Keynote Speaking

A panel discussion at the CNBC Davos 2024 event featuring three individuals seated on stage in front of three large blue screens with mountain graphics and the event logo. The room has ornate architectural details and wooden flooring.

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown is a keynote speaker on geopolitics, global affairs, leadership and the changing international order.

The international system is undergoing profound change. Geopolitical competition is intensifying, technology is reshaping power and organisations must navigate risks that increasingly cross national borders.

Drawing on senior roles at the United Nations, World Bank and in government, Mark’s keynotes help leaders understand how political, economic and technological change is reshaping business, institutions and international relations. With decades of experience at the centre of diplomacy and global affairs, Mark combines first-hand experience with clear, measured analysis, helping audiences understand the forces behind these shifts and what they may mean for business, government and society.

Mark has spent his career inside the institutions and political environments shaping global events.

He has served as UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chief of Staff to Kofi Annan, led the United Nations Development Programme, held a senior role at the World Bank and served as a UK government minister. He was also President of the Open Society Foundations. Today he leads the senior advisory team at an AI geopolitical start up.

This experience gives him a rare understanding of how governments, international institutions, markets and political leaders interact.

Beginning his career at The Economist, Mark combines an insider’s knowledge with the analytical independence of a journalist. His keynotes bring clarity to complex issues, placing current events within their wider political, economic and historical context.

Book titled "The Unfinished Global Revolution" by Mark Malloch Brown with a black and white cover featuring a hand holding a pen.
Book titled "The Unfinished Global Revolution" by Mark Malloch Brown with a black and white cover featuring a hand holding a pen.

Published works

Mark is the author of The Unfinished Global Revolution, which explores the limits of national governments in responding to global challenges. His time at the United Nations is also documented in Mark Malloch Brown at the United Nations Development Programme: Statements, Speeches and Commentary 1999–2005.

Together, these publications reflect the depth of experience and thinking behind his keynotes. View Mark’s published books.

Popular Keynotes

  • View of Earth from space showing city lights, clouds, and a thin green aurora at the edge of the atmosphere, with stars in the black background of space.

    Understanding the Forces Reshaping the World

    The global institutions and alliances established after 1945 are being tested by new centres of power, intensifying geopolitical competition and shifting economic influence. Mark explores the changing roles of the United States, China, Europe and emerging powers, considering what these developments mean for international cooperation, trade, security and global stability.

    Ideal for: Boards, senior leaders, investors, energy organisations, multinational businesses and global leadership conferences.

  • Digital illustration of interconnected glowing blue nodes and lines on a dark background, resembling a neural network or data connections.

    Where Politics, Economics and Technology Collide

    AI, cybersecurity, digital regulation and emerging technologies are changing how nations govern, compete and exercise power. Mark examines the political and economic interests shaping technology policy, the tensions between innovation and control, and the implications for global business, security and international development.

    Ideal for: Technology and innovation events, policy forums, risk leaders and organisations navigating digital regulation.

  • Multiple European Union flags flying outside a modern glass building.

    Lessons from the Frontlines of Diplomacy and Power

    How do leaders make decisions when information is incomplete, interests conflict and every available option carries risk? Drawing on his work alongside political leaders and international institutions, Mark shares candid lessons about negotiation, crisis management, judgement and the personal dynamics behind major decisions.

    Ideal for: Leadership conferences, executive offsites, professional services firms and private client events.

  • View of Earth from space showing city lights at night, with a faint green aurora and stars in the background.

    Understanding the Forces Reshaping the World

    The global institutions and alliances established after 1945 are being tested by new centres of power, intensifying geopolitical competition and shifting economic influence. Mark explores the changing roles of the United States, China, Europe and emerging powers, considering what these developments mean for international cooperation, trade, security and global stability.

    Ideal for: Boards, senior leaders, investors, energy organisations, multinational businesses and global leadership conferences.

  • Blue digital network of interconnected lines and points on a dark background, resembling a futuristic or technological landscape.

    Where Politics, Economics and Technology Collide

    AI, cybersecurity, digital regulation and emerging technologies are changing how nations govern, compete and exercise power. Mark examines the political and economic interests shaping technology policy, the tensions between innovation and control, and the implications for global business, security and international development.

    Ideal for: Technology and innovation events, policy forums, risk leaders and organisations navigating digital regulation.

  • European Union flags flying in front of a modern glass office building.

    Lessons from the Frontlines of Diplomacy and Power

    How do leaders make decisions when information is incomplete, interests conflict and every available option carries risk? Drawing on his work alongside political leaders and international institutions, Mark shares candid lessons about negotiation, crisis management, judgement and the personal dynamics behind major decisions.

    Ideal for: Leadership conferences, executive offsites, professional services firms and private client events.

Relevant sectors & audiences

Mark’s perspective is particularly valuable for organisations exposed to global political, economic, energy or regulatory change.

Expected impact

After Mark’s keynote, audiences will:

  • Better understand the forces reshaping the international order.

  • Place current events within a broader political and historical context.

  • Recognise how geopolitical developments may affect business, markets and energy security.

  • Gain insight into leadership, negotiation and decision-making under pressure.

  • Consider the implications of AI and technology for power, security and governance.

  • Leave better equipped to navigate international uncertainty.

Close-up portrait of an older man with gray hair, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, against a dark brown background.

Book Mark for your event

Mark is represented for speaking by Speaking Office, a speaker management company. If you would like to book Mark  to speak, please contact his speaker agent:

Andrew Hickman

07538438455
Andrew@speakingoffice.com

What Clients say

  • “Pitched perfectly, the content was fascinating and the room was packed.”

    — Slaughter and May

  • “Highly engaging, Mark brought depth and perspective to the forum. A real highlight.”

    — BCG

FAQ topics

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