Sheikh Akbar Ali is a housing rights activist and researcher based in Delhi. He is the co-founder and programme coordinator of Basti Suraksha Manch, a community-based network of informal settlements. With more than 27 years of experience, Akbar has worked to bring services such as Anganwadis, water and sanitation, and non-formal schools to vulnerable communities through advocacy with urban local bodies and collaboration with urban design organisations.