This man has inspired tremendous support for his fund raising ventures by his commitment and motivation demonstrated during an exhaustive lecture tour which took him around the world 30 times in 26 months. In 1993, he instigated a Special Foundation. This is committed to helping solve the problems our highly industrialised world causes to our surroundings through the education, promotion of research into alternative technologies, and the encouragement of youth participation in environmental projects. His contribution to education and the environment plus his gifted communications skills have been recognised through its appointment as United Nations Environmental Programme Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, as an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Robert Gordon University, and an Honorary Professorship from Leeds University. In 1994 he became Special Envoy for the Environment to the Director General of UNESCO and has recently been honoured with an OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Robert compares his icy experiences to boardroom maneuvers and his inspirational address has received the acclaim of discerning audiences world-wide. Robert Swan, Polar Explorer, Special Envoy to the Director of UNESCO and above all a superbly gifted communicator, is regarded as one of the world’s top motivational speakers. His themes are based upon his personal experiences as the first man ever to walk unsupported to both the North and South Poles and his subsequent work as United Nations Environmental Programme Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. The unique insights and valuable lessons learned enable him to stimulate audiences throughout the world. School children to CEO’s of multinational organisations are captivated by his gripping accounts, his vision, integrity, humour and forthright manner. Invited to be keynote speaker at the Rio Earth Summit, Robert’s message is a universal one: that it is possible to achieve your goals and fulfill your ambitions in your personal and professional life. Format of Lectures Robert’s presentations are a unique mix of highly captivating visuals and a strong and involving deliverance. His message is clear, but his presentation is always tailored for his audience About his presentations Motivation: Robert has shown through his walks to both Poles that individuals have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, whatever these may be through perseverance determination and commitment. He raised funds in excess of £2.5M for his South Pole expedition and £3.7M for his expedition to the North Pole. Environment: Robert has witnessed the damage man has wreaked on the most delicate of the world’s environments first hand, "I’ve been there, I’ve walked under the hole in the South Pole’s ozone layer and had the skin peel off my face. I’ve walked on Arctic ice that was melting two and a half months before it should have because of the greenhouse effect. But my message is one of hope, not doomsday." Management: A leader must make decisions, sometimes tough ones, and have the courage to stick with them - In the Arctic there is no desk to hide behind. Global Understanding: Robert has convinced people and companies around the world to sponsor or join his expeditions. He has involved young people from all corners of the planet in his expeditions and also led the youth team to the Rio Earth Summit. Communication: We live in an age of advanced communication technology, yet many people many people still find little time to communicate effectively; in a hostile environment like the Arctic you need to explain your thoughts, feelings and actions just to survive. Effective communication in business is equally vital. Teamwork: Great feats are rarely achieved by individuals in isolation; more often it is a team effort. A team which understands its strengths and weaknesses and pulls together to face the challenge will achieve the seemingly impossible. | 
