Adam Simpson

Dr. Adam Simpson is an experienced advisor for development and peacebuilding initiatives. As Manager of Global Programmes for UN Women, he provides strategic guidance and oversight for the Programme Directorate's global portfolio. Adam is also an advisor to the High Level Panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment, which was established by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2016. The Panel has brought together influential leaders from various fields to launch a shared global agenda that accelerates women’s economic empowerment in support of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Adam previously worked for the United Nations Office for Project Services, overseeing projects in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, based out of Denmark, Serbia, and Jordan. He also worked with the Aga Khan Foundation and NATO in Afghanistan, where he managed a suite of healthcare infrastructure projects in the northern provinces, designed to improve quality standards and access to care. Prior to working in development, he spent several years in the private sector as a management consultant, where he helped establish Canada’s first distributed medical learning education programme.

Adam’s doctoral dissertation examines post-Cold War statebuilding and behavioral norms and project management capacities of development institutions in conflict settings.