Juan Manuel Santos Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerJuan Manuel Santos

Member of The Elders; 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; President of Colombia (2010-2014; 2014-2018)

Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the world, President Santos ushered in a new era of prosperity, peace, equity, and education throughout Colombia during his the two-term tenure (2010-2014 and 2014-2018). Due to his tenacity and determination to achieve peace and reconciliation in Colombia, in 2016 the... Read more

Biography

Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the world, President Santos ushered in a new era of prosperity, peace, equity, and education throughout Colombia during his the two-term tenure (2010-2014 and 2014-2018).

Due to his tenacity and determination to achieve peace and reconciliation in Colombia, in 2016 the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded President Santos the Nobel Peace Prize “for his resolute efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end.” Santos has also been twice-named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” and was honored with the World Economic Forum’s Global Statesman Award.

During his administration, Colombia became the region´s leader in economic growth, job creation, reduction of poverty and extreme poverty, sustainable development and the enhancement of Information and Communications Technology. In addition, his administration reduced the housing deficit by half and launched the most ambitious infrastructure plan in Colombia’s history. He has also published several books, including The Third Way, which he wrote with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jaque al Terror (Checkmate to Terror), in which he describes how he successfully fought the FARC.

Santos is currently the Chairman of the Board of Compaz Foundation, which he created to promote peace, protect the environment and fight poverty, mainly through grassroot leadership. He is also part of The Elders and the Global Commission on Drug Policy, as well as a member of the board of the International Crisis Group and the Wildlife Conservation Society. He is a visiting professor at Oxford University. In addition, he is a member of the Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees, and he was Conservation International’s Arnhold Distinguished Fellow for three years.

Sought-out to speak everywhere from Harvard University to the World Economic Forum, in his compelling keynotes Santos shares his reflections on the challenges of leadership, revealing what allowed him to change Colombia’s history and make the impossible, possible. He delivers a message of unity and humanity that is inspiring, refreshing and necessary amid these turbulent political times. Santos also offers shrewd insights and analysis on issues such as the global economic outlook, global security, and foreign affairs.

Popular Talks by Juan Manuel Santos

  • Port of Destiny: From the Impossible to the Possible
    In his determined efforts to bring peace to a country that had been plagued by civil war for five decades, President Juan Manuel Santos helped make the impossible, possible. In this moving, empowering, and captivating talk, he shares the lessons learned, his insights on leadership, and the true meaning behind...
  • Making tough decisions in times of crises
    Humanity is going through an unprecedented crisis. In difficult times, it’s the vision of bold and innovative leaders that enables tough decisions to be made today to build a better future. The experience of Juan Manuel Santos is proof of this. His leadership as Minister of Finance allowed Colombia to...
  • From Crisis to Prosperity: The Global Economic Outlook
    Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Juan Manuel Santos ushered in a new era of prosperity and equity throughout Colombia during his tenure. During his administration, Colombia became the region’s leader in economic growth, job creation, and reduction of poverty, as well as sustainable development. Sought after...
  • Sustainable Development: The Key to a Lasting Peace
    In his path to ending one of the world’s longest armed conflicts, President Juan Manuel Santos pursued sustainable development to achieve a long-lasting peace and was awarded the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his determined efforts. Redefining peace around the world, Santos shares his reflections on the importance of protecting...
  • From Colombia to the World: The Future Global Landscape
    In his eight years as President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos transformed a country that was once the murder capital of the world into a global destination for investment and tourism.  Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the world, Santos’ tenure is marked by his efforts to bring...