Benjamin Simmons

Benjamin Simmons is currently the Director of Sustainable Infrastructure at the Washington office of the International Institute for Sustainable Development. Prior to his current role, Benjamin Simmons was the founding Head of the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) based in Geneva. Benjamin also previously coordinated the establishment and implementation of the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative, a groundbreaking effort involving over 500 experts to draw attention to the global economic benefits of biodiversity and the costs associated with continued biodiversity loss. Benjamin was also Head of the UNEP Trade, Policy and Planning Unit where he managed UNEP’s trade and environment program and served as the principal UNEP delegate to the World Trade Organization.

Benjamin is the author of numerous articles, papers and book chapters examining the interface between environmental and economic policies. Prior to joining UNEP in 2003, Benjamin worked as an environmental lawyer for a private law firm in New York City and served for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer promoting sustainable agricultural systems in southern Senegal.

Benjamin holds a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law and a Master in International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.