Clinton Global Initiative Calls On Next Generation of Leaders

You’ve probably heard of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which was founded in 2005 by President Bill Clinton to bring together world leaders to take action on global challenges. CGI Annual Meetings have brought together some of the biggest difference-makers in the world, and its members have made nearly 1,700 commitments valued at $57 billion, which have already improved more than 200 million lives in 150 countries. But do you also know about Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U)? CGI U was launched two years ago to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world.

 

The third annual CGI U Meeting, held at the University of Miami from April 16-18, 2010, will host nearly 1,500 young leaders who are passionate about making a difference in CGI U’s five focus areas: Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation and Public Health. In addition to giving students the opportunity to hear from experts, celebrities and NGO leaders who are making a difference, students will spend a significant amount of time learning from and collaborating with other students who are creating change.

 

The speakers, panels and skill sessions have not yet been announced for 2010 CGI U, but to get a taste of what you can expect, watch some of the 2009 and 2008 webcasts or check out an insider’s view of the last event. To top off the weekend, CGI U participants will join together for a service project to give back to the host community of Miami.

 

The good news? There’s no meeting fee. The better news? The admission of students, youth directors and university officials to CGI U is based on their submission of a Commitment to Action, a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus, in their community, or in a different part of the world. Thinking back, I’ve been to a few conferences that, while delivering interesting content, seemed to have little in the way tangible outcomes, so I love that CGI U provides a structure for students to put their ideas into action and actually monitors the progress of commitments.

 

Some past commitments include a program to exchange food for recyclables, a social change summer camp for Palestinian refugee youth, and the construction of a multipurpose theater in Brazil. If you need some inspiration, check out the 2009 CGI U Outstanding Commitments, which received grants from the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Wal-Mart Foundation to implement their commitments. Since the first CGI U meeting, students around the world have made nearly 2,000 commitments that will make the world a better place, and I’m excited to see what the Miami attendees come up with.

 

Students have until February 1, 2010, to make their Commitment to Action and apply to CGI U. Commitments to Action should include a detailed plan outlining how you will make a difference in the area of Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, or Public Health.