John Prendergast

John Prendergast

Keynote Speaker: Human Rights Activist, Bestselling Author & Co-founder of The Sentry

John Prendergast Biography

John Prendergast is a human rights activist and New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated over three decades to peace and human rights in Africa. Notably, he served in the Clinton White House, the State Department, and on the National Security Council. A former official with UNICEF, Human Rights Watch, the International Crisis Group, and the U.S. Institute of Peace, Prendergast has a rich background in policy and advocacy. He is the Founding Director of the Enough Project, an initiative aimed at ending genocide and crimes against humanity affiliated with the Center for American Progress.

Prendergast co-founded The Sentry with George Clooney, an investigative initiative targeting the assets of African war criminals and their collaborators. He has authored or co-authored eleven books, including "Not On Our Watch," a collaboration with Don Cheadle that became a New York Times bestseller and was named NAACP non-fiction book of the year. His other notable works include "Unlikely Brothers," a memoir co-authored with his first little brother in the Big Brother program, and "The Enough Moment: Fighting to End Africa's Worst Human Rights Crimes." Additionally, he collaborated on "Congo Stories" with Congolese activist Fidel Bafilemba, featuring photography by Ryan Gosling.

Prendergast's impact extends into film and music. He appeared in the Warner Brothers' film "The Good Lie," starring Reese Witherspoon and co-produced the documentary "After Kony: Staging Hope" with Martin Sheen. He also partnered with Downtown Records and Mercer Street Records for the album "Raise Hope for Congo," which aims to combat sexual violence in the region. His media presence includes appearances in Emmy Award-winning episodes of "60 Minutes" and contributions to character and story development for "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit."

An in-demand speaker, Prendergast is celebrated for his engaging style and the ability to connect with audiences. He addresses topics such as genocide, its historical and current contexts, and the importance of human rights and activism. His presentations are not only informative but also deeply personal, often including a call to action to prevent atrocities and promote human rights globally. He is renowned for his content-rich presentations and for engaging personally with attendees at events.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on John Prendergast and other top speakers and celebrities.

John Prendergast Speaking Topics

Natural Resources and War in the Sudans

There are many root causes of war, but in Sudan and South Sudan, the struggle for resources is chief among them. In both countries, the exploitation of major oil reserves has been a point of contention and corruption rather than cooperation and development. Environmental damage has led to a diminishing livelihood base, thus leaving young men with few options but to join armed groups. In this presentation, John offers solutions to the growing conundrum faced in these two countries, and looks at how a growing number of resource conflicts are shaping the future of armed struggle worldwide.

Congo: Cell Phones, Laptops and the World’s Deadliest War

In these talks, John connects the dots between the increasing demand for consumer electronics and the deadliest war in the world since the Holocaust. As it turns out, the minerals that are used to power items like cell phones, laptops and other modern day devices often originate in the Congo, where armed groups vie for control of those minerals and the profits they derive. However, a major consumer movement is now underway that is changing the equation for Apple, Intel and all other leaders in the electronics arena - including the U.S. government - greatly impacting the war-torn Congo region. John provides audiences with an inside look at the power of consumer choice and its far-reaching influence in the shaping of world events.

The Holocaust, Modern Genocides and the Anti-Atrocities Movement

Genocide has evolved over time since the Holocaust. But the variables going into genocide have remained the same: targeting people on the basis of their identity. The biggest symbol of hope on the horizon regarding efforts to counter genocide is the growing people's movement to stop it from happening. In this motivating presentation, John talks about the power of social movements and how they have been used - and will continue to be used - as the major force in the prevention of genocide and other social atrocities.

Good News Stories from Africa: How Hollywood and the Media Get it Wrong

The standard image of Africa is a starving baby, a continent of helplessness and a population ensconced in victimhood. These impressions are reinforced by the media, especially big-budget motion pictures that portray Africans as helpless or inherently violent. However, the reality is far different. In this revelatory talk, John illustrates the differences between "Hollywood Africa" and the African continent as it truly exists today, peeling back the veil of mystery and showing a vibrant, growing society filled with culture and promise.

10 Building Blocks for Making a Difference in the World and in Your Neighborhood

John has followed two paths towards making a difference: locally through being a mentor and "Big Brother" to kids whose fathers are absent, and globally through his work for human rights in Africa. A dynamic presenter, John talks about how he stumbled onto both of these paths in his early 20s, and then provides the "ten ingredients" he has used to make a difference throughout these last three decades. In this inspiring talk, John intersperses personal stories of Africa, celebrities and life in general to show how change can happen.

