Professor Glenn Denning is a Professor of Practice at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he has played a crucial role in advancing global food security and educating future development practitioners.
Professor Denning has advised governments and international organisations in more than 50 countries, contributing to significant initiatives including the UN Millennium Project Hunger Task Force, the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and the Institute of African Leadership for Sustainable Development. His work has received numerous accolades, including Cambodia’s Royal Order of Sahametrei, the Columbia University Presidential Teaching Award and the 2023 Global Australian of the Year Award. Professor Denning’s career spans key leadership and management roles in both Asia and Africa.
In 2023, he published a highly acclaimed book on how to achieve universal food security, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary and pragmatic leader in tackling complex global challenges.
What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
“Upon reflection, I feel my career path chose me, rather than the reverse. A childhood interest in observing and growing ornamental plants and an early fascination with maps and pictures of exotic places likely provided the foundation of an unlikely career in international agriculture and food security.”
Reflecting on your journey to date, what has been your proudest moment?
“My greatest professional satisfaction comes from knowing that the graduates of my program at Columbia University are out there doing great work in the world. After 15 years, there are now more than 650 of them working in over 75 countries. Their commitment, resilience and successes are my inspiration.”
