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Keynote SpeakerAfshin Molavi

Expert on global geo-political risk and geo-economics, particularly the Middle East and Asia

Afshin Molavi is one of the world’s most compelling voices on the forces reshaping our global economy, geopolitics, and society. A Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, founder of the widely read Emerging World newsletter, and columnist for Forbes, Molavi delivers dynamic, insight-rich keynotes that... Read more

Watch Afshin Molavi in action

Popular Talks by Afshin Molavi

  • The New Geopolitical Risk (and Opportunity) Map

    The global map is being redrawn in real time. From intensifying U.S.–China rivalry and the aftershocks of the war in Ukraine to supply chain realignments, industrial policy, and energy security, geopolitical risk has moved from the margins to the center of strategy. Afshin Molavi delivers a sharp, fast-paced tour of…
  • The Future Is Flow: Trade, Technology, Talent—and the New Global Arteries of Power

    Crises dominate headlines. Flows shape history. Rather than focusing only on shocks, Afshin Molavi highlights the enduring movements of trade, capital, energy, data, and people that quietly determine global power and prosperity. From shipping lanes and semiconductor supply chains to digital platforms and migration corridors, Molavi reveals how these flows…
  • The Five Disruption-Proof Trends Shaping the Next Quarter-Century

    Some forces transcend elections, trade disputes, and economic cycles. Afshin Molavi identifies five structural trends—urbanization, demographic shifts, middle-class expansion, technological acceleration, and hyper-connectivity—that continue to power global transformation regardless of political noise. Through data-driven insight and real-world examples, Molavi equips leaders with a long-term strategic compass. Audiences leave understanding not…
  • The World in Your Pocket: Why Globalization Is Personal

    Globalization is not abstract. It is embedded in your morning coffee, your smartphone, your supply chain, and your retirement portfolio. Afshin Molavi connects daily life to the vast global systems of trade, energy, finance, and technology that power it. By tracing how shifts in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the…
  • The BRICS Re-Mix: How the Emerging "85 World" Is Shaping Our Future

    Eighty-five percent of humanity lives outside the West—in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. That “85% World” includes the BRICS nations and extends far beyond them to the fast-growing cities, expanding middle classes, industrial corridors, and capital markets that are steadily reweighting global power. Afshin Molavi explores how…

Biography

Afshin Molavi is one of the world’s most compelling voices on the forces reshaping our global economy, geopolitics, and society. A Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, founder of the widely read Emerging World newsletter, and columnist for Forbes, Molavi delivers dynamic, insight-rich keynotes that connect the dots between geopolitics, demographics, technology, trade, capital flows, and the shifting balance of global power.

A former journalist and development banker, Molavi brings rare range and depth to the stage. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, Businessweek, and Institutional Investor, and his reporting career includes roles at Reuters, The Washington Post, and the Financial Times. He has served as a senior global advisor at Oxford Analytica, worked at the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, and co-founded both the World Economy Roundtable and emerge85 Lab, an initiative exploring transformative change across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, home to 85% of the world’s population. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Molavi describes globalization as a “relentless and historic series of flows”, an evolving force shaping everyday life. As he often tells audiences: “Globalization isn’t somewhere distant, it’s in your cup, your car, your home, your meal.”

From the coffee we drink in the morning to the microchips powering our devices, Molavi reveals how global supply chains, capital markets, energy transitions, demographic shifts, and technological disruption shape boardrooms and communities alike, and how recent policy shifts in Washington and other major capitals are accelerating what he calls our “new global operating system,” one increasingly defined by power politics, resource competition, new alliances, technological realignment, and profound demographic change.

Known for his approachable style, sharp insight, and engaging wit, Molavi draws on history, literature, film, and even pop culture and sports to make complex global issues vivid and accessible. He moves seamlessly from Wall Street to Main Street, from European boardrooms to Asian and Middle Eastern cities, offering audiences clarity in a world defined by uncertainty.

