Tom Head's International Service

Professor of Economics
Chairperson of the International Studies Program

Country:
Photo of Tom Head

United Nations

Organization
Quaker United Nations Committee, New York
Quaker United Nations Committee, Geneva

Nature of Work
The Quakers, through the Friends World Committee for Consultation, hold NGO (non-governmental organization) status at the UN. The staff of the Quaker UN Offices work on a variety of issues such as disarmament, conflict resolution and peacemaking, human rights, racism, financing for development, global economics issues, and UN reform. QUNO sponsors a number of off-the-record meetings for diplomats and specialists working on issues of concern to Friends; also, short-term summer schools are offered in both New York and Geneva, Switzerland. From time to time, QUNO staff will have occasion to present testimony and input at UN meetings and to participate in the organization of UN conferences.

Explanation for Involvement
Besides Tom's general interest in the international work of Friends, this involvement has provided a special opportunity to work with international economic issues within UN agencies as well as other closely related organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the International monetary fund. The Geneva Office works closely with these and other multinational economic organizations. This involvement offers both outreach opportunities and a good many insights and experiences which can be brought back into the classroom as Tom teaches classes such as "International Trade and Finance" and "Global Political Economy."

World Affairs Council of Oregon Meeting, Sept. 30, 2004
Students from Tom Head's "International Trade and Finance" class went to hear Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, President of Bolivia, 1993-1997 and 2002-03, speak on "Prospects for Latin America: Bolivia's Lessons."

"Mr. de Lozada was born in Bolivia but went to school in the U.S. where his father was a diplomat. He graduated from the University of Chicago then returned to Bolivia to work as an economist and businessman, becoming eventually the successful owner of Bolivia's largest mining group. During his first term in office, Mr. Sanchez de Lozada carried out a major privatisation program and won praise for reining in hyperinflation. After election for a second term in 2002, he focused on balancing the budget and attracting foreign investment. Public opposition to IMF-imposed market reforms and particularly to plans to sell and transport natural gas resources through Chile forced him to resign in October of 2003. He has been busy since then with consulting, speaking engagements, and writing." - Oregon in the world: The Monthly Newsletter of the World Affairs Council of Oregon

Tom Head speaking with Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, former President of Bolivia	Four of the students who went to the World Affairs Council luncheon
Melinda speaking with Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada