Mike Moore

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and recently stepped down as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Mike Moore has had a long and distinguished career in politics, and has been the driving force behind important changes in the WTO in the last three years.

Mike Moore’s term at the WTO has coincided with momentous changes in the global economy and multilateral trading system. He is widely credited with restoring confidence in the system following the setback of the 3rd Ministerial Conference held in Seattle in 1999. Mike has also initiated important organisational changes within the Secretariat and introduced a range of strategic management techniques.

While maintaining the organisation’s focus on core business of trade liberalisation, Mike has also given particular attention to helping poor countries participate effectively in the multilateral trading system. Mike’s has introduced initiatives to enhance the WTO’s image and to deepen its relations with civil society resulting in 10 new members joining the WTO during his tenure, including China.

Mike Moore became the youngest Member of Parliament ever elected in New Zealand in 1972. On behalf of his country, Mike was an active participant in international discussions on trade liberalisation. As Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing, he played a leading role in launching the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations. Mike Moore was also the longest serving member of the New Zealand Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mike Moore is a distinguished author, and recipient of many honours. In 1999 he was awarded the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand’s highest honour. In 2002, he received the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Chile, the Business Week Award from Erasmus University, Rotterdam and the Government of Uruguay bestowed The Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, their highest national honour. Mike is also a member of the Privy Council and in April 2003 become a Board member of SGS.

Widely respected for his leadership, experience, and decision-making skills in launching multilateral trade negotiations, Mike Moore is a speaker who brings a wealth of insights to any conference concerned with trans-global business.