April 14, 2009 — World-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs will be the keynote speaker at the McIntire School of Commerce's annual spring symposium. The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the University of Virginia's Old Cabell Hall on April 24 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Sachs, who directs Columbia University's Earth Institute and is a special adviser to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is widely regarded as one of the most influential economists of his generation, particularly in the areas of economic development, poverty alleviation and enlightened globalization. He is also one of the leading advocates for combining economic development with environmental sustainability. He is the author of numerous books, including bestsellers "The End of Poverty" and "Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet."

After his address on issues of economics and sustainability, Sachs will join a panel of U.Va. faculty for a discussion moderated by McIntire alumnus Jeffrey Walker, former chairman and CEO of CCMP Capital. Panel participants include James F. Childress, Hollingsworth Professor of Ethics and professor of medical education; William Morrish, Elwood R. Quesada Professor of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban and Environmental Planning; Gowher Rizvi, vice provost for international programs; and Saras D. Sarasvathy, associate professor of business administration and a member of the Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Ethics Area at the Darden School of Business.

Information on the symposium is available online.