Koldo Unceta

Koldo Unceta is a retired Professor of Applied Economics at the University of the Basque Country. He played a pivotal role in founding Hegoa (Institute for Development and International Cooperation Studies) and served as its director from 1987 to 2000. He has been a visiting professor at over twenty universities across Spain, Europe, and Latin America. His research focuses on world economy, development theories, post-development critiques, sustainable development, and decentralized cooperation. He has authored numerous publications on these topics, including books and articles in specialized journals.

Unceta has spearheaded debates on alternative development paradigms, Buen Vivir, and the post-growth movement. His work critically engages with globalization, aid effectiveness, and policy coherence in development. He has advised doctoral theses on topics ranging from university social responsibility to indigenous territorial rights in Ecuador. His contributions include analyzing the Basque Country’s decentralized cooperation model and evaluating the transition from MDGs to SDGs.

Unceta’s academic career includes over three decades of teaching and research, with a focus on bridging theory and practice in development studies. He has collaborated extensively with NGOs and subnational governments, emphasizing the role of universities in fostering global solidarity. His work highlights the need for systemic alternatives to neoliberal development models, integrating sustainability and equity into global frameworks.