Elliot Harris

Elliot Harris was appointed the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, taking up his role on 2 April 2018. Mr Harris, from Trinidad and Tobago, has over 25 years of international experience in the fields of international economics and development policy analysis, coupled with knowledge of the United Nations system, and multilateral and inter–agency co–ordination processes. 

Prior to his appointment, Mr Harris served as Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 2015. Prior to joining UNEP, Mr Harris began his career at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1988. He was appointed as Special Representative to the United Nations in 2008. 

Mr Harris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in German and political science and an advanced degree in economics. He was awarded an Advanced Studies Certificate in international economics and policy research from the Institute of World Economics in Kiel, Germany. 

Speaking at the following WCEF2019 sessions:

Monday 3 June at 12.00-13.45: WCEF2019 Grand Opening