Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. By fostering partnerships, providing strategic advice, and driving resources toward effective ideas, CGI helps its members—organizations from the private sector, public sector, and civil society—to turn ideas into action.

CGI Annual Meetings have brought together more than 150 heads of state, 20 Nobel Prize laureates, and hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations and NGOs, major philanthropists, and members of the media. CGI members have made more than 2,300 commitments, which are already improving the lives of more than 400 million people in more than 180 countries. When fully implemented, these commitments will be valued at $73.1 billion.

To expand CGI’s reach, President Clinton launched CGI America, a meeting focused on collaborative solutions for economic recovery in the United States, and CGI University (CGI U), which brings together undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing challenges in their communities or around the world.

CGI’s mission is to inspire, connect, and empower a community of global leaders to forge solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges by focusing its programs in four main areas:

Convening global leaders to take action: CGI members gather at the Annual Meeting and at events throughout the year. As a prerequisite of joining CGI, each member creates a commitment to action-- a concrete, measurable plan to address a global challenge.

Forging Partnerships: Often, collaborations form spontaneously at CGI events. In other cases, partnerships are suggested and nurtured by our staff. By connecting organizations and enabling them to share resources and expertise, CGI helps its members leverage their efforts and amplify their impact.

Helping solutions achieve scale: Because of CGI’s diverse membership base, CGI staff can match potential donors with organizations that can use those funds most effectively. As a result, CGI helps replicate and scale successful projects all across the globe.

Providing strategic advice: While some members join CGI with fully-formed commitment ideas, others work with CGI staff to develop their ideas and identify the best avenues for action. With more than 2,300 commitments in CGI’s database, CGI staff can offer members advice and expertise based on lessons that other organizations have learned.