Rory Stewart Keynote Speaker

A British politician, historian and adventurer, Rory Stewart OBE has a deep knowledge of history, a clear-sighted vision for the future of global security, and unparalleled experience of some of the world’s toughest war zones. As such, he has led a fascinatingly broad life of public service.

He has been described by the New York Times as “living one of the most remarkable lives on record.” Named by Esquire magazine as “one of the 100 most influential people of the 21st century”, Stewart was the first man to walk across Afghanistan after the US-UK invasion, and served as Deputy Governor of two Iraqi provinces at the age of 29. An award-winning writer and documentary maker, he has advised the US President and British Prime Minister on their Afghanistan and Middle East policy.

He is founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Turquoise Mountain Foundation, and is one of Harvard University’s youngest ever professors. He has received a number of awards and honorary degrees, including the Livingstone Gold medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Royal Society of Literature.

In 2014, Rory was appointed to chair the Defence Select Committee, which examines the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.