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Nitika Agarwal
Working on economic and finance sector policy to address climate change and nature loss. Former Treasury official and tech startup COO. ESG, Policy, Finance, Strategy, Cleantech.
Professional Background
Nitika Agarwal is a renowned leader in the realm of sustainable finance, dedicated to transforming powerful systems such as finance and food to combat the urgent issues of climate change and nature loss. With over 15 years of experience in government and policymaking, she has carved a significant niche at the forefront of climate initiatives. Previously, Nitika held esteemed positions at HM Treasury, including Head of EU Receipts and Head of EU Annual Budget Negotiations and Financial Management, where she played a vital role in shaping effective financial policies and strategies. Her dedication to promoting sustainable practices led her to serve as the Head of Policy - Sustainable Finance at WWF-UK, where she effectively utilized her expertise to drive impactful changes in the financial sector.
As a former Chief Operating Officer at Apolitical—a tech startup that caters to the needs of public servants—Nitika significantly contributed to its mission of fostering innovative solutions for government challenges. Under her leadership, the team focused on integrating sustainable practices in governance, further amplifying her commitment to public service and responsible practices in the private sector.
Additionally, Nitika has spent notable years working with the world-renowned conservation organization, WWF. As the leader of their Sustainable Finance Team, she has worked diligently to accelerate the greening of the financial sector through strategic policy changes and collaborations. Her multifaceted approach, combining extensive policy experience with a commitment to sustainability, positions her uniquely in the ongoing discourse around environmental impacts and economic systems.
Education and Achievements
Nitika's educational background lays a strong foundation for her work in sustainable finance and policy. She studied a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the prestigious University of Oxford, where she developed an intricate understanding of the interplay between governmental systems and economic frameworks. This comprehensive knowledge is complemented by her studies in Human Sciences, focusing on Anthropology, Sociology, Genetics, and Evolution, which inform her perspectives on human behavior and societal evolution in the face of pressing global challenges.
In addition to her advanced degrees, Nitika enhanced her expertise with a Certificate in ESG Investing from the reputable CFA Institute. This qualification not only showcases her commitment to understanding environmental, social, and governance principles, but also equips her with the necessary skills to drive meaningful transformations in the financial sector toward sustainable practices.
Nitika is known for her strong analytical and strategic thinking as evidenced by her various roles. From her tenure at HM Treasury to her leadership positions in notable organizations like WWF, she has consistently demonstrated the capacity to craft and influence policies that lead to sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her distinguished career, Nitika Agarwal has achieved numerous milestones that exemplify her dedication to sustainable development and innovative practices in public policy. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Leading WWF-UK’s Sustainable Finance Team, where she focuses on catalyzing sustainable investment practices and policies within the financial sector.
- Spearheading initiatives that bridge the gap between economic growth and ecological sustainability, showcasing her ability to harmonize financial interests with environmental goals.
- Playing a pivotal role in the EU’s budget negotiations during her time at HM Treasury, demonstrating her negotiation skills and commitment to secure funding for sustainable projects.
- Contributing to the development of Apolitical's innovative platform, which has become a vital resource for public servants seeking effective solutions for challenges in the public sector.
- Engaging with international stakeholders to promote a nature-positive economy through her advisory role at WWF-UK, influencing key decisions that impact both conservation and financial practices.
- Participating in cross-sector dialogues that emphasize the essential urgency of transitioning toward a more sustainable economic framework, reflecting her initiative to raise awareness about climate action at all levels of policy discourse.
In summary, Nitika Agarwal stands out as a pioneering professional in sustainable finance and policymaking. Her impressive background, extensive experience, and passion for addressing climate change and nature loss through policy change solidify her role as a leader in the movement for sustainability. As organizations and governments increasingly recognize the necessity of integrating sustainability into their financial practices, Nitika's insights and leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive positive change in the years to come.