This Indian woman knows how to concentrate on her life and craft. The Harvard economist says, “I guess I am politically very naive. I think of myself as a technocrat. I am an economist. I don’t attach any labels to myself.”
Born in Mysore, Gita Gopinath (47) joined International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week as its chief economist, in a time she believes the world is experiencing a retreat from globalization, posing challenges to multilateral institutions. With this, she has become the first woman to occupy the top IMF post.
The John Zwaanstra professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University, Gopinath, succeeds Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Research Department. Obstfeld retired December 31, as mentioned in the PTI report.
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Last year on October 1, when the announcement of her appointment made headlines, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde described her as one of the world’s outstanding economists with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership and extensive international experience.
In a recent interview with The Harvard Gazette, the 11th chief economist of the IMF, Gopinath said that how much honored she is to be appointed the position. She mentioned that it was a great honor for her to appoint Gita, the first ever woman for this position. Speaking about IMF’s Managing Director, she said, that Legarde is not just for her leadership, but she is an inspiration for women across the world.
Gopinath believes that one of the top challenges being faced by the IMF is that of the perceived retreat from globalization.
“While the trade has reduced global poverty and raised livelihoods, its consequences for inequality, and on whether the rules of engagement are fair, are real concerns that need to be addressed,” she said to PTI.
Further, she mentioned that for now, she wishes that IMF continues to be a place that provides intellectual leadership on significant policy questions.