President Mary Robinson is one of the world’s most respected advocates for climate justice and a transformational global leader, having served as Ireland’s first female President and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her career is defined by a passionate commitment to human rights, gender equality, and a hopeful, collaborative approach to global challenges. She leverages the political authority of a former head of state with the moral clarity of an activist.
As President of Ireland from 1990-1997, Robinson is widely regarded as a groundbreaking leader who elevated the role of the Irish presidency during a period of rapid economic and social change. She later transformed the role of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights through highly visible public advocacy (1997-2002). Her dedication to global issues is continuous: she served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, sounding the alarm on the disproportionate effects of extreme weather on vulnerable populations.
A committed intellectual and advocate, President Robinson holds honorary doctorates from over 40 elite universities and is a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is a founding member and currently the Chair of The Elders, a group formed by Nelson Mandela to address the world’s most pressing problems. Her current focus on climate justice is encapsulated in her latest acclaimed book, Climate Justice, which has received glowing reviews from world leaders and human rights communities.
As an unforgettable keynote speaker, President Robinson delivers a powerful blend of research-backed thought leadership and compelling personal stories. She frames humanity's most daunting threat in highly solvable terms, moving audiences with her passionate call for a sustainable future grounded in human rights and corporate responsibility. Her message is known for touching hearts, expanding mindsets, and sparking meaningful conversations that leave audiences hopeful and inspired to change the course of our planet's future.
