Elena Proden, PhD, is a Specialist, Strategic Implementation of the 2030 Agenda Unit, in UNITAR 's Division for Satellite Analysis and Applied Research. Elena is currently working on the design and delivery of learning and training projects and tools to support the mainstreaming, implementation and monitoring of the SDGs and effective data use in decision-making in collaboration with UNDESA, UNDP and other partners. She also provides methodological support for the piloting of these tools at regional and country level with a geographical focus primarily in Africa, Asia, and EECCA (Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia) region. Elena currently represents UNITAR in Global Network of Institutes for Statistical Training leading task teams on technology and innovation and data literacy, and had earlier been actively involved in several inter-agency initiatives aimed at ensuring a coherent approach to capacity development support at global and country levels. At UNITAR, she has also been carrying out research and analysis on evidence-based decision making and public policies design, regional and international cooperation, and sustainability issues.
Prior to that, Elena worked in and with the private sector -- in SMEs and multinationals -- in emerging and developed markets. Her previous experience also includes sub-national, public sector projects aimed at implementing the reform of higher education programs, and more specifically, the revision of the curriculum to help build the skills of young specialists to design projects and foster innovation in the context of a transition economy.