Professor Sir Andrew Steer is a globally recognized economist and leader in economic development, climate action and sustainability. As the President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, he directed the world’s largest philanthropy for climate and nature. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of the World Resources Institute (WRI), the world’s foremost Think Tank/Do Tank on Sustainable Development.
With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at the World Bank and the UK government, Steer has been instrumental in designing policies that advance economic growth with environmental stewardship. He has advised world leaders, corporations, and financial institutions on green finance, carbon reduction strategies, and sustainable development.
In 2024, Andrew was knighted in recognition of “his sustained contribution as one of the world’s best-known leaders in global sustainable development economics, with a focus on climate change and poverty reduction." He was also named in 2024 by Forbes as one of the world’s 50 most impactful climate leaders, an honor that was recognized in the publication’s inaugural Sustainability Leaders list.
Andrew is a Global Agenda Trustee for the World Economic Forum, where he co-chairs its Global Futures Council on Innovative Finance for Climate and Nature. He is a board member of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, a member of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). He has served on the advisory boards of Bank of America and IKEA, and was co-chair of HSBC’s climate advisory committee.
Si Andrew was educated at St Andrews University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cambridge University. He has a PhD in Economics and Finance and is married to Dr. Liesbet Steer. They have two children: Charlotte, an environmental professional, and Benjamin, an Indie Pop artist.
A passionate and influential speaker, Steer engages audiences with compelling insights on climate resilience, corporate sustainability, and the economic imperatives of environmental action. His expertise provides business leaders, policymakers, and global changemakers with actionable strategies for fostering a sustainable future.
