Births on January 10

Kemal Derviş, Turkish economist and politician, Turkish Minister of Economy

Kemal Derviş (Turkish pronunciation: [keˈmal deɾviʃ]; born on January 10, 1949) is a distinguished Turkish economist and politician renowned for his significant contributions to both national economic policy and international development. His extensive career spans influential roles at prominent global institutions and within the Turkish government, marking him as a key figure in global economic discourse.

A Career Dedicated to Global Development and Economic Stabilization

Before his prominent role at the United Nations, Kemal Derviş built a formidable career at the World Bank, where he served for 22 years. During his tenure, he held various senior positions, culminating as Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Region, demonstrating his deep expertise in international finance and development economics.

His commitment to public service extended to his home country during a critical period. From March 2001 to August 2002, Derviş served as Turkey's Minister of Economic Affairs. Appointed amidst a severe financial crisis, he was instrumental in implementing a robust economic stabilization program, which included crucial structural reforms, garnering him a reputation as an effective crisis manager.

Leadership at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

From 2005 to 2009, Kemal Derviş held the prestigious position of Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Under his leadership, Derviş championed efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and strengthened the UN's role in global poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention, and environmental sustainability.

In recognition of his profound impact on international cooperation and development policy, the Government of Japan honored Derviş in November 2009 with The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. This esteemed decoration acknowledged his exceptional contributions to "mainstreaming Japan's development assistance policy through the United Nations," effectively integrating Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) priorities more closely with global development frameworks and UN initiatives.

Global Intellectual Influence and Academic Contributions

Kemal Derviş's intellectual contributions and influence extend beyond policy-making. In 2005, he was ranked 67th in the highly regarded "Top 100 Public Intellectuals Poll", a collaborative effort by Prospect (UK) and Foreign Policy (US) magazines. This recognition underscores his ability to shape public discourse and policy debates on critical global issues, solidifying his standing as a thought leader.

Currently, Derviş continues to contribute to economic research and policy analysis as the Vice President and Director of the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution, a leading non-profit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. His work there focuses on understanding and addressing challenges related to global economic growth, poverty, and governance. Additionally, he shares his expertise as a part-time professor of international economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, a renowned academic institution specializing in global affairs.

The 2015 Deputy Prime Minister Offer in Turkey

In March 2015, Kemal Derviş was approached for a significant role in Turkish politics once more. He publicly agreed to serve as the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, specifically responsible for the economy, in a potential cabinet led by Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. This offer came in anticipation of the general election scheduled for June 2015, at a time when Turkey was navigating various economic complexities, making Derviş's reputation as a crisis manager particularly valuable.

Notably, Derviş declined to become a Member of Parliament, preferring to participate in the cabinet from outside the parliamentary body. This preference highlighted his desire to focus purely on economic policy and implementation without direct involvement in electoral politics or parliamentary duties. However, following the June 2015 general election, the Republican People's Party did not succeed in forming the government, and thus, Kemal Derviş did not assume the proposed role of Deputy Prime Minister.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kemal Derviş

Who is Kemal Derviş?

Kemal Derviş is a prominent Turkish economist and politician, born in 1949, known for his leadership roles at the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as serving as Turkey's Minister of Economic Affairs during a significant financial crisis.

What was Kemal Derviş's role at the United Nations?

He served as the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 2005 to 2009, leading the UN's global development efforts and advocating for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Why was Kemal Derviş honored by the Government of Japan?

In November 2009, he received The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan, acknowledging his significant contributions to integrating Japan's development assistance policies within the United Nations framework.

What are Kemal Derviş's current affiliations?

He is currently the Vice President and Director of the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution and a part-time professor of international economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

Did Kemal Derviş become Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey in 2015?

Although he agreed to take on the role of Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the economy if the Republican People's Party (CHP) formed the government after the June 2015 election, the CHP did not secure the government, so he did not assume the position.