Marcela Meléndez

UNDP's Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, where she leads the production of analytical content to support decision-making in LAC countries

UNDP’s Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, where she leads the production of analytical content to support decision-making in LAC countries. She holds a PhD in Economics from Yale University. Prior to UNDP, she was Partner and Director of ECONESTUDIO, a Colombian economic consulting firm recognized for its contributions to the public policy debate and Professor at the Universidad de los Andes. Between 2010 and 2013 she co-directed the “Mission of Equity and Social Mobility” at the invitation of the Colombian government. She is the lead author of UNDP’s 2021 Regional Human Development Report for Latin America and the Caribbean, “Trapped: High Inequality and Low Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.”