Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis: Building Global Bridges Through Peace, Education, Youth & Humanitarian Leadership

Commander in Chief & Ambassador, Lazarus Union CSLI India

Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis is an Indian humanitarian leader, entrepreneur, educationist, sports administrator and international peace diplomat whose professional journey spans more than 25 years across education, youth development, sports, humanitarian service, peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

As Commander in Chief and Ambassador of Lazarus Union CSLI India, Dr. Sabnis has focused on creating platforms that connect education, youth leadership, humanitarian service and international collaboration. His work places particular emphasis on empowering young people, encouraging global understanding and supporting initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Dr. Sabnis has developed a professional identity that brings together leadership, social responsibility and international engagement.

Early Life

Born in Maharashtra, India, Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis developed an early interest in leadership, education, social service and nation-building.

Over the course of his career, these interests evolved into a broader commitment to education, sports, humanitarian service and international cooperation.

His philosophy is based on the belief that education and sports can help develop disciplined and responsible individuals, while diplomacy and cultural exchange can create greater understanding between communities and nations.

A Multifaceted Professional Journey

Dr. Sabnis' professional journey has extended across several interconnected fields.

His areas of involvement include:

• Education

• Youth Development

• Sports Administration

• Humanitarian Service

• Peacebuilding

• Cultural Diplomacy

• International Relations

• Community Development

• Sustainable Development

• Leadership Development

This combination has enabled him to work with educational institutions, youth organisations, humanitarian bodies and international platforms.

Rather than viewing these areas independently, his work connects them around a common objective: creating opportunities for people and encouraging responsible leadership.

Lazarus Union CSLI India

A central part of Dr. Sabnis' professional journey is his association with Lazarus Union – Corps Saint Lazare International (CSLI) India.

The organisation's Indian delegation operates as part of the Lazarus Union, headquartered in Austria. According to the supplied profile, the parent organisation holds General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).

Lazarus Union CSLI India works across areas including:

• Humanitarian service

• Education

• Youth development

• Peacebuilding

• Cultural diplomacy

• International cooperation

• Community development

• Volunteerism

Under Dr. Sabnis' leadership, the Indian delegation has worked toward developing partnerships and programmes that encourage humanitarian action, education, youth participation and international understanding.

Leadership as Commander in Chief & Ambassador

As Commander in Chief and Ambassador, Dr. Sabnis is responsible for representing and coordinating the activities of Lazarus Union CSLI India.

His responsibilities include organisational leadership, strategic planning, international coordination and the development of programmes connected with humanitarian service, youth development and international cooperation.

His leadership role involves:

• Strategic leadership

• International representation

• Humanitarian programme development

• Youth leadership initiatives

• Peace diplomacy

• Cultural exchange

• Community development

• International partnerships

Through these activities, he seeks to strengthen connections between Indian institutions and international organisations.

United Nations Representation

The profile identifies Dr. Sabnis as an Additional Representative to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) through his international engagement with Lazarus Union.

His international activities have focused on humanitarian cooperation, sustainable development, youth participation, education and peacebuilding.

His engagements with international forums have provided opportunities to bring together representatives from educational institutions, humanitarian organisations, civil society and other stakeholders.

The focus has remained on dialogue, cooperation and the role of education and youth in addressing social and global challenges.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals form an important part of the broader framework associated with Dr. Sabnis' work.

He has encouraged educational institutions, youth organisations and community leaders to incorporate sustainable development principles into their activities.

Areas highlighted through his initiatives include:

• Quality Education

• Good Health and Well-being

• Gender Equality

• Reduced Inequalities

• Sustainable Communities

• Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Partnerships for the Goals

• Youth Empowerment

Through seminars, conferences and leadership programmes, the objective has been to increase awareness and encourage practical participation in sustainable development.

Youth Development & Leadership

Youth development remains one of the major areas associated with Dr. Sabnis' work.

He believes young people should not simply be viewed as future leaders but should be given opportunities to participate in leadership and community initiatives today.

Programmes associated with his work focus on:

• Leadership development

• Communication

• International relations

• Peace education

• Volunteerism

• Community leadership

• Personality development

• Social responsibility

• Public speaking

• Global citizenship

These initiatives are designed to expose young people to international perspectives while developing their confidence, leadership abilities and sense of social responsibility.

