Bangkok · International Development
Ryan Figueiredo is on a mission to build a more just and inclusive world. As founder of Equal Asia Foundation, he works at the intersection of LGBTI+ rights, humanitarian action, and sustainable development across Asia.
Learn more about Ryan ↓
About
Ryan Figueiredo is a social entrepreneur, human rights advocate, and international development leader with over two decades of experience spanning India, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of Equal Asia Foundation, a regional non-profit based in Bangkok that advances LGBTI+ inclusive SDG engagement. The Foundation addresses the practical and strategic needs of SOGIESC communities, with a focus on humanitarian action, poverty, mental health, and ageing.
Before Equal-AF, Ryan served as Deputy Director of APCOM Foundation — the largest Asia Pacific regional key population network — where he led flagship programmes and executive partnerships with GFTAM, PEPFAR, UN Women, UNFPA, UNDP, and UNAIDS.
His earlier career includes senior advisory and evaluation roles at IPPF South Asia, KPMG's Development Sector Practice, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he worked with UN agencies, bilateral donors, and national governments.
Ryan holds an MA in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, with advanced training at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Oxford University.
Selected Work
Equal Asia Foundation
2019 – Present · Bangkok, Thailand
Founded and leads a regional non-profit advancing LGBTI+ inclusive development. Collaborates with donors, policymakers, and UN agencies to build an informed ecosystem for SOGIESC communities across Asia.
Global Equality Caucus
Jan 2025 – Present · Remote
Contract consultant providing regional expertise across Asia Pacific for the Global Equality Caucus, supporting efforts to advance LGBTI+ equality through political engagement and cross-party advocacy.
APCOM Foundation
2016 – 2019 · Asia Pacific
Co-led the largest Asia Pacific regional key population network on HIV. Managed strategic partnerships with GFTAM, PEPFAR, UNDP, and UNAIDS. Hosted the landmark first LGBTIQ inclusion in Humanitarian Action Consultation (2018).
IPPF South Asia
2013 – 2016 · Mumbai, India
Provided organisational learning and evaluation support across South Asia. Led monitoring and impact assessment for regional programmes and contributed to IPPF's Strategic Plan 2016–2021.
KPMG
2010 – 2013 · India
Managed consulting teams delivering evaluations and institutional assessments for UNICEF, DFID, Save the Children, and UN Joint Programmes across health, education, and social protection.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
2007 – 2010 · India
Delivered government reform and institutional development engagements for state and national governments, working across health, nutrition, and women & child development with ADB and multiple Indian ministries.
Naandi Foundation & Early Work
2000 – 2007 · India
Co-founded a community outreach centre for children in Goa. Worked in clinical trials coordination, safe motherhood, and child rights at Naandi Foundation, impacting over one million lives alongside USAID and UNICEF.
Contact
Whether you’re a partner, donor, or collaborator — Ryan welcomes conversations that advance equity and inclusion.