Li Yong was Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) from 2013-2021. Before that he had an extensive career as a senior economic and financial policymaker. As Vice-Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank for a decade, Li was involved in setting and harmonizing fiscal, monetary and industrial policies and in supporting economic growth in China. Throughout his career, he has advocated financial-sector reform and prompted major financial institutions to establish corporate governance, deal with toxic assets and strengthen risk management. LI prioritized fiscal and financial measures to promote agricultural development and small and medium-sized enterprises, both of which represent cornerstones for creating economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. He played a key role in China’s cooperation with multilateral development organizations, such as the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank.