Keynote SpeakersLord Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General, shares insights on the forces reshaping global politics, economics and technology.
With a distinguished career spanning the United Nations, the World Bank, government service, and major philanthropic institutions, he has played a pivotal role in shaping international policy and advancing global cooperation.
At the United Nations, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown served as Administrator of the UN Development Programme, where he led global efforts to promote and implement the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), helping to place poverty reduction, sustainable development, and international partnership at the centre of the global agenda.
Prior to this, as VP for External Affairs at the World Bank, he spearheaded institutional reform and communications initiatives designed to increase the effectiveness and impact of one of the world’s foremost development organisations.
Lord Mark Malloch-Brown later served as Chief of Staff to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and subsequently as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming one of the organisation’s most senior leaders during a period of significant global change.
From 2007 to 2009, Lord Malloch-Brown served in the UK Government under Prime Minister Gordon Brown as Minister of State for Africa, Asia and the United Nations. In this position, he oversaw British foreign policy engagement across some of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Most recently, Lord Malloch-Brown was President of the Open Society Foundations, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations supporting democracy, human rights, justice, civil society, and accountable governance across more than 100 countries.
Lord Mark Malloch-Brown is a Visiting Professor in Practice at the LSE and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perry World House. He was knighted for his services to international affairs and is currently on leave from the House of Lords.
Lord Mark Malloch-Brown – Keynote Speaker
Lord Mark Malloch-Brown is one of the world’s most experienced voices on international affairs, global development and geopolitics. As a keynote speaker, he shares lessons from the front lines of diplomacy and leadership. As a result, he helps audiences understand the forces reshaping politics, economics, technology, and the future of global cooperation.
Speaking topics:
Geopolitics and the Changing Global Order:
As the post-war international order gives way to a new era of geopolitical competition, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown examines the shifting balance of global power. Drawing on decades at the highest levels of diplomacy and government, he explores the rise of China, the changing role of the USA, the future of Europe, and the implications for global trade, security and international cooperation. A compelling analysis of where the world is headed next.
Global Governance, Technology and the Future of Institutions:
Technology is transforming how nations govern, compete and develop. Drawing on his experience at the UN and across international institutions, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown explores the impact of AI, digital regulation, cybersecurity and emerging technologies on global governance. He examines how institutions must adapt to a rapidly changing world and what these shifts mean for economic growth, security and social stability.
Inside Stories from Global Leadership:
From working alongside Kofi Annan, George Soros and Gordon Brown to advising democratic leaders around the world, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown offers a rare insider’s perspective on leadership, diplomacy and decision-making. Combining personal stories, political insight and lessons from decades at the centre of world events, he reveals how leaders navigate uncertainty, manage crises and shape history in moments of profound change.
