Global Issues Speakers

Mikhail Gorbachev

One of the 20th century's most pivotal leaders, Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary leadership and the democratic reforms that ended the Cold War. As a keynote speaker he continues to inspire the rest of us to lead the way towards peace, a better environment, and global democracy.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Internationally known as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first woman to lead an African nation. A Harvard educated former World Bank economist, she is a leading promoter of peace, justice, and democratic rule, working tirelessly end the corruption that has plagued her countr ...

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Former Prime Minister of Norway, Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Chair of the World Commission on Environment and Development, Dr. Brundtland has been a prominent force in addressing key issues such as healthcare, economic sustainability, and the challenges to the environment throughout the world. Sh ...

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

A Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu served as South Africa's voice of conscience during its long struggle against apartheid, soothing the spirits and rallying the hearts of his people as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As a highly regarded and inspirational keynote speaker, he continues to speak ...

Oscar Arias

Awarded the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending political violence in Central America, Dr. Arias champions such issues as human development, democracy, and demilitarization, and has traveled the globe spreading his message of peace.

Nicholas Kristof

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, Kristof is an extraordinary thinker, human rights advocate, and astute chronicler of humanity. As a seasoned journalist who has traveled China, Africa, India, and South Asia, he offers a compassionate glimpse into such issues as global health, poverty and gende ...

Muhammad Yunus

Founder and Managing Director of Grameen Bank, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his pioneering work in establishing microcredit initiatives throughout developing nations, Yunus continues to work tirelessly to fulfill his vision of eradicating poverty through efforts empowering the poor. He authored Creating a World wi ...

Paul Rusesabagina

Considered the "Rwandan Schindler," Rusesabagina saved over 1,200 lives during the Rwandan Genocide. His story is chronicled in both his book, An Ordinary Man, and the Oscar-nominated film, Hotel Rwanda, a riveting account of a man finding strength within himself to save others in the midst of his country's darkest ...

Mary Robinson

As first female President of Ireland, Robinson increased the status of the nation. Formerly the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she now advises businesses worldwide on ethical practices and management. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, she is one of five members ...

Joseph Stiglitz

Regarded as one of the best economic minds of his generation, Joseph E. Stiglitz is the winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in economics. His work has helped explain the circumstances in which markets do not work well, and how selective government intervention can improve their performance. He helped create a new branch of eco ...

Ambassador Munir Akram

Following a long and distinguished diplomatic career as the former Permanent Representative to the United Nations from Pakistan, Ambassador Munir Akram is now ready to step out from behind the diplomatic curtain and tell what he knows and offer his perspective on what the goals of the United States should be in Pakistan and ...

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Hunter-Gault made civil rights history as the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Georgia. Now, as one of television's premier journalists, she challenges convention with her insights. A special correspondent for NPR based in South Africa, she has written New News Out of Africa, which pr ...

Kim Campbell

Having made history as Canada's first female Prime Minister, The Right Honorable Campbell is among the most celebrated world leaders. Expanding her global influence, she was instrumental as Co-Founder of Club of Madrid, an organization of current and former heads of state and government dedicated to strengthening democracy ...

Lech Walesa

Using his power of persuasion to promote his vision of peace and equality, Walesa led the Solidarity Labor Movement that brought about the downfall of Poland's Communist leadership. For his heroic efforts, Walesa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and went on to become the first democratically elected President of Poland. H ...

Mariane Pearl

Pearl is a unique and versatile award-winning journalist who has written A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl, a gripping and profound narrative of her experience and the pursuit of those who captured and killed her husband, Daniel Pearl, the South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Stree ...

Naomi Klein

Klein is an award-winning journalist, syndicated columnist, and author of the international bestseller, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. Exploring the flaws of neoliberal economics and globalization, her stunning revelations and well-researched insight provides a backdrop to the connections betwee ...

Jeffrey Baxter

Grammy Award-winning rock guitarist with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, Baxter is now an advising member of Congress, the defense industry, and the military. Baxter teaches audiences what he has taught leading Pentagon and government officials - challenging old assumptions and adapting to change.

Rob Gifford

Acclaimed NPR Correspondent Gifford shares his compelling adventure along the Chinese Route 66 in the best-selling China Road. Bearing witness to the social and economic revolution that is turning China upside down, Gifford defines the great nation through the voices of its people and reveals how the future of the W ...