Hemansu Roy-Trivedy is now retired from full-time work but remains active in various roles. Since 2024, he has served as the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste in Scotland. He is also a Trustee for ActionAid UK and dedicates his time as a part-time, volunteer mentor for the United Nations and the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. He served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste from February 2018 to November 2022, and as the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea from December 2013 to December 2017.
Before joining the UN, Mr Roy-Trivedy spent 13 years with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), where he held several key roles, including Head of the Civil Society Department (2009-2013), Team Leader for the UK White Paper ‘Building Our Common Future’ (2009) and more. He career began with 20 years of work for non-governmental organisations across the UK, Mozambique, India, and Malawi. He studied at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and the University of Sheffield.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Mr Roy-Trivedy shared, “Growing up in East Africa, I witnessed how development could transform emerging countries, which inspired me to contribute to that process. In the early years, there were few Asians in these fields, and I was determined to make an impact in every country I worked in. I’ve been fortunate to find something to love in every place I served within the first six months, which made my work more than just a job—it became a passion.”
Reflecting on his roots, he said, “My family hails from Saurashtra in Gujarat, India. My parents were born and raised in Chuda, a small town in Saurashtra, and I had the opportunity to visit these places through my work with tribal women’s groups and Save the Children. Many of my relatives live in Ahmedabad and nearby areas, so I was able to reconnect with our ancestral home. I am incredibly proud of my heritage and honoured to have contributed to India’s development, from grassroots initiatives to policy-making with the UK Government and the UN.”
Empowering communities through global partnerships
Mr Roy-Trivedy emphasised his focus on building strong partnerships with governments and communities during his tenure as Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. In Timor-Leste, a country with limited healthcare, the Covid-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge. “We worked closely with the UN and development partners to deliver essential supplies and assist with economic management. Despite being isolated, Timor-Leste kept the death toll low thanks to these efforts and strong leadership,” he said.
As Honorary Consul for Timor-Leste in Scotland, he also highlighted the important role of the diaspora in economic development and cultural exchange. “Timorese Diasporas, including those born in the UK, send remittances home while bridging cultures and bringing back valuable knowledge. I’ve been working to bring Timorese music and dance to the Edinburgh Festival, opening global opportunities for the country’s culture. Similarly, the Indian diaspora has contributed significantly across fields, promoting global cooperation and cultural exchange.”
Speaking about advice to young people from the diaspora considering careers in diplomacy, international development, or humanitarian work, Mr Roy-Trivedy said, “There are many opportunities to study, learn, and gain experience through internships and other avenues. My advice is to start by engaging with your local community and serving at the grassroots level. My own work with the Indian Tribal Women’s Trust taught me valuable lessons about the real challenges people face and the impact of local and international policies. Begin small, build your experience, and explore organisations like the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office or NGOs like ActionAid. The diaspora plays an essential role, and I encourage young people from Asia, Africa, and beyond to get involved, stay committed, and keep learning. Discover where your passion lies and how you can make a meaningful difference.”
