Washington Speakers Bureau Hosts Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to Launch “On Leadership” and Highlight Global Change

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 24: (L-R) Sanna Marin, The Right Honourable Tony Blair, Thomas Friedman and Ryan Heil attend the book launch for “On Leadership” and celebration of the work of The Tony Blair Institute For Global Change at St. Regis Hotel on October 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Washington Speakers Bureau)

The Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB) hosted a reception on October 24 at the St. Regis in Washington, DC, celebrating the release of On Leadership, the new book by the Right Honourable Tony Blair, former prime minister of the United Kingdom. The event coincided with the World Bank and IMF meetings, gathering dignitaries and thought leaders to discuss leadership and global change.

Ryan Heil, president of WSB, opened the evening, welcoming Prime Minister Blair and other distinguished guests, including former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Sanna Marin spoke about her work with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, highlighting the organization’s expansion with a new regional office in Washington, DC, and its commitment to supporting global leaders with strategic guidance on governance, security, and technology.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 24: Ajay Banga speaks onstage during the book launch for The Right Honourable Tony Blair’s “Tony Blair, On Leadership” and celebration of the work of The Tony Blair Institute For Global Change at St. Regis Hotel on October 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Washington Speakers Bureau)

Ajay Banga commended Blair’s contributions to global leadership, emphasizing that On Leadership provides a roadmap for effective governance in a rapidly changing world. The main event of the evening featured New York Times columnist Tom Friedman in a conversation with Blair, delving into the complexities of modern leadership, the role of technology like AI, and the challenges facing democracies today.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 24: (L-R) The Right Honourable Tony Blair and Thomas Friedman speak onstage during the book launch for “On Leadership” and celebration of the work of The Tony Blair Institute For Global Change at St. Regis Hotel on October 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Washington Speakers Bureau)

In a wide-ranging discussion, Blair and Friedman explored pressing issues from the role of AI in governance to the evolving geopolitical landscape. Blair’s insights underscored the importance of clarity, resilience, and adaptability in leadership—a theme echoed throughout the evening, making the reception both a celebration of Blair’s new book and a thought-provoking gathering on the future of global governance.

Guests included UK Ambassador Karen Pierce, Jose Andres, Bob Barnett, David Miliband, David Milstone, Harry Rhoads, Barbara Humpton, Michael Chertoff, Stewart McLaurin, Arun Gupta, Luxembourg Ambassador Nicole Bintner, Didem Nisanci, Melanne Verveer, Macedonian Ambassador Zoran Popov, Slovenian Ambassador Iztok Mirosic, Jason Furman, Anita McBride, Mark Ein, Teresa Carlson, Bruce Andrews, Pete Selfridge, Nick Jordan, John Rizzo, Steven Anderson, Lane Dilg, Ed Luce, Niamh King, Virginia Boney, Amy Ricchetti, John McCarthy, Chris Russo, Anthony Polcari (Tony P), Justin Cooper, Sumi Somaskanda, and Jon Cardinal.