Simonetta Zarrilli is the chief of the Trade, Gender and Development Programme of UNCTAD and the organization's Gender Focal Point. Under her leadership, the Programme provides analytical and policy support to member countries on the gender implications of trade policy, and trains academics, policymakers and civil society representatives on trade, gender and development issues. Prior to taking these responsibilities, Ms. Zarrilli worked on a number of trade and development related topics, such as preferential tariff treatments, trade and environment, standards and regulations, trade in services, intellectual property rights, agro-biotechnology and energy. She has carried out numerous analytical, intergovernmental and technical cooperation activities in the above-mentioned areas and has produced many publications, including books, studies and official UN documents. Ms. Zarrilli holds a postgraduate degree in European Studies from the College of Europe, Bruges (Belgium) and a degree in Law from the University of Siena (Italy). She is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, apart from her native Italian.