Human Rights Speakers

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 ...

Oscar Arias

Former President of Costa Rica and 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias holds international stature as a spokesperson for the developing world. Championing such issues as human development, democracy, and demilitarization, he has traveled the globe spreading a message of peace and applying the lessons garnered from the ...

Nicholas Kristof

A 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 ...

Sheryl WuDunn

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author and professional speaker, Sheryl WuDunn offers a unique perspective on current economic, political and social issues such as women's rights. As co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Half the Sky, WuDunn calls attention to the trials and triumphs of women ...

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 ...

Jesse Jackson

Former Presidential candidate, civil rights activist Reverend Jackson is one of the best known and most influential voices of American political and social activism. Called “the great unifier,” he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic ...

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 ...

Shirin Ebadi

An extraordinary woman of many firsts, Iranian lawyer and activist Ebadi has made history as the first Muslim to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous defense of human rights in Iran. One of the most intelligent, passionate, and respected voices of dissent from within this complex nation, she speaks to the world ...

Chris Hedges

A graduate of Harvard Divinity School and a foreign correspondent for nearly two decades in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, he writes and speaks extensively on war, religion and the conflict in the Middle East. He is the author of the bestseller War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, a book ...

Somaly Mam

Sold into sexual slavery as young girl, Mam has dedicated her life to finding a way to stop this horrific practice. Her past has fueled her passion and all her efforts to help young children and women who have become victims of sex slavery and human trafficking. Her incredible life experiences, stalwart dedication, and ...

Martti Ahtisaari

As President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari helped steer the nation in its accession to the EU. Post-presidency, he is known for his efforts in international peace mediation & conflict resolution.

Anne-Marie Slaughter

As Director of Policy Planning for the US State Department, Anne-Marie Slaughter touched on nearly every foreign policy issue. She was named a Top 100 Global Thinker by Foreign Policy.

Bob Simon

As one of the most honored journalists in international reporting, Bob Simon has chronicled the most important events of the past 30 years for CBS News. The network's chief Middle East correspondent since 1987, he has been a regular contributor to 60 Minutes for over 15 years.

John Prendergast

John Prendergast is a human rights activist and best-selling author. He is the co-founder of the Enough Project, an initiative to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Working for the Clinton Administration, he was directly involved in a number of peace processes in Africa. Prendergast helped create the Satellite ...

Amy Goodman

Amy Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program airing on more than 800 public television and radio stations worldwide. A well informed and captivating keynote speaker on political, gender, human rights and economic issues, she is The ...

Maajid Nawaz

Maajid Nawaz is a former member of the Islamic political group Hizb ut-Tahrir, and the co-founder and executive director of Quilliam, the world's first counter-extremism think tank. He is also the co-founder of Khudi, a counter-extremism social movement working towards the promotion of social democratic change in Pakistan.

Mavis Leno

Mavis Leno is currently a leader in the effort to make the restoration of women's rights a non-negotiable element of a post-Taliban Afghanistan, and has been at the forefront of ensuring that the plight of Afghan women is included in the world's reporting of the war in Afghanistan.

Rose Mapendo

Rose Mapendo, a survivor of the Congolese genocide, is a global activist for peace and reconciliation. A victim no more, she is a true hero, an incredible survivor, and an inspiration to us all who proves that - even in the face of violence, loss, and extreme hardship - courage and strength can be enough to save your life. ...

Michael Douglas

One of the most prominent actors, directors and producers in Hollywood, Michael Douglas has repeatedly chosen to work on politically influential and controversial motion pictures. As a celebrity keynote speaker, long-time champion of social and environmental causes and UN Messenger of Peace he speaks out for human rights ...

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 ...