25.03.2008

The Altimo Foundation, a non-profit organization established to promote the social investment initiatives of Altimo in emerging markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rt. Hon. Mike Moore to the position of Altimo Foundation Chairman.

Mike Moore formerly served as Prime Minister of New Zealand and as Director General of the World Trade Organization.

At the age of 23, Mr. Moore was one of the youngest people ever to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament. During the 27 years of his political career in New Zealand, he became the third ranked Minister with portfolios covering overseas trade, sport and tourism. His keen interest in international trade issues made him a strong contender for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). During his tenure at the WTO, China and several economies in transition became members and the Doha Development round was successfully launched. After his tenure at the WTO, Mr. Moore was appointed to the Global Commission on International Migration, a United Nations organization launched at the end of 2003. He is also a member of the UN Commission on the Legal Empowerment of the Poor.

Kirill Babaev, Altimo Foundation CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mike Moore as the head of the Altimo Foundation. As an internationally recognized social entrepreneur he will bring a unique experience to our Foundation which aims to make social investments in projects which promote cultural interaction and the communication of values between East and West, with a commitment to supporting social cohesion and business expertise in developing economies”.

ENDS

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