Elliott Harris is a distinguished figure within the United Nations, having held the esteemed position of Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist for the UN Department of Social Affairs. With over 34 years of experience in the field of International Economics, he is an unparalleled expert in the realms of geopolitics, economics, and international relations. His illustrious career is marked by a commitment to addressing critical global challenges, such as poverty reduction, sustainable economic development, and negotiating financial arrangements on a global scale.
Born in the Bahamas and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Elliott's early exposure to diverse economic policies and situations of different countries laid the foundation for his remarkable journey. He pursued his education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor of Science degree in German, Russian, and Political Science. He further honed his expertise with a degree in Economics from the University of Kiel in Germany, followed by an Advanced Studies Programme in International Economic Policy at the Kiel Institute of World Economics.
Elliott's career trajectory led him to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he served as a macroeconomist, primarily working with Francophone African and Asian countries. During his tenure, he not only played a pivotal role in shaping development-related policy issues but also held the position of IMF's Special Representative on Aid effectiveness. Additionally, Elliott served as the Mission Chief in Togo, Chad, and Guinea, leading negotiations for crucial financial arrangements.
His exceptional contributions within the UN system began when he joined the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2013 as the Director of the New York Office and Secretary to the Environment Management Group. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication, Elliott was promoted in 2015 to the role of Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office for UNEP.
Elliott Harris is an economist of unparalleled stature, offering insights and perspectives that are invaluable in today's complex global landscape. His remarkable career and dedication to addressing the most critical challenges facing our world make him an ideal choice as a keynote speaker on geopolitics, economics, and international relations. Seize the opportunity to engage with one of the most revered economists of our era and benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
