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Alibaba’s Jack Ma Named UNCTAD Special Advisor On Trade

September 21, 2016         By: Mike Dautner

Jack Ma, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, has been named Special Adviser to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development for Youth Entrepreneurship and Small Business.

In the new assumed role as UNCTAD Special Advisor, Mr. Ma will spearhead initiatives to make it easier for young entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in developing countries, to participate in global trade, as well as raise awareness about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Mr. Ma is an influential and respected pioneer of the internet era, innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. “He brings a visionary approach to entrepreneurship, a thirst for learning, and a belief in a better world that make him a perfect match for UNCTAD. Together we will be able to reach out to communities that feel left behind in today’s global landscape with a message of hope and self-empowerment.”

Ma brings expertise, results, and vision to the role. He created Alibaba in 1999, recognizing the power of the Internet to level the playing field for SMBs and entrepreneurs.

“It is an honor to serve as UNCTAD’s Special Advisor on Youth Entrepreneurship and Small Business,” said Mr. Ma. “I have devoted my career to helping entrepreneurs and have seen the social and economic transformation that occurs when people are given the opportunity to participate in the global economy.”