New UNDP Representative Takes Helm in Mauritius and Seychelles

Ms. Alka Bhatia has been officially appointed the new Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mauritius and Seychelles. Ms. Bhatia presented her credentials to the Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration & International Trade, at his office today, 06 October.

Veteran Expertise for Sustainable Development

The appointment sees a wealth of experience arrive in the islands. Ms. Bhatia brings over 35 years of leadership and expertise to the role, specifically in poverty alleviation, trade, and sustainable development.

The meeting with Minister Ramful served as an opportunity to reaffirm UNDP’s strong commitment to supporting the People and Government of Mauritius in their sustainable development journey.

This commitment is targeted at aligning with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Minister Ramful welcomed Ms. Bhatia and reiterated the Government’s readiness to continue working closely with the UNDP to advance inclusive and sustainable development across the country.

Career of International Service

Ms. Bhatia has been with the UNDP since 2010, where she has provided strategic policy advice to governments and UN Country Teams in Namibia, Lesotho, and Malawi.

Before her time at the UNDP, she had a distinguished career as a civil servant with the Government of India.

She specialised in trade policy formulation and negotiations, notably representing India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva during the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations.

She later served as an Economic Affairs Officer at the WTO, where she focused on advancing trade and development initiatives for Least Developed Countries under the Enhanced Integrated Framework.

Throughout her career, Ms. Bhatia has leveraged her expertise to influence policy and strengthen international cooperation as a trusted advisor on sustainable development.

Ms. Bhatia holds a Master of Arts degree from Punjab University, India, and pursued advanced training in International Economics and Trade at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

Source: UNDP