Advisory Board – Distinguished Expert in International Sustainable Policy and Canada–Partner Cooperation
The Secretariat hereby formally announces the appointment of David Abonyi as Advisory Board Member – Distinguished Expert in International Sustainable Policy and Canada–Partner Cooperation, entrusted with supporting the institution in strengthening international policy dialogue and cooperation frameworks between Canada and partner countries, particularly within the Asia–Pacific region.
Mr. Abonyi brings extensive experience in economic development, international trade, and international assistance, with professional engagement across public-sector institutions, policy think tanks, private-sector organizations, and international institutions in Canada and Asia. His work reflects a strong capability in analysing complex policy environments and translating diverse information into strategic insights that inform international collaboration and economic policy frameworks.
His professional experience includes leading and coordinating initiatives designed to strengthen economic linkages between Canada and Asia. In Bangkok, he has directed projects aimed at enhancing Thai–Canadian business cooperation, facilitating connections between enterprises, and supporting the development of collaborative platforms and workshops that promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries and across the broader Asian region.
Mr. Abonyi has also contributed to international policy discussions on Canada’s economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. His work with the MacDonald–Laurier Institute included supporting the planning of policy roundtables involving senior stakeholders such as Global Affairs Canada, the Business Council of Canada, and diplomatic representatives from ASEAN countries, with the objective of strengthening Canada’s economic relations with the region.
Earlier in his career, he worked with international organisations including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), where he contributed to research and policy studies on private-sector development, regional trade integration, and value-chain diversification in Asia. He also advised on sustainable infrastructure planning and risk management frameworks related to public–private partnership (PPP) projects and green finance instruments in Asia-Pacific contexts.
Through these engagements, Mr. Abonyi has demonstrated the ability to connect economic policy analysis, international cooperation, and strategic development initiatives. His experience working across governments, international organisations, and regional development initiatives positions him to contribute to the Advisory Board in supporting international dialogue and policy collaboration between Canada and partner countries within evolving global economic and sustainability frameworks.
His contribution to the Advisory Board will support the institution in strengthening international policy cooperation, facilitating cross-regional dialogue, and advancing strategic engagement between Canada and partner economies on sustainable development, trade, and economic cooperation.
Education
Master of Public Administration (MPA), Maxwell School, Syracuse University – with a focus on economics and international development.
Bachelor of Arts, Honours (BAH), Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario – major concentration in political studies and minor concentration in economics.
Project Finance and Public Private Partnership Fundamentals – Professional Certificate, New York Institute of Finance.
Professional Experience
Project Director, Strengthening Thai-Canada Business and Economic Linkages, Thai-Canada Economic Cooperation Foundation, Bangkok (2023–present). Responsible for project design, planning, and management, including facilitating collaboration between Canadian and Thai enterprises and developing information platforms supporting business opportunities in Thailand and Asia.
Consultant, MacDonald–Laurier Institute, Ottawa – project on strengthening Canada–Indo-Pacific collaboration, including support for policy roundtables involving Canadian government agencies and ASEAN diplomatic missions.
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) – advised on guidelines for sustainable infrastructure planning and risk management for PPP projects and contributed to training materials related to infrastructure finance and green finance instruments.
Senior Program Policy Analyst, Global Affairs Canada, Partnerships for Development Innovation Branch – responsible for strategic analysis to support program planning, reporting, and operational tools for international development partnerships.
Research Analyst, UNESCAP Trade and Investment Division, Bangkok – contributed to studies on ASEAN economic integration, private-sector development in Myanmar, and export diversification through global value chains in developing economies.
Additional roles include analytical and research positions with the Asian Development Bank, Fiscal Policy Research Institute, and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, focusing on economic policy analysis, development strategy, and project feasibility studies across Asia.
Core Expertise
- International Economic Policy and Development Strategy
- Canada–Asia Economic Cooperation
- International Trade and Investment Analysis
- Regional Economic Development and Value Chain Integration
- Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Infrastructure Policy
- Sustainable Infrastructure and Green Finance Policy
- International Development Program Analysis
- Cross-Regional Policy Dialogue and Strategic Collaboration
Issued by the Secretariat Office
Sustainism Initiative (STNSM)
