Jeffrey Sachs

Jeffrey Sachs is an American economist and professor known for his work on economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

Jeffrey Sachs is an American economist and professor widely known for his work on development economics, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. He has advised the United Nations and multiple governments on economic reform and global policy.

Who is Jeffrey Sachs?

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1954, Sachs earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard University. He spent over two decades at Harvard before moving to Columbia University in 2002, where he became a leading figure at the Earth Institute and in sustainability research. He also served as a special adviser to the UN Secretary-General from 2002 to 2018.

Key contributions

Sachs directed the UN Millennium Project from 2002 to 2006, focusing on the Millennium Development Goals. He co-founded Millennium Promise Alliance, a nonprofit fighting extreme poverty, and has written several bestsellers including *The End of Poverty* and *Common Wealth*. His work bridges economics, public health, and environmental policy.

Why his work matters

Sachs’s research on poverty reduction and sustainable development shapes global economic policy. For Canadian readers, his insights on climate policy, international development, and UN frameworks are directly relevant to Canada's foreign aid and environmental strategies.