Maurice Frederick Strong

Strong, Maurice Frederick
Maurice Frederick Strong, business administrator, environmentalist, statesman (b at Oak Lake, Man 29 Apr 1929). Strong began a business career as a trading-post employee for the HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY in the Arctic in 1944. His business talents developed as he quickly moved from being accountant for a mining group in Toronto (1945) through a series of management and investment positions with various energy and financial corporations (1948-66).

In 1966 he shifted to international and later environmental affairs. He headed the Canada International Development Assistance Programme and its successor, the CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, until 1970, defining its long-term strategies. He then was secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and undersecretary-general of the UN Switzerland office (1970-72), then executive director of the UN Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya (1973-75).

Strong returned to business as head of PETRO-CANADA (1976-78), after which he became chairman of the International Energy Development Corp (1980-83), chairman of the Canada Development Investment Corp (1982-84), and again undersecretary-general of the UN (1985-87 and 1989-92). As secretary-general of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, Strong co-ordinated the historic conference on the environment held at Rio de Janiero, Brazil in June 1992. As chairman of ONTARIO HYDRO (1992-95), he was credited with stabilizing its finances. In 1997 Strong was named senior advisor on reforming the United Nations.

Numerous volunteer activities have included positions with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; the WORLD WILDLIFE FUND; the World Council of Churches; the Society for Development, Justice, and Peace (the Vatican); the North-South Institute; and the World Commission on Environment and Development.

Strong's numerous conservation and humanitarian awards include the Freedom Festival Award (1975) and the first Pahlavi Environment Prize (1976). He became an Officer of the Order of Canada (1976) and has to date received more than 25 honorary degrees.

Author MARTIN K. McNICHOLL

Links to Other Sites
Maurice Strong
This Sigma Xi website is dedicated to Maurice Strong. Sigma Xi is is an international research society that promotes scientific enterprise and honors scientific achievement.

UN urges North Korea-US talks
A 2003 BBC news interview with Maurice Strong, UN envoy to North Korea.

My Century - Maurice Strong
This BBC site features a discussion with Maurice Strong about the topic of sustainable development (fourth item on the list).

Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
The website for the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, the premier award for environmental science, environmental health, and energy. Check out the profiles of the Tyler Laureates, including David Schindler and other Canadian recipients.

MauriceStrong.net
The official website for the renowned Canadian diplomat and environmentalist Maurice Strong. Features a biography, links to his speeches, interviews, and more.

BEYOND RIO: A New Role for Canada
A 1992 lecture by Maurice Strong about the pressing need for international agreements that commit to sustainable development. From the website for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.