Rafael is a visionary leader with around 20 years of experience in development economics, agriculture, and food systems. He has held executive positions in the Colombian Government (DNP, Colombia Productiva), and worked for research centers (Fedesarrollo, CRECE-FNC), NGOs, and multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, ECLAC, UNDP, and BiovIntCIAT-CGIAR. With a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Sussex U.K, Rafael has played a vital role in shaping policy and understanding the impact of food policy, climate change, and post-conflict on agriculture in Colombia. Currently, Rafael leads projects aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, climate change, and biodiversity loss.