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, bringing together a diverse group of leaders from business, government, civil society and media. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, from climate change to global health inequities, CGI continues to serve as a platform for innovation, collaboration and action, addressing urgent global issues by focusing on “what works.”

In his opening remarks, former U.S. President Bill Clinton set the tone for the two-day event, calling on attendees to imagine a better world and work to create it. “We can’t afford to see the world as it is. We have to think about it as it should be,” he said. Clinton’s words reflected a guiding philosophy for CGI since its founding in 2005: a call to action through practical solutions, collaborative efforts, and measurable impact.

Focus on Solutions: “What Works”

This year’s theme, “What’s Working,” highlighted successful strategies and scalable initiatives that address global challenges. Attendees were encouraged to shift their focus from what’s broken to solutions that are already making a difference. Over the years, CGI has helped facilitate more than 4,000 “action commitments”—specific, measurable projects that address issues such as climate resilience, global health equity, humanitarian crises, and protecting vulnerable populations.

This year, the organization expects more than 170 new commitments to emerge from the meeting, with leaders at the forefront of implementing tangible change. CGI’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.

Outstanding Speakers and Global Perspectives

The event brought together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including business magnates, policymakers, activists, and global icons. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and co-founder of CGI, addressed the issue of inclusive economic recovery and the full participation of women and girls in global development. Actor Matt Damon, a long-time advocate for access to clean water, spoke about climate resilience, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro added his voice to the urgent issue of gun violence in the U.S.

A notable event was the appearance of Yulia Navalnaya, wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who drew attention to the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in her homeland. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, also addressed the audience, speaking about the protection of journalists and the importance of a free press in upholding democratic values.

In a world increasingly marked by authoritarian threats, protecting journalists was a focal point, with discussions focusing 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 reveal the truth.

Addressing Global Health and Climate Resilience

One of the key discussions was on global health equity. As the world continues to reel from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, speakers emphasized the importance of building strong health systems that prioritize underserved populations. Initiatives launched at the meeting aim to expand access to health care in rural, tribal, and underserved communities. Notably, CGI has launched partnerships to strengthen the U.S. health workforce, an initiative supported by the Biden administration’s recent $100 million investment in community-based health care.

Climate resilience was another priority, with CGI focusing on sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions. From transitioning to clean energy to protecting biodiversity, engaging in climate action is key to preventing further environmental degradation.

New commitments to action: scaling impact

Several new commitments were announced at the event, reflecting CGI’s collaborative spirit. For example, Blooming Health, a New York-based organization, committed to expanding its operations in 17 states by 2025. Through partnerships with national organizations like AARP and state governments, Blooming Health aims to increase access to community care services for older adults and underserved populations, contributing to a more equitable health care system.

Other initiatives have focused on strengthening community centers and community care networks, which have proven critical in addressing the social determinants of health. These new commitments are expected to build on the success of previous projects, which have collectively touched more than 435 million lives in 180 countries.

The power of cooperation

CGI’s annual meeting coincides with the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, also held in New York. This combination allows CGI to maximize its impact by bringing together a unique mix of world leaders, philanthropists, and activists under one roof.

Chelsea Clinton, vice president of CGI and a driving force behind the initiative, reiterated the importance of focusing on positive outcomes. “We all have a choice: focus on what’s broken and get nowhere—or focus on what’s working and use it to make tomorrow better,” she told the audience.

This optimistic yet pragmatic approach is 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.

We are moving forward

As the Clinton Global Initiative wraps up its 2024 Annual Meeting, the event will undoubtedly spark new ideas and partnerships to address 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 results ensures that the organization’s work will continue to impact the lives of people around the world for years to come.

In a world filled with uncertainty, computer graphics are a glimmer of hope, showing that when people come together with a common purpose and vision, real progress is possible.