Aleta Moriarty
Economic Development, Human Rights,
Gender Equality and Inclusion Expert.
ABOUT ALETA
Aleta has dedicated nearly two decades to working on global social challenges—from international poverty and human rights to grassroots issues like disability inclusion and gender equality. She has held senior roles at the United Nations, UN Women, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and within leading global businesses, including Cotton On Group and the Murdoch owned HarperCollins Publishers.
She is an author of eight books, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Monash University and a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Cambridge. She is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
She is currently CEO of Social Progress AI, where she harnesses cutting-edge technology for social good and was recognized by CSIRO and Google Sprint as a Top 30 AI National Innovator. She also serves as Director of the Centre for Sustainability, advising businesses and governments on human rights and responsible supply chains. In 2024, Aleta worked as a gender and disability expert for UN Women, working on diverse areas from Paralympic inclusion to humanitarian relief in conflict zones. In 2024 she was appointed an examiner for the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct, evaluating the social and environmental impacts of multinational enterprises.
Aleta’s previous roles include Regional Manager of UN Women’s Markets for Change initiative (supporting market infrastructure across multiple Pacific nations), one of UN Women’s largest global women’s economic empowerment initiatives; CEO of the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (Australia’s largest public human rights education initiative), and Program Manager for the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA). She also served on the Australian Government Advisory Group on Business and Human Rights, bringing her expertise to national policy. In the private sector, she was Global Manager for Ethics and Sustainability at the Cotton On Group—experience that underscores her ability to drive meaningful change in diverse sectors.
IMPACT & PURPOSE
Aleta’s vision is anchored in providing a fair go to those who are too often overlooked. She has led the delivery of major market infrastructure across the Pacific, supported thousands of farmers in Kenya and training more than 30,000 women entrepreneurs across the Pacific. Her focus on inclusive, sustainable development has taken her to conflict zones through to local initiatives.
Merging technology with social impact, Aleta leads Social Progress AI to create data-driven strategies for tackling inequities—particularly those facing people with disabilities in employment. Through the Centre for Sustainability, she ensures businesses align profit with purpose. In every endeavour, Aleta’s goal is to empower communities through education, opportunity, and genuine partnership, proving that progress is possible when compassion meets innovation.
AWARDS
Aleta’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development has earned her multiple honours, including:
2024
Top Thirty Finalist in Google & CSIRO AI Sprint (for AI innovators)
2017
Annual Peace Prize (awarded for her leadership of the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival)
2017
Future Leaders Award (for pioneering educational and outreach programs at HRAFF)
2016
Shared Value Award (for the Kwale Cotton Project supported over 10,000 Kenyan women cotton farmers)
2011
Best Documentary, QLD Media Awards (for Road to Kerema, which she directed, produced, and wrote)
2009
Bank-wide Innovation Award (World Bank)
2008–2013
Multiple Best Teamwork Awards (World Bank)
PUBLICATIONS
Most Recent (2023–2024)
- 2024 – Editor Addressing Stigma and Discrimination to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities – UN Women
- 2024 – Co-author Preparing for Disease X: Lessons Learned from the Gendered Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Pacific – Asian Development Bank
- 2024 – Author Making Space: Women’s Participation in Higher Education in Solomon Islands – Asian Development Bank
- 2024 – Author A Roadmap to Inclusive Energy in Vanuatu – Asian Development Bank
- 2024 – Co-author Empowering Women with Disabilities: Key Actions for Inclusive Sports in the Pacific – Asian Development Bank
- 2024 – Author Six Ways to Count Her In: Economically Empowering Women in the Pacific – Asian Development Bank
- 2023 – Author How Economic Empowerment Reduces Violence Against Women – Asian Development Bank
- 2023 – Author For the Pacific to Prosper, More Women Must Access Technology – Asian Development Bank
Earlier Works (Books, 2005–2009)
- 1. Australia – Franklin Watts, 2009
- 2. Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: Tread Your Own Path (Co-author) – 2008
- 3. Laos: Tread Your Own Path – 2008
- 4. Vietnam – Heinemann-Raintree, 2007
- 5. Cambodia – Footprint Publishers, 2006
- 6. Laos – Footprint Publishers, 2006
- 7. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos (Co-author) – Footprint Publishers, 2005
- 8. (Additional publications and articles available upon request.)
FOCUS AREAS
HUMAN RIGHTS & EQUALITY
Aleta has championed human rights in global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank. From driving gender equality programmes, disability-inclusive policies at UN Women to shaping humanitarian relief in conflict zones, she ensures the most marginalized are not only protected but empowered. Her holistic approach bridges advocacy, policy reform, and practical solutions that uplift entire communities.
Economic Development
With experience leading major initiatives—like UN Women’s Markets for Change—Aleta has revitalized markets across multiple Pacific nations, trained over 30,000 women entrepreneurs, and supported Kenyan cotton farmers to expand their livelihoods. She tackles poverty at its roots by blending grassroots insights with high-level strategy, driving measurable growth that leaves no one behind.
AI & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
At Social Progress AI, Aleta supports efforts to harnesses artificial intelligence to drive progressive social change through AI development, policy advocacy, education, and support for impactful startups and projects. Named a Top 30 AI Innovator by CSIRO and Google Sprint, she believes responsibly harnessed technology can transform society. Her entrepreneurial edge—paired with a passion for justice—delivers scalable, ethical, and impactful tech solutions.
Research
Aleta is completing a PhD focused on improving employment outcomes for people with disability. She welcomes collaborations in this area, and in areas aiming to improve employment or economic outcomes for women, migrants, rural communities and others marginalized in mainstream economic systems.
Programme Management
Having served as a CEO and managed projects with budgets up to $32 million, Aleta brings extensive leadership and strategic oversight. She is open to managing complex initiatives that drive sustainable impact.
Writing
Aleta has worked as an editor at the Shanghai Daily and contributed to The Guardian and Tatler Magazine. The author of several books, she remains eager for new writing collaborations and opportunities.
Public Speaking
Aleta seeks to partner with others in equality, AI, economic development, and women’s economic empowerment, delivering inspiring talks and workshops that foster transformative, lasting solutions.
Send Aleta a message
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. I pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
I thank the Traditional Owners for custodianship of the land, and celebrate the continuing culture of the Wadawurrung people acknowledging the memory of honourable ancestors.