Mike Moore

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and recently stepped down Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mike Moore has had a long and distinguished career in politics, and has been the driving force behind important changes in the WTO in the last three years. Mike Moore's term at the WTO has coincided with momentous changes in the global economy and multilateral trading system. He is widely credited with restoring confidence in the system following the setback of the 3rd Ministerial Conference held in Seattle in 1999.

Mike has also initiated important organizational changes within the Secretariat and introduced a range of strategic management techniques. While maintaining the organization's focus on core business of trade liberalization, Mike has also given particular attention to helping poor countries participate effectively in the multilateral trading system. Mike has introduced initiatives to enhance the WTO's image and to deepen its relations with civil society resulting in 10 new members joining the WTO during his tenure, including China.

Mike Moore became the youngest Member of Parliament ever elected in New Zealand in 1972. On behalf of his country, Mike was an active participant in international discussions on trade liberalization. As Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing, he played a leading role in launching the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations. Mike Moore was also the longest serving member of the New Zealand Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mike Moore is a distinguished author, and recipient of many honors. In 1999 he was awarded New Zealand's highest honor, the Order of New Zealand. In 2002, he received the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the Chancellor's Medal from the University of Chile, the Business Week Award from Erasmus University, Rotterdam and the Government of Uruguay bestowed The Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, their highest national honor.

Mike is also a member of the Privy Council. Widely respected for his leadership, experience, and decision-making skills in launching multilateral trade negotiations, Mike Moore is a speaker who brings a wealth of insights to any conference concerned with trans-global business. Moore has been honored and recognized by over a dozen governments and universities in the Americas, Africa, the Pacific, and Europe.