Lars M. Sondergaard is a lead economist in the Education Global Practice’s East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank. He has led both operational and analytical work to support improving education outcomes in East Asia and Pacific and European and Central Asia. He has carried out policy research on a range of issues, including education, poverty, growth, and fiscal policy. He is the co-author of several World Bank publications, including Bridging the Basic Learning Gap (forthcoming); Skills, Not Just Diplomas; and Getting Back on Track. Reviving Growth and Securing Prosperity for All. Before joining the World Bank, he was a senior economist at the European Central Bank. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in economics from Georgetown University.