CAMBRIDGE, MA -- David Miliband, the President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and former U.K. Foreign Secretary, will deliver the Graduation Address to the Harvard Kennedy School class of 2015 at 2 pm May 27 at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), HKS Dean David T. Ellwood announced today.
As President and CEO of the IRC, Miliband oversees the agency's relief and development operations in more than 40 countries and its refugee resettlement and assistance programs throughout the United States. He also leads the Committee's advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and other capitals around the world.
Prior to his tenure at the IRC, Miliband served in a variety of positions in the United Kingdom's federal government. From 2007-10 he served as the U.K.'s Foreign Secretary, the youngest in that role in three decades. He also served as U.K. Secretary of State for the Environment where he pioneered the world's first legally binding emissions reduction requirements. Miliband also served as U.K. Minister for Schools (2002–04); and Head of Downing Street’s Number 10 Policy Unit (1997–2001).
Miliband graduated from Oxford University in 1987 with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics. He received his master's degree in political science in 1989 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"David Miliband is a tremendously talented and accomplished public servant on both the national and international stages," said Ellwood. "His efforts on behalf of human rights and humanitarian relief are an inspiration to all. We are elated that he will deliver the Graduation Address for the HKS Class of 2015."
Journalists interested in covering the address should contact the Kennedy School Communications Office at 617-495-1115.