The former Prime Minister of Korea, Han Seung soo, is Club de Madrid’s new Vice President effective as of 1 January 2022. PM Han was elected for the post in Club de Madrid’s last General Assembly held on 14 October, when the former President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, stepped down as Vice President after two successful terms holding the position.
“Amid a wide range of headwinds and global threats to democracy and the well-being of citizens, therefore, I believe it is our obligation as the former Heads of States and Governments to share our leadership experience and mobilize political will and commitment for strengthening democracy, protecting human rights and ensuring peace and welfare”, said Han Seung soo during his candidacy.
Han Seung soo was Prime Minister of South Korea from 29 February 2008 to 28 September 2009 and the President of the 56th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Before he had served several governmental posts, including Foreign Minister, Finance Minister and Korean Ambassador to the U.S. At the multilateral level, PM Han was appointed as Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Water (2013) and Special Envoy on Climate Change (2007) by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. During his time as Member of Club de Madrid, Han Seung soo has stood out for his dedication and participation in many of our initiatives, such as our Global Leaders for Climate Action initiative as well as the recent Global Commission on Democracy and Emergencies.
PM Han believes that in the face of multiple crises, Members of Club de Madrid must “assist the current leaders and the generation in effectively responding to the current problems and rebuilding the world better than yesterday”, to which he added: “I am ready to work with Club de Madrid Members and march all together to try to turn these challenges into new opportunities towards positive changes with enhanced democracy and strengthened cooperation”
Club de Madrid has two Vice Presidents. Laura Chinchilla, the former President of Costa Rica was elected in November 2017and will share the post with Han Seung soo until her second term expires on December 2023
