Brazilian Marcos Arruda has spent almost half his life working with non-governmental organisations around the world. He has worked as an economic consultant, a youth and adult educator and has written extensively on issues concerning structural adjustment and external debt.
Arruda is deeply committed to tackling and overcoming the root causes of poverty, excessive consumption and income concentration. His stated aim is to build popular participation in achieving the above.
The vast array of posts he has held with NGOs is testament to this commitment. Among them, development educator with the institute of Cultural Action in Geneva and liaison officer of the NGO working group on the World Bank.
In addition, he has been a consultant to several international development conferences and seminars for bodies including UN and UNESCO. His broad skills base and lengthy experience have been crucial in behind the scenes work for human rights.