Arancha González Laya

Dean at the Sciences Po (Paris School of International Affairs) and a former Spanish Foreign Minister

As an expert in the fields of international relations, trade and economics, she has extensive experience in both European institutions and in multilateral organisations.

Ms González Laya, who was Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, from 2020 to 2021, also held the positions of under-secretary general at the United Nations (UN) and at the International Trade Centre (ITC), between 2013 and 2019. Before that, from 2005 to 2013, she was chief of staff to the director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the WTO’s ‘sherpa’ for the G20. Prior to that, she held various positions within the European Commission in external relations, including that of spokesperson for the European Commission and advisor to the European Trade Commissioner.

Upon entering the private sector, she started out as an associate in a German law firm, advising companies on affairs relating to trade, competition law and government aid. She is currently Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), at its Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) graduate school.

Ms González Laya holds a degree in law, from the University of Navarra, and a Master's degree in European Law, from Madrid’s Carlos III University.