Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s career is a testament to her far-reaching influence and effectiveness across politics, international relations and humanitarian efforts. Serving as Denmark’s 26th Prime Minister from 2011 to 2015, Helle made significant strides in steering the nation through financial turmoil while championing progressive social policies. Under her leadership, Denmark saw a reduction in child poverty and an increase in educational spending, reflecting her commitment to social welfare and the development of human capital. Helle's political acumen is further evidenced as the former Leader of the Social Democrats from 2005, showcasing her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and push for transformative policies. Her rise as Denmark’s first female Prime Minister broke significant gender barriers, setting a precedent for future leadership in the country.

Following her political career, Helle took on the role of CEO of Save the Children, where she oversaw initiatives that reached approximately 50 million children annually across 120 countries. Her leadership extended to crisis regions, where she actively worked to highlight and address the humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria and the Rohingya refugee crisis. These roles underscored her dedication to global humanitarian issues and her ability to manage large-scale international organisations effectively. Helle's involvement in numerous influential international boards and commissions, such as the World Health Organization’s Pan-European Commission on Health & Sustainable Development and the Co-Chair of the Facebook Oversight Board, illustrates her continued influence in global policy discussions. These roles leverage her expertise to shape critical discussions around health, sustainable development and digital communication ethics, further amplifying her impact on international platforms.

Additionally, her active participation in think tanks and advisory groups like the Council on Foreign Relations, the European Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Council highlights her ongoing commitment to shaping global geopolitical strategies. These positions allow her to contribute to pivotal policy formulations that address complex global challenges.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s role as a keynote speaker is bolstered by her extensive experience and deep understanding of global politics, geopolitics and international relations. Her ability to draw on her practical experiences as a leader and policy-maker, combined with her academic background in political science and European studies, makes her a compelling and insightful speaker. Her talks not only provide strategic insights into current global issues but also inspire actions towards progressive and equitable solutions. Given her distinguished career and her proactive engagement in contemporary global issues, Helle Thorning-Schmidt is uniquely positioned to offer valuable perspectives as a keynote speaker, influencing discussions and decisions at the highest levels of global governance and policy.