​Paul Ladd has over 25 years of experience in the United Nations, UK government and civil society. He is passionate about poverty reduction and sustainable development; and a recognized expert in policy and research. 

He has been Director of the UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) since October 2015. Before joining UNRISD he played a key role across the United Nations supporting consultations and technical inputs for the 2030 Agenda. From 2008-2009, he provided support to the Office of the UN Secretary-General on the impacts of the financial and economic crisis and the G20.

Previously Paul had been a policy adviser for the UK Treasury, Chief Economist with Christian Aid, the UK Department for International Development’s economic adviser for the southern Africa region, and a financial adviser in the Central Bank of Guyana.

Paul received his BSc in Economics and his MSc in Quantitative Development Economics from the University of Warwick. In 2016 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Law (LLD), also by the University of Warwick. He has been an international Gender Champion since 2015.