Helen Clark

As the second female Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark is a pioneer of gender equality. Serving for nine years, she gained a reputation for her vocal opinions on nuclear disarmament and pragmatic, thorough decision-making. Whereas politicians of the past promised reforms that never came to fruition, Helen’s commitment to making significant change resulted in several transformative improvements for her country. She was highly regarded for her strong, honest leadership, a style of management that she promotes at events. The world leader is the perfect addition at international conferences, as her first-hand accounts can supply a unique perspective.

As the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen ensured equality in the highest political positions, electing women for such roles as Governor-General, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice. Helen herself was even a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. A pioneer of peace, she played a pinnacle role in making New Zealand ecologically sustainable, and introduced the Working for Families package which greatly benefited disadvantaged citizens. Under Helen’s rule, New Zealand enjoyed a period of economic growth, including high employment rates and international trade deals. In celebration of her influence, she was awarded the 2002 Nuclear-Free Future Award and the 2008 United Nations Environment Programme Champions of the Earth Award.

In recognition of Helen’s influence, she was named The New Zealand Herald’s 2009 Greatest Living New Zealander, and listed in Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the World, in 2016. As the longest-serving leader of the Labour Party, her sustained success is a testament to Helen’s monumental influence. Since stepping down as Prime Minister, she served as the Shadow Foreign Affairs spokesperson, and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme – Helen was the first woman to do so. In 2009, she was named UN Secretary-General by Ban Ki-moon, a landmark title that resulted in Forbes’ listing.

When Helen is booked for events, she reflects upon her several prestigious political roles, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Health. With a degree in Political Studies, her professional and academic insight into politics serves to enlighten audiences, welcoming them into the complex world of trade, negotiations and global politics. Her valuable leadership abilities set the standard for management, making Helen the ideal speaker for political functions and corporate events alike. With previous events including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2019, this award-winning politician is an invaluable speaker.