SHOBHANA GURUNG PRADHAN

I currently serve as the Country Director for BBC Media Action in Nepal and have recently assumed the additional role of Regional Director for Afghanistan, India and Nepal. With over twenty-five years of experience in international development, I am deeply committed to the belief that effective communication plays a critical role in supporting communities to understand and respond to the challenges they face, particularly in the context of climate change, disaster risk and the growing threat of information disorder.

During my ten years with BBC Media Action, I have led a diverse portfolio of projects across governance, health, climate resilience and, more recently, media responses to misinformation and disinformation. My core motivation lies in witnessing the transformative impact of trusted, inclusive communication in enabling individuals to find their voice, understand their rights and responsibilities, and take informed action to improve their lives and those of their communities.

A particularly significant moment in my career was leading our earthquake response programme following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. In the immediate aftermath, our team delivered accurate, timely and trusted information to affected populations. This work not only supported communities to survive the initial disaster but also helped them to begin the complex process of rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and sense of security. It reinforced for me the vital importance of clear, context-specific communication in times of crisis.

Growing up in Nepal, I listened to the BBC every morning. It provided a window to the world and revealed the power of communication to transcend boundaries, challenge misinformation and foster understanding. Today, through my work at BBC Media Action, I feel privileged to contribute to that same mission. Our work spans critical issues including climate resilience, disaster preparedness, institutional accountability, and the understanding and mitigation of mis- and disinformation. In all of this, we aim to support communities to navigate complexity, counter harmful narratives, and take informed, collective action.

Prior to joining BBC Media Action, I worked with the United Nations and a range of bilateral, national and international organisations, across sectors such as governance, youth, migration, public health and resilience. These experiences have shaped a strong commitment to inclusive, adaptive development, and a particular interest in how communication can serve as a bridge between policy, practice and the lived realities of those most at risk.