Current:Home > reviewsClinton Global Initiative will launch network to provide new humanitarian aid to Ukrainians -Blueprint Money Mastery
Clinton Global Initiative will launch network to provide new humanitarian aid to Ukrainians
Charles Langston View
Date:2025-04-06 15:09:35
NEW YORK (AP) — The Clinton Global Initiative will announce the launch of the CGI Ukraine Action Network, as well as numerous financial pledges, to support nonprofits working in the country, as the annual conference opens in New York on Monday morning.
The CGI Ukraine Action Network is the result of a collaboration between former Secretary of State 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,
Continuing support is part of the Clinton Global Initiative, or CGI, theme of “Keep Going” this year, as Hillary Clinton, former President Bill 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.
“The focus will be on what we can do, not what we can’t,” wrote the Clintons in a letter to the conference community, “and will highlight how even seemingly small actions, when taken together, can turn the tide on even our most stubborn challenges.”
Pope Francis and Bill Clinton will discuss climate change, the refugee crisis, caused in part by the war in Ukraine, and other pressing issues to open the conference on Monday morning.
In 2022, CGI announced more than 140 commitments, including a $1 billion plan from Water.org, co-founded by actor Matt Damon, to help 100 million people in Africa, Asia and Latin America get lasting access to water and sanitation. This year, leaders including World Bank President Ajay Banga, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres and Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker, will attend and make their own commitments, which are required for attendance at the conference.
However, for nonprofits working in Ukraine, the spotlight CGI is offering them, 18 months after Russia’s invasion of the country, may be just as important as the monetary commitments.
The nonprofit Save Ukraine, which has opened community centers across the country to help families and especially children traumatized by the war and works to rescue Ukrainian children who have been detained in Russia, is set to receive commitments of support during CGI that it plans to use to open more centers, said Olga Yerokhina, spokeswoman for the charity.
“We know that we have no choice — we must work hard and we are ready for that,” said Yerokhina, who is based in Kyiv. “But we also have this feeling of, ‘Guys, please don’t leave us because we want to be with you.’ If we are not with you, Russia is going to just erase us from the map of the world.”
Actor Liev Schreiber, co-founder of BlueCheck Ukraine, which vets small Ukrainian nonprofits doing humanitarian work in their communities so that donors can learn about these smaller organizations and feel comfortable funding them, said reminding people about what Ukrainians are still going through may be the most important part of CGI.
“The best possible outcome is keeping people aware that they are still an existential situation,” Schreiber said. “Democracies are designed to push back against impossible odds. And it’s worked. It’s been a miracle in many respects. .. It really is a David and Goliath story. It’s extraordinary. And it’s not just them. It’s us supporting them. How can we give that up now?”
Schreiber will speak on a panel Monday morning about Ukraine’s short-term and long-term needs, along with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Fran Katsoudas, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, and actor Orlando Bloom, who serves as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador. Bloom is expected to announce a commitment for new technology for Ukrainian schoolchildren on Monday, organizers say.
“I’m super proud of the global community,” Schreiber said. “This is a test for us. Do we really care? I think so far we’ve had remarkable success so far in supporting them. So many countries did something extraordinary to help. That’s significant. We can’t forget that.”
_____
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
veryGood! (8256)
Related
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- US commemorates 9/11 attacks with victims in focus, but politics in view
- AP PHOTOS: As wildfires burn in California, firefighters work to squelch the flames
- Get 2 Benefit Porefessional Primers for the Price of 1: Blur Pores and Create a Photo-Filter Effect
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Frankie Beverly, soulful 'Before I Let Go' singer and Maze founder, dies at 77
- Caitlin Clark returns to action Wednesday: How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hash Out
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Nordstrom Rack Flash Sale: Score a $325 Trench Coat for $79 & Save Up to 78% on Hunter Outerwear & More
Ranking
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Everything to Know About Allison Holker’s Boyfriend Adam Edmunds
- NYC mayor declines to say if he remains confident in the police commissioner after a visit from feds
- Katy Perry Reacts to Viral Photo of Orlando Bloom Appearing to Check Out Kim Kardashian
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- 2 transgender New Hampshire girls can play on girls sports teams during lawsuit, a judge rules
- 'Just lose weight': Women with PCOS are going untreated due to 'weight-centric health care'
- The Oklahoma Supreme Court denies a request to reconsider Tulsa Race Massacre lawsuit dismissal
Recommendation
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
NYPD officer lands $175K settlement over ‘courtesy cards’ that help drivers get out of traffic stops
A residential care worker gets prison in Maine for assaults on a disabled man
Hoda Kotb Sends Selena Gomez Supportive Message Amid Fertility Journey
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Candace Owens suspended from YouTube after Kanye West interview, host blames 'Zionists'
Exclusive: Loungefly Launches New Star Wars Mini Backpack & Crossbody Bag in Collaboration With Lucasfilm
When do the 2024 WNBA playoffs begin? A look at the format, seedings