Former President Bill Clinton welcomed global sustainability leaders to the 2011
the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) which convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Among the dignitaries are Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize laureate, peacebuilder, and general secretary of the National League for Democracy via satellite and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of the Elders in a first-time conversation between the two visionary leaders. Suu Kyi spoke about her own struggles for human rights, democratic governance, and ethic reconciliation, while Archbishop Tutu discussed his recent work to end child marriage. The highlight of the conversation was the overwhelming admiration Tutu and Suu Kyi expressed for each other’s efforts to promote world peace and democracy. “The lives and accomplishments of Aung San Suu Kyi and Archibishop Desmond Tutu are an inspiring testament to the tremendous good than can be achieved by a boundless reserve of courage, humility, and conviction,” said President Clinton. “Suu Kyi and Archibishop Tutu exemplify the positive work of CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) members – who have made 194 new commitments this year, valued at $6.2 billion that will positively impact more than 100 million people.”
President Clinton introduced President Barack Obama, who made remarks regarding job creation in the U.S., including infrastructure building and supporting education. President Obama also thanked CGI members for their commitments to address some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal announced new commitments by Care with Love, Johnson and Johnson, Mayo Clinic, the American Cancer Society, GBCHealth, and OVG that will build a home and healthcare facility for rural children with cancer in Egypt, promote and obtain smokefree worksite policies for major companies with global supply chains, and raise and distribute $1 billion during the next five years to develop green buildings around the globe. General Wesley Clark also announced new commitments by Applied Environmental Research Foundation, Amazon Watch, Rural Action, Darden Restaurants, and others that will promote the prosperity and preserve the biodiversity of local landscapes and marshal the talents of the next generation of international leaders.