International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) CEO Ebba Lund has been appointed Co-President of GASEZ (Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones), the global alliance promoted by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) to foster a new generation of economic zones and innovation spaces aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Headquartered at Málaga TechPark, IASP strengthens its position within the global innovation and sustainable development ecosystem through this appointment, further reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and to the promotion of policies aimed at innovation, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
Ebba Lund will share GASEZ’s co-presidency with Nan Li Collins, Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD.
UNCTAD’s mission is to support developing countries in integrating into the global economy in a fairer and more effective manner. Its collaboration with IASP dates back several years and includes joint initiatives, as well as a project focused on science and technology parks for sustainable development.
The relationship between IASP and GASEZ has also been strengthened since the alliance’s creation, with IASP serving as one of its founding members. The connection between both organisations through their shared commitment to sustainable innovation and territorial development remains clear.
Furthermore, during the 8th World Investment Forum, GASEZ announced a list of 50 organisations recognised as Model Zones for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 17 of which were members of IASP. This recognition highlighted the efforts and contribution of the community of innovation spaces and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to advancing the SDGs.
Today, the alliance brings together founding members representing more than 7,000 Special Economic Zones worldwide and operates under a co-presidency based in Geneva and Málaga.