About Craig Kielburger

Craig kielburger speaking
craig kielburger speaking

Craig Kielburger's leadership journey is a testament to his remarkable ability to build teams and manage global operations, making a significant impact on millions. His path began at age 12 in 1995, sparked by the tragic story of a child labor victim. This led him to establish the charity "Free The Children." Craig's appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show as a teenager was a pivotal moment, resulting in Oprah's commitment to build 100 schools and providing substantial scale-up funding and mentorship.

Under Craig's guidance, the programs have achieved monumental successes: educating over 200,000 students, empowering 30,000 women with alternative income opportunities, and bringing essential healthcare and clean water to over a million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. His dedication and strategic vision have empowered countless individuals to contribute positively to the world.

Craig's Impact

2008 - 2010

Advisory Council Member, Virgin Unite Canada


Advisory council member of Virgin Unite, the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group.

2009 - 2012

Board of Governors Member, Scouts Canada


Board member of Scouts Canada, the country’s leading co-ed youth organization serving children and youth aged 5-26.

2019

How young people can help to end child labor


I’ve been told it takes a village to raise a child, but in my 24 years as a children’s rights activist, I’ve learned the opposite is true too. Sometimes it takes a child to raise a village – or to take down an injustice.

- CNN, August 28, 2019

Read more HERE

2014 - 2017

Director of Collectively Inc.


Founding Director of the UK-based media and consulting company originated in partnership with the World Economic Forum and member brands, which assists organizations in deepening their sustainable practices.

2015 - 2019

DocuSign Advisory Council


Advise the company pre-IPO and post-IPO on its strategic growth, customer acquisition, and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

2019

The Future of Sustainable Development: Empowering Human Capital


Five years ago, our charity had a problem. We’d been partnering with rural communities in Kenya for over a decade, building schools, digging boreholes, establishing hospitals and running agriculture programs. The model was working. But it was also in danger of creating an exodus of the best and brightest.

- Forbes, September 10, 2019

Read more HERE

2020

Ten years after the earthquake, Haiti recovers – even more so in places we don’t often look at


Two years after the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti, with the nation’s infrastructure still in ruin, then-President Michel Martelly stepped out of his mud-flecked SUV in the distant community of Dos Palais to view a new school built, improbably, among remote hills.

- The Globe and Mail, January 13, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

Advisory Board of the Leaders’ Debates Commission


Member of the Advisory Board of the independent commission established by the Government of Canada to organize the federal leaders’ debates.

2020

Balance between economy, environment is essential


As humans isolate in their homes, marine life returns to the canals of Venice, leatherback turtles nest on empty Thai beaches in record numbers and foxes frolic in the heart of Toronto.

- National Post, May 19, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

KPMG Social Innovator in Residence


Advise and assist KPMG in fulfilling its social innovation and social enterprise strategy.

2018 - 2022

Member of the Business Council of Canada (BCC)


Member of Canada’s exclusive association of CEOs. Its 170 members are CEOs of Canadian companies that collectively employ 2M+ Canadians and represent a majority of the value of the TSX.

2020

Help isolated coworkers with mental health issues


Before COVID-19, 2.5 million Canadians worked from home. Then the pandemic hit and five million more people found themselves sequestered in home offices or perched anywhere that offered some peace, pecking away at laptops in decidedly non-business attire.

- National Post, July 14, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - Present

Director of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation


Director of a $120 million endowment that funds the areas of health and education for vulnerable youth populations.

2021

Is Digital Transformation Sustainable for Nonprofits in a Post-Covid World?


Even though the technology had been there for years, at the dawn of 2020, virtual meetings were still a novelty. Working from home was something mostly only those high-tech startups did. Then Covid-19 forced nearly everyone into the virtual working world.

- Forbes, April 23, 2021

Read more HERE

2023

Motivational Speeches Reel


Whether Craig is speaking to corporate leaders, families, or youth, audiences are sure to walk away inspired with tangible ways to make an impact. His speech topics include what for-profit companies can learn from non-profit organizations, how to nurture children who care and contribute inspiring employees to find meaning and unconventional leadership lessons.

2003

Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award


The award, named in honor of Nelson Mandela, “recognizes the struggle, courage, and achievement of Mandela in fighting against apartheid and in advancing human rights and social justice.”

Read more HERE

2004

Voted one of the "100 Greatest Canadians" on The Greatest Canadian (TV mini-series)


A national television series created to determine who is considered the greatest Canadian of all time, according to those who watched and participated in the program.

