In an era of growing uncertainty, the need for visionary leadership has never been greater. On May 1, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos will share insights from his remarkable journey, emphasizing the power of long-view leadership in addressing existential threats, fostering dialogue and reconciliation, and building lasting peace.

Drawing from his experience brokering Colombia’s historic peace agreement with the FARC, President Santos will highlight the importance of patience, pragmatism, and moral courage in resolving deep-rooted conflicts. He will explore how leaders must navigate complex global challenges — climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical tensions — through diplomacy and strategic foresight. With a focus on actionable lessons, this talk provides a compelling roadmap for policymakers, business leaders, and changemakers striving to turn crisis into opportunity. President Santos demonstrates that sustainable peace is not just a political goal but a leadership imperative for the survival and progress of humanity.

The event will begin with opening remarks from Alberto Díaz-Cayeros, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). Following his keynote address, President Santos will join Héctor Hoyos, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies, in conversation. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A.

This event is co-sponsored by the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, the Business, Government & Society Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Center for Latin American Studies.

Members of the media interested in attending this event should contact cddrl_communications@stanford.edu.