Ian Goldin

Ian Goldin

Ian Goldin: Visionary Economist, Former World Bank Vice President, and Authority on Globalisation

Core Intelligence Domain: Future Trends & Global Economics
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom | Languages: English
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Ian Goldin is a globally recognised Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, acclaimed for his unparalleled strategic foresight into systemic risk, global economics, and the future of humanity. As the Founding Director of the Oxford Martin School, he has spearheaded world-leading research into the megatrends shaping our planet, from technological disruption and artificial intelligence to climate change and demographic shifts. His proprietary frameworks offer C-suite leaders, institutional investors, and policymakers actionable strategies for capitalising on global interconnectedness while mitigating its inherent vulnerabilities.

A Legacy of Global Leadership and Economic Transformation

Professor Goldin’s executive background is marked by strategic leadership at the highest levels of global finance and governance. He served as Vice President of the World Bank (2003–2006) and Director of Development Policy (2001–2003), where he steered the institution’s strategic agenda and global macroeconomic engagements. Prior to his tenure in Washington, he was the Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, transforming it into a premier driver of regional development. During a pivotal era of historical transition, he served as a principal economic advisor to President Nelson Mandela, orchestrating strategies for South Africa’s successful re-integration into the global economic framework.

As a leading intellectual, his advisory portfolio spans major multinational corporations, governments, and international organisations. He has been knighted by the French Government and nominated as a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, reflecting his enduring influence on global policy and corporate strategy.

Bestselling Authorship and Strategic Frameworks

An authoritative voice on the future, Ian Goldin has authored and co-authored over twenty highly influential books. His acclaimed works—such as Age of Discovery: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Our New Renaissance, Terra Incognita: 100 Maps to Survive the Next 100 Years, Rescue: From Global Crisis to a Better World, and Age of the City—provide robust analytical lenses through which leaders can interpret complex global data. His research dissects the paradox of progress, illustrating how the very forces driving unprecedented wealth and innovation also generate systemic fragilities, from pandemics to financial contagion and cyber threats.

Core Speaking Themes and Masterclasses

• Megatrends and the Future of the Global Economy: Strategic analysis of the shifting economic paradigm, inflation, supply chain resilience, and emerging market dynamics.
• Navigating Systemic Risk in a Hyper-Connected World: Identifying, managing, and mitigating interconnected vulnerabilities, including financial crises, geopolitical tensions, and global pandemics.
• The Future of Work and Artificial Intelligence: How AI, automation, and technological disruption will redefine corporate structures, labour markets, and leadership imperatives.
• Sustainability and the Green Transition: Strategic frameworks for driving sustainable growth, achieving net-zero targets, and leveraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) opportunities.
• Globalisation at a Crossroads: Understanding the future of international trade, the impact of protectionism, and strategies for multinational success in a fragmented world.
• Urbanisation and the Age of the City: How cities function as the epicentres of innovation, economic growth, and societal challenge in the 21st century.

Key Takeaways

• Actionable Foresight: Equip leadership teams with proprietary frameworks to anticipate megatrends and adapt to macroeconomic shifts before they disrupt operations.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Learn to identify hidden systemic risks within complex global supply chains and digital infrastructures, ensuring long-term corporate resilience.
• Technological Adaptation: Gain an authoritative understanding of how to ethically and profitably integrate AI and automation into future business models.
• Sustainable Innovation: Discover how to align corporate strategy with global sustainability goals, turning the energy transition into a core driver of commercial value.
• Strategic Leadership in Turbulence: Draw upon Goldin’s experience advising heads of state and global institutions to cultivate decisive, visionary leadership in times of unprecedented uncertainty.