Read more HERE

2013

Inductee, Canada's Walk of Fame


Canada’s Walk of Fame seeks to shine a light on extraordinary Canadian achievers and their successes and recognizes those who make a significant impact.

Read more HERE

2006

World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child, Issued by World's Children's Prize Foundation


This honor was given to Craig because “because of his struggle to free children from poverty, abuse and other violations of the rights of the child.”

Read more HERE

2020

15 Honorary Degrees conferred between the years 2005 and 2020


1998

Roosevelt Freedom from Fear Medal, Issued by Roosevelt Institute


The medal is presented to those whose achievements have demonstrated a commitment to the principles proclaimed by President Roosevelt as essential to democracy: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear.

Read more HERE

2001

Distinguished Peace Leadership Award, Issued by Nuclear Age Peace Foundation


This award was given to Craig because of “his leadership in working to end child exploitation and to empower youth around the world.”

Read more HERE

2023

WEconomy: A conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace


WEconomy: a conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace.

Purpose and profit are the greatest human motivators. WEconomy is the definitive roadmap for bringing the power of both forces together—achieving purpose with profit in your career, company, and changing the world.

Based on his book, WEconomy: you can find meaning, make a living and change the world, Craig shares, how to unleash purpose within your career, company, and life goals. This speech will help you profit with purpose, whether you’re the one calling the shots or a junior employee looking to advance.

1997

Meritorious Service Medal, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The medal recognizes great Canadians for exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honor to the country. They honor achievements in both military and civil divisions.  

Read more HERE

2005

International Peace Award, Issued by Community of Christ


The International Peace Award sponsored by Community of Christ and Shaw Family Foundation recognizes a person’s significant efforts to pursue peace.

Read more HERE

2015

Canada Reads Panelist


The national program brings celebrities and athletes together to discuss and debate great Canadian books.  

Read more HERE

2015

Canada's Most-Trusted Influencer, Issued by Reader's Digest


Reader’s Digest worked with a market research team to poll Canadians to determine those who they trusted most.  

Read more HERE

2012

Opening of Craig Kielburger Secondary School


The Halton District School Board named one of its secondary schools the Craig Kielburger Secondary School to honor Craig for his service and accomplishments.

Read more HERE

1998

Global Leader of Tomorrow, Issued by World Economic Forum


The honor was designed to recognize exceptional young people with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world.

Read more HERE

2013

Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Dedication, Issued by Muhammad Ali Center


The award honors those who honors people who are making significant contributions toward securing peace, social justice, human rights, and/or social capital in their communities and on a global basis.

Read more HERE

2012

World of Children 15th Anniversary Achievement Award, Issued by World of Children


2015

Canada's Most Admired CEO, Issued by Waterstone Human Capital


This award honors the country’s most admired CEOs, those who recognize culture isn’t just connected to performance; it drives performance in a way that cannot be achieved through other means.

Read more HERE

1998

Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, Issued by Government of Ontario


The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship was created to recognize people who, through exceptional long–term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well being of their communities.  

Read more HERE

2007

Order of Canada, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The Order of Canada is bestowed upon those Canadians who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Read more HERE

2008 - 2010

Advisory Council Member, Virgin Unite Canada


Advisory council member of Virgin Unite, the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group.

2009 - 2012

Board of Governors Member, Scouts Canada


Board member of Scouts Canada, the country’s leading co-ed youth organization serving children and youth aged 5-26.

2019

How young people can help to end child labor


I’ve been told it takes a village to raise a child, but in my 24 years as a children’s rights activist, I’ve learned the opposite is true too. Sometimes it takes a child to raise a village – or to take down an injustice.

- CNN, August 28, 2019

Read more HERE

2014 - 2017

Director of Collectively Inc.


Founding Director of the UK-based media and consulting company originated in partnership with the World Economic Forum and member brands, which assists organizations in deepening their sustainable practices.

2015 - 2019

DocuSign Advisory Council


Advise the company pre-IPO and post-IPO on its strategic growth, customer acquisition, and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

2019

The Future of Sustainable Development: Empowering Human Capital


Five years ago, our charity had a problem. We’d been partnering with rural communities in Kenya for over a decade, building schools, digging boreholes, establishing hospitals and running agriculture programs. The model was working. But it was also in danger of creating an exodus of the best and brightest.

