Dr. Simona Marinescu is a seasoned economist and development strategist with over two decades of experience in international development, economic policy, and sustainable finance. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), she focuses on investment, enterprise, and sustainable development initiatives, particularly in support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and vulnerable economies. 
Dr. Marinescu's extensive career includes leadership roles such as Chief of the Development Impact Group at UNDP Headquarters in New York, where she directed global programs on private sector engagement and inclusive growth. She was the founding Director of the UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD), establishing its strategic objectives and programmatic agenda. Her field experience spans post-conflict economic reform in Iraq, where she served as UNDP Programme Director and Senior Economist, and as Head of Humanitarian, Reconstruction, and Development at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
In the Pacific, Dr. Marinescu served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, leading UN efforts on climate resilience, social protection, and sustainable development. She is a member of the Scotia Group, contributing to global dialogues on climate change and sustainable development. 
Academically, Dr. Marinescu holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Romania. She also possesses degrees in International Relations and Computer Science, and has completed executive education programs at Harvard University and the Cyprus International Institute of Management.
Dr. Marinescu's work exemplifies a commitment to fostering sustainable development and international cooperation, aligning with EarthX's mission to promote environmental stewardship and global collaboration.