The Clinton Global Initiative plans to establish a network aimed at delivering fresh humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.
Pope Francis, in a conversation with former President Bill Clinton, called upon everyone to contribute towards resolving global issues, particularly climate change and the well-being of children, during the opening of The Clinton Global Initiative in New York.
“I cannot reword”
The need to “Keep Going” is the theme of this year’s Clinton Global Initiative, or CGI, as Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton say they will convene political, business and philanthropic leaders to build on the momentum of the conference’s return last year after a six-year hiatus.
In his opening statement, Bill Clinton emphasized that surrendering and yielding will definitely hinder our progress in addressing the significant challenges ahead. He also pointed out that getting sidetracked by minor issues may seem like a short-term solution, but it is not an effective approach to managing a railroad or a country.
CGI unveiled a range of fresh initiatives on Monday, aiming to secure additional financial pledges and involvement. These include efforts to promote gender equality and provide ongoing assistance to the people of Ukraine.
Hillary Clinton has declared that CGI’s activities will now include gender equality as the fourth pillar, alongside efforts to combat climate change, promote economic inclusion, and address public health concerns.
Hillary Clinton stated that it is necessary to finally address and eliminate the wage disparity. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding and enhancing availability to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and high-quality maternity care. Additionally, she stressed the need to guarantee equal educational opportunities for all girls worldwide.
CGI intends to declare the establishment of the CGI Ukraine Action Network, along with various financial commitments, to provide assistance to non-profit organizations operating in the nation.
The CGI Ukraine Action Network is the result of a collaboration between Hillary Clinton and Olena Zelenska, first lady of Ukraine, that began last year. The new organization, which will be formally announced Tuesday, is designed to mobilize existing CGI partners, as well as new leaders from around the world, to create and finance new commitments for Ukrainians, according to CGI. Numerous monetary commitments for Ukraine are also set to be announced Tuesday,
In 2022, CGI made over 140 pledges, one of which was a $1 billion initiative by Water.org, co-founded by actor Matt Damon, to provide sustainable water and sanitation access to 100 million individuals in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This year, prominent figures such as World Bank President Ajay Banga, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres, and Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker will be present at the conference and announce their own commitments, as it is a prerequisite for attending the event.
The attention and support that CGI is providing to nonprofits in Ukraine, 18 months after Russia’s invasion, could be equally valuable as the financial contributions.
Olga Yerokhina, the spokesperson for the charity Save Ukraine, announced that they will be receiving commitments of support during CGI. This nonprofit organization aims to assist families and children affected by the war in Ukraine by establishing community centers throughout the country. Additionally, they work towards rescuing Ukrainian children who have been held captive in Russia. The funds received will be utilized to open additional centers.
Yerokhina, who resides in Kyiv, expressed the understanding that hard work is essential and they are prepared for it. However, there is also a plea to not abandon them as they desire to remain connected. They fear that without this connection, Russia may eliminate them entirely.
Liev Schreiber, an actor and co-founder of BlueCheck Ukraine, emphasizes the significance of reminding individuals about the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainians. BlueCheck Ukraine evaluates and verifies small local nonprofits engaged in humanitarian efforts, enabling donors to gain insight into these organizations and confidently support them.
“I cannot reword”
On Monday morning, Schreiber participated in a panel discussion regarding the immediate and future requirements of Ukraine. The panel also included Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Fran Katsoudas, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, and actor Orlando Bloom, who is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Bloom made a personal pledge to raise $20 million in order to supply 50,000 laptops to schoolchildren in Ukraine.
Schreiber expressed his immense pride in the worldwide community. He considers this situation as a challenge that tests our level of concern. According to him, we have achieved remarkable success in supporting them thus far. Numerous countries have gone above and beyond to provide extraordinary assistance, which is highly significant. It is crucial not to overlook these efforts.
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The AP’s coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is backed by The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP takes full responsibility for this content.