- Forbes, September 10, 2019

Read more HERE

2020

Ten years after the earthquake, Haiti recovers – even more so in places we don’t often look at


Two years after the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti, with the nation’s infrastructure still in ruin, then-President Michel Martelly stepped out of his mud-flecked SUV in the distant community of Dos Palais to view a new school built, improbably, among remote hills.

- The Globe and Mail, January 13, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

Advisory Board of the Leaders’ Debates Commission


Member of the Advisory Board of the independent commission established by the Government of Canada to organize the federal leaders’ debates.

2020

Balance between economy, environment is essential


As humans isolate in their homes, marine life returns to the canals of Venice, leatherback turtles nest on empty Thai beaches in record numbers and foxes frolic in the heart of Toronto.

- National Post, May 19, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

KPMG Social Innovator in Residence


Advise and assist KPMG in fulfilling its social innovation and social enterprise strategy.

2018 - 2022

Member of the Business Council of Canada (BCC)


Member of Canada’s exclusive association of CEOs. Its 170 members are CEOs of Canadian companies that collectively employ 2M+ Canadians and represent a majority of the value of the TSX.

2020

Help isolated coworkers with mental health issues


Before COVID-19, 2.5 million Canadians worked from home. Then the pandemic hit and five million more people found themselves sequestered in home offices or perched anywhere that offered some peace, pecking away at laptops in decidedly non-business attire.

- National Post, July 14, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - Present

Director of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation


Director of a $120 million endowment that funds the areas of health and education for vulnerable youth populations.

2021

Is Digital Transformation Sustainable for Nonprofits in a Post-Covid World?


Even though the technology had been there for years, at the dawn of 2020, virtual meetings were still a novelty. Working from home was something mostly only those high-tech startups did. Then Covid-19 forced nearly everyone into the virtual working world.

- Forbes, April 23, 2021

Read more HERE

2023

Motivational Speeches Reel


Whether Craig is speaking to corporate leaders, families, or youth, audiences are sure to walk away inspired with tangible ways to make an impact. His speech topics include what for-profit companies can learn from non-profit organizations, how to nurture children who care and contribute inspiring employees to find meaning and unconventional leadership lessons.

2003

Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award


The award, named in honor of Nelson Mandela, “recognizes the struggle, courage, and achievement of Mandela in fighting against apartheid and in advancing human rights and social justice.”

Read more HERE

2004

Voted one of the "100 Greatest Canadians" on The Greatest Canadian (TV mini-series)


A national television series created to determine who is considered the greatest Canadian of all time, according to those who watched and participated in the program.

Read more HERE

2013

Inductee, Canada's Walk of Fame


Canada’s Walk of Fame seeks to shine a light on extraordinary Canadian achievers and their successes and recognizes those who make a significant impact.

Read more HERE

2006

World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child, Issued by World's Children's Prize Foundation


This honor was given to Craig because “because of his struggle to free children from poverty, abuse and other violations of the rights of the child.”

Read more HERE

2020

15 Honorary Degrees conferred between the years 2005 and 2020


1998

Roosevelt Freedom from Fear Medal, Issued by Roosevelt Institute


The medal is presented to those whose achievements have demonstrated a commitment to the principles proclaimed by President Roosevelt as essential to democracy: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear.

Read more HERE

2001

Distinguished Peace Leadership Award, Issued by Nuclear Age Peace Foundation


This award was given to Craig because of “his leadership in working to end child exploitation and to empower youth around the world.”

Read more HERE

2023

WEconomy: A conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace


WEconomy: a conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace.

Purpose and profit are the greatest human motivators. WEconomy is the definitive roadmap for bringing the power of both forces together—achieving purpose with profit in your career, company, and changing the world.

Based on his book, WEconomy: you can find meaning, make a living and change the world, Craig shares, how to unleash purpose within your career, company, and life goals. This speech will help you profit with purpose, whether you’re the one calling the shots or a junior employee looking to advance.

1997

Meritorious Service Medal, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The medal recognizes great Canadians for exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honor to the country. They honor achievements in both military and civil divisions.  

Read more HERE

2005

International Peace Award, Issued by Community of Christ


The International Peace Award sponsored by Community of Christ and Shaw Family Foundation recognizes a person’s significant efforts to pursue peace.

Read more HERE

2015

Canada Reads Panelist


The national program brings celebrities and athletes together to discuss and debate great Canadian books.  

