Global Issues
Europe
Europe:
Former Prime Minister of Ireland
As a key player in the development of the Euro and the extraordinary success of the Irish economy, speaker John Bruton is a model of exceptional political achievement.
Nobel Laureate & Global Leader
The former President of Poland, speaker Lech Walesa won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending Poland's Communist leadership.
Political Economist & Professor, Brown University
Acclaimed for his bold prediction that Europe’s turn to austerity would end badly (it did) and then predicting (very early) both Donald Trump’s victory and Brexit, Brown University professor Mark Blyth continues to pinpoint the key forces that shape our economic futures.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
As President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari helped steer the nation in its accession to the EU. He is known for his efforts in international peace mediation and conflict resolution.
European Politician & Finance Expert
Speaker Pedro Solbes served as the European Commissioner of Economic and Monetary Affairs, overseeing the euro's integration across the EU.
Former Deputy Secretary of State
An award-winning journalist for Time and president of the Brookings Institution, speaker Strobe Talbott is a specialist on nuclear arms and global affairs.
Award-Winning Russian Journalist & Author
Vladimir Pozner is a journalist and bestselling author, unafraid to take on controversial stories. Named the “Voice of Moscow” by CNN, Pozner is a foremost authority on Russian and Western relations.
President, Foundation on Economic Trends
Rifkin, president of the Foundation on Economic Trends, is the author of several books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment.