In this episode of The Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speaks with Sanushka Mudlair, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, about the work they are doing to better align policies and programs to support safer pathways for migrants.
As part of our conversation, we speak about the complexities of global migration, the importance of understanding migrants’ lived experiences, and the ways in which humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross can better align programs and policies.
Sanushka shares insights on how qualitative data collection reveals deeper human stories behind migration statistics, underscores the need for humanitarian neutrality amid politicized migration debates, and illustrates how climate change acts as a multiplier of existing inequalities.
She also reflects on her own journey—from childhood experiences shaped by social justice movements to her current work leading cutting-edge research in one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks.
Finally, she offers practical career advice for students and aspiring professionals looking to enter her space, emphasizing relationship-building, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the people and communities directly affected.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening & Introduction
01:22 – The Scale & Nature of Global Migration
03:49 – Climate Change & Systemic Gaps
08:01 – Inside the Global Migration Lab
12:26 – Research Methodology & Field Engagement
16:07 – Sanushka’s Personal Journey & Career Path
19:54 – Field vs. Policy Realities
24:27 – Being a “Scrappy Startup” in a Large Institution
29:00 – Advice for Aspiring Professionals
About Sanushka
Sanushka Mudaliar has over 20 years of experience in working in Australia, China, Singapore and the U.K on policy advocacy, research and global program management related to migration.
Sanushka has worked for Oxfam Australia, the Association for Women's Rights in Development and the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at Singapore Management University, and as a specialist consultant on labour migration and human rights advising United Nations bodies (ILO, IOM, UN Women), and regional intergovernmental bodies (African Union, ASEAN) amongst others.
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