Former President Bill Clinton announced this afternoon that the George Washington University will host the fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) next spring.
CGI U, founded by former President Clinton in 2007, provides a forum to engage both domestic and international students on the challenges facing the world today. The program, which will take place March 30 through April 1, 2012, builds upon President Clinton’s belief that young people have more power today to change the world than ever before.
“The George Washington University is honored and delighted to welcome CGI U to our campus and to Washington, D.C., for the first time,” said George Washington President Steven Knapp, who was in New York City for the announcement. “This partnership is a natural one, since our university strongly shares President Clinton’s commitment to supporting and developing young leaders who are already making a difference in their communities and who will shape the future of our nation and world.”
CGI U’s mission is to implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges by bringing together a community of global leaders. In addition to powerful discussions and high-profile speakers, including President Clinton, about 1,200 students attending CGI U will create their own “Commitment to Action” – a concrete plan to address an issue within CGI U’s focus areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation and public health.
“For the past four years, CGI U has provided young leaders from across the world the opportunity to meet and find solutions to pressing global problems and improve the lives of thousands of people worldwide,” said President Clinton. “As an institution known for its campus-wide commitment to community service and fostering the next generation of leaders, the George Washington University will provide the perfect venue for these young leaders to join together and take action to effect global change.”
CGI U brings together current and former heads of state, Nobel Peace Prize winners, hundreds of chief executive officers, major philanthropists and directors of nongovernmental organizations.