Jeffrey Sachs

Jeffrey Sachs (born November 5, 1954) is an American economist, public policy analyst, and prominent advocate for sustainable development and poverty reduction. Born in Detroit, Sachs earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his doctorate in economics from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He served as a Professor of Economics at Harvard University for nearly 20 years and is currently the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Sachs gained international prominence for his role in designing economic stabilization programs in Poland, Russia, and other post-Soviet economies during the 1990s, though his approach has been both praised and critiqued. He has become a leading voice in global development, advocating for the Millennium Development Goals and later the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. His books, including 'Common Wealth' and 'The End of Poverty,' have shaped international development discourse. Sachs is known for emphasizing the interconnection between economic development, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He has served as an advisor to numerous governments and international organizations, making him one of the most influential economic voices in global policy discussions.