Peacebuilding Through Dialogue

Peacebuilding is another important dimension of Dr. Sabnis' international work.

His approach emphasises dialogue, education, intercultural understanding and humanitarian cooperation.

Through initiatives associated with Lazarus Union CSLI India, areas of focus include:

• Conflict resolution

• Intercultural dialogue

• Humanitarian cooperation

• Community harmony

• International friendship

• Social inclusion

• Peace education

The underlying philosophy is that sustainable peace requires understanding and cooperation between individuals, communities and nations.

Cultural Diplomacy

Dr. Sabnis has also promoted cultural diplomacy as a mechanism for creating international understanding.

Cultural exchanges can create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact, share experiences and develop long-term relationships.

His international engagement has included activities such as:

• International conferences

• Cultural exchange programmes

• Educational partnerships

• Academic delegations

• International youth forums

• Sports diplomacy

• Humanitarian conferences

Through such platforms, participants can exchange knowledge and perspectives while developing stronger international relationships.

Humanitarian Service

Humanitarian service is at the heart of Lazarus Union CSLI India's activities.

Under Dr. Sabnis' leadership, the organisation has been involved in initiatives related to community welfare, education, health awareness, youth welfare and humanitarian outreach.

Areas of activity include:

• Community service

• Disaster relief support

• Educational assistance

• Health awareness

• Youth welfare

• Volunteer development

• Social responsibility projects

• Humanitarian outreach

The emphasis is on collaboration with educational institutions, community organisations and international partners to support social development.

Education as a Tool for Transformation

Education has consistently remained an important element of Dr. Sabnis' leadership philosophy.

He views education not simply as academic preparation but as a mechanism for developing responsible, informed and capable citizens.

His educational initiatives emphasise:

• Academic excellence

• Ethical leadership

• International understanding

• Lifelong learning

• Character development

• Social responsibility

By combining education with leadership and international exposure, these initiatives seek to prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

Sports and Youth Development

Dr. Sabnis' work also extends into sports administration and sports-based development.

Sports can encourage qualities such as:

• Discipline

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Perseverance

• Sportsmanship

• Responsibility

He advocates combining sports with education and youth development to help young people build confidence and develop a broader understanding of teamwork and leadership.

Sports also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and international friendship, making them a potential instrument of diplomacy.

International Collaborations

Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Sabnis has worked toward developing relationships with educational institutions, humanitarian organisations, diplomatic platforms, sports organisations and international civil society groups.

These collaborations have supported areas such as:

• Educational partnerships

• Youth exchange

• Humanitarian programmes

• Peace conferences

• Leadership development

• Cultural exchange

• Sustainable development

• International networking

His approach focuses on creating partnerships that can bring together different institutions around shared social and humanitarian objectives.

Awards and Honours

According to the supplied profile, Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis has received multiple international, UN-affiliated and national recognitions.

These include:

Flame of Mercy – Grand Commander Cross — 2026

The profile lists the Flame of Mercy – Grand Commander Cross among Dr. Sabnis' recognitions for contributions associated with humanitarian service, youth development and cultural diplomacy.

Nobel Icon Award for Leadership in Youth Diplomacy — 2025

The profile identifies the Nobel Icon Award for Leadership in Youth Diplomacy, presented during the W50 Global Summit in New Delhi, as recognition connected with his work in youth engagement and diplomacy.

United States Presidential Volunteer Service Award — 2024

The supplied profile lists the United States Presidential Volunteer Service Award among Dr. Sabnis' recognitions for volunteer service.

Book for Peace Award — 2023

The Book for Peace Award is also listed among his international recognitions, associated with peacebuilding, environmental sustainability and humanitarian cooperation.

UN NGO Grand Cross & Honour Medal — 2023

The profile lists the UN NGO Grand Cross and Lazarus Union Honour Medal among Dr. Sabnis' recognitions for humanitarian service, leadership and international cooperation.

Commemorative Medal of Peace — 2022

The profile states that Dr. Sabnis received a Commemorative Medal of Peace during an event at the United Nations Office in Geneva, associated with peace, humanitarian values and international cooperation.

