A graduate of Amherst College and the London School of Economics, Papandreou has been a Member of the Greek Parliament since 1981, previously serving in several government posts including as Under Secretary of Cultural Affairs, Minister of Education, and Foreign Minister. Selected as one of the "25 People who are changing the world of internet politics," Papandreou is an active supporter of the information society and e-democracy, and speaks on, among others, global governance, climate change, green growth, and progressive politics.

He is Vice Chairperson of the International Olympic Truce Foundation, an institution he actively promoted when the city of Athens was awarded the 2004 Olympic Games.

George Papandreou also held the portfolio of Foreign Minister, a position he had held from 1999 to 2004, expanding his legacy as a leader in diplomatic bridge-building and reiterating his commitments to stronger international relations. His administration spearheaded 'Agenda 2014,' an initiative which seeks to integrate the Western Balkan states into Europe by 2014.

Around the world, Papandreou has deployed 'Green Diplomacy,' calling for the protection of the environment. He has championed human rights at home and abroad, and has actively sought to maximize citizen participation in governance through information technologies.

As Foreign Minister, he was instrumental in the successful negotiation of rapprochement with Turkey, which had been an old rival. Papandreou was also a key player in the negotiations that led to Turkey's candidacy for membership in the European Union in 1999 and Cyprus's entry into the EU in 2004.

Innovation, Creativity, interesting, Sustainability, Business, Google zeitgeist, Most searched for speakers, TED,