Helen E. Clark

Clark served as the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 2009 until 2017. She was the first woman to lead the UNDP, and was also Chair of the United Nations Development Group, a committee consisting of the heads of all UN funds, programs, and departments working on development issues. In 1999-2008, she was Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving three successive terms. Under her leadership, New Zealand achieved significant economic growth, low levels of unemployment, and high levels of investment in education and health, and in the well-being of families and older citizens. She and her government prioritized reconciliation and the settlement of historical grievances with New Zealand's indigenous people and the development of an inclusive multicultural and multi-faith society. Her administration raised the minimum wage, introduced child tax credits, and reduced the crime rate.