Past Official 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.

David Satcher

As the 16th Surgeon General, Dr. Satcher encouraged public debate about issues including mental health, bioterrorism, sex education, AIDS, tobacco, obesity, and balancing the community healthcare system. As the force behind creating Healthy People 2010, the nation's health agenda, he works to eliminate racial disparities ...

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. ...

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 ...

Joseph P. Kennedy II

The founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, Joseph P. Kennedy II has served as Chairman and President of the company since 1998, following 12 years of service in the US House of Representatives. Establishing the nonprofit company to provide low-cost heating oil to the poor and elderly, Kennedy grew the organization to ...

Richard Carmona

As the 17th Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona developed comprehensive knowledge of the environmental influences on healthy living today. He offers a close look at the epidemic of asthma in young children as well as other issues directly related to the state of our environment and how we can work towards not only a healthy body, ...

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 ...

Kweisi Mfume

Former President and CEO of the NAACP, Maryland Congressman, and Chairman of the Black Congressional Caucus, Mfume is credited with rebuilding and revitalizing the NAACP. As a leader, activist, and seasoned political voice for diversity, he continues to follow his dream of impacting society and shaping a more humane public ...

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.

Bing West

A correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly, Bing West previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs where he was responsible for defense policy around the globe during the Reagan administration. He is an expert on the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as defense, ...

Paul Volcker

Over the course of his career, Paul Volcker has worked in the United States Federal Government for almost 30 years, culminating in two terms as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from 1979 to 1987, under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. In November 2008, President Elect Obama chose ...

Cesar Gaviria

Former Colombian President César Gaviria --known in Latin America as a conflict mediator, advocate of democracy, staunch supporter of regional integration and defender of human rights-- also served as the first elected Organization of American State (OAS) Secretary General.

Mickey Edwards

Serving as a member of Congress for 16 years, he was a senior member of the House Republican leadership as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, a member of both the House Appropriations and Budget Committees, and ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. He is now a lecturer at Princeton, ...

Jenny Shipley

Shipley has held many distinguished positions throughout her career in politics. Most notable was her role as the first female Prime Minister of New Zealand, which she held from 1997 to 1999. As Prime Minister, Shipley was the first woman to chair the highly successful APEC in New Zealand in 1999, advancing the free ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

Susan B. Neuman

Dr. Susan B. Neuman is currently a visiting professor at Georgetown University and a Professor in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan. She recently served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, under President George W. Bush. In this role, Dr. Neuman was responsible for the ...

Pedro Solbes

A highly respected and pivotal figure in Europe’s political arena, Pedro Solbes served as the European Commissioner of Economic and Monetary Affairs-overseeing the Euro’s integration across the European Union. A respected political and financial voice, Solbes delivers keynote speeches on integration, change management, ...

Robert Dole

Recognized as one of the most prominent political figures of our time, Senator Dole is Chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign, counsel to one of DC's top law firms, author of two best-selling books on political humor, a frequent guest on the late night talk show circuit and political commentator for The Daily ...