Jeffrey D. Sachs is a world-renowned economist, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development. He holds the rank of University Professor, Columbia University's highest academic distinction, where he directs the Center for Sustainable Development. He is widely recognized for his bold and effective strategies to address complex global challenges, including the escape from extreme poverty, the global battle against human-induced climate change, and international debt and financial crises.

Sachs's academic career is distinguished, including over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, most recently as the Galen L. Stone Professor of International Trade, where he also earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. His influence in global policy is vast: he served as a Special Advisor to three successive UN Secretaries-General from 2001 to 2018. He is the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and an SDG Advocate for the current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

A prolific author, Sachs has penned and edited numerous books, including three New York Times bestsellers: The End of Poverty, Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet, and The Price of Civilization. His recent works, such as The Ages of Globalization and Ethics in Action for Sustainable Development, continue to shape the global discourse on economic reform and environmental responsibility. His thought leadership is grounded in academic rigor and extensive global policy work. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and the 2015 Blue Planet Prize for environmental leadership. Sachs was twice named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential world leaders. As a speaker, he provides audiences with a comprehensive and authoritative analysis of international economic reforms, the future of globalization, and the necessity of building an economy that is smart, fair, and sustainable.