Elliot Harris

Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development & Chief Economist UN

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Mr. Elliott Harris of Trinidad and Tobago as Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist effective 2 April 2018.

Mr. Harris brings over 25 years of international experience in the fields of international economics and development policy analysis, coupled with knowledge of the United Nations system, multilateral and inter–agency coordination 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 in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1988. He was appointed in 2008 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.