Aliya has a PhD and MPA. She is a research fellow at the Natural Resources Institute, DKU, Kazakhstan. Her research focus is on financing water infrastructure, mobilizing blended finance, WASH, and gender aspects in water sector.

Astik Kumar has a wide-ranging experience as Civil Servant both in the State of Uttar Pradesh & Maharashtra, Government of INDIA; and in organizing presentations, preparing facility reports, and maintaining the utmost confidentiality. He has a PhD in Technology Medieval India, UGC/ JRF-NET & and an M.A. in History. He is currently posted and working as a Commissioner / Administrator at Aurangabad Municipal Corporation; as well as CEO, Smart City Aurangabad.

Kavita is a Chartered Accountant. She is a public policy and financial services professional with over two decades of experience spanning policy advocacy and program management in water resources management, public health, financial inclusion and financial services. She is the Finance Lead for the UP Accelerator Program and also manages the Secretariat of the Maharashtra Water Multi-Stakeholder Platform of the 2030 WRG, World Bank, towards creating the wider political economy conditions and momentum for change in water reform.