Felipe González

A sought after keynote speaker, seminar director, and advisor, Felipe González is the longest standing socialist Spanish President. Currently, he is President of the Commission for Global Progress of the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party, an organization that encourages debate and provides a launch pad for ideas and proposals for political activity.

President of Spain until 1996, González's time in office was defined by very significant reforms such as making public education universal, making a university education more accessible, and the establishment of a wide-ranging Social Security system. He also carried out a major industrial refurbishment plan as well as an overhaul of the Army with the professionalization of officials.

Following his presidential reign, González was named the Plenipotentiary Extraordinary Ambassador by the Minister's council, and was chosen by heads of state in the European Union as the President of the Reflection Group on the future of Europe, known as the Committee of Wise Men.

González is also a member of the Orientation European Committee “Our Europe,” the International Council of the Simon Peres Centre for Peace, the Interaction Council, the Madrid Club, and the Montevideo Circle. He has published books featuring conversations with Víctor Márquez and Juan Luís Cebrián, and authored world recognized essays “El Socialismo” and “Memorias del Futuro.”

His political labor has been recognized on numerous occasions and he has been the recipient of such prestigious awards as the Great Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic of Austria, and the Carlomagno Prize in 1993 for his contributions to European unity. He was also named Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universities of Toulouse and Leuven.