Blanca Moreno-Dodson is an international economist with over thirty years of experience in global development economics. She has focused on macroeconomic and fiscal policies, particularly on growth and poverty reduction. Blanca served as Lead Economist and Manager at the World Bank from 2009 to 2021, and as Director at the UN from 2021 to 2023.
She managed the Centre for Mediterranean Integration, a collaboration involving the World Bank, various authorities, and civil society across the Mediterranean. She has held several key positions at the World Bank, including roles in the Global Tax Team and the West Africa Region. Her regional expertise spans the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia. Blanca began her career as a Robert Schuman scholar at the European Parliament and a junior economist at the European Commission.
Blanca has authored and co-authored five books, including “Enhancing Mediterranean Integration” and “Winning the Tax Wars.” She has also contributed to various esteemed economic journals. In addition to her professional roles, she is a member of the Alumni Strategic Council of Aix-Marseille University and the Steering Committee of the Navarra Center for International Development. She lectures at Duke University and Aix-Marseille University.
Blanca holds a Ph.D. and a Master's in International Economics and Finance from Aix-Marseille University and a Master's in Economics from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Originally from Zaragoza, Spain, she is fluent in Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese.
Blanca's talks are analytical and technical, presenting complex ideas in an accessible way, enriched by her extensive experience. Her interactive style fosters engagement among younger audiences eager to contribute to societal development. She has published over fifty analytical works focusing on global poverty reduction and Mediterranean integration. She has played a vital role in promoting dialogue on international trade and environmental issues in the region.