robert swan

planet forward contributor

robert swan, obe is a polar explorer, environmental leader and the first person ever to have walked to the north and south poles. he is an exceptionally gifted communicator and is regarded as one of the world’s top motivational speakers.

in 1992, on completion of the walks to both poles, robert swan was charged by world leaders at the first ‘world summit for sustainable development’, held in rio de janeiro, to undertake a ten year global and local environmental mission involving industry, business and young people.

upon the successful completion of the missions, swan reported back to world leaders at the second world summit in 2002, held in johannesburg. here he committed to a further ten-year mission to inspire youth to become sustainable leaders and promote the use of renewable energy for a sustainable future.

swan’s unique insights and lessons learned have enabled him to educate and stimulate young people and business leaders all around the world. he compares his icy experiences to boardroom maneuvers and his inspirational addresses on leadership and teamwork have received acclaim from discerning audiences worldwide.

his contribution to both education and the environment have been recognized through his appointment as un goodwill ambassador for youth, a visiting professor of the school of the environment at leeds university and in 1994 he became special envoy to the director general of unesco. he was awarded an obe (order of the british empire) in 1995.

during 2003 robert and his company, 2041, delivered the first corporate antarctic expeditions on teamwork and leadership through positive participation and real missions. throughout these five years, the ‘inspire antarctic expeditions’ (iae) teams have helped design and build the world’s first education station (the e-base) in antarctica.

robert swan has an extraordinary ability to inspire those around him into action. his presentations continue to thrill, uplift and stimulate audiences worldwide.