Prince Harry, actor Matt Damon, and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés are set to speak at the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting. As announced by the Clinton Foundation, the event will take place in New York on September 23 and 24. This gathering will bring political, business, and philanthropic leaders to discuss and address some of the world’s most pressing issues. The CGI 2024 Annual Meeting will introduce over 100 new Commitments to Action, aimed at addressing significant global challenges. Additionally, the event will include special sessions focused on critical issues such as the climate crisis, global health inequity, gun violence, and press freedom.
Clinton Global Initiative – Focus on Solutions
This year’s theme, “What’s Working,” aims to spotlight potential solutions and effective aid amidst challenges like war, income inequality, and food insecurity. Former President Bill Clinton emphasised the importance of practical action. “We started CGI to roll up our sleeves and get something done,” he said. “It’s more important than ever to be optimistic and realise we all can make a difference.”
Continuing the Legacy
Since its return in 2022 after a six-year hiatus, CGI has maintained an optimistic tone while developing new initiatives. Last year, the CGI Ukraine Action Network was launched, a collaboration between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska. This initiative exemplifies CGI’s commitment to addressing global crises through innovative partnerships. “Bill, Chelsea, and I are so inspired by the undoubtable impact of the CGI community,” 500 million people affected through programs, partnerships, and solutions that are addressing our climate crisis, economic disparities, equality for women and girls worldwide, and more.” said Secretary Clinton, highlighting the broad range of issues tackled by the initiative.
Prince Harry’s Address
The Duke of Sussex plans to discuss the launch of The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network. This initiative supports parents whose children have suffered or died due to online harms. Prince Harry will also address his nonprofit’s collaboration with the World Health Organization to end violence against children. He and his wife Meghan recently highlighted this issue during their trip to Colombia, showcasing their commitment to global child protection.
Matt Damon’s Advocacy
Matt Damon, co-founder of Water.org, is expected to discuss his $1 billion plan announced in 2022. The initiative aims to provide 100 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with lasting access to water and sanitation. Damon’s ongoing efforts highlight the critical need for sustainable water solutions, a fundamental human right that impacts health, education, and economic development.
Gathering Global Leaders
The CGI annual meeting will draw a wide range of leaders, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. Their participation underscores the global commitment to addressing critical issues and finding sustainable solutions. The diverse speakers and attendees reflect CGI’s inclusive approach, bringing together varied perspectives to tackle the world’s most challenging problems.
Other speakers include influential business figures such as Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Together, they will delve into discussions on sustainable development, economic equality, and global health.
Additionally, the event will host notable speakers like Emerson Collective Founder Laurene Powell Jobs, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, and World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. These experts will provide valuable insights into their fields’ contributions to global progress.
Among the many featured participants, two prominent Nigerians have been announced: Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group, and Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited.
The 2024 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting promises to be a pivotal event, with influential figures like Prince Harry and Matt Damon leading discussions on critical global issues. Their participation and advocacy work highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of taking concrete actions to create positive change.