José Antonio Ocampo

José Antonio Ocampo

Global Economist, Former UN Under-Secretary-General & Minister of Finance of Colombia

Core Intelligence Domain: Economics & Finance
Location: Bogota, Colombia & New York, USA | Languages: English, Spanish
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

José Antonio Ocampo is a preeminent global economist and institutional architect whose distinguished career spans the highest echelons of international finance, sustainable development, and macroeconomic policy. As a leading voice in global economic governance, Ocampo has fundamentally shaped the discourse on emerging markets, international tax reform, and sovereign debt restructuring. His proprietary frameworks integrate rigorous macroeconomic foresight with sustainable development metrics, empowering global leaders, central banks, and multinational corporations to navigate extreme volatility in today’s fractured geopolitical landscape.

Unparalleled Leadership and Institutional Impact

Ocampo’s exceptional administrative tenure includes serving as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and as the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In his native Colombia, he has held the nation’s most critical economic portfolios, most recently returning as Minister of Finance and Public Credit (2022–2023) to orchestrate a landmark progressive tax reform programme amidst global inflationary pressures. His strategic command over sovereign economics is further evidenced by his past roles as Minister of Agriculture, Director of the National Planning Department, and Co-Director of the Central Bank of Colombia.

Academic Rigour and Global Advisory

As a Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Ocampo bridges the critical gap between academic theory and actionable public policy. He is a steadfast champion for global financial equity, notably serving as Chair of the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT). In this capacity, he advises global institutions on mitigating base erosion and profit shifting, advocating for transparent frameworks that ensure equitable corporate taxation across borders. His extensive bibliography features authoritative texts on international finance, Latin American economic history, and the evolution of global capitalism.

Core Speaking Themes and Strategic Frameworks

• Navigating the New Global Economic Architecture: Strategic insights into the restructuring of international finance, sovereign debt management, and the modernisation of the Bretton Woods institutions.
• Emerging Markets and Latin American Dynamics: Deep-dive macro analysis into the headwinds, investment opportunities, and structural transformations defining Latin American economies.
• Sustainable Finance and The Green Transition: Frameworks for aligning fiscal policy, central banking, and corporate capital allocation with international climate targets.
• Global Tax Reform and Corporate Governance: Expert guidance on adapting to the evolving international taxation landscape and ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Tackling Inequality Through Progressive Fiscal Policy: Strategies for governments and corporate leaders to foster inclusive economic growth whilst maintaining fundamental macroeconomic stability.

Key Takeaways

• Unmatched expertise in macroeconomic policy, international trade, and global financial governance.
• Actionable foresight into emerging market dynamics, delivering a highly specialised focus on Latin America.
• Authoritative, board-level guidance on global corporate tax reforms, compliance, and institutional transparency.
• Strategic frameworks linking climate finance with sustainable, long-term economic development.
• Decades of C-suite and cabinet-level experience steering sovereign economies through periods of intense global volatility.