Births on April 29

Maurice Strong, Canadian businessman and diplomat (d. 2015)

Maurice Frederick Strong (April 29, 1929 – November 27, 2015) was a Canadian visionary whose multifaceted career bridged the realms of formidable business enterprise and pioneering global environmental advocacy. Renowned for his unique ability to operate effectively within both the corporate boardrooms and the international diplomatic arena, Strong's legacy is defined by his profound impact on shaping modern environmental policy and sustainable development. His journey took him from the rough-and-tumble world of oil and minerals to the highest echelons of the United Nations, where he served as an Under-Secretary-General, forever linking his name with the global environmental movement.

Early Career: From Oil Patch to Corporate Leader

Strong's entrepreneurial spirit ignited in the burgeoning oil fields of Alberta, Canada, a landscape that would profoundly influence his later perspectives on energy and resource management. His early career saw him rise through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional business acumen. He eventually became the President of Power Corporation of Canada, a significant Canadian holding company, a position he held until 1966. This phase of his life honed his leadership skills and provided him with deep insights into the intricacies of large-scale industrial operations, laying a crucial foundation for his subsequent shift towards global environmental stewardship.

Pioneering Global Environmentalism

The early 1970s marked a pivotal turn in Maurice Strong's career as he transitioned onto the global stage, becoming a central figure in the nascent international environmental movement. In 1972, he served as the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This landmark event is widely recognized as the first major international conference to address environmental issues, effectively catalyzing the modern global environmental agenda. Strong's leadership in Stockholm was instrumental in establishing the conceptual framework for sustainable development and raising global awareness of ecological challenges. Following the conference, he became the inaugural Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. In this role, he was tasked with building the organization from the ground up, laying the foundational structures for global environmental governance and coordination, an enduring contribution to the UN system.

Diverse Leadership Roles and National Service

Returning to Canada, Maurice Strong continued to wield significant influence across various sectors. From 1976 to 1978, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Petro-Canada, the newly established state-owned oil company, playing a crucial role in shaping Canada's national energy policy during a critical period. His leadership extended to other major public institutions, including heading Ontario Hydro, which was at the time one of North America's largest electric power utilities, underscoring his capacity to manage vast infrastructure and public services. Beyond his governmental and corporate roles, Strong also dedicated his time to significant non-profit work, serving as the national president and chairman of the Extension Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs, demonstrating his commitment to community and youth development. Furthermore, he headed American Water Development Incorporated, highlighting his continuous engagement with resource management.

Continued Environmental Advocacy and International Influence

Strong's commitment to environmentalism remained a constant thread throughout his life. In 1986, he served as a commissioner of the World Commission on Environment and Development, often referred to as the Brundtland Commission. This commission's seminal report, "Our Common Future," popularized the concept of sustainable development, defining it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." His contributions were further recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which honored him as a leading figure in the international environmental movement, affirming his profound and lasting impact on global conservation efforts.

Later Years: Academia and Global Engagement

Even in his later years, Maurice Strong remained actively engaged in global affairs and academic pursuits. From 1998 to 2006, he served as President of the Council of the University for Peace, an institution dedicated to education and research on peace-building. His influence also extended to Asia, where he was an active honorary professor at Peking University and honorary chairman of its Environmental Foundation, fostering environmental education and research in China. Additionally, he chaired the advisory board for the Institute for Research on Security and Sustainability for Northeast Asia, continuing his work on integrating environmental considerations with regional security. Maurice Strong passed away at the age of 86 in 2015, leaving behind a monumental legacy of environmental stewardship, diplomatic achievement, and innovative leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maurice Strong

Who was Maurice Strong?

Maurice Frederick Strong was a highly influential Canadian businessman, diplomat, and environmentalist. He is widely recognized for his pioneering role in the global environmental movement, particularly as the Secretary General of the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment and the first Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

What was his connection to the United Nations?

Strong had a distinguished career with the United Nations. He served as an Under-Secretary-General, Secretary General of the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment, and the first Executive Director of UNEP. He was instrumental in establishing the framework for international environmental cooperation.

What was the 1972 Stockholm Conference, and what was Strong's role?

The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was the first major international conference to address environmental issues on a global scale. Maurice Strong served as its Secretary General, a role in which he was crucial in shaping its agenda, outcomes, and the eventual creation of UNEP.

What is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?

UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Maurice Strong was its very first Executive Director.

What other significant roles did Maurice Strong hold?

Beyond his UN roles, Strong held prominent positions such as President of Power Corporation of Canada, CEO of Petro-Canada, and head of Ontario Hydro. He also served as a commissioner on the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) and was involved with the University for Peace and Peking University's environmental initiatives.

What was his contribution to the concept of sustainable development?

As a commissioner on the Brundtland Commission, Maurice Strong played a significant role in promoting and popularizing the concept of "sustainable development," which emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. His work laid much of the groundwork for global sustainability efforts.

When did Maurice Strong pass away?

Maurice Strong passed away on November 27, 2015, at the age of 86.