Press release

Lloyd Axworthy, Ian Charles Stewart join IISD Board of Directors

June 26, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINNIPEG—JUNE 26, 2014—The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy and Ian Charles Stewart to its Board of Directors.

“Dr. Lloyd Axworthy and Ian Charles Stewart are both highly respected thought leaders with a deep commitment to sustainable development. We are excited to welcome them both to the Board,” said Scott Vaughan, President and CEO, IISD.

Dr. Axworthy P.C., O.C., O.M. served as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg until June 2014, where he worked to renew the campus and make post-secondary education more accessible to under-represented populations. He has recently become the first-ever chancellor at St. Paul’s University College at the University of Waterloo. Throughout 27 years in elected office, Dr. Axworthy held several Canadian federal government cabinet positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs (1996-2000) when he became internationally known for his advancement of the human security concept.

He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership on landmine ban advancement, and has been the recipient of the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe; Senator Patrick J. Leahy Award; Princeton University’s Madison Medal; the CARE International Humanitarian Award; and honorary doctorates from 12 universities. Dr. Axworthy has served on a number of boards, including Cuso International, the MacArthur Foundation, the Conference Board of Canada and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.

“IISD has been an organization I have followed throughout my career on the global stage, and I am honoured to join the institute not only due to its ability to influence decision-makers, but because of its deep connection to my home province,” said Dr. Axworthy.

Ian Charles Stewart is an investor and media entrepreneur, having co-founded Wired magazine in 1992. He is currently the chairman of two China-based social ventures: the WheelsPlusWings Foundation, which provides physically disabled children with imported wheelchairs and access to integrated education, as well as Khunu Limited, which supports nomadic yak herding communities in Tibet and Mongolia by buying spring shedwool, creating soft durable yarns and manufacturing luxury garments for sale in the West.

Stewart has been an executive at the N.M. Rothschild Group and AZTEC Internet Ltd. in London, and a professional photographer. He has taught business at London’s University of the Arts and London Business School and served as the Chairman of the Trustees Committee at the Western Academy of Beijing. In addition, Stewart is an accomplished sportsman: he helped lead the China’s America’s Cup sailing team and was selected to play Olympic volleyball for his home country of New Zealand.

“Global economic development should proceed in a way that balances growth with the needs of the planet, and I am excited to support IISD, an institute with a reputation for providing sound policy advice to help lead us to that sustainable future,” said Stewart.

A complete list of IISD’s Board of Directors is available here.

Media Contact:

Joel Trenaman, Director, Communications and Publishing, 1-204-958-7731, @IISD_News

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.