focus Areas
Conservation & Sustainability
Promoting climate action, biodiversity conservation, and regenerative policies.
Children & Education
Championing Nature based education; leading media literacy and behavioral change campaigns.
Empowerment & Gender Equality
Researching gender-sensitive content, media norms, and leadership representation.
Technology & Media for Social Impact
Driving social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) and digital innovation.
The Regeneration
Forum 2026
Connecting Stories to Communities
Deepened grassroots environmental literacy, ensuring critical ecological issues are placed firmly on local and institutional agendas.
Building the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
A trained cohort of youth equipped with measurable, real-world skills in leadership, communication, and green careers.
Forging Partnerships for Regenerative Action
Strategic, high-impact public-private partnerships that connect grassroots initiatives with national and global resources.
Insights & Impact
Thought Leadership
Speaker at COP26, IUCN Congress, IAMCR, and more. Former columnist for MINT. Keynotes and panelist in media policy and climate action dialogues.
Collaborations & Memberships
Worked with: UNICEF, GIZ, UNEP, ASCI, UNDP, UNESCO. Member of advisory boards, ethics councils, and global conservation platforms.
Media Mentions
Covered by Times of India, The Hindu, UNESCO Reports, and more. Quoted in leadership and climate media features.
Stay Connected
Collaboration & Inquiries
We welcome collaborations and partnerships to further impactful initiatives in conservation, sustainability, media, and policy advocacy. If you are interested in working together,
Stay connected with
Dr. Vasanti on social media:
