José Manuel Barroso

A stalwart advocate for European integration, technological advancement, and sustainable development, José Manuel Barroso is a prominent global strategist.

His tenure as President of the European Commission (2004-2014) was marked by pivotal initiatives and bold decisions. Barroso’s leadership saw the EU expand from 15 to 28 countries, demonstrating the transformative power of unity and collaboration. He was instrumental in the passage of the Treaty of Lisbon and steered the EU through the turbulent waters of the global financial crisis, showcasing his adeptness in crisis management and strategic governance.

José Manuel Barroso also served as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, where he played a critical role in peace negotiations for Angola and Timor-Leste. Since 2016, Barroso has brought his geopolitical expertise to the financial sector as Chairman of International Advisors at Goldman Sachs. He insists that his role transcends traditional banking, focusing instead on understanding and navigating critical geopolitical developments that impact global business. Barroso frequently discusses the implications of the US-China strategic rivalry, the war in Ukraine, and the evolving dynamics of multilateralism. He explores how nations are realigning their strategic interests, the extent of decoupling from China, and the resultant effects on global supply chains, offering invaluable insights into the risks and opportunities in a fragmenting world.

José Manuel Barroso was a visiting professor at Georgetown University, Princeton University, the Catholic University of Portugal, and the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance in Florence.

He serves as Chairman of the Board of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, where he continues to champion global health initiatives. His dedication to peace and collaboration was internationally recognised when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the EU in 2012.

José Manuel Barroso remains a pivotal figure in global affairs, his perspectives and insights shaping the dialogue on Europe’s future, international relations, and sustainable development. His extensive experience and forward-thinking vision make him a compelling speaker and a guiding force in navigating the complexities of our modern world.