Read more HERE

2015

Canada's Most-Trusted Influencer, Issued by Reader's Digest


Reader’s Digest worked with a market research team to poll Canadians to determine those who they trusted most.  

Read more HERE

2012

Opening of Craig Kielburger Secondary School


The Halton District School Board named one of its secondary schools the Craig Kielburger Secondary School to honor Craig for his service and accomplishments.

Read more HERE

1998

Global Leader of Tomorrow, Issued by World Economic Forum


The honor was designed to recognize exceptional young people with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world.

Read more HERE

2013

Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Dedication, Issued by Muhammad Ali Center


The award honors those who honors people who are making significant contributions toward securing peace, social justice, human rights, and/or social capital in their communities and on a global basis.

Read more HERE

2012

World of Children 15th Anniversary Achievement Award, Issued by World of Children


2015

Canada's Most Admired CEO, Issued by Waterstone Human Capital


This award honors the country’s most admired CEOs, those who recognize culture isn’t just connected to performance; it drives performance in a way that cannot be achieved through other means.

Read more HERE

1998

Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, Issued by Government of Ontario


The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship was created to recognize people who, through exceptional long–term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well being of their communities.  

Read more HERE

2007

Order of Canada, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The Order of Canada is bestowed upon those Canadians who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Read more HERE

2008 - 2010

Advisory Council Member, Virgin Unite Canada


Advisory council member of Virgin Unite, the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group.

2009 - 2012

Board of Governors Member, Scouts Canada


Board member of Scouts Canada, the country’s leading co-ed youth organization serving children and youth aged 5-26.

2019

How young people can help to end child labor


I’ve been told it takes a village to raise a child, but in my 24 years as a children’s rights activist, I’ve learned the opposite is true too. Sometimes it takes a child to raise a village – or to take down an injustice.

- CNN, August 28, 2019

Read more HERE

2014 - 2017

Director of Collectively Inc.


Founding Director of the UK-based media and consulting company originated in partnership with the World Economic Forum and member brands, which assists organizations in deepening their sustainable practices.

2015 - 2019

DocuSign Advisory Council


Advise the company pre-IPO and post-IPO on its strategic growth, customer acquisition, and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

2019

The Future of Sustainable Development: Empowering Human Capital


Five years ago, our charity had a problem. We’d been partnering with rural communities in Kenya for over a decade, building schools, digging boreholes, establishing hospitals and running agriculture programs. The model was working. But it was also in danger of creating an exodus of the best and brightest.

- Forbes, September 10, 2019

Read more HERE

2020

Ten years after the earthquake, Haiti recovers – even more so in places we don’t often look at


Two years after the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti, with the nation’s infrastructure still in ruin, then-President Michel Martelly stepped out of his mud-flecked SUV in the distant community of Dos Palais to view a new school built, improbably, among remote hills.

- The Globe and Mail, January 13, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

Advisory Board of the Leaders’ Debates Commission


Member of the Advisory Board of the independent commission established by the Government of Canada to organize the federal leaders’ debates.

2020

Balance between economy, environment is essential


As humans isolate in their homes, marine life returns to the canals of Venice, leatherback turtles nest on empty Thai beaches in record numbers and foxes frolic in the heart of Toronto.

- National Post, May 19, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - 2019

KPMG Social Innovator in Residence


Advise and assist KPMG in fulfilling its social innovation and social enterprise strategy.

2018 - 2022

Member of the Business Council of Canada (BCC)


Member of Canada’s exclusive association of CEOs. Its 170 members are CEOs of Canadian companies that collectively employ 2M+ Canadians and represent a majority of the value of the TSX.

2020

Help isolated coworkers with mental health issues


Before COVID-19, 2.5 million Canadians worked from home. Then the pandemic hit and five million more people found themselves sequestered in home offices or perched anywhere that offered some peace, pecking away at laptops in decidedly non-business attire.

- National Post, July 14, 2020

Read more HERE

2018 - Present

Director of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation


Director of a $120 million endowment that funds the areas of health and education for vulnerable youth populations.

2021

Is Digital Transformation Sustainable for Nonprofits in a Post-Covid World?


Even though the technology had been there for years, at the dawn of 2020, virtual meetings were still a novelty. Working from home was something mostly only those high-tech startups did. Then Covid-19 forced nearly everyone into the virtual working world.

