Dr Mahendra Samarawickrama is a senior leader in Safe and Responsible AI, working with governments and enterprises to implement AI governance, risk management, and ethical frameworks that drive transformative growth. Recognised as the Australian ICT Professional of the Year 2022, he plays a key role in shaping global AI standards as a member of the IEEE AI Standards Committee.

An advisor to peak technology bodies, Mahendra contributes to AI ethics through the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, the Global AI Ethics Institute, and the EU AI Alliance. His leadership has earned multiple national awards in AI ethics, digital transformation, and customer experience.

A sought-after speaker with 100+ keynotes, Mahendra advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Life on Land (Goal 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17). His KITE AI framework, adopted by organisations like the Red Cross (IFRC), and his contributions to the IFRC Data Playbook, help integrate AI into humanitarian and environmental initiatives.

Through innovative, ethical, and scalable AI solutions, Mahendra enables organisations to navigate AI complexities while aligning with global sustainability goals.