Dame Jenny Shipley entered New Zealand’s Parliament in 1987 and held key ministerial roles, including Social Welfare and Women’s Affairs (1990–1993), Health (1993–1996), and State-Owned Enterprises, State Services, Transport, and ACC (1996–1997). In 1997, she became New Zealand’s first female Prime Minister, hosting APEC in Auckland in 1999. After stepping down as Leader of the Opposition in 2002, she transitioned to a distinguished career in governance, serving as a Director for China Construction Bank and Chair of its New Zealand subsidiary, as well as Chair of Genesis Energy.
Dame Jenny is a board member of the BOAO Forum and the International Finance Forum in Beijing. She co-initiated the Education Forum for East Asia and is a member of the World Women’s Leadership Council. She also served as Vice President of the Club of Madrid, demonstrating her ongoing global influence in leadership and policy.