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Ian Goldin

Keynote Speaker

Visionary Economist; Director, Oxford University's 21st Century School (2006-2016); Former Vice President, The World Bank; and Former Economic Advisor to President Nelson Mandela

A brilliant visionary whose vast experience spans across the corporate world, government and academia, Ian Goldin is a highly acclaimed and compelling speaker who looks to the future in helping audiences understand the economic, science, technology, social and medical trends that will shape our future.

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Ian Goldin'S SPEAKING FEE $40K - $70K

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Drawing from his experiences at the World Bank, Oxford University, and as a lead author for landmark reports like the UN’s Human Development Report, Ian Goldin provides audiences with cross-disciplinary grasp of the transformations unfolding globally.

Goldin speaks with authority on how global issues will affect our collective future and his insights on the future of globalization and megatrends are informed by his first-hand experience working in business and government around the world, including his former work as economic advisor to Nelson Mandela.

Goldin provides audiences with a strategic blueprint for building resilience and harnessing turbulence as a catalyzing force for progress. All industries look to Goldin for his data-driven insights on navigating the world’s current volatility. He equips leaders to cultivate the agility and foresight needed to thrive amidst rapidly changing landscapes.

Featured Videos

Ian Goldin Profile Photo
Ian Goldin

Navigating Our Global Future

Ian Goldin Profile Photo
Ian Goldin

Age of Discovery

Navigating Our Global Future

Age of Discovery

Ian Goldin’s Speech Topics

  • Globalization: Be it resolved, the COVID-19 pandemic proves that globalization is a failed experiment

    The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our globalized world to a grinding halt. Borders have closed, supply chains have vanished into thin air, and the future of multilateral institutions like the WHO, and supranational organizations like the European Union, seem to hang in the balance. Supporters of globalization believe that the solutions to the pandemic – whether they be economic, public health or foreign aid – lie not in deglobalization but in fostering a more interconnected and inclusive world. Only through increased global cooperation can we overcome the daunting challenges that lie ahead. Critics of globalization say that the pandemic has exposed the shaky foundations of our hyperconnected world. They argue that that the system that failed to deliver critical health supplies in the crunch, is also a system that benefits the 1% and multinationals at the expense of economic equality, the environment, and democratic institutions.

  • Future Opportunities, Future Risks

    Ian Goldin has a unique insight into the future. Drawing on the frontiers of research at Oxford and elsewhere, he provides illuminating perspectives on the major changes in society and technology which are likely to take place over coming decades. His presentations focus on the big picture, looking at the implications for businesses, governments and individual choice.


    Professor Goldin explains the connection between social and technical change, and draws out the lessons of the past thirty years of unprecedented globalization. He discusses whether the tidal wave of globalization will continue and whether past trends are sustainable.


    He examines first population and demographic trends, considering the implications for pensions, retirement, dependency and migration patterns to the Year 2050. Next, he considers economic trends, considering whether the current dramatic instability in the market is likely to be a short-term deviation from longer term trends. He considers the rise of Asia and emerging markets, providing perspectives on economic growth and opportunities over the coming 10+ years. The connections between social, technical and economic change and market growth and consumer behaviour are unpacked. Professor Goldin provides fresh insights into the future of computing, biotechnology, nano-technology, genetics and the likely implications of frontier technologies.


    Ian Goldin is a leading global thinker on the future. He has extraordinary wide ranging knowledge and an ability to combine the latest in research with insights from the inside of global politics and business.


    Ian Goldin has a unique insight into the future. Drawing on the frontiers of research at Oxford and elsewhere, he provides illuminating perspectives on the major changes in society and technology which are likely to take place over coming decades. His presentations focus on the big picture, looking at the implications for businesses, governments and individual choice.Professor Goldin explains the connection between social and technical change, and draws out the lessons of the past thirty years of unprecedented globalization. He discusses whether the tidal wave of globalization will continue and whether past trends are sustainable.He examines first population and demographic trends, considering the implications for pensions, retirement, dependency and migration patterns to the Year 2050. Next, he considers economic trends, considering whether the current dramatic instability in the market is likely to be a short-term deviation from longer term trends. He considers the rise of Asia and emerging markets, providing perspectives on economic growth and opportunities over the coming 10+ years. The connections between social, technical and economic change and market growth and consumer behaviour are unpacked. Professor Goldin provides fresh insights into the future of computing, biotechnology, nano-technology, genetics and the likely implications of frontier technologies. Ian Goldin is a leading global thinker on the future. He has extraordinary wide ranging knowledge and an ability to combine the latest in research with insights from the inside of global politics and business.

  • Humanity at the Crossroads

    Goldin shows how this could be our best century ever. Or our worst, in which we may even destroy our centuries of progress. Professor Goldin identifies the major opportunities and progress which may be expected in coming years. He then draws out the ethical and social implications raised by the major shifts and advances in society and technology. He considers the public policy issues associated with the threats posed, including by climate change, pandemics and terrorism and identifies the measures necessary to ensure that society ensures that this is a century of shared opportunity, not destruction.

  • Risk Management

    Ian Goldin is a world leading expert on the new forms of systemic risk which he identifies as arising from turbo charged globalisation associated with sharply increased levels of connectivity and technical change. Drawing on his book The Butterfly Defect: Globalization and Systemic Risk, Goldin shows how we need to rethink our understanding of risk and develop new strategies of resilience to prevent cascading shocks overwhelming our businesses and society.

  • Ian Goldin is also renowned for addressing the following areas:

    • Economic Development
    • Natural Resources, Water, Agriculture and the Environment
    • Finance and Banking for Development
    • Global Governance

  • Skills, Education and Immigration

    Throughout history, migrants have fueled the engine of human progress. Their movement has sparked innovation, spread ideas, relieved poverty, and laid the foundations for a global economy. Looking to the future, Professor Ian Goldin examines the development of labor markets and the implications for skills, education and immigration which is the subject of his recent book Exceptional People, published by Princeton.

What other organizations say about Ian Goldin

Brilliant, enlightening and articulate. A tremendously engaging speaker. Excellent. A marvelous feat! Outstanding speaker.

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