Clinton Global Initiative University brings college students together to discuss the problems plaguing the modern world. This year’s conference was April 16-18 at the University of Miami.
The Clinton Foundation started Clinton Global Initiative for world leaders to gather and address common issues, and three years ago a conference was added to include college students and their concerns.
Former President Bill Clinton started Clinton Global Initiative University to bring college students together to address global issues through commitments to action. Groups submit projects aimed at tackling pressing issues, either in their community or even globally.
The Wal-Mart Foundation provides grants for projects in conjunction with the conference. Projects can be submitted in five areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation and public health.
The highlights of the weekend were the plenary addresses, each on a specific topic.
Clinton opened with his address on social imagination and innovative leadership.
Over 1200 students from over 80 countries attended the conference
“The most important thing is an idea and a strategy to implement that, turning good intentions into positive changes,” Clinton said.
Clinton said he is aware of the gap between what the private sector can do and what public institutions can provide.
And trying to figure out how to fill the gap is a major reason for Clinton Global Initiative University.
“The goal is to create global networks for the public good by private citizens,” Clinton said.
“You aren’t intimidated by complexity,” Clinton said, noting how he believes college students can make the difference.
Surgeon General Regina Benjamin then describe how she was influenced to practice medicine by working her way through college, providing health care in a small clinic in her hometown of Bayou La Batre, Ala.
Music and fashion entrepreneur Pharrell fit comfortably with the diverse panel.
Pharrell started a youth encouragement project called Kidult and owns part of a company called Bionic Yarn. His goal behind Kidult is to make it easier to get to college and harder to get to jail. Bionic Yarn is a textile company that sells to fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
“If you do something and it works, then other people will follow that idea,” Pharrell said.
Two students with innovative ideas rounded out the panel.
Sam Adelsburg, founder of Lend for Peace, created one of the first microfinancing organizations. His company encourages people to make small loans to developing businesses in the Middle East.
Adelsburg knows hands-on about approaching a polarizing issue. An orthodox Jew, he is dedicated to creating economic stability in a part of the Palestinian territories.
“You have to prove your passion,” Adelsburg said.
MIT student Robyn Allen founded Vehicle Design Summit, an international student-run transportation design program. The goal is to create a 200-miles-per-gallon hybrid vehicle.
With such a lofty goal, Allen focused on the importance of limits.
“You have to know what you can do and what you can’t,” Allen said.
From left to right: President Bill Clinton, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Sam Adelsberg, Robyn Allen, and Pharell
“Due diligence” was the key phrase from each message. It is a business term, but for the socially conscious person, due diligence is the responsibility expected in certain circumstances.
There will always be issues that need to be addressed, and the call to work for the good of mankind is open to all.
“Let’s stop talking about it and just do it,” Pharrell said.
Video: Pharrell explains his company Bionic Yarn.
Be sure to check out all the pics from the event.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Galo
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