Former Cabinet Minister & Diplomat, Introduced England’s 5p Plastic Bag Charge, Co-Host of ‘The Rest Is Politics’ Podcast & Won a Scottish BAFTA for his Documentary ‘Afghanistan: The Great Game’
Rory Stewart’s Biography:
Rory Stewart is a British diplomat, explorer, author, former Cabinet minister and internationally recognised commentator on politics and global affairs. Best known today as the co-host of the hugely successful podcast ‘The Rest Is Politics’, Rory has built a reputation for thoughtful analysis, compelling storytelling and a rare ability to explain complex global issues with clarity and insight. His career has spanned diplomacy, international development, politics, academia and media, giving him first-hand experience of some of the most significant geopolitical and social challenges of modern times. Drawing on decades of leadership experience and global engagement, Rory is hired as a keynote speaker for his unique perspective on leadership, resilience, international affairs and the future of politics.
After studying at Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford, Rory joined the British diplomatic service. Early in his career, he served as Political and Economic Second Secretary at the British Embassy in Jakarta before becoming the British Representative to Montenegro. Following the Iraq conflict, he served as Deputy Governor in Maysan and Dhi Qar provinces, experiences that informed much of his later writing and analysis. In 2005, he founded the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul to support the restoration of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and economy. Elected as Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border, he went on to chair the Defence Select Committee before serving in a series of ministerial roles, including Environment Minister, Minister of State for International Development, Minister of State for Africa and ultimately Secretary of State for International Development. During his ministerial career, he introduced England’s 5p plastic bag charge, launched the Ten Prisons Project to reduce violence and drug use in prisons, joined the UK Cabinet, was appointed to the National Security Council and was sworn into the Privy Council.
Rory’s achievements have been recognised across politics, literature, exploration and broadcasting. He received an OBE for public service and has been awarded the Livingstone Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Ness Award from the Royal Geographical Society and the Premio del Camino del Cid. His documentary ‘Afghanistan: The Great Game’ won a Scottish BAFTA, while his writing earned the prestigious Ondaatje Prize from the Royal Society of Literature. Following his time in politics, he became a Visiting Fellow at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, served as President of GiveDirectly and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cumbria. Through ‘The Rest Is Politics’, he has reached millions of listeners worldwide, becoming one of the most influential public commentators of his generation.
Why Hire Rory Stewart?
As an author and public intellectual, Rory brings extraordinary depth to every speaking engagement. His bestselling memoir ‘Politics on the Edge’ became a Sunday Times number one bestseller and offers a candid account of leadership, public service and political decision making. Combining the insight of a diplomat, the experience of a Cabinet minister, the curiosity of an explorer and the communication skills of a broadcaster, Rory delivers keynote presentations that are informative, engaging and highly relevant to contemporary audiences. Whether discussing geopolitics, leadership, public policy, international development or organisational change, he provides audiences with practical lessons and powerful stories drawn from real-world experience, making him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world today.
Rory Stewart’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Rory Stewart’s remarkable career:
- 2023 – Published Politics on the Edge, Sunday Times number one bestseller
- 2023 – Awarded Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cumbria
- 2022 – President of GiveDirectly
- 2022 – Launched The Rest Is Politics podcast
- 2020 – Visiting Fellow at Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs
- 2019 – Appointed Secretary of State for International Development, joined the UK Cabinet
- 2019 – Sworn into Her Majesty’s Privy Council
- 2019 – Appointed to the UK National Security Council
- 2019 – Candidate in the Conservative Party leadership election
- 2018 – Launched the Ten Prisons Project, reducing prison violence and drug use
- 2018 – Received Ness Award from the Royal Geographical Society
Videos
Rory Stewart’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Rory Stewart is an exceptional keynote speaker who combines the experience of a diplomat, Cabinet minister, bestselling author and globally recognised political commentator, offering audiences rare insight into leadership, decision making and international affairs. Engaging, thought-provoking and highly relevant, his presentations draw on real-world experience at the highest levels of government and global development, leaving audiences informed, inspired and challenged to think differently.” – Davis Simms
Speaking Topics
Rory Stewart’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Leadership in Politics and Crisis Management
- Lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan
- The Future of the Centre Ground in Politics
- The Role of Storytelling in Political Discourse
- Trust, Integrity, and Political Reform
- Brexit and Britain’s Global Position
- Climate Change and International Policy
- Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
- Ethics and Power in Public Life
- Global Development and Humanitarian Aid
How Much Does Rory Stewart Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Rory Stewart?
Rory Stewart’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.