New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, political speaker Helen Clark is a leading voice for sustainable development and public health. A versatile and engaging keynote speaker, Helen Clark shares a lifetime of experience in leadership, public policy, and social justice.

In 1999, Helen Clark became the first woman to become Prime Minister of New Zealand following a general election. She served as Prime Minister from 1999-2008, winning three consecutive terms in office.

Clark’s remarkably effective tenure as Prime Minister capped a 27-year career in Parliament. Under her leadership, New Zealand became an international beacon for sustainable development and a social and cultural powerhouse. Clark also led successful policy initiatives to strengthen New Zealand’s domestic economy and take a more assertive role in international affairs.

After her final term as Prime Minister, Clark became Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. She was the first woman to serve in that capacity, and did so for two distinguished four-year terms. During her tenure, Publish What You Fund named the UNDP the world’s most transparent development organization. While leading the UNDP, Clark also chaired the UN Development Group, which oversees all UN development work.

In 2020, Clark was appointed co-chair of the WHO’s Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness. The panel delivered a report in May 2021 that cast a critical light on the international response to Covid-19.

Prior to winning election to Parliament, Clark taught political science at her alma mater, the University of Auckland.