Gopal Mitra, an experienced program specialist and former officer in the Indian Army, has established himself as a prominent and dedicated advocate for children with disabilities. Having earned a Master of Science in Development Management at the London School of Economics, as well as a Masters in Social Work in Social Welfare Administration at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mitra is highly qualified and educated in his field of work. At UNICEF, he serves as a Programme Specialist-Children with Disabilities with a focus on policy and cross-sectoral issues, acting as a focal point on subjects such as inclusive humanitarian action, assistive technology, and adolescents and young people with disabilities. Additionally, he coordinates UNICEF's engagement with the Inter-Agency Support Group on Disability and co-chairs the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Task Team on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. Prior to his work in civil society organizations, Mitra served as a Major in the Indian Army where he took part in counter-insurgency operations, development projects, and humanitarian response until an explosion left him severely injured and blind in 2000. With his extensive experience and education, Mitra's passion for and dedication to disability advocacy has made him an instrumental figure in the field.