David Miliband

NEW EXCLUSIVE
  • Former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (UK)
  • CEO of the International Rescue Committee

Governing Through Crisis: Lessons in Global Leadership

David Miliband—former UK Foreign Secretary and current President of the International Rescue Committee—is one of the most respected voices in global leadership today. Drawing on a remarkable career at the intersection of government, diplomacy, and humanitarian action, Miliband offers a sweeping and deeply informed perspective on what it takes to govern through crisis in a rapidly changing world.

As Foreign Secretary, Miliband helped shape UK foreign policy during an era of profound global volatility. Today, as the leader of the IRC—founded by Albert Einstein—he oversees one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, delivering life-saving aid across 40 countries and guiding refugee resettlement efforts throughout the United States. Under his stewardship, the IRC reached more than 38 million people last year alone.

In his compelling talks, Miliband explores how institutions—whether governmental, financial, or humanitarian—must evolve to meet 21st-century challenges. He speaks to the critical need for international cooperation, the moral imperatives of leadership, and the strategic thinking required to navigate conflict, displacement, public health emergencies, and climate-related crises. His TED Talk, "The Refugee Crisis is a Test of Our Character," has garnered more than 1.5M views, and his book Rescue: Refugees and the Political Crisis of Our Time offers timely insights into leadership, ethics, and global responsibility.

A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Grammy Award-winning narrator, Miliband is a gifted communicator with rare moral clarity and strategic depth. President Bill Clinton called him “one of the ablest, most creative public servants of our time.”

Whether addressing business executives, policymakers, or global citizens, Miliband challenges audiences to think bigger, lead boldly, and act with purpose in a world that demands nothing less.

 

David Miliband headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • Wellesley College
  • Columbia University
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • The Miller Center
  • Chatham House
  • Amanpour & Co
  • The American Academy of Arts & Sciences
  • The Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
  • Center for Strategic & International Studies
  • The Milken Institute
David Miliband presents the new IRC Emergency Watchlist report | Council on Foreign Relations - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with David Miliband
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Governing Through Crisis: Lessons in Global Leadership from Financial Collapse to Humanitarian Emergency

Former UK Foreign Secretary and current President of the International Rescue Committee DAVID MILIBAND provides a rare and wide-ranging conversation on crisis leadership in an increasingly fragile world. He explores how institutions—whether governmental, financial, or humanitarian—can adapt to meet ...

Former UK Foreign Secretary and current President of the International Rescue Committee DAVID MILIBAND provides a rare and wide-ranging conversation on crisis leadership in an increasingly fragile world. He explores how institutions—whether governmental, financial, or humanitarian—can adapt to meet 21st-century challenges and where international cooperation must rise to the occasion.  

Lessons in Purpose-Driven Leadership

What does it take to lead across sectors and make a difference at scale? In this highly relevant talk, CEO of the International Rescue Committee DAVID MILIBAND explores his transition from public office to global humanitarian work, offering leadership lessons rooted in service, impact, and adaptabi ...

What does it take to lead across sectors and make a difference at scale?

In this highly relevant talk, CEO of the International Rescue Committee DAVID MILIBAND explores his transition from public office to global humanitarian work, offering leadership lessons rooted in service, impact, and adaptability. He shares the principles that guide his work at the IRC and how values-based leadership can drive results in any organization.

As a former Foreign Secretary who helped shape Britain’s role on the world stage, Miliband offers a sharp and engaging analysis of the geopolitical forces redefining our world—from great power competition to climate-driven migration and the erosion of democratic norms. Perfect for audiences seeking a big-picture view of the challenges and choices facing today’s global leaders.

Miliband shares compelling stories and actionable insights on resilience, ethics, and decision-making under pressure, equipping today’s leaders to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.

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Books by David Miliband
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Biography

David Miliband is President and CEO of the New York-based International Rescue Committee. Founded by Albert Einstein, the agency delivers humanitarian relief in 40 crisis-affected countries and refugee resettlement programs in the US, and helped 38 million people last year. 

Prior to joining IRC, from 2007 to 2010 David served as the UK's 74th Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, representing the United Kingdom throughout the world and overseeing its intelligence agencies.

Former President Bill Clinton's called  him "one of the ablest, most creative public servants of our time.”  In 2018, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was a reader on the Grammy award-winning "Presidential Suites" by Ted Nash in 2017.  He is the author of the book, Rescue: Refugees and the Political Crisis of Our Time.


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