Ricardo Lagos

former President of Chile, member of The Elders

Ricardo Lagos was elected President of Chile in 2000, twelve years after helping to lead his country back to democracy after the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. While President he implemented key health reforms and reduced economic inequality while diversifying Chile’s external trade in the era of globalisation. After leaving office, Ricardo Lagos established the Fundación Democracia y Desarrollo, a Santiago-based foundation, to promote democracy and development. He also served two years as President of the Club de Madrid, a group of global leaders working on governance and conflict issues, and remains a member of the organisation.