Helen Clark was the first woman elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving three successive terms from 1999 to 2008.  Throughout her tenure as Prime Minister, she engaged widely in policy development and advocacy across the international, economic, social, environmental, and cultural spheres. Under her leadership, New Zealand achieved significant economic growth, low levels of unemployment, and high levels of investment in education, health, and the well-being of families and older citizens. She and her government prioritized reconciliation and the settlement of historical grievances with indigenous people, and the development of an inclusive multicultural and multi-faith society.

After serving as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, she became the Administrator of the United Nations Development Program in April 2009 and the Chair of the United Nations Development Group, being the first woman to assume these positions, serving through 2017. Prior to entering the New Zealand Parliament, Clark taught in the Political Studies Department of the University of Auckland.

She joined the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2017 and became Chair of its Steering Committee in 2020 (actively serving).

Visit www.helenclarknz.com for more information.