Giles Gunesekera OAM
Giles Gunesekera

Contact: giles.e.gunesekera@student.uts.edu.au

Entered PhD Program: June 2024

PhD Supervisors: Professor Hélène de Burgh-Woodman and Dr Allan Teale

 

 

 

Research Topics:

Giles’ Industry PhD will explore Impact Investing, Affordable Housing, and Indigenous Communities, focusing on measuring social impact in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Teaching Areas:

Giles has developed and delivered educational curricula on Funds Management, Sustainability, ESG, and Impact Investment for regulators and industry associations across the Asia Pacific. His tailored training sessions have been conducted in Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives.
 
Academic Background and Work Experience:

Giles is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative and has over 30 years of experience in building and developing teams for global organisations. He holds academic qualifications from Oxford, Melbourne, and Monash Universities. His contributions to social welfare and community service have been recognised with an Order of Australia and a Fellowship at Monash University. Giles was also honoured as an Outstanding Alumnus by Oxford for his innovative sustainable business practices.

Giles' governance experience spans the corporate and NGO sectors, demonstrating his strategic oversight across diverse areas including Human Rights, Education, Arts, and Sports. He serves on the United Nations Advisory Boards for Climate & Health and Sustainable Finance, showcasing his commitment to global sustainability initiatives.

Conference Presentations:

Giles has presented at industry conferences worldwide on ESG, Sustainability, and Impact Investing. He has also been a panellist and speaker at the United Nations General Assembly Week in New York, discussing Gender Equality, Sustainable Finance, and Climate and Health.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.