Irene Yackovlev

Irene Yackovlev serves as a Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund, where she leads the Communications Department matrix team overseeing strategy and policy communications. Her significant contributions include co-authoring the IMF's climate strategy and leading the technical team responsible for implementing the Strategy for IMF Engagement on Social Spending. With extensive experience in economic reform programs, she has provided crucial advisory support to countries like Ecuador during the pandemic and Portugal during the global financial crisis. Her work in the Strategy, Policy and Review Department has been instrumental in advancing the IMF's initiatives on climate change, social spending, and gender equality. A Venezuelan national, Yackovlev coordinates the IMF's involvement with the G20 Compact with Africa and contributes to policy development for small developing states. Her academic credentials include a B.A. and M.A. from Stanford University, with additional doctoral studies at MIT. Her expertise spans multiple areas of international economic policy, making her a key figure in shaping the IMF's approach to emerging global challenges