Ankita Padelkar is a Strategic Climate Finance Leader and Oceanographer with over decade of experience spearheading multi-million dollar environmental initiatives. She secured USD 240M+ in climate funding through the Green Climate Fund for Indian MSMEs and contributed to India’s G20 Presidency while working at UNDP and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, focusing on Blue Economy initiatives . Her research credentials include participation in crucial marine expeditions with CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, and studying coral reef ecosystem dynamics across Indian waters with findings published in peer-reviewed journals. Her unique background bridges scientific research and practical climate finance implementation, combining Climate research expertise with decisive leadership in high-stakes international negotiations.