These recognitions are presented here as reported in the supplied profile.

National Recognition

Alongside international recognitions, Dr. Sabnis' profile describes recognition from educational institutions, sports organisations, social organisations and professional associations across India.

The areas associated with these recognitions include:

• Youth leadership

• Education

• International relations

• Sports administration

• Humanitarian service

• Community leadership

• Social development

• Peace promotion

• Cultural diplomacy

• Public service

Leadership Philosophy

For Dr. Sabnis, leadership is closely connected with service.

His leadership philosophy revolves around several principles:

Service Before Self
Leadership should create value for communities rather than focus solely on individual achievement.

Leadership Through Example
Leaders should demonstrate the values and responsibilities they expect from others.

Education for Social Transformation
Knowledge and education can help individuals participate more effectively in society.

Peace Through Cooperation
International understanding can be strengthened through dialogue and collaboration.

Youth as Partners in Nation Building
Young people should have meaningful opportunities to participate in social and leadership initiatives.

Public Speaking and International Engagement

Dr. Sabnis has participated in international conferences, educational summits, diplomatic forums and humanitarian events.

His engagements have covered subjects including:

• International cooperation

• Youth empowerment

• Education

• Sports diplomacy

• Peacebuilding

• Sustainable development

• Humanitarian cooperation

• Cultural exchange

Through these platforms, he has interacted with educators, youth leaders, humanitarian professionals and representatives of international organisations.

Services and Initiatives

The profile associates Lazarus Union CSLI India with a broad range of programmes and initiatives, including:

• Education development

• Youth leadership programmes

• International relations

• Peacebuilding

• Cultural diplomacy

• Humanitarian assistance

• Sports development

• Volunteer development

• Sustainable development initiatives

• Community welfare

• International networking

• Leadership training

• Global citizenship programmes

• Social awareness campaigns

Together, these areas form the foundation of the organisation's wider humanitarian and educational activities.

Professional Memberships and Associations

Dr. Sabnis has been associated with various international humanitarian, educational and diplomatic organisations.

These professional relationships have contributed to his work in international cooperation, peace education, humanitarian service and sustainable development.

They have also helped create opportunities for interaction between educational institutions, NGOs, international organisations and civil society groups.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Dr. Sabnis aims to expand the activities of Lazarus Union CSLI India and strengthen international partnerships.

His future priorities include:

• Youth peace missions

• International educational collaborations

• Humanitarian relief programmes

• Sports-for-development initiatives

• Cultural exchange platforms

• Leadership academies

• UN SDG awareness programmes

• International volunteer networks

The broader objective is to create more opportunities for young people to participate in international leadership, humanitarian service and peacebuilding.

A Continuing Legacy of Service

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis has built a career connecting several fields that can contribute to social development: education, sports, humanitarian service, youth leadership and international diplomacy.

His work through Lazarus Union CSLI India reflects an emphasis on partnerships, volunteerism, international understanding and community development.

For him, leadership is not limited to holding a title. It is about creating opportunities for others to learn, participate and contribute.

The Ideal Entrepreneur Perspective

Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis' journey demonstrates how entrepreneurship and leadership can extend beyond traditional business activity.

His work combines organisational leadership with education, humanitarian service, youth development, sports and international cooperation.

Through his role as Commander in Chief and Ambassador of Lazarus Union CSLI India, he continues to promote initiatives centred on youth participation, education, peacebuilding and humanitarian values.

His vision looks beyond individual achievement toward building institutions, partnerships and opportunities that can continue creating social impact.

As his international engagement develops, the next chapter of his journey will continue to focus on education, youth leadership, humanitarian cooperation, cultural understanding and peacebuilding.

“Leadership is not about authority—it is about serving humanity, empowering youth, and building a more peaceful world through education, diplomacy and compassion.”

Profile Information

Name: Col(Hon). Dr. Dinesh Sabnis
Designation: Commander in Chief & Ambassador
Organisation: Lazarus Union CSLI India
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, Educationist, Sports Administrator, Peace Diplomat
Experience: 25+ Years
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Email: lazarus.union.india@gmail.com
Website: www.csli-india.in