Skip to content

Timothy Lo Surdo

A black-and-white headshot of a man with cropped hair. He has a closed-mouth smile and a mole on his cheek. He wears a light button-up shirt and dark suit jacket. Three graphic circles are behind him: one medium blue, one dark blue and one white.

Founder, Asia-Pacific Center for Future Generations

Australia

Timothy Lo Surdo is the founder of the Asia-Pacific Center for Future Generations. The center is a think-and-do-tank dedicated to strengthening the region’s resilience to existential risks—prioritizing accountability to future generations within political, economic, and social systems. Timothy is also the founder of Democracy in Colour, Australia’s first racial and economic justice organization led by people of color. Under his direction, the organization raised $3.05 million in fundraising, engaged over 100,000 individuals in anti-racism and economic justice programs, and grew to over 65,000 members. Tim also is director of Plan International, a development and humanitarian organization that works throughout Africa, the Americas, and Asia to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, and at the helm of a number of other organizations working in human rights, climate, and international development. Timothy is passionate about people-powered change, building capacity and leadership within our own communities, and advancing a more just, fair and sustainable world.

Your support turns hope into action

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

More Leaders Asia-Pacific

More about the Leaders Program

An animation shows people ranging of all ages and skin tones, enjoying the outdoor amenities at the Obama Presidential Center

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

Learn more