Ms. Sharmila Pun comes from Nepal and holds a dual master’s degree in Resilient Farming & Food Systems and Agroecology from Wageningen University & Research and Isara Lyon respectively. As a first-generation university graduate from an Indigenous community, she brings valuable insights and a strong commitment to an inclusive and resilient food system. She has been awarded prestigious academic scholarships such as IAAS merit, Terra ISARA, and OKP Scholarships, advancing knowledge in her field. 

With over 7 years of experience, she has worked in Nepal, France, and the Netherlands, focusing on agroecology, food security, climate change adaptation, and economic development. She has demonstrated expertise in both project design and as well ground-level implementation, working closely with farming communities. Ms. Pun has been a strong advocate for the promotion of agrobiodiversity, speaking at both national and international platforms such as the World Food Forum. She has been part of various organizations, including UMN, Stichting Boerengroep, Caritas Nepal, and Shechen Karuna, contributing to initiatives that support resilient farming systems and economic development. Currently, she works as a Food System and Nutrition Technical expert at Welthungerhilfe WHH Nepal and Co-PI for the Horticulture Innovation Lab South Asia Regional Hub research initiative, Empowering youth entrepreneurs through appropriate horticulture interventions in Nepal.