معرفی
Giles Gunesekera is an Industry Fellow at the Graduate Research School of the University of Technology Sydney, where he is completing his PhD in Impact Investing with a specialized focus on Affordable Housing and Indigenous Communities. With over 30 years of professional experience spanning corporate leadership, not-for-profit governance, and social enterprise development, he brings a unique blend of business acumen and social impact expertise to his academic work.
His research interests center on impact investing frameworks that balance financial returns with measurable social outcomes, particularly aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Gunesekera specializes in developing investment models that address housing challenges within Indigenous communities while creating sustainable financial vehicles.
His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on culturally appropriate housing solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, highlighting the need for policy reform that recognizes housing as essential social infrastructure rather than merely physical shelter.
- Order of Australia medal (OAM) for service to social welfare and community (2023)
- Fellowship of Monash University for distinguished service to business and community (2023)
- Outstanding Alumnus award from Oxford University
- Outstanding Achievement Award for services to Impact Investing
Gunesekera serves as Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative, which was recognized as a United Nations Global Compact LEAD participant from 2019 to 2021. He sits on Advisory Boards for the United Nations for Climate & Health and Sustainable Finance, bringing his expertise to global policy discussions. His professional network spans corporate, academic, and international development sectors, enabling cross-sector collaboration on complex social challenges.