- Forbes, April 23, 2021

Read more HERE

2023

Motivational Speeches Reel


Whether Craig is speaking to corporate leaders, families, or youth, audiences are sure to walk away inspired with tangible ways to make an impact. His speech topics include what for-profit companies can learn from non-profit organizations, how to nurture children who care and contribute inspiring employees to find meaning and unconventional leadership lessons.

2003

Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award


The award, named in honor of Nelson Mandela, “recognizes the struggle, courage, and achievement of Mandela in fighting against apartheid and in advancing human rights and social justice.”

Read more HERE

2004

Voted one of the "100 Greatest Canadians" on The Greatest Canadian (TV mini-series)


A national television series created to determine who is considered the greatest Canadian of all time, according to those who watched and participated in the program.

Read more HERE

2013

Inductee, Canada's Walk of Fame


Canada’s Walk of Fame seeks to shine a light on extraordinary Canadian achievers and their successes and recognizes those who make a significant impact.

Read more HERE

2006

World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child, Issued by World's Children's Prize Foundation


This honor was given to Craig because “because of his struggle to free children from poverty, abuse and other violations of the rights of the child.”

Read more HERE

2020

15 Honorary Degrees conferred between the years 2005 and 2020


1998

Roosevelt Freedom from Fear Medal, Issued by Roosevelt Institute


The medal is presented to those whose achievements have demonstrated a commitment to the principles proclaimed by President Roosevelt as essential to democracy: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear.

Read more HERE

2001

Distinguished Peace Leadership Award, Issued by Nuclear Age Peace Foundation


This award was given to Craig because of “his leadership in working to end child exploitation and to empower youth around the world.”

Read more HERE

2023

WEconomy: A conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace


WEconomy: a conversation on the power of purpose in the workplace.

Purpose and profit are the greatest human motivators. WEconomy is the definitive roadmap for bringing the power of both forces together—achieving purpose with profit in your career, company, and changing the world.

Based on his book, WEconomy: you can find meaning, make a living and change the world, Craig shares, how to unleash purpose within your career, company, and life goals. This speech will help you profit with purpose, whether you’re the one calling the shots or a junior employee looking to advance.

1997

Meritorious Service Medal, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The medal recognizes great Canadians for exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honor to the country. They honor achievements in both military and civil divisions.  

Read more HERE

2005

International Peace Award, Issued by Community of Christ


The International Peace Award sponsored by Community of Christ and Shaw Family Foundation recognizes a person’s significant efforts to pursue peace.

Read more HERE

2015

Canada Reads Panelist


The national program brings celebrities and athletes together to discuss and debate great Canadian books.  

Read more HERE

2015

Canada's Most-Trusted Influencer, Issued by Reader's Digest


Reader’s Digest worked with a market research team to poll Canadians to determine those who they trusted most.  

Read more HERE

2012

Opening of Craig Kielburger Secondary School


The Halton District School Board named one of its secondary schools the Craig Kielburger Secondary School to honor Craig for his service and accomplishments.

Read more HERE

1998

Global Leader of Tomorrow, Issued by World Economic Forum


The honor was designed to recognize exceptional young people with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world.

Read more HERE

2013

Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Dedication, Issued by Muhammad Ali Center


The award honors those who honors people who are making significant contributions toward securing peace, social justice, human rights, and/or social capital in their communities and on a global basis.

Read more HERE

2012

World of Children 15th Anniversary Achievement Award, Issued by World of Children


2015

Canada's Most Admired CEO, Issued by Waterstone Human Capital


This award honors the country’s most admired CEOs, those who recognize culture isn’t just connected to performance; it drives performance in a way that cannot be achieved through other means.

Read more HERE

1998

Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, Issued by Government of Ontario


The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship was created to recognize people who, through exceptional long–term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well being of their communities.  

Read more HERE

2007

Order of Canada, Issued by The Governor General of Canada


The Order of Canada is bestowed upon those Canadians who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Read more HERE

Learn more about Craig at CraigKielburger.com

Featured book

Free the children book cover
Free the Children
Craig’s first book, Free the Children, recounts his remarkable odyssey across South Asia, meeting some of the world's most disadvantaged children and learning the truth behind the headlines. It documents his journey through slums and sweatshops, while fighting to rescue children from the chains of inhumane conditions.An international best-seller and the winner of the prestigious Christopher Award,

Free the Children has been translated into eight languages, made into a documentary (It Takes a Child) and served as an inspiration for tens of thousands of young people around the world.
Learn More >