Gro harlem brundtland biography definition

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Career
3. First Term as Prime Minister (1981)
4. Second Term as Prime Minister (1986-1989)
5. Third Term as Prime Minister (1990-1996)
6. International Work
7. Director-General of WHO (1998-2003)
8. Later Roles

Gro Harlem Brundtland: A Trailblazing Norwegian Politician and Advocate

Gro Harlem Brundtland, a Norwegian politician and social leader, has made significant contributions to Norway and the international community. She held the office of Prime Minister of Norway three times and served as Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Early Life and Education

Born on April 20, 1939, to a politically active family, Brundtland pursued a medical degree at the University of Oslo in 1963. She subsequently earned a Master of Public Health from Harvard University in 1965.

Political Career

Gro Harlem Brundtland's political career began as a member of the Norwegian Labour Party. From 1974 to 1979, she served as Minister of the Environment in the governments of Trygve Bratteli and Odvar Nordli. In 1977, she was elected to the Norwegian Parliament (Storting), where she chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee from 1980 to 1981.

First Term as Prime Minister (1981)

In 1981, Odvar Nordli's resignation due to health reasons led to Brundtland's appointment as Prime Minister, making her the first woman to hold this office in Norway. However, her first term was short-lived as the Labour Party lost the parliamentary election later that year.

Second Term as Prime Minister (1986-1989)

In 1986, a political crisis within the right-wing coalition prompted Brundtland to form a new minority government. Her second term was marked by an expansion of government spending in areas such as housing, healthcare, and environmental protection, along with some economically liberal policies.

Third Term as Prime Minister (1990-1996)

Brundtland served a third term as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1996. During this period, she resigned from her party leadership in 1992 after the suicide of her younger son. In 1994, she was awarded the Charlemagne Prize for her contributions to European integration. She retired from politics in 1996.

International Work

Beyond her political career, Gro Harlem Brundtland has held several prominent international positions. In the 1980s, she was a member of the Independent Commission on Disarmament and Security, also known as the "Palme Commission." In 1983, she established and chaired the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), which published the influential "Brundtland Report."

Director-General of WHO (1998-2003)

From 1998 to 2003, Gro Harlem Brundtland served as Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). She initiated the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, led by Jeffrey Sachs. Her tenure focused on addressing violence as a public health issue and promoting tobacco control.

Later Roles

Following her tenure at WHO, Gro Harlem Brundtland continued her advocacy work. In 2006, she observed the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as a member of the Group of Eminent Persons. In 2007, she was appointed Special Envoy for Climate Change by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. She received the Lawrence S. Huntington Environmental Prize in 2013.

Gro Harlem Brundtland's legacy as a political leader, environmental advocate, and international statesman continues to inspire and influence global efforts towards sustainability and human well-being.