Bruntland

Gro Harlem Brundtland is a Norwegian politician and physician who has played a significant role in both domestic and international affairs. Born on April 11, 1939, in Oslo, Norway, she is the daughter of Erling Wikler, a prominent Norwegian politician and physician. Brundtland earned her medical degree from the University of Oslo in 1967 and later pursued postgraduate studies in public health at Harvard University.

Brundtland entered politics in the 1970s, initially serving as the Minister of Local Government and Regional Planning from 1974 to 1979 in the first Labour Party government since World War II. She later became the Minister of Social Affairs and Administration from 1979 to 1981. In 1981, she was appointed Prime Minister of Norway, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the country. She served in this role twice, first from 1981 to 1986 and again from 1986 to 1989, leading a coalition government.

Internationally, Brundtland gained prominence as the chair of the World Commission on Environment and Development, established by the United Nations in 1983. In 1987, the commission released its seminal report, *Our Common Future*, which introduced the concept of "sustainable development." This report emphasized the need for balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure long-term prosperity for all. The term "sustainable development" became widely adopted in global policy discussions, shaping environmental and development agendas worldwide.

After her political career in Norway, Brundtland served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1998 to 2003. During her tenure, she focused on global health challenges, including the spread of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as efforts to improve healthcare access in developing countries.

Brundtland has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016, awarded for her decades-long efforts to promote sustainable development, public health, and women's rights. She remains a respected figure in global governance and advocacy for sustainable policies.