Bill, Hillary, Chelsea, Joe, And Jill Kick Off 2024 CGI
Photo: Bill Clinton
By Sabrina Chugh
NEW YORK, NY – The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) kicked off its 2024 Annual Meeting at the New York Hilton on September 23, drawing together a diverse group of leaders from business, government, civil society, and media. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges ranging from climate change to global health disparities, the CGI continues to serve as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and action, addressing pressing global issues through a focus on “what’s working.”
In his opening address, former U.S. President Bill Clinton set the tone for the two-day event, urging attendees to imagine a better world and work toward creating it. “We can’t afford to see the world just as it is. We must think of it as it ought to be,” he said. Clinton’s words reflected the guiding philosophy of CGI since its founding in 2005: a call to action through practical solutions, collaborative efforts, and measurable impact.
Focus on Solutions: “What’s Working”
The theme of this year’s event, “What’s Working,” emphasized successful strategies and scalable initiatives aimed at global challenges. Participants were encouraged to shift focus from what is broken to solutions that are already making a difference. Over the years, CGI has helped facilitate more than 4,000 “Commitments to Action”—specific, measurable projects designed to tackle issues such as climate resilience, global health equity, humanitarian crises, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
This year, the organization expects over 170 new commitments to emerge from the meeting, with leaders at the forefront of implementing tangible change. The power of CGI lies in its ability to unite diverse sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—in tackling some of the world’s most complex problems.
High-Profile Speakers and Global Perspectives
The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including business magnates, policymakers, activists, and global icons. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and CGI co-founder, addressed the importance of inclusive economic recovery and the full participation of women and girls in global development. Actor Matt Damon, a long-time advocate for clean water access, spoke on climate resilience, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro added his voice to the urgent issue of gun violence in the U.S.
A notable highlight was the appearance of Yulia Navalnaya, the spouse of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who brought attention to the ongoing struggles for freedom and justice in her homeland. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the protection of journalists and the importance of a free press in upholding democratic values.
In a world increasingly fraught with authoritarian threats, the protection of journalists was a focal point, with discussions centered on the dangers faced by reporters working in oppressive regimes and conflict zones. CGI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those who risk their lives to bring truth to light.
Addressing Global Health and Climate Resilience
One of the most critical discussions revolved around global health equity. As the world continues to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic, speakers underscored the importance of building robust healthcare systems that prioritize underserved populations. Initiatives launched at the meeting aim to expand access to healthcare in rural, tribal, and underserved communities. Notably, CGI introduced partnerships to strengthen America’s healthcare workforce, an initiative supported by the Biden administration’s recent $100 million investment in community-based healthcare.
Climate resilience was another priority, with CGI’s focus on sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions. From transitioning to clean energy to protecting biodiversity, the commitment to climate action is critical in preventing further environmental degradation.
New Commitments to Action: Scaling Impact
Several new commitments were announced during the event, reflecting the collaborative spirit of CGI. For instance, Blooming Health, a New York-based organization, pledged to expand its operations in 17 states by 2025. Through partnerships with national organizations like AARP and state governments, Blooming Health aims to increase access to social care services for older adults and underserved populations, contributing to a more equitable healthcare system.
Other initiatives centered around bolstering community care hubs and social care networks, which have proven to be vital in addressing the social determinants of health. These new commitments are expected to build on the success of past projects, which have collectively touched over 435 million lives across 180 countries.
The Power of Collaboration
The CGI Annual Meeting coincides with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which also convened in New York. This alignment allows CGI to maximize its impact, bringing together a unique blend of world leaders, philanthropists, and activists under one roof.
Chelsea Clinton, CGI Vice Chair and a driving force behind the initiative, reiterated the power of focusing on positive outcomes. “We all have a choice: focus on what’s broken and get nowhere—or choose to focus on what’s working and use that to make tomorrow better,” she told the audience.
This optimistic yet pragmatic approach has been a hallmark of CGI’s mission. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the initiative aims to generate lasting solutions that are not only scalable but also sustainable in the long term.
Moving Forward
As the Clinton Global Initiative concludes its 2024 Annual Meeting, the event will undoubtedly spark new ideas and partnerships designed to tackle the world’s most daunting challenges. With more than 4,000 commitments already made and a new wave of projects on the horizon, CGI remains an influential platform for change. Its focus on practical, measurable outcomes ensures that the organization’s work will continue to impact lives globally for years to come.
In a world full of uncertainty, CGI stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that, when people come together with purpose and vision, real progress is possible.