John Prendergast Videos

GratitudeInAction: John Prendergast
John Prendergast: For South Sudan and Sudan, Beginning of End of ...

How do I book John Prendergast to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Prendergast for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Prendergast, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Prendergast or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book John Prendergast for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for John Prendergast, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John Prendergast are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Prendergast, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does John Prendergast speak about?

John Prendergast is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Author, Social Activism, World Affairs, Security & Defense, College, Inspirational, Graduation, Non-Fiction Authors and Jewish Heritage.

Where does John Prendergast travel from?

John Prendergast generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for John Prendergast?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Prendergast for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Prendergast for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Prendergast or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


John Prendergast is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Author, Social Activism and World Affairs. The estimated speaking fee range to book John Prendergast for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. John Prendergast generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Heather Booth, Anne-Marie Slaughter and Cheryl Reibel. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John Prendergast for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 19/03/2025.

John Prendergast Speaking Topics

  • Natural Resources and War in the Sudans

    There are many root causes of war, but in Sudan and South Sudan, the struggle for resources is chief among them. In both countries, the exploitation of major oil reserves has been a point of contention and corruption rather than cooperation and development. Environmental damage has led to a diminishing livelihood base, thus leaving young men with few options but to join armed groups. In this presentation, John offers solutions to the growing conundrum faced in these two countries, and looks at how a growing number of resource conflicts are shaping the future of armed struggle worldwide.

  • Congo: Cell Phones, Laptops and the World’s Deadliest War

    In these talks, John connects the dots between the increasing demand for consumer electronics and the deadliest war in the world since the Holocaust. As it turns out, the minerals that are used to power items like cell phones, laptops and other modern day devices often originate in the Congo, where armed groups vie for control of those minerals and the profits they derive. However, a major consumer movement is now underway that is changing the equation for Apple, Intel and all other leaders in the electronics arena - including the U.S. government - greatly impacting the war-torn Congo region. John provides audiences with an inside look at the power of consumer choice and its far-reaching influence in the shaping of world events.

  • The Holocaust, Modern Genocides and the Anti-Atrocities Movement

    Genocide has evolved over time since the Holocaust. But the variables going into genocide have remained the same: targeting people on the basis of their identity. The biggest symbol of hope on the horizon regarding efforts to counter genocide is the growing people's movement to stop it from happening. In this motivating presentation, John talks about the power of social movements and how they have been used - and will continue to be used - as the major force in the prevention of genocide and other social atrocities.

  • Good News Stories from Africa: How Hollywood and the Media Get it Wrong

    The standard image of Africa is a starving baby, a continent of helplessness and a population ensconced in victimhood. These impressions are reinforced by the media, especially big-budget motion pictures that portray Africans as helpless or inherently violent. However, the reality is far different. In this revelatory talk, John illustrates the differences between "Hollywood Africa" and the African continent as it truly exists today, peeling back the veil of mystery and showing a vibrant, growing society filled with culture and promise.

  • 10 Building Blocks for Making a Difference in the World and in Your Neighborhood

    John has followed two paths towards making a difference: locally through being a mentor and "Big Brother" to kids whose fathers are absent, and globally through his work for human rights in Africa. A dynamic presenter, John talks about how he stumbled onto both of these paths in his early 20s, and then provides the "ten ingredients" he has used to make a difference throughout these last three decades. In this inspiring talk, John intersperses personal stories of Africa, celebrities and life in general to show how change can happen.

John Prendergast Videos

GratitudeInAction: John Prendergast
John Prendergast: For South Sudan and Sudan, Beginning of End of ...
  • How do I book John Prendergast to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John Prendergast for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John Prendergast, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John Prendergast or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book John Prendergast for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for John Prendergast, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John Prendergast are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John Prendergast, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does John Prendergast speak about?

    John Prendergast is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Author, Social Activism, World Affairs, Security & Defense, College, Inspirational, Graduation, Non-Fiction Authors and Jewish Heritage.
  • Where does John Prendergast travel from?

    John Prendergast generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for John Prendergast?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John Prendergast for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John Prendergast for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John Prendergast or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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