Elliott Harris

Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development/Chief Economist

Elliott Harris’ Biography

Elliott Harris is a distinguished economist and international speaker recognised for his expertise in sustainable development, global finance, and multilateral cooperation. As a speaker, Elliott is engaging and articulate, blending deep economic understanding with an ability to inspire practical action. His presentations are known for their clarity and thoughtfulness, offering audiences a balanced perspective on the intersection of economics, sustainability, and social progress. Elliott’s calm authority and genuine passion for inclusive development make him a compelling presence at global conferences and policy forums.

Elliott began his professional journey as a macroeconomist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he worked extensively with Francophone African countries and nations in Central Asia. During this period, he served as IMF Mission Chief in Togo, Chad, and Guinea, leading financial negotiations and supporting national economic reforms. He also represented the IMF on the OECD-DAC Working Party on Aid Effectiveness, where he helped shape global discussions on improving coordination and impact in international development assistance. These early experiences grounded him in the realities of economic policymaking and the challenges of aligning growth with equity.

Building on this foundation, Elliott rose to senior leadership roles within the IMF, including Chief of the Development Issues Division and later Assistant Director of the Strategy, Policy and Review Department. In these positions, he oversaw the Fund’s development-related policies and managed partnerships with the United Nations and other global organisations. His work advanced dialogue on social protection, employment, and the emerging green economy, linking economic stability with social well-being and environmental responsibility.

Elliott’s transition to the United Nations marked a new chapter of influence. As Head of the UNEP New York Office and later as Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist of the UN, he played a pivotal role in shaping international economic policy towards sustainability. He led coordination on environmental and financial policy across UN agencies and contributed to global initiatives such as the Global Green New Deal and G20 sustainable finance efforts. Through these roles, Elliott has become a leading voice for sustainable and inclusive global growth, combining analytical depth with a commitment to a fairer, greener future.

Why Hire Elliott Harris?

Elliott is an exceptional choice for organisations seeking a speaker who can illuminate the connections between economics, sustainability, and international development. With a career spanning the IMF and the United Nations, he brings unparalleled insight into how global financial systems can be harnessed to promote equitable and sustainable growth. His expertise allows him to simplify complex macroeconomic ideas while highlighting their relevance to pressing global issues such as climate change, social protection, and inclusive policy reform. Elliott’s delivery combines authority with warmth, making him equally effective at high-level conferences and more intimate strategic discussions. He is known for fostering informed, forward-thinking dialogue that bridges the gap between policy theory and practical implementation.

Elliott’s speaking engagements are characterised by his ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences—from policymakers and corporate leaders to academics and development professionals. He has delivered keynote addresses at United Nations events, major international finance gatherings, and global sustainability forums, where his perspective on the evolving relationship between economics and the environment has earned him wide respect. Event organisers value his capacity to contextualise global challenges and offer pragmatic solutions grounded in experience, making him an invaluable contributor to discussions on the future of sustainable and inclusive development.

Elliott Harris’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Elliott Harris’ extraordinary career:

• 2025 – He launched a family-run creative collective and developed a degree-level apprenticeship called ‘Creative Mastery’ to support young talent entering the advertising industry.
• 2022 – Completed tenure as UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist, leading the organisation’s global sustainable finance and development strategies.
• 2018 – Appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist, overseeing international economic policy coordination and sustainability initiatives.
• 2015 – Became Head of the UNEP New York Office and Head of the Environment Management Group Secretariat, advancing environmental sustainability and UN system-wide coordination.
• 2013 – Served as Director of the UNEP New York Office, promoting interagency collaboration and sustainable development policy integration.
• 2010 – Promoted to Assistant Director, Strategy, Policy and Review Department at the IMF, managing policy development and cooperation with UN agencies.
• 2008 – Appointed IMF Special Representative to the United Nations and Vice-Chairman of the UN High-Level Committee on Programmes, enhancing institutional partnerships.
• 2006 – Led the IMF Development Issues Division, overseeing development policy and relations with multilateral and bilateral aid partners.
• 2004 – Served as IMF Mission Chief in Togo, Chad, and Guinea, negotiating financial arrangements and supporting national economic reforms.
• 2001 – Represented the IMF on the OECD-DAC Working Party on Aid Effectiveness, strengthening donor coordination and aid efficiency.
• 1995 – Joined the IMF as a macroeconomist, focusing on economic development across Francophone Africa and Central Asia.