Gul UNAL is the Chief of Training and Outreach Unit in the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies. Prior to joining to UNCTAD, she served as a Senior Regional Macroeconomic Advisor for Africa (UNECA), and as an economist at UNWOMEN and UNDP. She has previously taught college level economics  in the U.S  with a particular focus on development economics, political economy, and gender. Her research and publications focus on rural development issues.  She holds a Ph.D. in economics from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, USA. 

Susana OLIVARES joined the Virtual Institute in 2006. Susana's background includes expertise in the domains of communication, education and web technology. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Journalism, an Associate of Arts in Communication, a bilingual education teaching certificate and master coursework in education. Susana joined the Virtual Institute team in July, 2006, after managing websites and developing distance learning courses at Vi’s sister programme, TrainForTrade. Before joining UNCTAD in 2003, she was webmaster of IUCN-The World Conservation Union, owner of a web development company, editor of the digital edition of a large U.S. daily newspaper, and a teacher. At the Vi, she is responsible for the programme's communications, virtual services, online courses, the Vi newsletter and is focal point for contact with Vi associate members.

Florence HUDRY joined the Virtual Institute in October, 2013. Experienced in administration, desktop publishing and coordination of technical assistance and capacity-building activities, she manages Vi videoconferences and organizational and logistical arrangements of fellowships, workshops and other services for our members.