Helen Clark

Helen Clark is a respected global leader in sustainable development, gender equality and international co-operation. She served three successive terms as Prime Minister of New Zealand between 1999 and 2008. While in government, she led policy debate on a wide range of economic, social, environmental and cultural issues, including sustainability and climate change. Following her tenure in government, Helen Clark assumed the role of Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for two terms from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation. Concurrently, she chaired the United Nations Development Group, overseeing coordination among all UN funds, programs, and departments dedicated to development issues. In 2019, Helen Clark became the patron of The Helen Clark Foundation and remains actively engaged in various international organizations, continuing her advocacy for sustainable development and gender equality on a global scale. She was honored with the Order of New Zealand in 2009, the highest civilian honor in the country.