Reformers in International Development
Five Remarkable Lives
Discover how five extraordinary leaders overcame hardship and bias to change the world, and how their inspiring journeys can help millions build better futures.
David De Ferranti
David de Ferranti is an American-born economist with more than four decades of leadership in international development. He has worked in over 50 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leading efforts to expand health, education, and social services for low- and middle-income populations. At the World Bank, he directed programs totaling billions of dollars annually and later oversaw its $25 billion portfolio in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He went on to found Results for Development (R4D), where he served as CEO and now chairs the board, and has also held senior roles with the U.S. government, major think tanks, and global foundations. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to finding practical solutions that help people build better futures.
In the Media
Watch David's Interview with Studio 9
Listen as David previews a particularly interesting portion of his book about Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
A Fireside Chat with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
See David’s conversation with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization and one of the 5 international development leaders discussed in his latest book.
How evidence can contribute to effective policymaking
Policymakers and implementers haven’t fully embraced evidence based on research. Here’s how to better link such evidence with policy decisions.