International Affairs Team

Sebastian Sharma, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Associate

Sebastian Sharma is the Policy and Strategic Initiatives Associate in the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs. In this role, he assists the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Initiatives to advance the city’s global engagement through innovative policy development and strategic partnerships. With a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, digital transformation, and international collaboration, Sebastian helps shape initiatives that position New York City as a global leader in responsible technology deployment and urban diplomacy.

Sebastian also helps manage a portfolio that includes forging partnerships with international organizations, city networks, and multilateral institutions to share best practices. Finally, Sebastian helps manage the NYC Junior Ambassadors (NYCJA) program, fostering connections between local 7th, 8th, and 9th graders and the United Nations. Through NYCJA, he works closely with UN representatives, city officials, and community organizations to create meaningful learning opportunities that empower youth to think critically about global issues and their local impact. 

Before becoming an associate, Sebastian was an intern at the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, in which he worked under the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Initiatives to manage AI projects. Sebastian is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at Fordham University with a double major in Economics and International Studies.