From Dallas to Dubai, Atlanta to Amsterdam, and Los Angeles to London, Molavi has delivered impactful keynotes for corporations, investor forums, family offices, trade associations, and global institutions. His presentations blend data, storytelling, and strategic foresight, leaving audiences not just with a clearer understanding of where the world is headed, but with practical insight on how to position themselves for what comes next.

If you want your audience to understand the new global operating system, and find opportunity within it, Afshin Molavi brings the map.

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What clients say about Afshin Molavi

“The ultimate compliment for an international speaker is to have clients bring them back to their events on a regular basis. Such is the case with Afshin Molavi, a distinguished global trends speaker who delivers a highly anticipated, always cutting edge keynote at our annual event - for five years and counting. Our audiences consistently give high marks for his keynotes and panel discussions in part because of his ability to break down complex economic and geopolitical trends and translate them into understandable, relatable, and actionable strategies. Afshin is approachable, professional, and very personable--- traits you find in only the very best speakers around the world. If you can get on his schedule, you should book him! Afshin is always welcome and a part of our global family, and we look forward to hearing from him again next year." Chris Miller, Executive Director, PSNI Global Alliance
“Afshin Molavi has been a regular keynote speaker at our investor conferences in the U.S., Europe, and Canada for many years. Our audiences always note how they look forward to hearing from Afshin as he consistently delivers sharp, illuminating, current and highly engaging insights on a broad range of global geo-political risk topics, and he does it with humility, humor, and honesty. He's a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to having him back again.” Darren Check of Kessler, Topaz, Meltzer, and Check
"Afshin Molavi provided an illuminating and entertaining talk for our Keynote at our annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. He dazzled our delegates with a tour d'horizon of the global landscape in an accessible and highly engaging manner. One of his special skills is making the 500 foot view relate-able. His talk was followed by a fast-paced and robust Q&A. The conversation included a wide range of on-the-spot questions that he fielded with skill, grace and above all, humor. Afshin is a pleasure to work with and we appreciate his general awesomeness!" Lily Etemadi, Visit Florida
“Over the past three years, Afshin Molavi has offered opening remarks and moderated a CEO-level discussion on emerging markets, the global economy, the Middle East, China, and India before a high-level audience of invited delegates from more than twenty countries in Dubai. His insightful comments always inspire debate, and he engages the audience and crystallizes the discussion around the changing economic realities of the world with great skill. He is always superb, bringing charisma and energy to the room.” Falcon and Associates, Dubai
"Afshin has been a regular speaker at our Global Commodities conference. He is consistently among our highest rated speakers. He brings both academic rigor and journalistic flair into his presentations and panel discussions, and always delivers compelling content for our global audience. We look forward to having him back soon." Goldman Sachs

How to book Afshin Molavi as a keynote speaker

How do I book Afshin Molavi for a keynote speech?

You can book Afshin Molavi through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Afshin's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Afshin Molavi's speaking fees?

Afshin Molavi's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Afshin tailored to your event.

What topics does Afshin Molavi speak about?

Afshin Molavi speaks on America, Asia, Global Trends, Government & Politics, Middle East. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Afshin to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Afshin Molavi available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Afshin Molavi for events worldwide, subject to Afshin's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Afshin Molavi deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Afshin Molavi is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Afshin Molavi?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Afshin can accommodate.

Can Afshin Molavi tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Afshin Molavi on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Afshin can offer.

What languages does Afshin Molavi present in?

Afshin Molavi delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Afshin Molavi a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Afshin Molavi's areas of expertise include America, Asia, Global Trends, Government & Politics, Middle East. To get a clear sense of Afshin's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Afshin Molavi speak at?

Afshin Molavi can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in America, Asia, Global Trends, Government & Politics, Middle East is relevant. Details of Afshin's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Afshin Molavi offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Afshin Molavi is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Afshin Molavi?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Afshin Molavi, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Afshin's current availability for your dates.