Helen Clark is a pioneering politician and an esteemed motivational and sustainability speaker, widely known as the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. With a career defined by her advocacy for gender equality, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, Helen is celebrated for her ability to address complex global challenges with insight and authority. Her legacy in leadership has made her a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences, corporate events, and global forums. Passionate about empowering women and ensuring equal representation in positions of power, Helen is hired not only for her wealth of experience but also for the inspiration she brings to diverse audiences.
Helen’s journey into politics began with her involvement in the New Zealand Labour Party, initially supporting candidates in the Auckland City Council. Though her first attempt at election was unsuccessful, she remained undeterred and went on to lecture in Political Studies at the University of Auckland. In 1981, she was elected to Parliament and rapidly ascended through the political ranks, serving as a Cabinet Minister in 1987. Her determination and expertise eventually saw her become Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Spokesperson for Health and Labour, laying the groundwork for her eventual appointment as Prime Minister.
In 1999, Helen was elected as the second female Prime Minister of New Zealand, a position she held for nine years until 2008. During her leadership, she made historic strides by appointing women to prominent roles including Chief of Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Governor-General. After leaving politics, Helen continued to make a global impact, serving as United Nations Development Programme Administrator and later becoming Co-Chair of the panel reviewing WHO’s Covid-19 response. Her outstanding contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades such as Forbes Magazine’s 22nd Most Powerful Woman in the World, and awards from organisations like the United Nations and Danish Peace Foundation. Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, Helen is passionate to create a more inclusive and fair society and is also a member of the Council of Women World Leaders.
Helen is frequently hired as a speaker for her deep knowledge of political systems, sustainability, and social justice. She has delivered renowned talks, including a TEDx presentation titled “Yes She Can”, and is known for speaking on topics such as diversity, multilateralism, sustainable development, and political corruption. With her unique blend of lived experience, global perspective, and unwavering commitment to equality, Helen is the ideal speaker for events seeking to address pressing global issues and inspire meaningful change.
