Maurice Strong Quotes

A collection of quotes by Maurice Strong.

Maurice Strong (1929-2015) was a Canadian entrepreneur, diplomat, and environmentalist. Born on April 29, 1929, in Oak Lake, Manitoba, Canada, Strong has been a prominent figure in global sustainable development and environmental policy.

In the 1950s, Strong began his career in the oil and resource industries, eventually becoming a successful businessman. However, he later shifted his focus towards environmental advocacy due to his concerns about the impact of industrialization on the planet. Strong was instrumental in organizing the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972, which marked a turning point in international recognition of environmental issues.

Throughout his life, Strong held various leadership positions in international organizations and served as a special advisor to several United Nations Secretaries-General. Notably, he was appointed as the first Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and played a crucial role in shaping its agenda. Furthermore, Strong headed the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which produced the landmark Rio Declaration and the Agenda 21 action plan.

Maurice Strong's dedication to environmental conservation and his efforts to promote sustainable development earned him recognition and respect worldwide. However, he faced some controversies in his career, particularly related to his business dealings and alleged involvement in the "Oil-for-Food" scandal.

Maurice Strong passed away on November 27, 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a leading advocate for environmental responsibility and sustainable development on a global scale.